Disciples History Posting: National City C. C.

Our Capital Witness

The lady in the big hat down front wasn't just any lady. She was the First Lady. And that was true in more ways than one, because her name was Lady Bird. The man sitting in the pew next to her happened to be president of the United States. And, Lyndon Baines Johnson was also a Disciple.

Alexander Campbell (yes, that Alexander Campbell) said that Disciples should have a prominent presence in the nation's capital. He didn't live to see President Johnson and family sitting in the church he envisioned. In fact, when Disciples preacher turned U.S. president James Garfield occupied the White House, he worshipped at was affectionately (sort of) called "the shanty." Let's just say the Disciples meeting house in Washington, D.C., at the end of the nineteenth century wasn't exactly grand.

But, the good news is that Campbell's dream was ultimately fulfilled. In 1930 thousands of people crowded into Thomas Circle in the northwest section of the capital city to help dedicate the congregation that would give a national voice to Disciples. Individuals and congregations from all across the United States sent in dimes and nickels and dollar bills to help create this great church, the one that would form, in a sense, the national cathedral of Disciples. National City Christian Church stands today as a bold statement of Disciples' commitment to tell the whole world, even people of power and influence, the story of how an encounter with Jesus Christ is powerfully life-changing.

While the congregation is now witnessing into a second century, and has a glorious story to tell of its history, it is possible that these are its most exciting days yet, with Dr. Stephen Gentle serving as Senior Minister. "He is, perhaps, the best thing to ever happen to National City," says Duane Cummins, chair of the National City Christian Church Foundation. "The vision he has for a national Disciples witness is inspiring. Dr. Gentle and his church deserve all of our prayers and support."

Interestingly, the church was formed in connection with a foundation, so that the future of our witness there would be secure. Learn more by visiting www.nationalcitycc.org. Of course, you're also welcome to worship at your national church anytime you're in the capital - and you don't even have to be a president.

By Glenn Thomas Carson

PresidentDisciples of Christ Historical Society
To learn more about your faith story,

please visit the Disciples ofChrist Historical Society's web site at: www.discipleshistory.org

Regional Newsletter - Now Online for March-May

The WV News is available on our website (the link is small and on the lower left side of the homepage). You can right-click to save or left-click to view this 3.4mb pdf file (be patient, it is large). You'll need Adobe Reader to view it. See the file here.

From the Regional Minister: Easter Sunday

Dearest Church -

A most happy and holy Easter to you and yours. This is the day that defines us as a peculiar people. Today with Christians around the world (and with WV Disciples who are in various places across our globe) we proclaim with joy that "Christ is Risen!"

Risen people rejoice in the love of God and be at peace.

Your Regional Minister
+ Thaddaeus

From the Regional Minister: Good Friday

To our Church in this place-

Today is Good Friday. Christians around the world and around our region take solemn and reverent pause to remember the gift of Jesus Christ this day. This is a somber day.
Liturgically the color red may be employed as we signify the blood of the martyr. For some tears will be employed as the passion narrative is read and relived. And, yet, this is a good day.

One of my daughters asked "why is it called good if this is the day of Jesus' death?" A caring and careful question, I thought. It is good for the world, because on Good Friday Jesus came and dealt with the things that separate us from God, from him. This is a solemn day, a day for holy reverence, and yet a day that the Church declares with a mighty faithfulness that it is a very good day.

Let us honor God today. Take pause, give thanks, and join with the church in proclaiming gospel, which always means 'good news.' And..... let us keep asking caring and careful questions.

In the reality and light of this day, please know that I love you.

Your Regional Minister,
+ Thaddaeus

From the Regional Minister: Maundy Thursday

Blessings on this most holy day, Maundy Thursday.

As the faithful will gather over the next three days (the Triduum, the three great days that celebrate the saving work of our Lord) know that we are together. Tonight many will gather for Maundy Service celebrations. For many this is a most memorable and important service in one's journey with Christ. Tonight in our region there will be services of shadows (tenebrae), perhaps footwashing services, and services that mark the institution of the Lord's Supper. Tonight many will hear from John 13:34 where we are give a 'new commandment'. This is a special time in the life of the whole church and the whole world.

I pray that it will be a special time in your own life as well.

May God bless us as we gather together, always together, on this holy day of Maundy Thursday. And... let us always 'love one another' just as Jesus has loved us.

Your Regional Minister,
+ Thaddaeus

Regional Board Minutes now online

Minutes for the March meeting of the Regional Board are posted for your review. You may click here for the .pdf file (or right click and "save as" to view later on your computer). If another format is needed, email the webmaster.

Sessions '08 - Earlybird Deadlines Drawing Near

Men, it's not too late to get the early-bird discounts offered at the Sessions website. Take advantage of the $70 discount (or a flat $100 fee for men under thirty), if you sign up online with a credit card, or mail the downloadable form (.pdf file) before May 1. It's a great deal for a great time with men from around the nation in beautiful downtown Oklahoma City!

Be sure to let Joel Potts know that you're planning to attend, so we can connect ahead of time. We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Wheeling St. Baldrick's Day Update

Rev. Maggie Sebastian reports that the St. Baldrick's Day effort for the First Christian community raised over $4,000, and more funds specifically for Carlie Saunders - a child of the Clarksburg church who is battling acute lymphoma leukemia. Read more on their website.