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January 4^th, 2008	43^rd   Weekly Edition                                                      2008 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.) For Rev. Neil Early of FCC Leesville, LA. He has been in the hospital suffering from pneumonia.
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 Member Care/Contact from WALLACE SC&W Pastors, Communication is a vital need in congregations. There is a need to keep people in the loop with activities in the church, there is the need to share hurts and joys of those in the community, there is a need for members to feel like the church is interested in them and there are announcements and changes that need to be relayed as soon as possible. Here are three avenues to communicate with the congregation: 1. Group E-Mail: Send out short, weekly emails to members with information on surgeries, illnesses, events and such. 2. Tele-Care: A program where every member family of the congregation is contacted by phone once every three months. During the phoning elders and other members are formed into prayer groups to pray for the congregation and any specific requests that arise in the phone calls. 3. Absentee Follow-Up: This program is a systematic way to follow members in worship. After 3-5 weeks of absence a card is sent recognizing that they haven’t been present (“We missed you and hope you are all right”). If you are interested in finding out more about any of these programs or would like help in developing them for your congregation please contact me at swallacegs@aol.com. Steve Wallace.
EVENTS	The Office of Disciple Volunteering is holding a training event for Mission Center Managers at Grace DOC in Covington, LA this week. 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.
STAFF UPDATES	From Barbara Jones: Will be on Study Leave January – March 2008. Rick Hamilton: Vacation thru January 5^th, 2008. 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: I will be preaching at FCC West Memphis, AR on Sunday, January 6, 2008. Happy New Year!! From Michael Elmore: Happy New Year to all of you. May God bless you and watch over you in all that you do this new year. Disciple Men's Retreat will be January 25-26 at Westside CC in New Orleans. Registration deadline is January 15^th, 2008. Cost is $50.00 if staying overnight $25.00 if driving in. We will begin with dinner on Friday night at 6:00 and conclude by 3:00pm on Saturday. If you want to stay until Sunday you can do so but you are on your on for meals. Let me know if you have any questions. I will be worshiping at Grace DOC in Covington, LA this Sunday. 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!