http://michigandisciples.org/ en kingeryclingenpeel@gmail.com Copyright 2012 2012-05-15T17:39:52+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/success_stories/post/serendipityOur congregation is a very traditional group by design.  Over the past eleven years of my ministry, we have seen a low attendance of 17 to much higher groups.  In the past few years, we have had baptisms each Easter, giving us an added source of joy.  Just recently, due to a few visitors, instead of an attendance of 17, we had an attendance of 63. My wife. Laura Clingenpeel, is the chairperson of the Elders and is doing a great job of organizing our small body of leaders into an effective force in the community.  We currently serve several local mission projects, take communion to the shut-in folks. Please come visit with us at 10:30 on any Sunday morning.  We have a fine traditional worship service. 2012-05-16T21:51:30+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/2012_regional_assembly_roundup The 2012 Michigan Regional Assembly, held May 12 at First Christian Church, Lansing, installed our new regional minister, Eugene W. James, Jr., bid farewell to moderator Nancy Zerban and co-transitional regional minister Maggie Mills, received reports from regional commissions, approved new two year priorities and elected a new regional board.    Regional priorities approved                Voting representatives attending the assembly gave unanimous approval to four 2012-14 Regional Priorities: ·         Refresh, Renew, Revitalize, Transform our congregations: actively strengthening our leadership through the commissions of the region and Regional Elders. ·         Resource congregations and pastors for Conflict Management. ·         Endeavor to build unity while understanding and respecting our diversity. ·         Resourcing congregations to be missional. Moderator Zerban explained that the next step will be for each commission and the regional  board to now… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-05-15T18:14:15+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/timothy_james_installs_brother_eugne_to_michigan_regional_ministry The 2012 Michigan Regional Assembly on May 12 culminated with the installation of Eugene W. James, Jr. as our new Regional Minister. “I now enter into a solemn convenant with God and the Michigan Region which has called me as its pastor,” James said to the gathered regional representatives. “I promise to proclaim the gospel faithfully and to perform the compassionate office of pastor of the people of God to the extent of my ability and as God gives me strength,” he added. The installation service took on special meaning for the James family with Eugene’s brother, Timothy James, Associate General Minister and Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), installing Eugene to the ministry of the region. In a light moment as Timothy began the installation, “Eugene W. James, Jr.,” he paused and with a wide grin, ad-libbed, “and… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-05-15T17:39:52+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/success_stories/post/islamic_conversationsIn seeking to live out our ecumenical vision as Disciples, Central Woodward Christian Church has attempted to push those boundaries even further by engaging in a series of conversations with our Muslim friends.   In November 2011, CWCC hosted a series of four educational sessions that were led by Saeed Khan, Lecturer in Near Eastern Studies at Wayne State University in Detroit.  Saeed is a highly regarded speaker, appearing on the BBC and NPR radio programs.  He has also team-taught a course on Christian-Muslim relations at Rochester College, a Church of Christ school in Rochester, MI. These sessions were not only highly informational, but they were well attended sessions, drawing from both the congregation and the community.   Following up on this series, CWCC has hosted a series of four monthly conversations that were held at a local Panera.  These sessions have given participants the opportunity… 2012-05-14T20:19:19+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/garlic_mustard_field_day_work_party It’s a Field Day – Saturday May 19, 9 am to 4 pm.... and it’s a Work Party on the grounds of the Disciples Crystal Conference Center on Crystal Lake near Frankfort. Here’s your first chance to breathe in the freshness of Crystal Lake, grasp the visual beauty of Crystal Conference Center … AND … help us get rid of that pesky Garlic Mustard in anticipation of lots of campers this summer. We’ll gather at Oaks Lodge to launch our annual season of Garlic Mustard pulling. Enjoy a brisk tramp in the woods, surrounded by the beauty of birdsong and spring wildflower blooms at their peak. We’ll provide educational resources and water supplies. Overnight accommodations are available. Please call the Disciples Regional Office for overnight needs, 517-372-3220.. A second Garlic Mustard Pull is set for Sunday Afternoon, May 27… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-05-02T22:29:22+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/register_online_for_may_12_regional_assembly Sorry online registration is now CLOSED. Registrations will be accepted at the church Saturday morning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Registration for the May 12, 2012 Michigan Disciples Regional Assembly has become simpler with online registration available at your convenience between now and May 8. Click on the box below to register online now. Registration of $20.00 includes lunch. Regional Assembly will feature the former president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Overseas Ministries and will install our new Regional Minister, Eugene W. James, Jr., as well as report on the ministries of the region over the past year. Regional Assembly this year is being hosted by