NewsWire to Migrate

To enable our readers to more easily access this NewsWire, we are migrating it to a different home at WordPress effective Oct. 1. At that point the only significant difference you'll notice is if you have your newsreader or widget set to a blogger.com address. You are urged, in that case, to change your feed to: http://wvdisciples.wordpress.com/feed/.

The move is to enable those who use Internet Explorer to more easily access articles as they appear on any widget in RSS (Really Simple Syndication). Previous articles will remain on the blogger site, but will also be migrated into the WordPress location. After Oct. 1, no new items will be added at blogger.

Hope this isn't too confusing. Those who only read the news on our website should notice no significant change. Please visit often, and download the desktop widget on our homepage if you want to really stay up-to-date. Other features will be enabled soon, so stay tuned!

Just a smile

Friends, it is not the habit of this webmaster to pass on things that come in the many forwards in his mail. For a day like this, when much of the world is in pain and suffering some high anxiety on Wall Street, I offer "A Smile from God".

Hope you smile, too.

--ed.

Bethany President to be Installed

From The Old Main Journal, Bethany College's online news:

BETHANY, W.Va. — The installation of Dr. Scott D. Miller as the 19th President of Bethany College will be just one of the highlights for students, alumni and friends as West Virginia’s oldest college celebrates an event-filled Homecoming Weekend from Oct. 3-5.

The festivities officially tee off at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 when more than 100 golfers are scheduled to hit the links at Highland Springs Golf Course in the fourth annual Hugh “Tiger” Joyce Scramble. Homecoming registration begins at noon in the Erickson Alumni Center. The Installation Ceremony for President Miller is set for a 2:30 p.m. start in Commencement Hall at the College’s historic Old Main. There will be an Installation reception in the Old Main Corridor from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and President Miller will host a Donor Recognition Reception from 6-8 p.m. at his home, Christman Manor at Pendleton Heights.

Friday’s activities continue with the annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction from 6-9 p.m. at Harder Hall. This year’s inductees are Edward Blundon ’66 (basketball), Daniel Swickard ’72 (football), Margaret Fillinger ’86 (softball) and Jeff Weekley ’96 (baseball). There will also be a men’s/women’s soccer doubleheader against Geneva College beginning at 6 p.m. at Bison Stadium. The final event on Friday’s agenda is the annual Homecoming Art Exhibit Reception, set for 8-10 p.m. at the Renner Union Gallery.

The events of Saturday, Oct. 4 open with the eighth annual Allison’s Run/Walk at the Cunningham Soccer Complex. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with the event to start at 9 a.m. Dedication ceremonies for the newly-restored Christman Manor at Pendleton Heights are scheduled for 10 a.m. and there will be an Open House for the Judith R. Hurl Education Center, the former Bethany Primary School, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Registration and tailgating at Bison Stadium starts at 11:30 a.m. with the Homecoming Parade scheduled to begin at 11:45 a.m. Kickoff for the Homecoming football game against Thomas More (Ky.) College is at 2 p.m. with halftime festivities including the introduction of the Hall of Fame inductees and the crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen. The Bethany volleyball team will host a triangular match with Waynesburg University and Westminster College, beginning at 11 a.m. There will be a live band concert at the tailgate area immediately following the football game with a Wine and Cheese Social set for 6-7 p.m. at Harder Hall.

Saturday’s festivities conclude with the annual Alumni Awards Banquet and Wall of Fame Induction, set for a 6:30 p.m. start at Commencement Hall. The Bethany College Alumni Association will present Linda Comins ’77 with the Distinguished Service to Alma Mater Award while David Jolliffe ’74 has been chosen to receive the Alumni Community Service Award.
The Rev. Dr. A. Dale Fiers ’29 will be inducted to the Bethany College Wall of Fame. Dr. Fiers became the first president and general minister of the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) when the denomination adopted a formal structure as a church. Fiers marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Selma, Ala. and brought Disciples leaders together to create the denomination’s poverty and race program. Dr. Fiers passed away on Sept. 28, 2003 at the age of 96.

Homecoming Weekend concludes on Sunday, Oct. 5 with a 10:45 a.m. worship service at the historic Bethany Memorial Church followed by a noon brunch at Harder Hall.

Rev. Thaddaeus Allen, on behalf of the Christian Church in West Virginia, will be presenting an affirmation of gratitude to Dr. Miller which is also signed by Dr. Sharon Watkins, our General Minister and President.

Bonnie Thurston: Contemplative Prayer Weekend in Pittsburgh

The Rev. Dr. Bonnie Thurston will lead "Attending to God's Presence: Contemplative Prayer in the Christian Tradition" at Sixth Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 17-18. The seminar, which will include times of silence, will be offerd at minimal cost to participants. It begins at 7:00 p.m. Friday and closes with Evening Prayer on Saturday at 3 p.m. Advanced registration is required. More information is available by calling the church (412)421-2752, or visiting their website.

The program is underwritten by the Fred Rogers Memorial Fund at the church.

Disciples Men: Cookin' for Mission

The following release is from the Office of Disciples Men. A brochure for new program is available by contacting them, or David at the Regional Office:


Greetings!

For years, the International Day of Pancakes has been a successful vehicle to pair up Disciples Menʼs groups from across the country to projects that will directly impact the lives of children across our denomination. Disciples Men have answered the call to get involved in childrenʼs lives to make a difference. Now the Disciples Men are responding to another much needed call. Due to financial limitations, Disciples Home Missions has been forced to eliminate the funding that partially supported the budgets of four missions centers. The centers that have been greatly affected by this cutback are: Yakama Christian Mission center in White Swan, Washington; Inman Christian Mission Center in San Antonio, Texas; All Peoples Christian Center in Los Angeles and the Kentucky Appalachian Ministry.

The Executive Committee of the General Conference of Disciples Men, in February of 2008, voted to approve a transformation of this vital program and the distribution of funds. Beginning in 2009 all funds collected from the International Day of Pancakes will be distributed to all four of the mission centers previously mentioned. Since all four mission centers directly affect the children who live in these areas, the basic purpose of the program will not change, only how the funds are distributed. Pancake breakfasts are recommended, but not essential. Your local menʼs group can choose to have a fish fry, pig roast, yard sale or even a ham and yam dinner. Be creative in how your group raises money.

All monies received January 1 through December 31 will be distributed the following year.
Attached please find a brochure for your use to help promote this new and exciting Men's Ministry. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Office of Disciples Men at (888) 346-2631 or tiseming@dhm.disciples.org.

Anne Marie Moyars, Administrative Assistant
Office of Disciples Men
Disciples Volunteering - Disaster Response
General Youth Council
Youth Ministry Commission
Young Adult Commission
Scholarships/Continuing Education
amoyars@dhm.disciples.org
(317) 713-2666 or toll free (888) 346-2631
Fax Number: (317) 635-4426
Web Site: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org

October: Month of the Ministry

Congregations are urged to celebrate the ministry in varied ways, and to encourage the life of their pastors and other clergy in their midst. The Pension Fund has a number of good resources for this fine effort: www.pensionfund.org. Also, watch this site in the coming days for more suggestions from your Regional Church. Don't delay; love a minister today!

Worship & Wonder Training at LTS

A training event for story tellers for Children Worship & Wonder will be conducted at Lexington Theological Seminary on Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 15-16. Full information may be found at Disciples Home Missions: http://www.discipleshomemissions.org/FamilyandChildren/CWW.htm#events.

Global Missions Video to Air

In this age of natural disasters and injustice, it’s refreshing to be reminded that ordinary people still can make a difference in the world. That reminder comes in the form of a new documentary called “Connecting Threads.”

The video is the latest documentary produced by the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It will debut on NBC TV stations nationwide starting on Oct. 5, 2008.

“Connecting Threads” shows viewers how ordinary people are sharing their talents and time to work with others for a better world.

“It's not often that we have an opportunity to take a trip around the world in less than an hour,” says the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, head of the UCC’s communication department. “'Connecting Threads' enables viewers to experience diverse people, landscapes and religious perspectives; while being reminded that the Christian faith is global in its reach and inclusive in its mission."

The documentary takes viewers to Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Southern Asia, East Asia and the Pacific, and the Middle East and Europe.

“Watching ‘Connecting Threads’ brings the voices and lives of our global neighbor’s right into our homes and hearts,.” says Jan Aerie, a spokesperson for Global Ministries, a shared world ministry partnership of the UCC and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In 2007, Global Ministries had a total of 147 missionaries served in 44 countries.

