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TRANSCRIPT
Great River Region Newsletter May 13, 2016
9302 Geyer Springs Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209 (501) 562-6053, (501) 562-7089 fax
Email: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected] for Youth Department: [email protected] or [email protected]
Great River Region Website: http://www.grrdisciples.org Disciples of Christ Website: http://www.disciples.org
Rev. Dr. Nadine Burton Interim Executive Regional Minister
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress” (Psalm 46:10-11).
I would like for you to be in prayer for our office staff. Our building is flooded, so we are working with insurance adjustors and water restoration companies to get the situation resolved. Some of us are working from home, some traveling, and some checking in on things at the office. We will keep you up-to-date on the conditions.
Mission Gathering Dates: The Great River Region is moving full steam ahead with plans for Mission Gatherings this spring and summer. We have the following Gatherings confirmed: May 24 - 6:00pm @ Park Hill CC, N. Little Rock, AR – Linda White, Pastor June 25 - 11:00am @ First Christian Church Moss Point, MS - Lester Brooks, Pastor July 6 – 9:00am @ MCMC Convention Session with all Participants
Please RSVP to the Host Church if you are planning on attending.
We are still looking for volunteers to work with the Mission First Initiative. If you are interested in serving as a host church, please contact the Regional Office.
Mission First! Seeks to help Disciples identify the next mission priorities God has for us as we move toward the year 2020 and beyond. www.disciples.org Read About the Process What you can do now
Implementation Team has been hard at work testing and re-testing the model for Mission Gatherings. Some of the free resources readily available for download include:
Currents
Studies based on the Disciples of Christ identity statement
the Justice Primer and Devotion to Justice publications
REACH curriculum from Global Ministries
Support Your Regional Annual Fund Drive donations can be sent to:
Great River Region
9302 Geyer Springs Rd
Little Rock, AR 72209
SUMMARY of all GRR Info Gathering by Search Team
The summary of information gathered in the listening sessions held by the Regional Executive Minister Search Team during the month of November is available on the homepage of the GRR Website: www.grrdisciples.org
JOYS and PRAYER CONCERNS
By the grace of God, we cordially invite you to the ordination service of
Doctor Keith Alan Hearnsberger
to the Sacred Order of Christian Ministry in Christ’s one universal Church
Sunday, the twenty-second day of May, Two thousand sixteen,
at three o’clock in the afternoon
at First Christian Church Blytheville, Arkansas
600 W. Main St, 870-762-2448
Your prayers and presence are requested.
JOYS
First Christian Church in Conway has called a new Minister. Following the conclusion of an interim ministry in Kansas, Rev. Jim Robinson and his wife, Jo Lynn, will be moving back to Conway. Jim will begin serving June 5. Park Hill Christian Church in North Little Rock has called a new Senior Minister. Rev. Joe Hodges and his wife, Dee Onn, will be moving to North Little Rock from the Oklahoma City area. Joe is concluding an interim ministry and will begin duties on August 1. We extend a warm welcome to Jim and Jo Lynn and to Joe and Dee Onn.
Congratulations to all the Graduates! Have a safe and Blessed Summer.
PRAYER CONCERNS
Rev. Riceol Williams, Cephas Chapel Christian Church in Wrightsville, father, Manvel Williams, died on Tuesday. There will be a private, family only, service of remembrance on Saturday afternoon. Vivian Holbrook, a close and special cousin of Dr. Nadine Burton, passed away.
Rev. Orson Dean Burton, Jr., Nadine's brother, was discharged Saturday from the hospital in Georgia. Ben Maness, father of Rev. Donna Rountree, was hospitalized recently and is now home. Donna is going through an illness and has lost her voice. Harriet Warren, wife of Rev. Don Warren, had surgery yesterday and is at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff. Don recently reinjured his shoulder. Laura Kent, daughter of Rev. Linda White, was hospitalized recently and is back to work. Rev. Jessie Gray is mobile and active while recovering from a recent fall. Rev. Robert Brown was hospitalized last month and is home recovering. Rev. Carol Miles continues to recover from recent shoulder surgery. Nancy Jorgensen, wife of Rev. Joe Jorgensen, continues her fight against cancer. Patricia Palmer, wife of Rev. Robert Palmer, is back to activities following surgery in mid March. Rev. Holly Patton, health concerns. Kenneth Richardson, brother of Rev. Rita Richardson, is recovering at home from recent heart procedures. Rev. Jason Ferguson is recovering from a recent ankle injury. Rev. Marilou Coins’ friend, Peter Scott in the need of prayers. He has had a relapse and not doing very well.
One of our families at First Christian Church, Lake Charles, Louisiana lost everything in a fire yesterday.
Harry and Edna Louviere. To offer assistance click this link https://www.gofundme.com/22d7c42s
NEWS AND EVENTS
One River . . .
