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

Disciples News Briefs
April 7, 2005
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Wanda Bryant Wills, Editor
E-mail: News@cm.disciples.org 

CHRIS HOBGOOD COMMENTS ON THE PASSING OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
Millions of mourners have journeyed to the Vatican to commemorate the
life of Pope John Paul II.  He touched the lives of many and left a
lasting impression on those with whom he came into contact.  It is clear
from his comments that General Minister and President Wm. Chris Hobgood
is no exception. 

Hobgood was part of a delegation that met with Pope John Paul II at the
Vatican in March 2004, as a continuation of ecumenical conversations
with Catholic leaders that have been ongoing for more than two decades. 
To read Hobgood's reflection on the passing of Pope John Paul II go
   
GENERAL ASSEMBLY PROMOTION SUNDAY IS MAY 1
The General Assembly is a time when Disciples get together to worship,
fellowship and conduct the business of the church.  General Assembly
Promotion Sunday is May 1 and is the perfect time to update your
parishioners on the activities planned for the Assembly.  Each
congregation will receive a promotional kit to aid in the success of
their Promotion Sunday and to continue to help spark interest in the
Assembly.  Be on the lookout, your promotional kit is on its way.  In
the meantime, you can download Assembly information at:
http://www.disciples.org/ga05 

DISCIPLES PEACE FELLOWSHIP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ADVOCATES FOR MORE
COMPLETE VISION OF MORAL VALUES
Disciples Peace Fellowship leaders were among more than 800 Christian
clergy, ecumenical and lay leaders who attended the third annual
Ecumenical Advocacy Days for Global Peace with Justice, March 11-14 in
Washington, D.C.  The 2005 Ecumenical Advocacy Days highlighted the
urgency of pursuing sensible and peaceful solutions to conflicts as well
as the need for aid, debt and trade policies that benefit impoverished
people worldwide.  Participants attended workshops that examined U.S.
policy regarding Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, global
economic justice, global security, eco-justice and U.S. domestic issues.
 For more information on Ecumenical Advocacy Days, go to:
http://www.advocacydays.org 

NATIONAL CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES THIRD ANNUAL HAL
WATKINS LECTURE
National City Christian Church Foundation's Third Annual Hal Watkins
Lecture will be held April 22, at 1:30 p.m. at National City Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) at 5 Thomas Circle, Washington, D.C. 20005.
 The lecture, entitled "Leadership in 'The Disciple Tradition,'"
will be presented by D. Duane Cummins, interim president of Disciples of
Christ Historical Society, visiting scholar in history at John Hopkins
University and president emeritus of Bethany College in West Virginia. 
Immediately before the lecture, Lawrence Schreiber, minister of music
emeritus, will present an organ recital at 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. 
For more information, contact Arlene Franks, AFranks@NationalCityCC.org
or go to: http://www.nationalcitycc.org/Assets/Watkins_2005.pdf 

GLOBAL MINISTRIES AND DISCIPLES PEACE FELLOWSHIP HOST PRE-ASSEMBLY
EVENT
Global Ministries and Disciples Peace Fellowship will host a
pre-Assembly event entitled "Jesus Calls Us to Pursue What Makes for
Peace" at the Doubletree Hotel in Portland, Ore.  This event will begin
July 22, at 1 p.m. and conclude July 23, at noon.  Attendees will
participate in a critical examination of the church's role in pursuing
peace in the world led by church leaders who are engaged directly in
peace-making ministries.  Keynote speakers include Jean Zaru, presiding
clerk of the Ramallah (Palestine) Friends Meeting and Ken Brooker
Langston, director of the Disciples Justice Action Network.  This event
is $60.  For more information and to register, visit the Global
Ministries website at:
http://www.globalministries.org/ga05.htm#preassembly 
   
GLOBAL MINISTRIES HOST INTERNATIONAL DINNER ABOUT PEACE
If you will not be in Portland in time to attend the Global Ministries
sponsored pre-Assembly event, then you can sign up for their dinner
program.  It will be held July 25, at 5 p.m. in the Lloyd Center of the
Doubletree Hotel.  The program will include speaker Ofelia Ortega of
Cuba and the International Awards of Affirmation Ceremony.  Tickets are
$30 and will not be available for purchase at the Assembly.  However, a
limited number of tickets are currently available.  For more information
and to purchase tickets, visit the Global Ministries website at:
http://www.globalministries.org/ga05.htm#intldinner 

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Have you registered for the 2005 General Assembly that will take place
July 23-27 in Portland, Oregon? Register now by contacting your church
office or by going to: http://www.disciples.org/ga05 

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*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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