For additional info go to: http://www.ucc.org/connecting-threads/
Regional Note:
Currently, in our immediate regional area, WSAZ in Huntington/Charleston is scheduled to air the program Oct. 5. The link above will give you connections to the other area stations with email info, should you desire to encourage them.

Disciples News Service Update

September 25, 2008

SOUTHWEST REGION CHURCHES STRUGGLE TO RECOVER FROM IKE

Disciples are responding to the devastation brought on by Hurricane Ike in communities around the country. Week of Compassion has sent grants to several churches in Texas and Louisiana that took the brunt of Ike's fury. Last week, a $3,500 grant was issued to First Christian Church in Orange, Texas, and a $5,000 grant to First Christian Church in Lake Charles, La. More help will be needed.

"The damage from Ike will equal or exceed that of Katrina and Rita" said Dani Loving Cartwright, Regional Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest. "Many members of affected churches lost everything. We need your help."
In addition, Fredrick Nixon, pastor of Community of Faith Church in Houston, Texas, is requesting prayers and thoughtful petitions of courage and strength for the following: his church, the Coastal Plains Area of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Houston Association of the United Church of Christ, the La Amistad Love and Learning Academy and the Houston-Galveston community. To learn how to help, go to: www.weekofcompassion.org

RECONCILIATION MINISTRY OFFERING WILL BE RECEIVED THIS SUNDAY AND ON WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY

On Sunday, October 5th, Disciples will get their first opportunity to celebrate World Communion Sunday in conjunction with Reconciliation Ministry’s Special Offering Sunday. World Communion Sunday (WCS), with its emphasis on Christian Unity and Reconciliation Ministry whose emphasis is racial justice, have been brought together in this way because “the aims of ecumenism and the aims of racial justice belong together in the ministry of Jesus Christ,” according to a recent General Assembly resolution.

Resolution 0719, adopted at the 2007 Ft. Worth General Assembly, recommended that WCS and the Reconciliation Offering be celebrated together to encourage congregations to express the Church’s commitment to Christian Unity while also seeking God’s justice in addressing the sin of racism.

To support this churchwide effort please remember to give generously to the Reconciliation Special Offering, which will be received in congregations this Sunday, Sept. 28th and on Sunday, Oct. 5.

April Johnson, Minister of Reconciliation, has written a reflection that reminds Disciples of their identity and call to stand in unity and solidarity for the full inclusion of every member of the human family. To read Johnson’s reflection, go to: www.reconciliationmission.org/offerings/johnsonletter

PENSION FUND ANNOUNCES PREMIUM RATE INCREASES FOR 2009

The Pension Fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), trustee for Christian Church Health Care Benefit Trust, has announced premium rate increases for 2009 Churchwide Health Care participants. For those who were enrolled in CWHC prior to Jan. 1, 2006, health care rates generally will be increased by 3 percent. Participants who enrolled after Jan. 1, 2006 will see 5 percent increases. Persons ages 60-64 in either group, however, will have no increase in premium rates.

"These increases are less than half of the national health care inflation rate," said Pension Fund President James P. Hamlett. The Pension Fund also announced that Medicare plan rates will increase by 5 percent beginning in 2009. But premium rates for dental coverage will remain the same for the third straight year. For complete premium rates or to join the program, visit: www.discipleshealth.org

LIGHT A CANDLE FOR CHILDREN PRAYER VIGIL SET TO BEGIN

The Annual Light a Candle for Children 40-Day Prayer Vigil started earlier this month. Information packets are available online or by calling Connie Metts in Disciples Home Missions at 888-346-2631. The Light a Candle Prayer Vigil leads up to the Children's Defense Fund's Children's Sabbaths Observance, Oct. 17-19.

The theme of the national Children's Sabbaths Observance is "When Will We Hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Call to End Poverty in America?" For more information on the Light a Candle for Children Prayer Vigil and Children's Sabbaths, visit: www.discipleshomemissions.org/FamilyandChildren/candle.htm

CHALICE CAMP 2008 PLANNED FOR MINISTERS IN TRAINING

Space is still available to attend Chalice Camp 2008 for anyone who is preparing for licensed or ordained ministry, any minister new to the Disciples of Christ and those learning ministry in a new context. The retreat will be held Oct. 17-19 at Barbee Christian Camp in northern Indiana and will be hosted by seminarians from Christian Theological Center.

Chalice Camp '08 will feature sessions on baptism, the Lord's Table, weddings, funerals, ethics, and values and heritage. Disciples leaders will share information about resources such as Church Extension, Churchwide Healthcare programs, and Search and Call. Camp Barbee facilities, located near Leesburg, Ind., include a retreat house, cabins, dining hall and meeting rooms. For more and online registration, go to: www.indianadisciples.org/chalicecamp.php

STUDENTS ORGANIZE 'CONGO WEEK' OVER CONGOLESE CRISIS

The Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries encourages Disciples to support "Break the Silence" Congo Week, Oct. 19-25, to help raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis occurring in the Congo. Students from 100 countries and 1,000 campuses will hold events, including films, lectures, demonstrations, and more, on their campuses dealing with the Congo crisis in October. Nearly 6 million people have died in the Congo since 1996. More than half of them have been children under age 5. Hundreds of thousands of Congolese women have been raped in the battles over the country's wealth.

College students on several campuses are the key organizers of Congo Week. The students also have organized "Cell Out," an observance that will take place Oct. 22, when everybody is urged to turn off their cell phones from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and refrain from text messaging. Many Congolese people have been killed over Coltan, a precious mineral that is used in cell phones and other electronic devices. To learn more about "Break the Silence" go to: www.congoweek.org/english and "The Cell Out":globalministries.org/news/africa/the-cell-out.html

THIRD FRED B. CRADDOCK SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN DALLAS

The Stalcup School of Theology for the Laity will hold the Third Fred B. Craddock Seminar on the Gospels Sept. 27 in Dallas, Texas. The seminar is entitled "Negotiating the (Roman) Empire in the New Testament" and will be presented by Warren Carter, a nationally known New Testament scholar. Carter is Professor of New Testament at Brite Divinity School. His work focuses on the gospels of Matthew and John and the issue of the ways in which early Christians negotiated the Roman Empire.

Among the topics to be presented during the study is the question of how contemporary followers of Jesus negotiate contemporary forms of empire. The seminar will be held at Northway Christian Church. Registration is $35 and includes a light lunch. To register or for more information, visit the Brite website at www.brite.tcu.edu/stalcup or contact the Office of Lay and Continuing Education by calling 817-257-7580 or s.brandon@tcu.edu.

EUREKA COLLEGE TO HELP TRANSFORM SPECIAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM

Eureka College, in partnership with the Associated Colleges of Illinois' Center for Success in High-Need Schools and four other ACI member colleges, is embarking on a five-year initiative to support Transforming Curriculum in Special Education (T-SPED), a collaborative initiative to enrich special education curricula. The project will be funded with a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

"Faculty all have experience in the public school setting and recognize the importance of developing collaboration skills in all teacher education candidates. Commingling the special education and elementary and secondary education programs will further enhance our students' preparedness for the workplace," said Debra Loomis, special education professor at Eureka College, which is associated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). To get more, see: www.eureka.edu/news/releases/fall_0809/specialed.htm

FOUNDER OF CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY CENTER, DAN GENUNG, DIES

Former Disciples minister Dan B. Genung Jr. has died. Genung, 93, passed away Aug. 12 at the Pilgrim Place Health Service Center in Claremont, Calif., where he had been in hospice care. Genung founded the All Peoples Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Los Angeles, Calif., and the All Peoples Community Center.

Genung and his wife, Frances Ulrich Genung, catered their church ministry to all ethnicities, beginning with Japanese-American families when those families returned to Los Angeles from internment camps during World War II. Dan Genung later served congregations in the California cities of Oceanside, La Crescenta and Hollywood. For more, go to: www.disciplesworld.com/newsArticle.html?wsnID=14046

'PRAYER AND ACTION' WILL ACCOMPANY GATHERING OF TENTS IN D.C.

