wfn.org | Disciples News Briefs - October 28, 2005

["Wilma Shuffitt" <wshuffitt@cm.disciples.org>]

Disciples News Briefs
October 28, 2005
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: News@cm.disciples.org

LATEST HURRICANE CAUSES DAMAGE IN SOUTHERN FLORIDA
The hurricane season in the Atlantic continues to take its toll on people
and property.  Hurricane Wilma sliced through parts of southern Florida
last week, leaving millions without electricity and creating long waiting
lines for food and water in some cases. Several Disciples churches were
damaged, as well as homes or property in at least one community. Week of
Compassion (WOC), the Disciples humanitarian and disaster relief ministry,
has been in contact with the Florida regional staff and local pastors and
congregations in the area to help determine the impact and ways Disciples
can assist.  WOC also continues to respond to needs across the Gulf South
in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and in Central America in
response to Hurricane Stan.
The Office of Disciples Volunteering reports that volunteers are still
needed for hurricane cleanup efforts in east Texas and west Louisiana.
For details or to register your participation, email disasterresponse@dhm.disciples.org or call (317) 713-2670.
For further information about ways Disciples are responding to the
aftermath of the hurricanes, and other disasters and humanitarian issues
worldwide, visit: http://www.weekofcompassion.org

THANKSGIVING OFFERING PROMOTES EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
New church leaders are vital to our vision of becoming a faithful, growing
church in the 21st century. Support the development of Disciples leaders
by giving generously to the Thanksgiving Special Offering on Nov. 13 and
20.  The annual offering supports the 21 colleges, universities, and
theological institutions in covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ).  Your gifts make it possible for many young people to complete
their education and move into active ministry.	Please give to the
Thanksgiving Offering when it is received in your congregation.  Offering
promotional materials for use in your church are available from the Church
Finance Council at: http://www.churchfinancecouncil.org/pages/dmf/tgiving05/index.htm

DISCIPLES/UCC LEADERS CONDEMN VIOLENT ATTACKS AGAINST ISRAEL
General Minister and President (GMP) Sharon E. Watkins joined with United
Church of Christ GMP John H. Thomas and other church leaders in condemning
two violent attacks against Israel and its citizens.  In a joint statement, they issued strong words of rebuke against Iran's President who was
quoted as saying that Israel "must be wiped off the map."  Later in the
day, a Palestinian suicide bomber claimed the lives of five Israeli
citizens in central Israel.  To read the full statement visit: http://news.ucc.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=368&Itemid=54

CHAMPION FOR CHURCH UNITY IN GREAT BRITIAN AND IRELAND DIES
Philip Morgan, one of the leading ecumenical leaders of the 20th century,
died Oct. 17 at the age of 75, from a heart attack.  He was an ordained
minister and former General Secretary of the British Churches of Christ
(Disciples of Christ), and also served as Moderator of the General
Assembly of the United Reformed Church and as General Secretary of the
British Council of Churches (BCC) from 1980-1990.  His deep ecumenical
commitment led him to engage in dialogue with leaders from all denominations.  To read the full story, go to: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2005/0574.htm

CANE RIDGE MEETING HOUSE DECLARED ONE OF THE TOP 10 LANDMARKS IN
KENTUCKY
Cane Ridge Meeting House in Paris, Ky., has been designated as one of the
10 places that every Kentuckian should visit. The site made the list
created by the late Kentuckian historian Thomas D. Clark.  He lists Cane
Ridge as the site that served as host to events that helped change the
course of religion in the United States more than 200 years ago. The
August 1801 revival that drew more than 20,000 was held on the site and
was part of a wave of religious fervor that swept America in the early
1800s. The Cane Ridge revival is still called a "watershed in American
church history," according to the Lexington-Herald newspaper that reported
the designation. Out of the revival came the creation of what is now known
as the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, Churches of Christ, and the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). To read the full article, go to:
http://www.kentucky.com/mld/heraldleader/living/people/12879415.htm or for
more information on Cane Ridge visit http://www.caneridge.org/

COMMUNICATION MINISTRIES ANNOUNCES NEW STAFF MEMBER
Communication Ministries welcomes Chris Higgins as its new Manager of
Internet and New Media.  Higgins, who started Oct. 17, is a long-time
Disciple and graduate of Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. He is
responsible for managing the website of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) at http://www.disciples.org and identifying new technologies that
assist in helping to communicate with all areas of the church.	Previously, he worked as the web designer at Culver-Stockton and was an active member
at Canton Christian Church where he conducted the Canton Chancel Choir.
Higgins is gifted in many areas of music including voice, guitar and brass
instruments.

PEACE SUNDAY MATERIALS ARE NOW AVAILABLE
Peace Sunday materials are now available through Disciples Home
Missions. Materials include a pastoral letter, liturgical resources,
advent wreath litanies, children's resources, and peace music.

Visit: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/PublicWitness/PeaceSunday/index.asp to download or request your materials today.

FUND FOR THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION ANNOUNCES FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Since 1954, the Fund for Theological Education (FTE) has awarded more than
5,600 fellowships to young people from all denominations who are working
toward vocations in ministry and teaching.  Disciples students are
encouraged to apply for the three fellowships that FTE is offering for
2006-07.  One fellowship is for current college sophomores and juniors and
has a deadline of March 1, 2006.  The remaining two are designed for
students entering their first year of seminary and have a deadline of
April 1, 2006.	As a fellowship benefit, all fellows will attend the FTE
Conference on Excellence in Ministry.  Visit:  http://www.thefund.org/programs/ for eligibility criteria and applications.

SEASONAL RESOURCES FROM CHRISTIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION AVAILABLE
Christian Board of Publication (CBP) offers a variety of seasonal
resources that can be used by your congregation and in your home.  CBP
offers numerous Advent resources, including devotionals, prayer books, and
worship materials.  They also offer items for the new Revised Common
Lectionary Year B, which starts November 27.  Don't forget to order the
Chalice Hymnal for increased attendance this Christmas season.	Find out
what CBP has to offer for the fast-approaching winter season, at:
http://www.cbp21.com/CategoryDetail.asp?CategoryID=189

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DNS Writer:  Kenethia Jackson

*The Disciples News Brief is distributed weekly or as needed by Communication Ministries.	For changes, additions or deletions to our distribution
list, please contact news@cm.disciples.org

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