wfn.org | Disciples News Brief

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

Date: July 30, 2004
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Phone: 317-713-2492
E-mail: news@cm.disciples.org 
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

DISCIPLES DIVINITY HOUSE AT VANDERBILT GETS REPAIRS
Disciples men gave of their time and labor recently to renovate student
rooms at Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University in Nashville,
Tenn. Thirty-one men donated 665 hours before and after Sessions 2004 in
mid-July to gut three two-room apartments and four single rooms. The men
removed 45-year-old kitchenettes, bathrooms, light fixtures and
ceilings, then began the work of replacement. Their work represents the
first phase of a restoration and renovation campaign that will upgrade
student ministry quarters.

The Habitat-style project is built around volunteer labor with lead
coordination from Disciples Men of Tennessee and support from Vision
Builders Construction of the Disciples Home Missions. The work will
continue into the fall with volunteer assistance welcome.

The Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt Divinity School helps to
shape outstanding ministers and theological leaders for the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ).  For more information on the ministry of
the Disciples House-Vanderbilt go to
http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/div/studentlife/disciples.html
or contact the House by email at discipleshousevandy@juno.com.

CFC TO HOST FINANCIAL SPEAKERS AT TEA
Retirement and investment planning will be on the agenda at an
information tea held during National Convocation on Saturday, August 7
at 4 p.m. at the Marriott East Hotel in Indianapolis, Ind.  Sponsored by
the Church Finance Council (CFC), the tea will feature Harry K. Ratliff,
a Merrill Lynch representative, along with Bill Singer, Treasurer with
Church Extension.  

Ratliff is an investment advisor on the Pension Fund Board of Directors
and a Vice-President at Merrill Lynch. He will discuss the use of
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and other retirement options.
Singer will talk about mission-driven investment opportunities within
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that benefit the growth of
the church.

Admission to the tea is just $4.50 - with the first 100 guests admitted
free. The National Convocation is held biennially and focuses on issues
of relevance to African-American members of the church. 

CFC BOARD PARTICIPATES IN ANTI-RACISM TRAINING
Church Finance Council (CFC) Board members received an introduction to
anti-racism training during their annual meeting held in Indianapolis on
July 23-24.  The training was designed to help leaders of CFC assist the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in becoming an
anti-racist/pro-reconciling church.

Board member Renee Bridwell, commented, "We have an active
anti-racism team in the Illinois and Wisconsin region, but no matter how
many times one encounters the training, something new about racism and
its individual and community aspects is learned."

General Minister and President Wm. Chris Hobgood and Associate Minister
of Reconciliation Jessica Vazquez led the sessions.

New CFC officers also were elected during the meeting.	Maureen
Dickmann and Nathaniel Powell were elected Board Chair and Vice-Chair
respectively. Other new board members include Cathy Myers Wirt, Ayanna
Johnson and Jim Hamlett.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OPENS SEARCH FOR NEW PRESIDENT
The Disciples of Christ Historical Society is now accepting
applications for President. D. Duane Cummins, who previously served as
President of Bethany College and President of the Disciples Division of
Higher Education, has been named Interim President through July 2005.  

Peter Morgan, who has served as the Historical Society President since
1995 retires on July 31.

Resumes and suggestions for candidates should be sent to Laura
Hobgood-Oster, a member of the Board of Trustees and chair of the Search
Committee. Hobgood-Oster's address is 105 Sunny Grove, Georgetown,
Texas 78628.  Her e-mail address is hoboster@southwestern.edu.

*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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