With the "Gathering of the Tents" to take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Nov. 7-9, Disciples congregations and hundreds of communities across the country are being urged to plan local activities as part of a nationwide "Interfaith Weekend of Prayer and Action for Sudan." Over the past year, the Tents of Hope project has grown to include 330 cities in 45 states across America. The goal of the project is to bring an end to the genocide that has devastated Sudan's western province of Darfur, where countless crimes against humanity have occurred.
Since the conflict began in February 2003, ethnic violence has taken the lives of at least 200,000 people, mostly among farmers, who have joined rebel groups fighting the central government in Khartoum. For more, see: www.tentsofhope.org

####

Editor: Wanda Bryant WillsE-mail: news@cm.disciples.org

Your Global Ministries Update

Your Global Ministries Update: September 25, 2008

Disciples and UCC… together in God’s global mission

- Visit us at: http://www.globalministries.org/

Please download the MONTHLY MISSION STORY for your church bulletin or newsletter:
September 2008: pdf or text only or espanol
October 2008: text only or pdf bulletin insert format
To download the WEEKLY PRAYER for Sunday Worship, click here: Republic of Congo
Will you participate in the Cell Out for Congo on October 22? Cell Out

Connecting Threads DVD Series to Appear on NBC We are thrilled about the national exposure Global Ministries will receive when NBC affiliate stations are invited to run the one-hour version of our Connecting Threads video series during the month of October. Several have already committed to showing it, but many have not yet. The key is to contact your local NBC TV stations to encourage them to air Connecting Threads. The Connecting Threads website http://www.ucc.org/connecting-threads/ will have a list of all of the NBC stations, email address and phone numbers of the program managers. Information on which stations have agreed to broadcast it and the airdates will be listed on the website, too.
We appreciate all you can do to get the word out, and don't forget to ask your local station and be sure to watch it at home!http://globalministries.org/news/nbc-to-air-global-ministries.html

World Communion Sunday is October 5. Go to Global Ministries website for bread recipes, liturgies, stories, and ideas for celebrating World Communion Sunday in your church!http://www.globalministries.org/resources/special-days/WCS/

Congo Week – October 19-25. Congo Week is a global initiative led by students to raise awareness about the situation in the Congo and provide support to the people of the Congo. Congo Week will occur from October 19 - 25, 2008 on in communities throughout the globe from Brazil to Belgium, South Africa to Sweden, Kenya to Korea and in many other localities. Join with over 100 countries and in solidarity with the people of the Congo during Congo Week.

Click here for more information, including Congo Week Worship Resources:http://globalministries.org/news/africa/congo-week-worship.html

Report from Joint Fact-Finding Mission to South Korea Two regional human rights non-governmental organizations (NGOs)—the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) based in Bangkok and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) located in Hong Kong—conducted a fact-finding mission from July 21 to 24, 2008, in Seoul, South Korea, to examine human rights violations during the daily candlelight vigils that have been held since May 2. The specific focus of the mission was curbs on freedom of opinion and expression and riot police attacks on human rights defenders—lawyers, journalists and medical workers—at the vigils, which have been held to protest the April 18 agreement with the U.S. government to import U.S. beef into South Korea. The vigil participants have been concerned about insufficient safeguards to protect people from contracting mad cow disease, i.e., threats to people's right to health. Click here to read more, including the full report: http://globalministries.org/news/eap/final-report-of-fa.html

Bethany/LTS Event Cancelled

The Sept. 27 Elders Workshop and conversation at Bethany has been cancelled. We will keep you informed of upcoming rescheduling as it may occur, so keep your eyes on this NewsWire.

Reconciliation Offering Oct. 5

On Sept. 28 and Oct. 5, Disciples will receive the Reconciliation Offering as we share the cup of salvation and bread of life utilizing the theme "Come to the Table." Reconciliation Ministry leads the pro-reconciliation/anti-racism work of Disciples by dismantling systems that promote racism and oppression. The funds provided through the annual offering are used to empower each expression of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to critically and creatively engage in ways we take seriously our call from God to be one body, many members and many gifts. The funds are shared between the Regions and Reconciliation Ministry.

Please give generously to this offering that facilitates camps and conferences and education and training that opens each member of the Church to assume an anti-racist and pro-reconciling identity. For more information and promotional materials, go to: www.reconciliationmission.org/offerings

Men's Retreat Photos Posted

A few snapshots of the WV Disciples Men's Retreat are now available at our Flickr site. You can also access them from the photo panel at the bottom left column of our homepage. Hope you'll send in your pictures of relevant regional church events, too, or drop us a link to your photo page wherever it may be!

Lilly Endowment Program for Small Congregation Pastors

From Virginia Theological Seminary and their Summer Collegium:

Applications are now being accepted for the Summer Collegium, a Lilly Endowment project in support of small congregations. Twenty-five clergy and their spouses/partners from all Christian denominations will be invited to spend nine days at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia, focusing on Body, Mind, and Soul: Celebrating, Strengthening and Sustaining Clergy Wholenss in Small Congregations.

The Summer Collegium takes place June 24-July 1, 2009, and applications must be postmarked by December 15, 2008 to be considered. All expenses for the event, including travel, meals, lodging, books, pulpit supply and child care at home are paid for by the grant. For more information and an application packet, visit our website at www.vts.edu/education/collegium or call Marilyn Johns at 703-461-1760.

Marilyn Johns, D. Min.
Project Manager, The Summer Collegium
Virginia Theological Seminary
3737 Seminary Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22304
703-461-1760
www.vts.edu/education/collegium

Men's Retreat a Heartwarming Experience

Men from around the Regional Church concluded their annual retreat this morning with Holy Communion in God's great sanctuary, under a beautiful maple tree at Cedar Lakes. Watch for photos from the event to be posted to our Flickr site in the next few days. For those who attended, it was an encouraging time of growth in faith and fellowship. We look forward to welcoming many more of our brothers at the next retreat, Sept. 25-27, 2009!

Child Abuse Prevention Mini-Grants

From the office of the Executive Director of the WV Council of Churches, Rev. Dennis Sparks:

Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia
Announces Availability of Community Mini-Grants

More Info
- $1,000 Mini-Grants Available for Local Projects

Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia is pleased to announce the availability of mini-grants for innovative local child abuse and neglect prevention projects in the state.

The Good Beginnings Mini-Grant Program will provide up to 10 grants of up to $1,000 per year for community-based projects that use creative and effective strategies for preventing child abuse and neglect before it occurs.

Applications may be submitted by public or private institutions, schools and faith-based communities.

Grant guidelines are available on the Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia website at www.preventchildabusewv.org. The application deadline is October 17, 2008.

Good Beginnings Mini-Grants are funded with support from the West Virginia Children's Trust Fund, the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, and the WV Department of Health and Human Resources.

More information about ongoing efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect in West Virginia is available at the WV Children's Trust Fund website, www.wvctf.org and the Prevent Child Abuse WV website, www.preventchildabusewv.org.

For specific questions about the mini-grant program, please contact Genny Ferri, Community Partnerships Coordinator, at 1-866-4KidsWV (866-454-3798) or email genny@teamwv.org.

Kim Bentrott, Mission Partner, Shares Story

The Region received this communique from Kimberly Bentrott, 1/2 of our new Global Missions partner team. We wanted to share it with you:

Hello!

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your faith communities for agreeing to sponsor Patrick and I as we leave for Haiti. It has been our honor and our privilege to start relationships with various faith communities around the country. Making the decision to work for the next four years in Haiti was very difficult for both Patrick and I as fear and the unknown clouded our call. However the knowledge that we do not go to Haiti alone, that we are supported and prayed for by your faith communities, that we take YOU with us to Haiti gives us tremendous courage. THANK YOU for that.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves formally to you all. Some of you have heard our story and can disregard, or file. :) But often we are asked, "why Haiti." The answer, of course, is never so simple.

I am originally from a small town in Kansas. I grew up on a farm raised by my father (a farmer) and my mother (a high school English teacher). Patrick grew up in Maquoketa, Iowa--a small town as well. His father has worked in the banking industry, and his mom stayed at home to nurture her 3 boys. Patrick grew up in the UCC, and first learned about the world outside of Maquoketa through mission trips arranged by his pastor. These were very formidable experiences for him. I grew up in the United Methodist Church and truly felt the presence of a Church Family there. We have always been so grateful for our beginnings--they formed the foundation of our life's journey.

I completed my undergraduate degree at William Jewel College in Liberty Missouri. Part of my undergrad education was spent at Oxford University, England--my first venture overseas! During this experience, I discovered the awe and joy of travel and living in a different culture. Patrick likes to joke that he attended most schools east of the Mississippi as he sought out his life's path. He started in Illinois State Univ. as an English major and did an exchange program to the University of Rhode Island. When he realized he was not sure of the direction to take his life, he took a year out of school to do a year of volunteer work.