First Christian Church, 1001 Chester Road, Lansing with registration beginning at 9:30 am and opening session at 10:00 am. The Rev. Dr. David Vargas, Indianapolis, Indiana, former president of the Division of Overseas Ministries… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-05-02T03:11:10+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/michigan_disciples_select_eugene_james_as_regional_minister In a specially called Regional Assembly, April 28, Michigan Disciples of Christ representatives approved by vote the call of Eugene W. James, Jr. as its next Regional Minister. James will be installed on May 12 in Lansing during the annual Regional Assembly. “Having been called to serve as Regional Minister for the Michigan Region is a miraculous move of God and, in retrospect, a duty for which He has been preparing me during the past thirty years of service to the region and the wider church,” said James in response to the call. The new leader has served Northwestern Christian Church, Detroit, as a bi-vocational pastor for the past twelve years. He currently is serving also as the Co-Transitional Regional Minister, along with Maggie Mills. The new regional minister is a life-long member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), one of four ministers,… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-05-02T03:05:29+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/gospel_in_action_to_weatherize_homes Michigan Disiciples are invited to be part of regional work projects by joining in the upcoming “The Gospel in Action” work program from 8:30 am Saturday May 26 through 3:00 pm Monday May 28. In that short time we look forward to help weatherize 25-50 families homes in the Detroit area. All ages are welcome to participate. Work days begin with breakfast and devotions at 7:30 am followed by seven to eight hours at the worksites, including lunch break. Three meals are included in the registration cost of $100, as well as lodging building matierials and a T-shirt. One day registration is available for $35. Early arrival is possible on Friday evening with overnight lodging at Northwestern Christian Church, 13650 Ilene, Detroit. Contact the regional office or Eugene James for further information and to register. congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-04-27T03:10:48+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/make_reservations_now_for_bethany_centennial_banquet May 11 is the deadline for making your reservations to attend the May 19 banquet celebrating Bethany Christian Church's 100th anniversary. Purchase your tickets by sending a check to Bethany Christian Church in care of Debby McGinnis.  Adults are $35.00 each Children 5-12 are $15.00. The 6:00 pm banquet is at the Barrister House Banquet Center, 21801 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores MI 48080. Centennial celebrations will continue at 11:00 am Sunday with worship at the church, 5901 Cadieux Rd., with former long time minister and guest preacher, Dwight Messenger, bringing the message. Former and present choir members will be singing two special choral numbers as well. A fellowhship reception is planned to follow the service. June Lane has also shared that "our actual 'birthday" is May 16, 2012.'  We will celebrate that day with a birthday party at… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-04-20T21:46:07+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/womens_ministry_retreat1 Ladies, let’s take time to relax and allow God to transform us by the renewing of our minds…Romans 12:2 at the 2012 Women’s Retreat at Crystal Conference Center praying, sharing, singing, planning, creating, eating, playing, caring…all in His name Jesus!!! See You There Registration form attached.  Register today! Cost:  $95. ($120. after June 4)   Theme: Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together   Keynote Speaker: LaVerne Thorpe, Vice-President of International Women's Ministries of the Christian Church (Discples of Christ). Now living in Mesa Arizona, LaVerne is the lead person for Women's Ministries in learning about and educating others on our Social Emphasis Issue of "human trafficking." She is co-chair of the Arizona Regional Global Mission Team, and at First Christian Mesa, is an elder, adult teacher… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-04-18T19:21:02+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/no_costs_to_attend_special_regional_assembly_april_28 There is no registration fee for the Special Regional Assembly, April 28, 11 am at First Christian Church, 1001 Chester Road, Lansing, but the regional office needs you to let them know by April 26 who will be participating from your congregation. Send your email with the list of participants to Beverly Peeler at ccmr@michigandisciples.org. It is important for you and your congregation's voting representatives to attend this session to help us determine the future leadership for Michigan Disciples. At this Special Assembly we will receive the Regional Minister Search Committee presentation of Eugene W. James, Jr. as our next Regional Minister. If approved by voting representatives in attendance, Eugene will be installed as part of the regularly scheduled Regional Assembly, May 12… --, 2012-04-14T20:03:50+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/time_capsule_commemmorates_memorial_christian_past "Amid the construction at Memorial Christian Church, located on the corner of Tappan and Hill Streets, members of [the congregation] at its former [location] and of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity essentially heard its walls speak when a time capsule embedded in the building’s cornerstone from 1914 was opened yesterday as part of a decommissioning service at the church." So wrote Jeannette Hinkle in a news article appearing in the Michigan Daily, April 12, 2012. You can read the full story at www.michigandaily.com/news/time-capsule-opening-christian-memorial-church-future-site-sigep. Hinkle reported that "among the contents of the dented copper box were a Bible, a map of Ann Arbor, a history of the church with names of members and officers and an American flag with only 48 stars... “'The stones were numbered,' said Rosalie Karunas, a 1963 University alum who has been a member of ... Memorial Christian Church since attending the… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-04-14T19:20:47+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/success_stories/post/bethany_christian_100th_updateThe theme for the 100th anniversary celebration at Bethan Christian Church is “The Past, The Present and The Future.” The celebration will start with a birthday party for Bethany at the Senior Day Out Lunch on May 16, 2012 at 12:30 pm.  