You Are Changed

By the early 1830s in Kentucky the “Disciples” movement of Alexander Campbell had joined the “Christian” movement of Barton W. Stone. Perhaps no one felt that joining as poignantly as Jacob Creath, minister at South Elkhorn near Lexington.

Like many congregations in the region, South Elkhorn was associated with the Baptists. However, trouble was in the air because of some wanting to make the Philadelphia Confession (a paraphrase of the Westminster) a test of faith. For the emerging Disciples at South Elkhorn such a test would not do.

Reconciliation Camp

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As I write this letter, I am on a plane traveling from Reconciliation Camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to Sessions ’08 on the Oklahoma prairie. The young mom sitting beside me has a baby boy asleep in her arms. I am thinking of my strapping 6 foot son, now 22, whom I used to carry like that – and it doesn’t seem so very long ago.

Raising up children is just about the most important thing we do. In the church, we don’t raise our children alone.

SMALL TEXAS CHURCH REACHES OUT THROUGH 100,000-WATT RADIO STATION
First Christian Church in Paris, Texas, has decided to make a difference in its ministry by spreading the gospel to all who will listen to its weekly radio broadcast. The church of about 90 members is located in a rural area of northeast Texas but its services now reach thousands each week. Shut-ins, local residents, and travelers crossing the busy highways in the area are now able to dial into the 30-minute taped broadcasts that air over a powerful 100,000-watt FM station on Sunday mornings.

“We just felt like that was a way that we could do evangelism and also be a help to our shut-ins and older people, who sorely missed being able to come and hear a live service,” said Ronnie A. Nutt, an elder at First Christian in Paris. “Now they think they are a part of it just by tuning in and listening to the program right where they are.” The broadcast is sponsored by contributions from First Christian’s members. To find out more, see: www.disciples.org/dns/Releases2008/08068.html

In Love With Two Words

This Disciple leader loved both the U-word and the E-word.

Since their earliest days on the American frontier, Disciples have cherished unity – what we might call ‘the U-word.’ But evangelism – the E-word – hasn't stirred much excitement lately. For Disciple pastor, ecumenist, and evangelist Jesse M. Bader, the two concepts went hand in hand.

MISSION ALIGNMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL SEEKS CHURCH-WIDE INPUT
The Mission Alignment Coordinating Council (MACC) recently spent three days in prayer and discussion as it looked at ways to more faithfully organize our Church for mission in the 21st century. The group was created following the 2008 General Board, which approved the creation of the MACC in April, and asked General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins and Moderator Newell Williams to name a 12-member group that would develop a plan of mission alignment which addressed several key principles and outcomes.

WEEK OF COMPASSION RESPONDS TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CONCERNS
Week of Compassion (WOC) continues its record-breaking pace of assistance to those affected by natural or human disasters. It is responding to yet another round of severe weather in the American heartland. Tornadoes and flooding pounded the Midwest triggering evacuations and power outages in Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana. Central Indiana experienced some of its worse flooding in decades.

WOC also responded to tornado damage in Colorado and Kentucky, fires in Ohio, hurricane recovery efforts in Louisiana and community mission projects in California. It also assisted with recovery following flooding and landslides in Costa Rica last week. WOC is the relief, refugee, and development ministry fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It responds around the world around the year on behalf of congregations and individuals of the Church. To find out how to assist WOC, go to: www.weekofcompassion.org

NEW MISSION ALIGNMENT COORDINATING COUNCIL STARTS ITS WORK
The Church is asked to pray for the work of the Mission Alignment Coordinating Council (MACC) that is meeting in Indianapolis this week. The newly-formed council was created following the General Board’s approval in April of a Plan of Mission Alignment. That plan, which was presented to the board by General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins, contained seven principles aimed at helping the general church develop better, more effective ways to accomplish mission, while still listening for the voice of God.

COMMUNIQUE SUMMARIZES COVERAGE OF 2008 GENERAL BOARD
To read about the decisions and actions that took place at this year's board meeting, check out the latest online edition of Communique. The ’08 General Board met in Indianapolis from April 12-15. Among other things, the board approved a proposal from General Minister and President Sharon Watkins that provides a framework for a Plan of Mission Alignment and creates a council to design that plan. The board also heard updates about Disciples Mission Fund, 2009 General Assembly planning and affirmed a new Disciples’ Identity statement. To read about those items and other information from this year’s General Board, go to the on-line version of Communique by visiting: www.disciples.org/generalboard

It's Only A Token

If it were a Hollywood movie, the scene would be played out in slow-motion:

CUT TO: CLOSE UP OF YOUNG MAN IN ANGUISH

CUT TO: CLOSE UP OF RIGHT HAND HOLDING LITTLE SILVER TOKEN

CUT TO: EXTREME CLOSE UP OF TOKEN: SHOW IT FALL TO TABLE

It was a scene right out of tinsel town. But one that is very real in the memories of Disciples.

In 1807 Thomas Campbell had immigrated to America. He left his eldest son, Alexander, in charge of the rest of the family and all their belongings. Once Thomas was settled, the family was to follow the next year.