After college, I moved to Washington D.C. for a year as a full time volunteer through Americorps. It was there that I met my handsome husband. We worked together at a medical facility for the Homeless of D.C. called Christ House--an outreach mission that grew out of the Church of the Savior. Patrick was the activities coordinator (taking the homeless of D.C. to such venues as the Opera and baseball games), and I was the medical assistant. Our year in D.C. was a powerful one. It changed the way we saw our country and how we interpreted our Christianity. We also discovered the incredible joy that comes through service. The friendships we found with such unlikely folks whose life experiences were so drastically different from our own were the most powerful part of that year. It was in D.C. that our path in life was better defined. I knew I wanted to dedicate my medical career to the under-served populations of our country and world, and Patrick felt the call to turn his studies to theology and how Christ asks us to be active participants in the world.

I returned to Kansas City to get my medical education at the University of Kansas, School of Medicine. During my time at KU, I was able spend several months in Guatemala on a Spanish emersion and medical mission rotation. Patrick moved to Chicago to finish his undergrad education at Elmhurst College. During his senior year, he spent a semester in Calcutta, India learning about Hinduism and about the Indian culture while serving in Mother Teresa's school for street children and in the home for the destitute and dying. As many of you know, traveling to developing nations has a way of completely wiping your eyes clean and changing your world view completely. The disparities in lifestyle in our world is shocking. Yet the experience of making connections with people of a different culture is overwhelming and intensely spiritual. Despite the differences that define cultures and populations, our simple humanity unites us. And the glue in that interaction is God. So in these experiences, Patrick and my passion for overseas mission was ignited.

The last 3 years of our life has been spent in Denver where Patrick has finished his Masters of Divinity at Iliff School of Theology and I finished my family practice residency. We had no idea that we'd be leaving the country so soon. Like many young Americans, we had collected a healthy dose of school loans. So our "plan" was to get jobs, start a family, hopefully sprinkle our lives with travel here and there, and put off our dream of living and working overseas until retirement. In January, as I was about to accept a job offer in Denver, Patrick called Global Ministries in search of a summer volunteer opportunity to do before we started our "real jobs." Instead, Julia Brown Karimu asked, "Well, how about being full-time missionaries in Haiti?"
Haiti. Wow. I'll never forget the day Patrick called me with the proposition. Even though there were a ton of questions to ask, even more research to do... I was overwhelmed with the feeling that our lives were to be forever changed. The decision to go to Haiti was not an easy one. Haiti is a severe country with frequent upheavals and volatility that rise out of its extreme poverty. Kidnappings, riots, hurricanes, environmental despair, starvation, disease. When it comes to Haiti, there are a lot of reasons to get scared. But God challenges us in ways that often that asks us to get really uncomfortable. Despite our fears, things started falling in place. We both felt a little "haunted" with events and interactions with people that lead us closer and closer to Haiti. And meeting with the Global Ministries Board in April convinced us that this opportunity was a must, something we had to try, had to commit to.

And now here we are.

Our jobs in Haiti are loosely defined. We will be working with CONASPEH--the spiritual organization of 4800 protestant churches in Haiti that is working to raise up the voices of these faith communities and instigate change. Patrick has been asked to be a consultant to the seminary sponsored by CONASPEH and teach a little. His main job will be networking with the many church partners of CONASPEH, allowing them to be better connected and better heard. I've been asked to be a advisor to the nursing school, teach public health in the communities we visit, and work in the medical clinics sponsored by CONASPEH. We will need to learn Creole, and we have a lot of learning to do about the culture, but the challenge excites us.

We leave for Haiti on October 28th after our week-long missionary training. The last few months have been spent moving out of our apartment, selling most of our belongings, traveling to churches and visiting family. We are energized by the faces and letters of people pledging their love, prayers and support.

So thank you, thank you for your relationship. Patrick and I welcome you to the mission we all are embarking on together. We are honored to be your eyes and ears in Haiti, to represent your congregation there. Together we are opening ourselves to the transformation that Christ has instore for us, and we all pledge our lives to the service of people in desperate need.

We welcome e-mail and letters. We'll be sending out a quarterly newsletter, but also will keep a more frequent "log" of our experiences on our blog (see below). Warning: I tend describe things honestly, from my vantage point... and from whatever state of human emotion I find myself in. You are welcome to pass our e-mail or our blog to people you think might enjoy the interaction.

Blessings to you and your communities. We look forward to getting to know you all better and to forging a friendship over the next 4 years.

Sincerely,
Kim and Patrick

For postings on musings and events in our life, check out our blog at www.kimandpatrick.blogspot.com

Dare to be the change you wish to see in the world.

Regional Minister's Gratitude for Good Deeds

As the faithful have gathered, I have impressed by the good deeds that are being offered to God by Disciples. The church is full of generous giving people. At our most recent Women’s retreat, the offerings were plentiful. They brought gifts for everyone under the sun! Through your sharing with the Disciples Mission Fund, you are making ministry possible around the world. And whenever disaster hits, Disciples are there (I commend to you Church World Service and Week of Compassion as our vehicles of grace to the world in these moments.) I know of at least 2 of our members who are going to Texas to help rebuild lives as a result of Hurricane Ike. So, I have been impressed. I am reminded by watching us in action of the song we sing at camp and in worship. It is true that “they will know we are Christians by our love” yes “by our love.”

Love,
Thad

Dr. Bill Allen to Serve PA Region

From The Keystone Online, Pennsylvania Regional Online Newsletter:
Rev. Dr. William Allen called to be PA Region’s Interim Regional Minister
After a summer of prayer and interviewing, the Executive Committee is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. William Allen has been called to serve the Pennsylvania region as a full-time interim regional minister beginning on October 1. Rev. Allen served as the Regional Minister of West Virginia from 1988 until his retirement in 2007. He brings to the region not only his 19 years of experience as a Regional Minister, but also a deep walk with the Lord, strong Disciples roots, a collegial style of leadership, as well as pastoral and financial skills. Before serving as the regional minister in West Virginia, Rev. Allen was the pastor of Bethany Memorial Church in West Virginia from 1970-1988. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Bethany College, his Masters of Divinity at the Yale University Divinity School and his Doctor of Ministry at the Claremont School of Theology. Though he has been asked to come out of retirement, Rev. Allen is “a servant of the church” and is “excited about this new adventure” as the interim Regional Minister of Pennsylvania

Mission Partnership - WV Region and Haiti

At the recent Disciples Women's Spiritual Life Retreat, Regional Minister Thaddaeus B. Allen announced that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia has entered into a new mission partnership with Kimberly and Patrick Bentrott.

The announcement was made to coincide with the 2008-2009 study emphasis of Disciples Women, as the Bentrotts will begin service in Haiti in October (downloadable materials for the study are available at www.discipleswomen.org).

Kimberly and Patrick Bentrott have been appointed by the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ to serve a four-year term with the National Spiritual Council of Churches in Haiti (CONASPEH), beginning September 1, 2008. Kimberly will serve as advisor for health care and diaconal projects and programs. Patrick will serve as advisor for theological education and diaconal projects and programs.

Watch for more information from this new partnershp on this site, and arriving in your church offices soon, and please keep the Bentrotts in your prayers as they enter into ministry in this most distressed region of our world. Opportunities for you to visit Haiti will be made available later this fall.

Storm Response: from Church World Service

The following are excerpts from Church World Service Hotline, regarding the recent storms on the Texas Gulf Coast and also Haiti.

Texas Gulf Coast--(Updated 9/15) After leaving a wake of death and destruction across the Caribbean, Hurricane Ike crashed ashore at Galveston, Texas, on Sept. 13, battering southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana and bringing heavy rains and winds to a multi-state area. Some two million homes and businesses remain without power and at least 30 deaths have been attributed to the storm as it has moved northward, leaving a wide swath of flooding. In some coastal areas, officials estimate it may take up to a month to restore utilities.

Lura Cayton, CWS Emergency Response Liaison, is point person with local response organizations for CWS Texas and Louisiana efforts--from the provision of emergency supplies to long-term recovery training and recovery project development assistance. CWS’ Art Jackson is helping to assess needs in Texas.

Pre-positioned supplies. "In the last week and a half we have sent out huge amounts of material resources--blankets, Hygiene and Baby kits and Clean-up Buckets to both Louisiana and in recent days to Texas as they prepared for Ike," reports Donna Derr, CWS Director of Emergency Response.

