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December 21^st, 2007	42^nd   Weekly Edition                                                      2007 GRR CURRENTS
JOYS and PRAYER CONCERNS	For the last couple of years First Christian Russellville, AR has been including in the Prayers of the People, prayers for churches in the Great River Region. Beginning the First Sunday of Advent, we began offering prayers for the clergy of the Region. (Two each week.) Rev. Percy Terrell, Pastor of King David Christian Church and St Elmo Christian Church in Hermanville, MS as he mourns the passing of his mother Mrs. Lula Mae Terrell.  Mrs. Terrill will be funeralized on Saturday December 22, 2007 at St John Baptist Church in Utica, MS. Prayers for all who will be traveling this holiday season. Remember those who feel special loss at this time of year. Disciples in Oklahoma and Kansas (ice), Oregon & Washington (flooding) For clergy and leaders of congregations during this Advent season.
NEWS	Jones on Study Leave January – March: The Regional Board approved a study leave for Executive Regional Minister Barbara Jones. She will be taking three courses through Capella University: Diversity in the Workplace, Roles of Nonprofit Board and CEO, and Marketing and Strategy for the Nonprofit. Administrative and leadership responsibilities will be covered by regional pastors during this time. Shirt Sale. We have a very limited number of Great River Region Logo shirts left and ON SALE! Yellow, Green, and Light Blue Polo style shirts in Men’s XL and Women’s XL and XXL sizes are available in limited quantities at the bargain price of $20 each! Please call the office for color availability as quantities ARE limited. (501) 562-6053 Click on this link for an article in Disciple World about re-building efforts taking place through Grace DOC in Covington, LA http://www.disciplesworld.com/article.html?v=6&i=10&s=Living%20Faith&id=946
EVENTS	GRR Disciples Men Retreat will be January 25-26, 2008 at Westside Mission Center in New Orleans, LA. Rev. Steve Wallace will be our leader. The theme will be "Spirituality for Men." Cost will be $50.00 a person. Registration forms have been sent to your congregation. SESSIONS 2008. Disciples Men…don’t forget to plan now for next year’s SESSIONS 2008 event to be held July 17-20, 2008 in Oklahoma City, OK.  Our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, Rev. Dr. Rick Lowery, Mark Briley and Rev. Bill Lee will be the featured speakers.  What a wonderful Christmas/birthday gift for the man in your life.  There is also a discounted registration fee for young adult men. International Affairs Seminar:  Now is the time to begin fundraising for IAS 2008.  The weeklong trip to Washington D.C. and New York City will take place March 15-22 and will cost approximately $1500.  The trip is open to High School Juniors and Seniors and is a powerful way to help older teenagers connect their faith with major issues in the world.  If you are interested, know of a youth who should attend, need fundraising ideas or would like more information, please contact IAS Director Ronny Nowell (ronny@arkansas.net) or visit the website:  www.iasdisciples.com. THE NEW DEADLINE FOR $500 DEPOSIT IS DECEMBER 1ST!
STAFF UPDATES	From Barbara Jones: Will be on vacation December 17^th – 21^st and on Study Leave January – March 2008. Rick Hamilton: Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Search Committees I am currently working with: Lakeshore Drive CC, Hot Springs, AR FCC Jackson, MS FCC Mountain Home, AR (Assoc) FCC Rogers, AR FCC Stuttgart, AR FCC West Memphis, AR From Vivian Bryant:  Merry Christmas and a Happy Safe New Year!!! From Michael Elmore: I will be worshiping at FCC Baton Rouge, LA this Sunday. The day after Christmas I will be taking a few days off and relaxing at the beach. May this be a joyous Christmas for all of you and a wonderful New Year. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the ministry of Great River Region. From Lara Blackwood Pickrel: MidWinter Mission Weekend forms have arrived at your local congregation and remember that the registration deadline is January 7th.  This mission event for 7th-12th graders will take place over the Martin Luther King Jr. long-weekend at Westside Christian Church & Mission Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Youth Workers, Mark Your Calendars!!!  In May (2-4), the Great River Region will host our second F.E.A.S.T. event.  This weekend retreat for adult youth workers will be keynoted by Randy Kuss and is a great opportunity to renew your spirits and energies for youth ministry!!!  Be on the lookout for registration materials! Camp & Conference 2008 brochures are heading your way soon!  Keep an eye out for these important registration materials. Deadlines for Counselor/Steward/Youth Commissioner/Intern applications is April 14th.  Deadlines for camper registrations is May 19th. Check out the youth page on the regional website (www.grrcc.org).  We have added the new youth event calendar, information on a great retreat for adult youth workers and links to many youth ministry resources!