Many Connections
Disciples Women Retreats July 22-24 AR Retreat @ Subiaco in Subiaco ~ Keynote Ashley Sherard September 16-18 MS Retreat @ Eagle Ridge in Raymond ~ Keynote Nearline Anderson October 14-16 LA Retreat @ Wesley Center in Woodworth ~ Keynote Wendi Phillips Retreat T-SHIRTS will also be available ($15 for short sleeve or $20 for long sleeve)
The Pentecost Offering supports Disciples new church development. Planning, nurturing and sustaining new congregation is part of the Disciples’ vision. This offering supports the specialized ministry of new church development through both regional and general programs – with gifts for this offering divided between each. Fifty percent of gifts received by a region remain in that region, the balance supports the work of general, new church efforts.
To Give Online.
CONGREGATIONS IN TRANSITION
Congregations in Pastoral Search and Call:
FCC Blytheville, AR: assoc. pastor with potential to become senior pastor FCC Fort Smith, AR FCC Hammond, LA FCC Mountain Home, AR FCC Stuttgart, AR: part/full time pastor
(the Search and Call list is updated weekly and can only be sent to the Committee Chair)
YOUTH NEWS Alisha Gourley, Youth Coordinator
[email protected] or [email protected]
Youth Commission 2016 – 2017: Active Disciples Youth (Sophomore/Junior as of May 2015)
Youth Counselor in Training 2016: Active Disciples Youth Ages 16+ Young Adult Intern 2016 and Adult Camp Counselor 2016
These 4 Applications & Youth Camp Registrations are NOW DUE
2016 Youth Camp Schedule @ Camp Couchdale in Hot Springs, AR (All Applications can be found on www.grrdisciples.org under the Youth tab)
CYF Conference on June 12 – 17 Completed 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grade $375 or $400 after May 2nd
Discovery Camp on June 18 – 19 Completed K, 1st & 2nd Grade
$90 per attendee or $115 after May 2nd Parent/Grandparent/Guardian attendance requested per Camper
JYF Camp on June 19 – 22 Completed 3rd, 4th and 5th Grade
$210 or $235 after May 2nd
Chi Rho Camp on June 22 – 26 Completed 6th, 7th and 8th Grade $260 or $285 after May 2nd
Magnolia Camp & Conference 2016 @ Roosevelt State Park, Morton, MS JUNE 20th – 25th
Completed 3rd – 12th Grade $140.00 per person
THEME: 'Fearless Faith - Courage in Community' (Josie McClorine, Magnolia Camp Director)
Fall Fandango Chi Rho Retreat in October 2016 (more details by August 1st)
First Christian Church Bentonville, AR & Waterway. 807 SE 14th St. 479-273-2596. www.nwadisciples.org. Rev. Don Morrow, Pastor. 150th Church Anniversary Celebration. Join us for worship & lunch on Sunday, May 15! Sunday, May 15th will be a very special day in the life of our church. Join us in worship that morning at FCC & WW and a catered lunch at noon as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of First Christian Church of Bentonville! We’ll have pictures on display from the life of the church, as well as a brief video about our congregation’s history that we will show during lunch. If you would be willing to help out that day, we could use extra volunteers — just call the church office (273-2596) and let us know. But most importantly, we want you to be here to join in the celebration! See you May 15th!
First Christian Church Little Rock, AR. 1500 N. Mississippi. 501-225-5656. FCC Little Rock has some SONGBOOKS which includes about 25 Junior Song Books to give away. Contact Pat Wright at: [email protected].
First Christian Church Little Rock, AR. 1500 N Mississippi. 501-225-5656. www.fccoflr.org. Rev. Leon Gray, Interim Pastor.
FREE! ALL-CHURCH PICNIC Immediately Following Worship On Sunday, May 15, 2016 (Wear your picnic clothing!) MURRAY PARK—PAVILLION #7, NOON—TILL—???
CATERED BY CORKY’S: BBQ, FRIED FISH AND ALL THE TRIMMINGS! RSVP’S REQUIRED BY 5-11-16!! SIGN-UP SHEETS IN SS CLASSROOMS AND KENNER HALL
OR CALL CHURCH OFFICE (225-5656) CHURCH BUS WILL BE AVAILABLE BRING YOUR LAWN CHAIRS!!!!
Park Hill Christian Church in North Little Rock, AR. 4400 JFK Blvd. 501-753-1109.
Park Hill CC has a job opening for an Organist/Pianist. Qualifications:
The organist/pianist (hereinafter referred to as ORGANIST) is required to have at least one year’s experience as a church organist. The position requires an able musician
capable of playing both organ and piano at a high level of proficiency. Terms of Employment:
After consultation with the Stewardship Ministry, the annual salary for the organist will be recommended by the Personnel Relations Committee to the Official Board. This
position is established as a permanent part-time staff position with all rights and privileges as established in the Personnel Policy Manual. This position accrues paid annual leave and paid sick leave as set out in the manual. A signed contract is a part of the terms of
employment. A notice of termination of employment must be provided at least thirty (30) days in advance of termination.