Working in partnership. CWS works with local partners to ensure that people with the most limited means recover from disaster, and has a history of working with long-term recovery groups on the Gulf Coast. A CWS-Habitat for Humanity International grant helped families in Louisiana and Texas re-build following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

How to help. "These last two weeks we have seen an incredible number of urgent requests for kits and blankets. Our kit inventory is rapidly depleting and we anticipate many further requests over coming weeks," reports Derr. She urges groups to make CWS Kits and hold Blankets+ events--as well as support their local CROP Hunger Walk. "The CWS Kits are needed as soon as possible," she says.

Church World Service is appealing for CWS Kits and for donations to help purchase recovery supplies locally. Cash and CWS Kits, says Derr, are the best ways to help, both domestically and in the Caribbean.

Caribbean Hurricanes--"Since the passage of the hurricanes, our country is experiencing an economic and social catastrophe," says Polycarpe Joseph, Executive Secretary of long-time CWS partner in Haiti the Ecumenical Foundation for Peace and Justice. In Haiti, four storms have hit in recent weeks.

"People have lost everything from their homes and have had nothing to eat," Joseph continues. "It is a situation without precedent in our history. The hurricanes have aggravated the already precarious life of the population."

Joseph reports that there are more than 800,000 direct victims and more than 672 deaths. About 40% of the agricultural sector is destroyed.

"The people need food, clothing, medicines, plastic sheeting, wood, nails, cement."

CWS is responding by supporting long-term partners in the Caribbean. The initial CWS response includes providing a grant to Christian Center for Integrated Development in Haiti for immediate relief efforts.

CWS also plans to provide material assistance (blankets, hygiene kits, baby kits and medicine boxes) to our partner church in Cuba, Iglesia Bando Evangelica Gedeon. Read more about CWS response to needs in the Caribbean in the Newsroom at www.churchworldservice.org.

Hurricane Relief: from Week of Compassion

Relief Assessments Underway After Ike Batters SE Texas

Week of Compassion is grateful for the many inquiries by email and phone about the impact of Hurricane Ike and WOC's response. WOC is making contact with area ministers in the Southwest Region and with local pastors and congregational leaders. Because many of those pastors evacuated in the face of Ike and because cell and internet service has not yet been fully restored, communications remain a challenge. It will take several more days before we have adequate assessments from our churches. Preliminary reports do indicate damage to First CC, Texas City; First CC, Port Arthur;and Northwood CC, Beaumont. The city of Galveston bore the brunt of the storm, and there are two Disciples churches (Central and Second) on the island. Orange, TX took several feet of water and heavy winds as well, and we are waiting to hear from FCC there. First CC, Lake Charles, LA, reports that 50% of its membership may have water damage, and there are sure to be numerous other congregations with members affected. Of course, overall needs from Ike are staggering. Several million people remain without power, damage in the greater Houston area is extensive and the recovery will take years.

WOC is also in touch with regional offices in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan about the impact of rains and winds from both Ike and Tropical Storm Lowell, which swept in from the Pacific days earlier.

We do know that Ike's impact in the Caribbean, especially in Haiti, has been deadly and very destructive. Numerous Action by Churches Together members are responding across the region, and Church World Service has issued a major appeal to its member communions for a shipment of kits, blankets and other material aid to support church partners' recovery efforts. WOC is responding on behalf of the Disciples. WOC has also provided emergency grants directly to several local church partners for immediate assistance.

Altogether, WOC has provided just under $100,000 to congregations and church partners in response to Hurricanes Dolly, Fay, Gustav and Ike, and we anticipate requests over the next several weeks to exceed this amount significantly as assessments are received from congregations, Church World Service and local recovery partners.

Your help is needed. If you hear of Disciples congregations or members affected, please don't hesitate to contact WOC right away. With major power outages and disrupted phone and internet services, it is a challenge to be in touch with all our pastors.

Designated contributions for hurricane relief and recovery are urgently needed and will be used in their entirety as directed. Gifts can be sent to WOC, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN 46206 or made online at www.weekofcompassion.org.

Also, CWS has issued an urgent appeal to congregations of its member communions for hygiene kits, baby kits, clean up buckets and blankets. Click below for more information.

Because of the well-established mission station program developed after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, it may be possible for Disciples work groups to participate in debris removal and clean-up efforts relatively soon. Assessments are still being made with current mission stations in Lake Charles and Beaumont/Port Arthur about their capacity to receive groups. Also, additional mission stations may be established as assessments are completed. Contact the Office of Disciples Volunteering for information on times and places available and coordination of recovery efforts.

Week of Compassion will continue to provide information to the church via these Updates and on our website as we receive more information, along with details on responses we are supporting through our churches and recovery partners.

Thank you!

CWS Kits

Elders & Pastors Workshop Sept. 27 at Bethany College

“The Elder Becoming a Spiritual Leader in Your Church”
Sponsored by: Lexington Theological Seminary
Dr. Jerry Sumney, Workshop Leader

Pastors: Join Dr. William Turner of LTS in a discussion of a new satellite D.Min. program at the Bethany College campus from 1-3 p.m.

Download Workshop brochure (344 kb) or register online with credit card at www.lextheo.edu.

Clergy to Discuss Boundary Issues

The gathering of the College of Ministers, scheduled for Sept. 24 at New Martinsville, has had a content revision. The area of focus for the day will be boundary issues - a topic vital to our life together as church. The Commission on Ministry is urging all ministers to be present for the day, which will include lunch. The gathering begins at 10 a.m. Contact David Chafin to reserve.

Women's Event Great Success

About 170 women, and 4 fortunate men, attended the annual Spiritual Life Retreat at Cedar Lakes last weekend. Many joys and blessings were the result. Watch our Flickr site for posting of photos, coming soon. Meanwhile, here are a couple of samples.

Women's Retreat Begins - from the Regional Minister

This evening will mark the beginning of the 2008 Disciples Women Spiritual Life Retreat in this fine region of Christ's Church. I invite the church to be in prayer for this event.

We pray that this will be a time of renewal for those in attendance. We give thanks for the leadership of this holy convocation and commend them, also, to God.

We give thanks for the women of the church. They keep grace and mission before us.
Thaddaeus

Fund in Honor of Servant

At the July meeting of the Regional Board, of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia a new named fund was established. In honor of the late Reverend Margaret A.
"Marge" Green, the board established the Margaret A. Green Fund for Regional Ministry.

This is a fitting tribute to one who served the church. As a sign of integrity, one of the regions pastors charged the board members present to be the first to make contributions to the fund. To date $635.00 has been given in Marge's memory.

The fund will be rolled out initially at the Women's Retreat in early September. Contributions may be sent to the Christian Church in WV 1402 Washington Ave Parkersburg, WV 26101. The Christian Church Foundation will be the manager of the named fund.

New Regional Office Staff

This week two new members of your regional staff began their work with us. From now on when you call the office you will be greeted by Sandy Croft and Tom Lemon. Sandy will cover our phones and receive us between the hours of 8:30 and 12:30. Tom will handle duties from 12:30 to 4:30. Both of these persons bring a sense of joy to their work. I trust that you will find them a gift, and I look forward to you getting to know one another.

Welcome aboard Sandy and Tom!

Thaddaeus

Larry Grimes Presentation at International Conference

The following is an excerpt of Old Main Journal, an e-communication from the President's office at Bethany College. The Rev. Dr. Larry Grimes is pastor of our Beech Bottom Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a member of the Commission on Ministry in our region.

Dr. Grimes Presents at International Hemingway Conference

Dr. Larry Grimes, Perry E. and Aleece C. Gresham Chair in Humanities and Professor of English at Bethany College, has returned to campus after participating in the 13th Biennial International Hemingway Society Conference. The conference was held June 9-15 at the Marriott Country Club Plaza Hotel in Kansas City, Mo.

Dr. Grimes made two presentations — “Hemingway’s Afro-Cuban Novel: An Exercise in Multicultural Reading of The Old Man and the Sea” and “Close Reading in the Trenches or Entrenched Reading in the Closeness? Pleasures and Problems in Reading The Sun Also Rises.” He was also featured in roundtable discussions at several sessions and served as moderator for Session VII, “Teaching The Old Man and the Sea.”

Regional Minister's Point-of-View

As the faithful have gathered, I have been most impressed by the various ways in which Christians live out their vocations. Our calling is to live a life of service and devotion to and on behalf of God. In our baptism we are called to be Christ-like vessels of grace to the world. We all do this a bit differently, but it is through our everyday lives that we put flesh on the gospel.

Recently I have been thinking about the healers in our midst. Many Disciples fall into this category for me. Across our region, we have physicians, nurses, therapists of every kind, counselors, technicians, researchers and administrators who serve Christ and humanity through the providing of health care. This is a high and holy calling indeed. You have to be “built” for this life, and the grace and gifts of God must be present for the work to be effective. I have been privileged to have been cared for by health care providers who have a deep sense that they are living as God has called them to live.

