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Hobgood addresses Sessions with good news on congregational growth

October/November: Disciples of Christ are starting new churches so fast that they should reach their 20-year goal of 1,000 new congregations in 2013, seven years early, according to the church's chief executive.

W. Chris Hobgood, General Minister and President, made the prediction at the denominational every-fourth-year men's meeting being held at Midway College, July 15 to 18.

Indianapolis Prayer Vigil Prayer vigils in Indianapolis take place at the site of violent deaths. Each year, more than 100 homicides occur in the city. At the vigils, participants—including family, friends, neighbors and clergy—gather around a peace pole, which carries the names of victims for whom vigils have been held. The heart of the vigil is the prayers offered by those gathered. Persons also have an opportunity to anoint the ground by making a cross with oil as a way to reclaim the ground for God's purposes. Participants from different churches lead the vigils, which have been taking place since 1996. The vigils have been especially meaningful to friends and loved ones. For information on how to start prayer vigils in your city, contact the Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis at (317) 926-5371. Photo courtesy of the Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis.

Hobgood said a large percentage of the new church starts are ethnic minority congregations, and he indicated the effort is a part of the church's drive to become an "anti-racism, pro-reconciling" denomination.

The Disciples have experienced a decline in membership for three decades, some of it due to population shifts and the closing of congregations.

Hobgood noted that the church has its problems, but that "people in the deepest of crisis often are at their strongest." He spoke out against the culture's making Jesus into a celebrity, trivializing or "dumbing Jesus down," saying that the church should speak forcefully Jesus' message of non-violence.

"Violence doesn't work. Never has, never will," he said to applause from the men.

The men's "Sessions 2004" ironically was held at an historic 167-year-old women's college related to the Disciples of Christ. The event drew 320 men—70 from Indiana—and a smattering of women.

Layman Jay A. Stevenson of Cortland, Ohio, president of the General Conference of Disciples Men, issued three challenges to Disciples men:

1. Expand the program of pancake breakfasts that raises $30,000 to $40,000 each year.
2. Increase contributions to men's work endowment funds.
3. Become mentors to young men of the denomination.

Indiana Quaker preacher/author Phil Gulley drew laughter with his tale of a mission trip that included a baseball game, drawing the conclusion that celebrity is not as important as commitment to others.

Native American Ray Buckley of the United Methodist Church talked about Native American spirituality in relation the Christian faith of his adult life. He shared images such as how the holding open of the left side of the blanket being worn over the shoulders welcomes others into the heart. Additionally, he shared Native American experiences from his childhood such as how Native Americans on reservations once were beaten for speaking their own languages.

President-elect, Roger Poage, Ft. Madison, Iowa, will succeed Stevenson in mid-2005. The conference elected three men to the executive committee at large: Buzzy Marable, Elk City, Okla., Ken Wiedman, Hollywood, Fla., and William Morrison, the regional minister of Florida, at Orlando.

Sheldon Henderson, Des Moines, Iowa, chaired planning for the Sessions 2004. Michael Carlson, Indianapolis, directed the music. The July 15 to 18 event ended with a trip to nearby Cane Ridge, where Disciples trace their origins.

Robert Friedly, a founder of Disciples World magazine, lives in Indianapolis, and belongs to Eastgate Christian Church

Hunger No More

October/November: "Hunger No More: Faces Behind the Facts" is a new TV documentary that looks at the persistent problem of hunger from the perspective of faith, declaring that hunger is more than a social issue. It offers a vision for a new day when hunger is eradicated from the face of the earth.

Featured participants include Elizabeth Dole, George McGovern, Bread for the World CEO David Backmann, Church World Service Executive Director John McCullough, National Council of Churches General Secretary Bob Edgar, Joan Holmes of the United Nationals-related Hunger Project, and renowned ethicist Jeffrey Sachs of the Earth Institute at Columbia University. These and other key figures provide insight on the political, economic and cultural factors that allow hunger to grow and conclude that the problem can be solved if enough people take action. The documentary highlights specific programs that point the way out of the hunger crisis.

A program of the National Council of Churches USA for the ABC "Vision and Values" series, this one-hour program will begin airing on ABC affiliates on October 24, 2004. Check your local listings for times in your area.

A Moment in the Decade

October/November: November 25 to December 10 is observed as "16 Days," a special campaign for churches to act in overcoming violence against women. This is in conjunction with the Decade to Overcome Violence, sponsored by the World Council of Churches.

When the 2003 General Assembly passed a resolution to end violence against women, several actions were suggested. Your congregation can participate in the "16 Days" observation and do something to end violence by ordering the poster with hot line contact numbers and the brochure, "What every congregation needs to know about domestic violence." Both suggest action you can take. Order these from DHM, (888) 346-2631.

Also, you can visit the Web site for the "16 Days" campaign called On the Wings of a Dove which uses verses from Psalm 55. A brochure and poster can be downloaded or ordered.

For more information about On the Wings of a Dove visit the Web site at www.overcomingviolence.org.

