wfn.org | Disciples News Brief

["Communication Ministries" <wshuffit@cm.disciples.org>]

Date: September 18, 2002
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Melinda Mains
Phone: 317-713-2496
E-mail: mmains@cm.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

Founding leader of North American Pacific/Asian Disciples
dies

The Office of North American Pacific/Asian Disciples has
learned that the Rev. Dr. John Soongook Choi, passed away
on Sept. 16. The memorial service will be at 8 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 19 with calling at 5 pm. Both the memorial
service and the calling will be at Park Funeral Service
(Colonial Funeral Homes), 8025 W. Golf Road, Niles, Ill.

Choi was the founding leader of the North American
Pacific/Asian Disciples. He was also the founding pastor of
Chicago Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), which he
served from 1974 to 1996. Choi served on the General Board
of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), on the
Division of Homeland Ministries Board of Directors, on the
University of Chicago Disciples Divinity House Board, and
other boards and committees.

He is survived by his wife, Myonghi and sons, Midong and
Sundong.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the
Soongook Choi Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1986, Indianapolis,
IN 46206. Condolences may be sent to the family at 505 N.
Meachem Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173.

*****************************
Church-wide Thanksgiving Offering highlights leader
development						   

Leader development will be the emphasis for the 2002
Thanksgiving Special Day Offering to be received in
Disciples of Christ congregations this fall.

According to the Rev. Richard L. Hamm, general minister and
president of the Disciples of Christ, leader development is
key to the three-part 2020 Vision of the Disciples of
Christ - a plan to establish 1,000 new congregations,
revitalize 1,000 congregations and ordain 225 ministers a
year by the year 2020. For the complete story, see the web
at: http://www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2002/0282.htm.    

 *****************************	    
NBA to Invite 1,000 Ministers to Lunch

"Ministry is hard work, and it often goes unnoticed," said
Cindy Dougherty, National Benevolent Association president.
"Our goal is to recognize the efforts of hardworking
Disciples ministers across the country by honoring as many
of them as possible through 1,000 Ministers to Lunch."

More than 1,000 ministers will be invited to lunch by
representatives of NBA during the week of Oct. 13 as part
of 1,000 Ministers to Lunch, a nationwide effort to honor
Disciples clergy that coincides with Week of Ministry
events within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Go the web at:
http://www.nbacares.org/News2002/MinstrLunch.htm for more
information.						   

**********************************
Homeland Ministries minister of evangelism resigns

The Rev. Sotello V. Long, associate for congregational
growth and vitality in the Division of Homeland Ministries,
has submitted his resignation effective January 31, 2003.

"I thank Homeland Ministries President, Arnold Nelson, for
leave to fulfill existing commitments and his encouragement
as I actively and openly pursue new opportunities for
employment," said Long.

He continued by saying, "I thank God for the opportunity to
serve the church through Homeland Ministries."	Long has
been with Homeland Ministries since 1995.