In the midst of their work, they are vessels of grace, of the faith, and of God. This is a wonderful vocation, and praise be to God that healers have been placed in the world. It seems clear to me, that Jesus has enlisted these fine folk to aid him in the work of healing our bodies. This is a gift that we dare not take for granted.

Jennifer and I have a dear friend who is a massage therapist. She is quite good at it, and before she begins her healing work, she offers a quiet prayer for God’s presence in the act. She yields herself to God and is very much aware, it seems, that she is a conduit. This is a beautiful act of faith. Just prior to my wife being anesthetized a couple of years ago for an ankle reconstruction, I shared with the surgeon, who is also quite gifted at what he does, that I had said a prayer for him. He shared with me just how much that meant to him. He is a vessel that God uses to heal and to relieve pain, but seems keenly aware that God is the source of healing.

In sacred scripture there are plenty of examples of Jesus touching people and making them well. He does this because he loves us. Today, still, the touch of God comes to us as love. I give thanks for the healers in our midst. I give thanks for their vocations and for their participation with God in the healing and relief that God wants for us all.

I give thanks for you.

Love,
Thad

Bethany Church Has New Website

Bethany Memorial Church of Christ has a new site: www.bmcdisciples.org. Visit them soon as they grow their space online!

Regional News Online

The summer edition of the News is now available online and will be mailed soon to our congregations and families around the region. You can read it today at http://www.ccwv.org/docs/News-08-08.pdf . Beware - it's a large file (2.3 mb) and may take a long time to download on slower connections.

We hope you'll keep us posted with your congregations news. Send it along to info@wvdisciples.org and we'll get it to our editor, Jennifer Allen.

Regional Board to Meet

The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia will meet this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room (lower level) of First Christian Church, Parkersburg.

Minutes of the last meeting are online in pdf format: http://www.ccwv.org/docs/regboard3-08minutes.pdf

If you are a member of the board and have not contacted the Regional Office concerning your availability to attend, please do so today or tomorrow by calling 304-428-1681 or email dchafin@wvdisciples.org.

Silent Retreat Deadline Extended

Days of Silence, sponsored by Disciples Women of the region and open to all persons regardless of gender, is planned for Aug. 12-14. The cost for the event is $125, including meals and lodging. Registration deadline has been extended to Aug. 5, and reservations may be made by calling the Regional Office or emailing David Chafin.

Days of Silence: Aug. 12-14

Paul VI Pastoral Center in Wheeling will be the site of the 2008 Days of Silence, an annual time away for prayer and reflection sponsored by the WV Disciples Women for all persons, regardless of gender.

Cost for the retreat is $125, including meals and lodging. Reservations are needed by July 27. No forms are necessary. Reserve by calling the Regional Office (304)428-1681, or contact David Chafin. Don't miss this opportunity to be refreshed by God's Spirit in a quiet community of faith.

Disciples Women's Retreat: Sept. 5-7

Disciples Women of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia will sponsor their annual Spiritual Life Retreat on September 5-7 at Cedar Lakes Conference Center. Registrations are being accepted now, and your local church office should have forms available. If not, email Mary Uhl (muhl@wvdisciples.org), Coordinator of Women’s Ministries and one will be sent to you.

The keynote speaker for the weekend is Judy Bennett, pastor of the Island Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Wheeling. In addition to the program, the service project for the event encourages all participants to collect money for those in need of heating fuel around the world. Each group is asked to bring along one piece of split firewood for use at the dedication of the service project.

Numerous other learning and growing opportunities are offered at the Saturday interest groups. Child care is by prior arrangement only (contact Mary). Registration forms and funds should be submitted to the Regional Office by Aug. 1.

WV Disciples Men's Retreat: Sept. 19-21

Rev. Steven Smith, Pastor of United Disciples of Christ Church in Charleston, will serve as Facilitator of the annual WV Disciples Men’s Retreat at Cedar Lakes Conference Center near Ripley, WV. The theme of the event says it all: “Finding Where I Am (Rest, Renewal, Relationships).

Registration forms will be available in your church office by July 27, and those who register by Sept. 1 receive a $5 discount off the $25 registration fee. Registration fees are waived for all men age 30 and under. Lodging and meal rates will be the same as 2007 (a rarity in most of our lives), and there will be others from your area attending, so even carpooling will be possible.

As always, Harry Hunter has planned a golf outing for those able to come to Ripley by 10 a.m. on Friday. You can reach him for details and to reserve your tee-time at (304)855-3737.

Registration at Cedar Lakes begins at 3 p.m. on Friday and dinner is at 5 p.m. The retreat concludes at lunch on Sunday.

If you have questions about the event, please contact Joel Potts, Coordinator of Men’s Ministries at (304)455-1239, or the Regional Office at (304)428-1681. Hope to see you there!

From the Regional Minister: Rev. Marge Green Remembered

To the church in West Virgina and Christians everywhere:

At about 6:15 this evening (Sunday, June 29th) an honored minister of the church received the mercy of God. Marge Green died in the Camden Clark Memorial Hospital here in Parkersburg, the city that she has called home for over 20 years. She has been well cared for by the faithful during her sudden illness. She passed peacefully and with dignity.

Marge came to West Virginia to serve as an Associate Regional Minister. She impacted our Women's, Youth, and Missional ministries in many wonderful ways. Upon her retirement she decided to stay in WV, her adopted home, and continued to serve actively in the congregation and region. Most recently she enjoyed our assembly in Huntington. She also received a first hand report about Junior Camp from two campers just prior to her downward slide. This made her happy and I dare say a bit proud!

Her niece and sister are coming to town, and the Memorial Service will be on Wednesday, July 2, at 11:00 am. This will take place at the Parkersburg First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1400 Washington Ave, Parkersburg, WV.

This will call for a cancellation of the previusly scheduled "College of Ministers" gathering that was to happen in New Martinsville. All clergy are requested to come to Parkersburg instead, and are asked to bring vestments (white is the color for a memorial service - it is an Easter event!) for participation in the service procession.

Our church has been strengthened by the presence of Marge Green. She was and will continue to be a gift from God.

A lundheon celebration will follow the service.

My love to you all,
Thaddaeus

Louise Griswold Remembered

We have received word that Louise Griswold, widow of Rev. Walter Griswold, passed away on Monday, May 19. She was 94 and was a resident of Greystone Villages near Beckley. Her late husband served as pastor of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Beckley from 1962-1965.

A memorial service will be held in Beckley in June, probably the 29th but the date is yet to be confirmed. Her ashes will be sent, as were Walter's ashes, to Decatur, Ill (Walter's birthplace) and San Antonio, TX, (Louise's birthplace).

Condolensces may be sent to Louise's son:
Jed Griswold
143 Waumsett Ave.
Cumberland, RI 02864

Our sincere sympathies to all who remember and celebrate the life of this servant of God.

History Site Honors WV Woman

The following is from the Disciples of Christ Historical Society.

A Faithful Voice

She must have asked several times why God didn't make the world a little more just. Like when Yale Divinity School shut the door because she was a woman. Or when she lost a two-year-old to diphtheria on the mission field, then saw her marriage crumble after six years of faithful service overseas.

But Disciple missionary, social justice advocate, and educator Mae Yoho Ward (1900-1983) never gave up. And her deep, life-long sense of God's presence probably explains why.
Born to a West Virginia Disciple pastor two decades before women could vote, Ward studied at Bethany College, where she graduated in 1923. Going on to serve as director of religious education for the Christian Church in West Virginia and Ohio, she longed to follow in her father's footsteps and study at Yale Divinity School. When the Divinity School refused her admission because of gender, she instead entered a Yale graduate program in education.

After graduate school, Ward went to Argentina as a missionary with her husband Normal, whom she had met at Yale. But when the couple returned from Latin America to serve a church in Ohio, their marriage broke up. Having lost one child and now all alone with a young son, the Ivy League missionary and single mom worked any job she could, including cleaning hotel rooms and peddling biscuit samples in grocery stores. "It was a time of humiliation, hopelessness, and near poverty," her son later wrote.

In those dark days a miracle occurred, to borrow the son's term. Robert M. Hopkins (1878-1955), president of the United Christian Missionary Society, invited Ward in 1941 to serve as the organization's executive secretary for Latin America. She would later become chair of the UCMS World Mission Division – predecessor to today's Division of Overseas Ministries – and finally UCMS vice president, a post she held until retiring in 1967.

