CURRENTS

February 9th, 2007

6th  Weekly Edition                                                           2007 GRR CURRENTS

 

PRAYER CONCERNS

 

 
  • Rev. Don White, Minister Emeritus of FCC Bentonville, AR – passed away in Hospice care.  Services will be tomorrow (Saturday) at FCC Bentonville.  Cards can be sent to: Dolores White, 911 Lafayette, Rogers, AR 72758
  • Rev. Fred Rohlfs, pastor of Northeast CC in Madison MS, has been moved to Methodist Rehabilitation Center 1350 East Woodrow Wilson, Jackson, Mississippi 39216  (800) 223-6672, Room 403.  Patient rooms may be called directly by dialing (601) 984-8 plus the patient's room number.  He will be there for at least a week of intensive physical therapy and rehabilitation.  For those other than family, visiting hours are 2-8:30 p.m. Monday - Friday and 10a.m. to 8:30p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  We ask visitors to be sensitive to patient's rest needs as they spend five to eight hours a day in therapy. 
  • Stacy Eastwood's grandmother passed away on Sunday.  Please add her and her family to your prayer lists.
  • Rev. Byron Singleton, Chaplain at VA Hospital in Pineville, LA
  • Howard Whitaker, (Rev. Laura Whitaker’s husband) was in the hospital this last week – stints placed in his arteries.
  • Tim Colvin has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has undergone surgery.  The cancer has spread to her bones.  She will return to the United States to undergo further treatment.  She will depart South Africa on February 13.  Her daughter, Katy will accompany her.  She will reside in Austin, Texas with her older daughter, Micky and this is where she will undergo chemo therapy.   Micky’s address is 12370 Alameda Trace Circle, #223, Austin, Texas 78727.  Her cell phone number is (512) 769-5450.  Her e-mail address is kuby1218@hotmail.com.  Larry will return to the country on March 1.  He needs this additional time to close the home and bring closure to his work. 

 

 

AGMP POSITION

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     The church has entrusted us to call forth the brightest and the best to serve God and to ensure that all who work for the realm of God in this place and time do so in a nurturing environment geared toward enabling us all to do our best.  We call upon you now, the leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), to call forth the brightest and best to serve as Associate General Minister and Vice President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  With particular emphasis in the areas of budget development and management, staff development and management, visionary leadership, we know that there are persons within our body eager for the challenge of working in partnership with the GMP and staff helping us to grow this body of Christ.

     Although experience in ordained ministry is preferred, exceptional candidates with relevant knowledge, skills, and experience will all be considered.

     Candidate profiles and completed essay questions should be submitted through the Office of Search and Call, Indianapolis, no later than February 28, 2007.

Holly McKissick, Chair, Pastor, St. Andrew Christian Church

Marshall Dunn, Retired Pastor

John Lacey, Acting Regional Minister, Christian Church in Michigan

Terry Owens, Dean of Students, Univ. of Chicago Divinity School

Jessica Vazquez, Coordinator, National Religious Outreach, Interfaith Worker Justice

Sharon Watkins,  General Minister and President

Charles Webb, Director, Church and Alumni Relations, Christian Theological Seminary

Geunhee Yu, Executive Pastor, North American Pacific/Asian Disciples

 

EVENTS

Midwinter Retreat for Youth:  “MOVE ALONG”

(For 9-12th Grade Youth and Adult Sponsors)

CAMP COUCHDALE – HOT SPRINGS, AR

FEBRUARY 23-25th, 2007

Registration form is online as well.

 

Preaching for Transformation workshop to be held on April 9-11, 2007 at FCC Monroe, LA.  Nationally recognized Pablo Jimenez will be the keynote speaker.  You will also have a chance to compare the three most popular organizations that are helping Disciple congregations across our denomination to be transformed into thriving, vibrant forces in their communities. 

 

NEWS AND ACTIVITES

 

From Barb:  I’m on my way this weekend to celebrate with First Christian Church, Meridian, the installation of Ed Owen as a licensed minister for outreach and installation.  We are preparing for our first Regional Board meeting next weekend at Parkview Christian Church in Little Rock.

