wfn.org | New Disciples regional minister for Northern

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California/Nevada
Date: November 15, 1996
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
CWillis@oc.disciples.org

96a-95

     SAN RAMON, Calif. (DNS) -- The Rev. Charles R.
Blaisdell has been called as the new regional
minister-president of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) of
Northern California-Nevada.

     Blaisdell, currently associate regional minister in the
Indiana Region of
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has served as
pastor of three Disciples congregations in Indiana and
Texas. His career background also includes time as assistant
to the president of Christian Theological Seminary, a
Disciples-related institution in Indianpolis.  Blaisdell
will begin his new responsibilities in California on
February 1, 1997. 

     The Christian Church of Northern California-Nevada is
composed of 61 congregations with 7000 participating
members. Congregations are located from Porterville in the
south to Eureka and Redding in the north.  The region also
includes a congregation in Sparks, Nev., and Partnership
churches with the United Church of Christ.

     "I am excited about this new ministry and looking
forward to this  opportunity," said Blaisdell. "The Northern
California-Nevada Region is clearly an exciting and
mission-minded group of congregations and individuals," he
added.

     Blaisdell succeeds the Rev. Richard Lauer, who retired
in 1995. He joins the Rev.
Martha Williams, who continues her ministry as regional
minister-vice president.   

     As a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ), the regional church is supported by gifts from
individuals and congregations to the denomination's Basic
Mission Finance offering.

     Blaisdell and his wife, the Rev. Barbara Blaisdell, who
has been called to be the
pastor of the Concord (Calif.) First Christian Church, have
four children. Barbara is currently senior minister of
Central Christian Church in Indianpolis. 

                          -30 -

Editors: Photo to follow in a separate mailing.

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