In addition to executive leadership, Ward also expressed her faith by speaking out on civil rights and farmworker justice. And retirement never seemed to stick. In 1969, the Board of Higher Education – now Higher Education Leadership Ministries (HELM) – called Ward back into service. Even after retiring a second time in 1976, Ward became a volunteer grounds keeper for Disciples headquarters in Indianapolis.

Despite obstacles in her life – a broken marriage at a time divorce was stigmatized, doors shut simply because she was a woman – Ward "continued to pursue what she understood to be God's call," says Scott Seay, assistant professor of the history of global Christianity at Christian Theological Seminary. He adds that Ward "understood that God calls and equips all people for ministry.”

T.J Liggett, former CTS president, believes that there was “no doubt that she held a very vital and strong sense of God's presence. But that sense was more than just a sentiment or a feeling. It was a fundamental, operational principle. ... In the midst of plans, budgets, boards, committees, Mae saw the presence and activity of God."During a long life spanning most of the 20th century, Mae Yoho Ward was an exemplary Disciple – persevering in hardship, committed to service, passionate about justice, and constant in prayer.

Written by: Ted Parks for the Disciples of Christ Historical Society

From the Regional Minister: Death of an Honored Pastor

The Reverend James Lowe passed away early this week. Jim is an honored and respected minister of the church. He held the title Minister Emeritus from our congregation in Grafton. He died in Beckley where services will be held. Viewing will take place on Thursday from 5-9, and the service of grateful memory will be held at 1:00 on Friday at the Rose & Quisenberry Funeral Home in Beckley. The Reverend Don Snyder will be the presiding minister. I will represent the region and offer our collective love to his family and our appreciation for a fine life of ministry. Also representing the region will be at his funeral will be the Regional Minister Emeritus and the Deputy Regional Minister.Thaddaeus B. AllenRegional Minister

Kevin Snow Honored

Release by Lexington Theological Seminary:

LEXINGTON, KY. Kevin Snow of Huntington, WV was among thosestudents receiving graduate theological degrees May 16 at LexingtonTheological Seminary. He earned a Master of Divinity degree.

He has been called to serve as Clergy Resident with CommunityChristian Church in Kansas City, MO. The residency is sponsored by LillyEndowment, Inc.

During the annual Seminary Awards Celebration on May 15, Snowwas awarded the Christian Board of Publication Award, The George V. MooreAward for Excellence in Field Education, and the R. Robert and Linda CueniAward for Excellence in Homiletics. In seminary, Snow served as associateminister of Oxford Christian Church, Oxford, KY. He was also a studentrepresentative to the Seminary¹s Master¹s Committee.

He is the son of Edgar and Holly Snow of Huntington and agraduate of Marshall University.

Lexington Theological Seminary is a graduate theologicalinstitution affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

General Church: Longtime Disciples Leaders Announce Plans To Step Aside

Disciples News Service:

(Indianapolis, Ind. – DNS – May 30, 2008) - Two longtime general ministry servants have announced their plans to step aside so that they can spend more time together.

Johnny Wray, director of Week of Compassion since 1992, and Deborrah Wray, a development officer with the Christian Church Foundation since 1992, will leave their positions at the end of 2008.

The couple wed in 2002, and desires to spend more time together in less travel-dominated fields.

“Johnny has done a tremendous job in connecting Disciples with the poor, the victims of war and natural disasters and those who have been oppressed,” said Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President. “He has been the face of Week of Compassion, and he has served the church well.”

During his tenure, Week of Compassion has become one of the church’s most well-known ministries, providing emergency funding and humanitarian aid through church partnerships around the globe, every day.

“The past decade and a half have been the most fulfilling and rewarding years of my life,” Johnny Wray told the Week of Compassion Committee. “But I believe now is the time for new leadership at the helm of WOC, and Deb and I look forward to returning to our place in Mississippi.”

John Richardson, chair of the Week of Compassion Committee, said: “We respect Johnny’s desire to spend a greater amount of time on his farm with family. People around the world have been blessed by Johnny’s ability to raise money and then ensure that it gets to those in need. His name will forever be linked to the Disciples of Christ ministries of disaster relief, political or economic crisis, and the ministries of self-help and development to lift the poorest people in the world out of poverty, hunger and injustice. He has connected the individuals in our local church pews to the needs of the whole world.”

His wife, Debbie, will leave the Foundation as the vice president serving donors and congregations in an area that stretches from Illinois to New York and into the Northeast.
“The church has been blessed by Debbie’s faithfulness, attentiveness and leadership,” said Gary Kidwell, Foundation president. “Her passion for the ministries of the church is unwavering, and her love for the church helped her play an important role in connecting Disciples donors with their passions.”

“This was not just a job for Debbie – this has been ministry.”

Kidwell said Darwin Collins, who had been announced to join the Foundation staff in the fall, will assume sole responsibility for the Great Lakes Zone after Debbie leaves. “We are grateful that there will be some significant time for the two people to overlap so that our services to donors and congregations in that area will be seamless,” Kidwell said.

The Office of General Minister and President, in consultation with the Week of Compassion Committee, will appoint a search committee to seek Johnny Wray’s replacement.

The Christian Church Foundation is a general ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) devoted to helping Disciples make a difference through planned gifts and permanent funds that undergird church ministries. To find out more about Christian Church Foundation, visit: www.disciples.org/ccf/. To learn more about Week of Compassion, go to: www.weekofcompassion.org

College of Ministers to Gather

The clergy, active and retired, of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia will gather as "The College of Ministers" at First Christian Church, New Martinsville on July 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Leadership at this first gathering will be by the Regional Minister, who will guide a discussion on Ministers and Finances.

Reservations for the day should be made by June 27 with Rev. David Chafin. Questions may also be directed to him.

Regional Board to Gather

The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia will gather at 10:30 a.m. on July 26, in the Community Room at First Christian Church, Parkersburg (lower level). Questions or reservations for the meeting should be directed to the Regional Office as soon as possible.

From the Regional Minister: An Ordination in the Church

To the Church in West Virginia and Western Maryland:

On Saturday, May 31, 2008, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, Kevin Matthew Snow will be ordained to the Christian Ministry. The solemn service will be held at the Vinson Memorial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Huntington, WV. Please hold Kevin and the whole Church of Jesus Christ in your prayers as the day approaches.

This is indeed an event of importance for us all. Kevin graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary last week. He serves the region as a youth mentor. He grew up in the Vinson congregation and has served on the staff of Madison Avenue.Attendance is appropriate; prayers are essential.

Love,Thaddaeus

Sarah Webb Honored at Bethany

From The Old Main Journal, the online newsletter from the Office of the President, Bethany College, earlier today:

Bethany Community Honors WebbSarah Webb, Pastor of Bethany Memorial Church and Chaplain of Bethany College, was the guest of honor at a luncheon in the private dining room at Benedum Commons following the morning worship service on Sunday, May 4. Webb recently announced that she was leaving Bethany, sparking the community and congregation to join forces in appreciation for her years of service.

President Miller and Dr. Patrick Sutherland were among a number of guests who came bearing gifts, presenting Rev. Webb with a Bethany College chair. The luncheon began with a procession of children from the church who placed lilacs in a glass vase from Oglebay that had been purchased for Rev. Webb by the congregation. ADOC (Active Disciples On Campus) gave her a flower arrangement and thanked her for her work with them. Rev. Webb also received a painting of the Bethany Memorial Church by Amy Van Horn, a framed poem by Judy Van Horn and a cash gift from the church.

Robert Myers, Moderator of the Church Board, offered remarks about the church’s lovely stained glass windows which bear the names of such historic Disciples as Alexander and Thomas Campbell, Barton W. Stone, W.R. Pendleton, Robert Richardson, W.H. Woolery, T.E. Cramblet, Dwight Stevenson and Cloyd Goodnight. Myers then delivered the luncheon’s crowning moment by announcing that one of the church’s stained glass windows will be restored and that Rev. Webb’s name will be added to the window.

More Assembly Videos Posted

Thanks again to Tim Graves and the folks at The Big Round Window (First Church, Wheeling), we now have a full set of videos available for your enjoyment on their website. Just go to http://www.bigroundwindow.com/videos.htm to see them all.

Logan Church to Celebrate Homecoming

According to "Webminister" Sheila Riddle of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Logan, the church will celebrate their summer Homecoming this June, and you are invited.

