http://michigandisciples.org/ en web@michigandisciples.org Copyright 2011 2011-11-15T21:30:43+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/regional_board_to_receive_regional_minister_recommendation Included on the March 3 Regional Board meeting is a report from the Regional Minister Search and Call Committee to consider a candidate as the new regional minister. If approved, the board also will be asked to schedule a special session of the Regional Assembly, April 28, 10 a.m. to Noon, at First Christian Church, Lansing. The special assembly session will include action to extend a call to the candidate, with installation to take place at a later date, subject to approval at the assembly. The March Regional Board meeting also will consider regional ministry priorities for 2012-14, along with updates from the co-regional ministers, Maggie Mills and Eugene James, Jr. Commissions are expected to provide updates on their work and ongoing ministries as well. Nancy Zerban, Regional Moderator, will preside over the meeting set to begin at 10 AM, Saturday, March… congregations, ministers, 2012-02-22T21:07:21+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/become_a_disciples_peace_intern Experience a life-changing summer. The Disciples Peace Fellowship is recruiting applicants for the summer 2012 Peace Intern Program! Young adults 21 years or older are encouraged to consider this summer opportunity. Find out more and apply online at www.dpfweb.org. Applications are due March 2, 2012. For more information, contact Intern Coordinator, Phoebe Spier, at dpfintern@gmail.com. congregations, ministers, 2012-02-22T18:37:30+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/symposium_on_preaching_and_stewardship Dr. James Forbes, will be the featured preacher at the Disciples Symposium on Preaching and Stewardship in Indianapolis, June 12-14. Early-bird registration ends April 1.  Forbes, noted author, scholar and preacher, was voted one of the 12 most effective preachers in the English speaking world in 1996. He has twice been named by Ebony magazine as one of the US’s greatest Black preachers. He was homiletics professor for 13 years at Union Theological Seminary before becoming the first African American to serve the Riverside Church in New York City. The Center for Faith and Giving, sponsor of the symposium, also publishes a great resource for local churches. The January Newsletter “Speaking Generously” is now available.  Articles this month include “Is it too early to talk about stewardship”, “Thirty-Six questions you should be able to answer about money”, and “The offering… ministers, 2012-02-12T00:32:43+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/2012_crystal_camping_dates_are_set Three Intergenerational and five camps for kids and youth have been set. The magic of Crystal Conference Center is waiting for Michigan Disciples and friends. Brochures and registration forms are waiting for you to download at the crystalconferencecenter.org website. Download them now and share copies with all camper prospects and families in your congregation. You need to register BEFORE JUNE 1. Questions? Send email to Crystal@michigandisciples.org “Secrets of the Kingdom: The Parables of Jesus” is the theme for all camps this year. Campers will look to the Master Storyteller, Jesus, to discover six different parables and their meanings for their lives today. YOUTH CAMPS and dates are: Mini Camp (gr 1-3) August 5-7; Junior Camps (gr 4-6) June 17-22 or June 22-27; Chi Rho Camp (gr 7-9) July 8-14; CYF Camp (gr 10-12) June 24-30 INTERGENERATIONAL CAMPS include… congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-02-11T23:34:50+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/michigan_disciples_clergy_retreat "Celebrating What We Have In Common" is the theme. Keynoter is Ron Allen, prolific author, preacher and professor at Christian Theological Seminary. Add to it time with your Michigan clergy colleagues as well as two days of theological reflection. It all makes for the 2012 Michigan Disciples Clergy Retreat, April 15-17 at Colombiere Retreat Center, Clarkston, Michigan. You certainly will want to be a part of it. Time together includes four powerful presentations by Allen, entitled "Thinking Theologically: The Preacher as Theologian." Cost for retreat and single room overnight lodging: $155. Or $65 for commuters. Download and print the brochure for details. Click on green icon with arrow, below. REGISTER NOW, via our secure online registration process, or send in the brochure registration to the Regional Office.   ministers, 2012-02-07T23:02:42+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/regional_board_meeting_-_march_3 The next regional board meeting will be held Saturday, March 3 at 10 AM at the regional office, 2820 Covington Court, Lansing. Nancy Zerban, Regional Moderator, in a letter to churches today, reminded Michigan Disciples that while churches of the region are no longer individually represented on the board, they are welcome to attend board meetings. "Meetings are 'open' for anyone to attend, realizing you would have no vote," the moderator explained.  If you plan to attend the March board meeting you are asked to call or email the regional office so plans will include your presence. Nancy also asks that if there is something you would like us to discuss, please send the request to the regional office and it will be directed on to the appropriate person.   