For list of Responsibilities please contact the church office.
Disciples Men. GET REGISTERED TODAY! COME AND SEE – GOD IS CALLING! REGISTER HERE
Youth Scholarships worth $100.00 still available for those under 30. New Commuter Registration option available Registration Deadline is June 1, 2016 Register HERE
Wow! Sessions 2016 takes place in less than 3 months at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. We have a great line up of speakers: Todd Adams, Alvin Jackson, Newell Williams, Warren Carter, and Rita Nakashima Brock. Song leaders include Dean Phelps and John Malget.
The program starts with dinner at 6:00
pm, Friday, July 8 and ends after 8:30 am
worship on Sunday, July 10.
REGIONAL ELDERS
The ministry of our Regional Elders function much like congregational Elders with shepherding groups, offering pastoral support and friendship to all ministers and their families in the region, as well as support to the Executive Regional Minister. Regional Elders Home City & State Area of Support to Ministers Rev. Miles Cook Sherwood, AR Central Arkansas Rev. Sherry Horton Tupelo, MS Northeast MS Rev. Randy Jay Ft. Smith, AR Arkansas River Valley Rev. Susan Miller Hot Springs, AR Southwest Arkansas Rev. Russell Myers Jackson, MS Central Mississippi Rev. Ryan Pfeiffer Fayetteville, AR Northwest Arkansas Rev. Ann Pickett-Parker Moss Point, MS Southeast Mississippi Rev. Graham Riggs Shreveport, LA North Louisiana Rev. Glen Schory Metairie, LA South Louisiana & South MS Rev. Lucian Lee Camden, Arkansas Northeast Arkansas Rev. Ashley Sherard Lafayette, Louisiana Southwest Louisiana In Christ's service,
Rev. Miles Cook, Coordinator, Regional Elders, [email protected].
2016 National Annual Disciples Musicians Conference
Sunday, July 17 through Friday, July 22, 2016
Evansville University ~ Evansville, Indiana
The conference will begin on the July 17, 2016 with an opening
dinner and worship beginning at 6 p.m. Please plan to check in to
the dorm and get your registration packet prior to that. The
conference ends at noon on July 22, 2016.
Register Now!
Family and Children’s Ministries Disciples Home Mission – July 26-30
All Disciples and UCC youth, aged 13-18 (and their families, leaders, and ministers). NYE is a youth-centered event but seeks to serve all ages who are attending to support their youth. Join 4,000 or more Disciples and United Church of Christ youth from at least four continents at Walt
Disney World’s Coronado Springs Resort in July 2016! Register before May 27 at http://nye.uccpages.org. For pricing, speakers, schedules, meals & lodging: UCC NYE page
Juliette Fowler Communities. Four DOC members from the Great River Region CC (DOC) serve on the board of directors for Juliette Fowler Communities in Dallas. The 2016 board includes Pete Bratlie [Kings Highway CC], Linda V. Dame [Kings Highway CC], Fay Bright [First CC, Hammond] and Mike Wilson [First CC, Baton Rouge]. These
dedicated board members attend quarterly board meetings and serve on the finance, development and strategic planning committees. Under their leadership, Fowler has expanded their senior living apartments, opened new Memory Care residences, launched an innovative program for girls who age-out of foster care, and been named one of the best nursing and rehab centers in the country by US News and World Report. Juliette Fowler Communities has been member organization of the Christian Church (DOC) since 1903. If you are interested in learning more about how you can be involved, contact Cindy Wabner at 214.827.0813 or go to www.fowlercommunities.org.
We are honored to be teaming up with the Pension Fund (www.pensionfund.org) to lead a FULL DAY Workshop on Church Administration. EventBrite Registration Page Topics discussed could include:
Designated Funds, Bookkeeping Basics, Human Resources in the Church, Managing Volunteers Job Descriptions, Managing Staff, Benefit Basics - including retirement benefits, Clergy Financial Literacy, Church Communications. Rev. Mike Hunter, CCA & Rev. Micah James, CCA
NOTE: Great River Region Churches, be sure to email your News, Conventions, Church Anniversary, or Special Events to: [email protected]. Thank you. (Don’t forget to post the Currents Newsletter for your congregation to read!)
Also please send your updated Congregational Profile to the Regional Office.
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE!!! I want to take this time to introduce you to Jake Gold. Jake is the music director at FCC, Greater New Orleans, LA. He has agreed to be the music director for our upcoming Regional Assembly. I want to make sure he has all the pastors contact information, as he prepares to plan the music and worship for the Assembly. Please welcome him, and give him names of people in your congregations who want to sing in the combined choir, as well as those who play instruments, soloists, dancers, artists, etc. Let’s work with him to plan a wonderful assembly. His email address is [email protected]