The schedule for the weekend is:
Saturday, June 21
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Registration in the Church Parlor (off Main Street entrance)...Refreshments &
Conversation in the Fellowship Hall
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.: Gospel Sing in the Sanctuary
6:00 p.m.: Catered Meal at Logan Grade School on Middelburg Island...Entertainment and Special Surprises
Sunday, June 22
9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m: Donuts & Coffee in the Fellowship Hall
10:00 a.m.-10:40 a.m.: Sunday School in the Parlor
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Worship Service in the Sanctuary...Dr. Nathan S. "Pete" Smith, a Timothy from our
church and retired Regional Minister from the Illinois-Wisconsin Region, will be our
presenter.
12:00 p.m.: Hot Dog Luncheon hosted by the Discples Women

You can read more on the church's website: http://www.orgsites.com/wv/fccoflogan/_pgg3.php3

Church Responds to Myanmar Disaster

From Week of Compassion:

Death Toll Swells in Myanmar

With the humanitarian tragedy in Myanmar (Burma) worsening by the hour following Saturday's devastating Cyclone Nargis, some officials, including Shari Villerosa, the top U.S. diplomat in the country, fear the death toll may exceed 100,000. At least one million people have been left homeless. Massive destruction, destroyed transportation and communications infrastructure, and initial intransigence from the ruling regime have hampered initial relief responses. However, yesterday the UN and India were able to dispatch relief supplies by air.

Church aid organizations are urgently putting relief operations in place. Tomorrow Marvin Parvez, Acting Asia/Pacific Regional Coordinator for Church World Service, will arrive in Myanmar to coordinate CWS' response. CWS and other Action by Churches Together (ACT) members, including Christian Aid of the UK, Norwegian Church Aid, Danchurchaid and others, have active local partner networks in the country. Parvez noted that "in global disaster response work, local partners know best where assistance is needed and always have more effective response networks."

CWS' initial appeal of $50,000 was surpassed in one day (including a $6000 grant from Week of Compassion/Disciples), and the appeal will soon be expanded significantly to address the enormous scope of relief aid that is needed for survivors. Parvez said "CWS' initial response is focused on food and then shelter. Water purification tablets, plastic sheeting, basic medical kits, bed nets and other basic relief items are urgently needed."

Week of Compassion has now provided two emergency grants - one for $6000 to the initial CWS appeal and one for $5000 to the Southern Asia Office of Global Ministries - to support the response of the Myanmar Council of Churches. WOC is anticipating a very large appeal from CWS/ACT within the next week and will rely greatly upon designated gifts from our congregations, members and friends to help ensure a strong response from Disciples.

Online gifts may be made by clicking on the link below or sent to WOC, attn: Elaine Cleveland, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, IN. 46206. WOC will continue to provide information on the unfolding situation in Myanmar as well as the developing responses of our church partners on the ground.
Make an online donation

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And from Global Ministries:

Myanmar Struck by Tropical Cyclone Nargis
Thousands of people have been killed or are missing in Burma as Tropical Cyclone Nargis pushed ashore over the weekend. The General Secretary of the Myanmar Council of Churches, Global Ministries partner, reports communication abilities throughout Burma have been compromised. Immediate relief operations are underway through Church World Service with a comprehensive assessment on-going. Global Ministries Southern Asia Office and the CWS Asia Regional Office are in direct contact with the Myanmar Council of Churches. An immediate grant of $5,000 from the UCC One Great Hour of Sharing/International Emergency fund is being wired. Week of Compassion has sent an initial grant of $6000 from the Response Fund to support the CWS appeal and will be providing additional funds as soon as the appeal is revised.

To read about what you can do to respond to this tragedy, click here: Respond to Myanmar Tragedy
To learn more about Global Ministries involvement in Myanmar, click here: Myanmar

Church World Service Hotline: Myanmar Cyclone and More

Our ecumenical outreach through Church World Service regularly posts updates of top concern. This one arrived today. You can check links to be added to their email list to stay up on where the worlds greatest needs may be.

Church World Service Hotline for the week of May 5, 2008, updated May 6 – available in Spanish (linea de noticias) and in podcasts in English and Spanish at www.churchworldservice.org.
- Cyclone hits Myanmar (Burma)
- Global food crisis threatens millions
- Vulnerable families in Pakistan empowering themselves and their communities
- Tornadoes strike parts of south-central and eastern U.S.
- CWS Emergency Clean-up Buckets and Baby Kits needed
- New homes dedicated in Mississippi
- Check out alternative gifts for Mother’s Day

Myanmar--Officials in Myanmar are reporting that more than 22,000 people have been killed by Tropical Cyclone Nargis, which hit the country’s heartland on Saturday (5/3). State radio has reported that another 41,000 people are missing, and as many as one million may be homeless. Three-quarters of the structures in the Irrawaddy Delta region were reportedly damaged by fierce winds, rain, and storm surge. In the storm's aftermath, prices on food, fuel, and building supplies have shot up 300 percent. The Myanmar Council of Churches reports that communications throughout Burma have been compromised.

CWS is initially providing emergency relief assistance, particularly food packages and shelter materials and anticipates the provision of long-term assistance through several of its partners, among them, the Myanmar Council of Churches. CWS Asia-Pacific Regional Office is coordinating assessment activities that will shape a long-term response. Contributions to support emergency efforts are urgently needed.

Global food crisis--Millions of people across the globe face malnutrition because of rising food prices. In some countries, hunger and starvation are looming threats. The Reuters news agency estimates basic food prices have gone up anywhere from 45 to 80 percent. Hunger kills an estimated 10 million people every year, and as food becomes more expensive even those who were once marginally secure in their ability to find food are in danger of slipping into hunger and malnutrition.

For more on this issue and how Church World Service is helping families to gain food security, visit www.churchworldservice. A fact sheet on the Global Food Crisis is also available for download.

Pakistan--Some 750 rural women in Mirpurkhas, in lower Sindh province, are gaining basic math and literacy skills, becoming aware of social issues, and learning to garden with the help of Church World Service and partner The Lower Sindh Rural Development Association (LSRDA).

The women, who are organized into 25 self-help groups, are developing food- and income-generating strategies. They have received goats, micro-loans to start their own businesses, and assistance in marketing their surplus produce. After a year of participation in the project, the women return the value of the goat to their group and another family is chosen to receive a goat and take part in the program. The LSRDA provides continuing business services to these first-time entrepreneurs through product quality control and linkage to the local market.

Among the program's signs of success thus far: 150 well-established savings and credit groups in different villages in lower Sindh, an increase in income and savings levels for the participating villages, more goats and other livestock being raised by families, and increased literacy for women. And savings, income, livestock, and literacy are tools that help families feed themselves now and into the future.

U.S. tornadoes--On May 2, tornadoes and high winds tore through parts of the nation's mid-section. Hardest hit was Arkansas, where seven people were killed. Parts of eastern Texas, Missouri, and Illinois were also affected.
Earlier, severe weather systems during the last week of April caused damage across Texas and Virginia. The strongest of these hit the city of Suffolk. More than 120 buildings were damaged.
CWS Emergency Response Specialists are participating in damage assessments. CWS is ready to provide material resources, training, and project development support to help meet needs that arise from these storms.

CWS Kits--CWS is asking congregations and groups to help replenish the supply of CWS Emergency Clean-up Buckets and Baby Kits for distribution to domestic and international partners. Most recently, Church World Service has provided Emergency Clean-up Buckets to partners in Missouri and Arkansas for clean-up following storms and floods there. And, CWS Baby Kits are being distributed to vulnerable families in Kenya, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
For more information on the Kits and how your group can help, visit www.churchworldservice.org/kits.

Mississippi--On May 2, 22 new homes built to replace those destroyed by Hurricane Katrina were dedicated in West Gulfport. Sixteen of the homes were made possible in part with grants through collaboration between Church World Service and Habitat for Humanity International. Some 500 houses have been repaired or rebuilt through the joint CWS/Habitat collaboration that began in April 2006, following the 2005 devastation by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The goal by the end of this spring is 645 homes.

Mother’s Day--Looking for a unique Mother’s Day gift? Take a look at the Church World Service Best Gift catalog at www.churchworldservice.org and surprise the special people in your life with "gifts" that bring help and hope to families in need.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the life-sustaining work of Church World Service. Contributions may be sent through your church or directly to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515. Credit card contributions may be made by calling 1-800-297-1516 or at www.churchworldservice.org.
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CWS Hotline sends weekly email updates on Church World Service Emergency Response and program work.
CWS Website: http://www.churchworldservice.org