 

From Rick Hamilton:  I attended TCU Ministers Week, where we have heard incredible preaching and workshops in Pastoral Care, New Testament and Congregational Revitalization.  This weekend I will be in Monroe to Celebrate the Call of Rev. Randy Cook.
Congregations in I’m working with in Search and Call:

  • Bentonville AR:  Elm Tree  - Pastor
  • Jackson MS:      First – Pastor
  • Weiner AR:         First – Interim Pastor
  • West Point MS:   First – Pastor

(Direct any inquiries to me in confidence.)

 

From Michael Elmore:  Last weekend I lead workshop on "Who Are Disciples Today" at Central Hattiesburg, had about 20 people from across the Region.  Preached at FCC Slidell and, with Rev. Frank Johnson, presented report to congregation regarding our Listening Conference.  Southern District Ministers will have lunch meeting at FCC Baton Rouge this Tuesday, 13th.

 

From Lara Blackwood:  Mark your calendars!  The registration deadline for CYF Midwinter is February 9th.  If registrations are received by this date, each participant will pay $95; after the February 9th deadline, the registration fee becomes $190.  This event, which will take place at Camp Couchdale, will focus on the theme "Move Along."  Keynoter Joe Garkovich (FCC - Pine Bluff) will help 9th-12th grade youth explore ways to balance living in the now with learning from the past/hoping for the future God has planned for us.  Bible Study will be led by Lara Blackwood and worship/fellowship experiences will be facilitated by the Great River Regional Youth Commission.  This retreat is sure to be memorable and valuable for both youth and adults...so spread the word to those in your congregation who are eligible.

 

From Disciples Institute: Save this Date:  April 9-11! 

Mark your calendars now for the Preaching for Transformation workshop to be held on April 9-11, 2007 at FCC Monroe, LA.  Nationally recognized Pablo Jimenez will be the keynote speaker.  You will also have a chance to compare the three most popular organizations that are helping Disciple congregations across our denomination to be transformed into thriving, vibrant forces in their communities.  Alan Roxburgh from Allelon Missional Leadership Network will be there via live video and/or audio feed, a representative of the Columbia Partnership will attend and our own Michael Elmore will present information about the Jesus Connection.  Our Regional Ministers will also lead breakout sessions.  Look for a brochure coming soon - for now, just reserve the date!

 

From Sharon Coote:  Central Arkansas area Disciples are invited to the Pulaski Heights Christian Church (4724 Hillcrest Ave., Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-258-2091, www.phcc-lr.org) for their study sessions on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m.  The group is studying "A Handbook for Today's Disciples" by Dr. Duane Cummins, and each chapter is being presented by a different area pastor.  The schedule is as follows:

February 14   "Disciples and Moral-Ethical Issues The Rev. Vivian Bryant
February 21    Ash Wednesday Service. No study session.

February 28   "Disciples as Church Members" The Rev. Holly Patton

March 7         "Disciples and Church Structure" The Rev. Bill Hale

You are welcome to come with or without the book.

 

The Central Arkansas-area Public Relations Campaign Ad-Hoc Committee is sponsoring a Banner-Making Workshop from 10:00 a.m. to noon, on Sat., Feb. 24, at the Pulaski Heights Christian Church, 4724 Hillcrest Ave., Little Rock 72205.   We will be making vinyl banners to display outside your church.   Churches participating in the public relations campaign may participate without cost.  Churches which are not participating in the campaign may still send members at a cost of $25 per congregation to cover the cost of banner materials. Contact Shari Coote (smcoote@comcast.net or 501-258-2091 ) by Mon., Feb. 19, if you are planning to attend.

 

From Dan Thornhill:  Keith Hearnsberger, a native of Warren, Arkansas has accepted the call by Parkview Christian Church in Little Rock as the Minister of Music.  His first Sunday will be February 4, 2007.  Previously, Keith served as the Children’s Choirmaster of Trinity Episcopal Church in Little Rock, AR from January 2005 to December 2006.  He also has previously served as choral assistant/Quartet singer at The Cathedral of Saint Andrew and Second Presbyterian Church, both of Little Rock, AR. He is currently the Director of Fine Arts for the England School District in England, AR. His teaching responsibilities include directing all senior ensembles, Survey of Fine Arts, as well as functioning as the Fine Arts coordinator for the district. He holds two Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas, one being in Applied Music, and the other in Music History and Literature, and a Master of the Arts in music. He is currently doing Masters Studies at the University of Arkansas for his Master of Secondary Education degree.