congregations, ministers, 2012-02-01T21:47:41+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/stewardship_event_at_central_woodward On February 25th Bruce Barkhauer, the Minister of Faith and Giving for the Disciples, and the preacher for the most recent East District Assembly, will be at Central Woodward for two related but separate seminars (with lunch in the middle). As you'll see from the attachments, the morning event is focused on stewardship education and is especially pertinent for church leadership.  The second session, in the afternoon, is focused on Personal Finance, which we all need to think about.  We're hoping this would be especially useful for young adults and young families. We would ask you to share with your faith communities.  We would appreciate RSVPs, especially for lunch. I look forward to seeing many of you on the 25th!! congregations, ministers, visitors, 2012-01-31T16:23:34+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/order_of_ministry Anyone considering the Order of Ministry within the Michigan Region must first contact the Commission on Ministry before enrolling in a degree program.  The Master of Divinity from an accredited theological school or seminary degree is considered standard.  Other programs will only be considered toward ordination if the Commission on Ministry has met with the candidate, consulted with the school of choice, and the candidate has developed a plan for completing study in all areas of competency which has been approved by the Commission. ministers, visitors, 2012-01-26T21:52:33+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/living_abundantly_-_workshop_on_personal_finance_the_christian_household Join us at Central Woodward Christian Church 1:00-2:30 pm for a conversation about personal finance that offers a practical and “hands on” approach to getting your own household in financial order. Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer, Minister for Faith and Giving for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will lead the discussion. The Bible praises good managers of resources – and understanding your personal finances can bring you peace in your family and relationships – while helping you to build the capacity to practice generosity the way you would if you could!  Participants will be given resources and strategies to improve their personal economic situation. This workshop is being offered at no cost to participants, though participants are invited to provide a donation to defray travel costs.  In addition, a light lunch of soup and sandwiches will be served before the workshop for a $5 donation.  Please RSVP for… congregations, ministers, 2012-01-12T19:34:01+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/speaking_generously_-_workshop_for_stewardship_leaders This seminar - 9am to Noon - for congregational stewardship leaders is being offered at no cost by Central Woodward Christian Church, Troy, MI with Rev. Bruce A. Barkhauer, Minister for Faith and Giving for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the presenter. It will offer a comprehensive look at both the Biblical/Theological themes and the “best practices” that combine to proclaim the abundance of God and create generous faith communities.  Persons attending this workshop will be equipped with texts that inform our faith around the multi-faceted issue of stewardship (it is about more than just money!) so that we move beyond giving that is motivated by guilt or a “give to get” theology.  Participants will also learn the key policy and practice issues that enable people to practice generosity and keep the congregation focused on its mission and ministry (rather than “meeting the budget” concerns). This workshop is… congregations, ministers, 2012-01-12T19:15:01+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/watkins_gopp_elected_to_ecumenical_organizations_boards The election of female Disciples leaders to the boards of two ecumenical organizations is a reflection of the changing face of ecumenism, says the Rev. Robert K. Welsh, president of the Council on Christian Unity, the denomination's ecumenical office. The Rev. Sharon E, Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), begins her term in Januaru as vice president on the governing boartd of the national Council of Churcjes, while Week of Compassion's executive director, the Rev. Amy Gopp, will serve as 1st vice chairperson of the Church World Service board of directors. --, 2012-01-05T18:03:53+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/two_michiganders_elected_to_positions_in_the_general_church Alex McCauslin of Central Woodward Christian Church in Troy will serve on the General church's Young Adult Council.  The Young Adult Council represents Disciples young adults in congregations, regions, and the whole church in building effective communication networks, providing advocacy opportunities, and enabling young adults to lead our church.   Heidi Michael has been elected to serve on the General Youth Council.  The General Youth Council helps to plan, implement, and evaluate the total general youth ministry program for yhe Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). --, 2012-01-05T17:21:23+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/success_stories/post/perry_gresham_bible_lecturesIn September 2011, CWCC hosted its second annual Perry Gresham Bible Lecture.  Perry Gresham was the second pastor of Central Woodward Christian Church, and later President of Bethany College.  The lectureship seeks to honor his legacy of pursuing a faith enriched by study.   For the first time this was a two day event.  Day one was a Pastor's Seminar led by Dr. Bruce Epperly, who led more than twenty clergy in a conversation about spiritual disciplines.  