On Saturday, May 19 at 5:00 P.M. we will have  a sit-down dinner at the Barrister House in St Clair Shores. A specialWorship is being planned for Sunday morning.     Tickets for the Celebration dinner are $35.00 for adults and $15.00 for children 5-12. 2012-04-13T20:42:20+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/success_stories/post/memorial_christian_resumes_services_at_hillside_terraceMemorial Christian  has resumed its ministry to Hillside Terrace Retirement Residence, by leading the chapel services on the fourth Sunday each month.   2012-04-13T20:37:20+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/success_stories/post/ferndale_sunday_evening_servicesFerndale Christian Church has evening services on Sunday –6:30 p.m. Hymns and Prayer and a Teaching by a member of our congregation. All are welcome. 2012-04-13T20:35:11+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/success_stories/post/full_gospel_provides_food_to_communityFull Gospel Christian Church, in partnership with the Gleaner's Food Bank is providing free food for those in need every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, 10a - 2p. Registration is required. Please bring proof of residence and family size. Call 1-248-840-3443 for more information. 2012-04-13T20:32:39+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/cornwall_publishes_faith_in_the_public_square Central Woodward Christian Church, Troy, senior minister Dr. Robert D. Cornwall has just released his latest book, “Faith in the Public Square.”  This 182 page release contains 55 essays that address current issues in government and the role that people of various faith traditions can play. “Faith in the Public Square is a must-read for anyone and everyone concerned about the continuing role of religion in public life,” said Ken Brooker Langston, Director of the Disciples Justice Action Network.” Cautioning against both a religiously naked public square and public space dominated by a particular religion, the insightful essays in this important book invite readers to carefully reflect upon and then publicly act upon their faith--and to do so with authenticity, humility and effectiveness in an increasingly pluralistic society. Pastor Bob has been senior minister at Central Woodward Christian Church since 2008. … 2012-04-03T02:59:07+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/eugene_w._james_jr_candidate_for_regional_minister Eugene W. James, Jr., current Transitional Co-Regional Minister and pastor of Northwestern Christian Church in Detroit, has been selected by the eight member regional search committee to become our next Michigan Disciples regional minister, subject to approval at a specially called Regional Assembly, April 28, 11 a.m. at First Christian Church, Lansing. Eugene was born in Mound Bayou, Mississippi, grew up in Tulsa, OK and Roanoke, VA as one of seven children of a second generation Disciples minister. Eugene and two brothers currently serve as ministers in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The Regional Search Committee, in their “About the Candidate” description said of James, “He sees those early years as the foundation for his spiritual formation and inspiration for his ministry. Like many clergy, he denied the call to 'ordained' ministry for several years. Although serving in ministry in various ways prior… --, 2012-03-31T21:16:12+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/clergy_retreat_april_15-17_in_clarkston Celebrating what we have in common is the theme.  Dr. Ron Allen is the guest speaker for the event.  If you are interested in attending but haven’t yet registered, contact the regional office. We need an accurate count of those planning to attend so please let us hear from you as soon as possible.  If cost of registration is a problem, do call us - we have a limited number of scholarships available.  Interested?? Contact the Regional Office, ccmr@michigandisciples.org, 517-372-3220. See brochure for more details.   --, 2012-03-31T21:10:16+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/higher_level_leadershp_conference_may_11-12 Serenity Christian Church, Hazel Park, will host one of Metro Detroit’s “most dynamic leadership conferences of 2012” at the church May 11 and 12. Early registrations are being received now online at $25 per person, saving you $10 if you act by May 4. Rev. Dr Cynthia Hale, dynamic preacher and teacher from Ray of Hope Christian Church in Decatur, Georgia, is one of three keynote speakers. Bishop Edgar Vann, pastor of Second Ebenezer Church, Detroit, and Dr John McLean, president of Manthano Christian College, will also inspire participants. The theme of the Higher Level Leadership Conference is “20/20 Vision for a 2012 Church.” Hosts of the conference are Apostle John C. and Reverend Sandy Harvey and the congregation of Serenity Christian Church, www.serenitychristianchurch.org, 248-547-2121. congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-03-31T20:59:11+00:00