Day two was a seminar for the general public that focused on the missional implications of the Book of Acts.    CWCC looks forward to hosting it's third Gresham lecture in the Fall of 2012, with a speaker and date to be determined.  The goal is two-fold -- to provide an opportunity for pastors to grow in their ministry (day 1) and for the congregation and the community to have… 2011-12-13T15:16:23+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/the_gospel_in_action_detroit Summer is coming! Having experienced such a great overflow of blessings during Peace Week, 2011 and all during the time Rippling Hope was on site in Detroit, we look forward to summer 2012 with enormous excitement and expectation. Rippling Hope will be in Detroit from May 13 through September 29, Disciples Peace Week will be June 18-22. The Gospel In Action - Detroit: Stay tuned for more to come! congregations, ministers, visitors, 2011-12-06T21:43:46+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/message_from_our_moderator Greetings to all in the Michigan Region, Blessings and prayers for your ministries to bear fruit. We are in the process of planning for the next two years beginning with June 2012.  Naming our priorities is one way of setting the course for regional ministries.  We are asking for your input in determining our course for 2012-2014. The following are the priorities we have currently: Revitalization of the Michigan Region through doing everything possible to live into our Future Vision in all facets of our life together: actively seeking leadership through the utilization of Regional Elders. Resource congregations and pastors for Conflict Management. Continue work in becoming and anti-racist Region. Nurturing all congregations. Assist congregations in renewal using all methods available to us, especially utilizing emerging revitalization plans and processes. What priorities do you believe would be helpful and faithful… --, 2011-12-06T21:31:53+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/christmas_special_day_offering Christmas Special Offering Supports Michigan Region   2011 Christmas Offering Good News of Great Joy “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…”  Luke 2:10   Dear Friends, How many times have you become excited over a situation at your church that you have considered a blessing?  When that happens we get to be the angels who sing out Good News of Great Joy.  Things like:             “I’m really inspired by the changes afoot at my church!”                         “We’ve been having a few problems, but help is on the way!”                                      “It’s wonderful that there are people who really care!”                                                  “It’s a blessing that there are Camp Crystal scholarships!”                                    … --, 2011-12-06T21:23:05+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/christmas_offering_supports_regional_ministries The Special Christmas Day Offering for Regional Ministries will be received in most congregations December 11 and 18. Remember that 100% of this gift remains here in Michigan to support our many regional programs of support to all our congregations. A bulletin insert, color and B/W graphics, along with more information are available on the "Support The Region" web page. A song of celebration certainly is appropriate when we reflect on the ministries brought to fruition through our efforts as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Michigan Region.  Collectively, like an angel choir, we inspire the best in  congregations; in gatherings of youth; in candidates for ministry; in mission to the world. 100% of this offering will stay in our Region as a collective witness to our shared faith. We look forward to strong support by you and your congregation as you make your 2011… --, 2011-11-30T15:40:12+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/regional_assembly Regional Assembly for the Christian Church (DOC) Michigan Region will be held at First Christian Church, 1001 Chester Road, Lansing 48912, Saturday, May 12, 2012.  Gathering will begin at 9:30 AM with the Assembly starting at 10:00 AM.  All are welcome to attend. congregations, ministers, 2011-11-15T21:35:23+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/events/post/regional_board_meeting1 A regular meeting of the Regional Board of the Christian Church (DOC) Michigan Region will be held at the Regional Office, 2820 Covington Court, Lansing 48912 on Saturday, March 3, 2012.  Gathering will begin at 9:30 AM with the meeting starting at 10:00 AM.  All are welcome to attend. Included on the agenda is a report from the Regional Minister Search and Call Committee to consider a candidate as the new regional minister. The March Regional Board meeting also will consider regional ministry priorities for 2012-14, along with updates from the co-regional ministers, Maggie Mills and Eugene James, Jr. Commissions are expected to provide updates on their work and ongoing ministries as well. Those attending the board meeting are asked to call or email the regional office so that preparations may be made for their attendance.   --, 2011-11-15T21:30:43+00:00 http://michigandisciples.org/index.php/news/post/regional_office_closed_for_christmas_and_new_year_week From Friday, December 23 thru Tuesday, January 3 the Regional Office will be closed for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Should you need to make contact with one of our Co-Transitional Regional Ministers please e-mail them at ccmr@michigandisciples.org. We pray that you and your family will have a joyous and blessed holiday season. --, 2011-11-15T21:19:20+00:00