Carol Q. Cosby, retired DHM Staff, and the Disciples' representative to the Decade to Overcome Violence, is a native of northeastern Ohio and a member of Allisonville Christian Church in Indianapolis

DHM Lifts Up Chinese Ministries

October/November: Currently, Chinese ministries has two main goals. The first goal is to strengthen ties among existing Chinese Disciples churches, which is accomplished by visiting congregations and providing support to the pastors. Regular correspondence, sharing ideas, and encouraging and praying for one another are also part of this endeavor.

The second goal is to plant new mission churches to help fulfill the 2020 Vision. The biggest challenge is finding leaders who are willing and capable of doing such work. DHM staff is working to develop a larger reservoir of Chinese leaders to meet this challenge. Already, new leaders, trained or being trained, have been identified.

Chinese ministry in America is focusing on those persons from mainland China, the fastest growing population among the U.S. Chinese community. Most of them come from a predominantly non-Christian background, and NAPAD's primary mission is converting them to Christianity. Also, most are first generation immigrants and it takes time for them to become established. Moreover, Christians among them are mostly new converts without much experience in the church. The harvest is plentiful despite many challenges and a lack of laborers. God will do a big thing among the Chinese people and the Chinese in the U.S. will play an important role.

The Rev. Lian Jiang, director of Chinese Ministries, is a native of Nanjing, China, and is pastor of the First Chinese Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Texas

911: Respond to the Call

Robyn (from front to back), Sophia and Debra, of Bloomington, Ind., traveled an hour to Indianapolis to participate in Respond to the Call. DHM photo by Angela Herrmann.

October/November: With one Disciples congregation in the city of around 200,000 people, Huntsville, Ala. is hardly a hotbed for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Yet on Sept. 11, First Christian Church of Huntsville, Ala. made a big impression as the lead organizer of the local Respond to the Call effort.

Co-sponsored by the Interfaith Mission Service and the National Conference for Community and Justice, the event brought together Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Boy Scouts, Young Democrats, members of a women's softball team - in total, around 175 people. Work groups headed out to a dozen sites. Some painted or landscaped, others visited with nursing home residents. Some even scooped up doggy-do at the Humane Society.

The day ended with a dedication service of words and song, including the "She Is Freedom," by Disciples singer-songwriter Shawn Thomas. Thomas' song has become the event's national theme. He has pledged proceeds from sale of his CD to the cause. Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Boy Scouts, Young Democrats, members of a women's softball team—in total, around 175 people. Work groups headed out to a dozen sites. Some painted or landscaped, others visited with nursing home residents. Some even scooped up doggy-do at the Humane Society.

The day ended with a dedication service of words and song, including the "She Is Freedom," by Disciples singer-songwriter Shawn Thomas. Thomas' song has become the event's national theme. He has pledged proceeds from sale of his CD to the cause. Pastor Paul Koch said the local media—television, the newspaper and public radio—covered the event in advance, and sent reporters to some of the work sites. The local newspaper, the Huntsville Times, ran a front-page article on Sunday, Sept. 12.

Now in its third year, the 9/11 Respond to the Call initiative, part of Disciples Home Missions, has really taken off in several communities, large and small.

In Delaware, Disciples teamed up with Interfaith Mission of Sussex County to do a community clean-up. Guy Fisher, coordinator for the church, said the community has a wide gap between wealthy and poor: "There are mansions and there are shacks," he wrote on the Respond to the Call Web site. Fisher hoped the workday could bring the community together, and also benefit those who need help with home repairs.

There, the group began the day at Bethany Beach Conference Center, and ended with a celebration dinner at Bethel Tabernacle Church of God.

First Christian Church in Sacramento, Calif., a small congregation, planned to work on a Habitat for Humanity home and collect household items for 50 refugee families about to be resettled from Southeast Asia.

Christian Temple, in Baltimore, Md., is home base for Respond to the Call founder Jayna Powell, director of Volunteers in Mission for Disciples Home Missions. Powell, co-pastor with husband Rick, said the church has had nine teams of 11 in past years, but this time, with Sept. 11 falling on a Saturday, they set a goal of 27 teams of nine.

There, they planned to start the day with an interfaith worship service. Projects included baking brownies for the local firemen, working at inner city parks and food banks, rehabbing homes for ex-prisoners, visiting children's homes, making quilts for the homeless, and assembling health and school kits for Church World Service.

The town is the home of Honor Elizabeth Wainio, a passenger on Flight 93, the airplane that crashed in western Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001 as passengers tried to thwart the hijackers. Powell counselled the family after the tragic event. Esther Heymann, Wainio's mother, expressed her wishes that hatred and violence of that day be answered with peacemaking and service. Heymann has since expressed her gratitude for and support of the Respond to the Call initiative.

Christian Temple has partnered with a local mosque for the last three years. This year, the mosque presented the congregation with a commendation in honor of their work.

In Indianapolis, Disciples, along with members of the Indianapolis Islamic community, renewed friendships as they worked in a near north-side neighborhood. Some have worked together for three years now.

"It's really good to see people return again. That's really nice," said Carolyn Saahir, wife of one of the project organizers of the Indianapolis effort. Around 80 people turned out for the Indianapolis event.

General Minister and President William Chris Hobgood and Sayyid Muhammed Syeed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, issued a joint statement before Sept. 11 inviting other religions and faith groups to join the effort.

"Twice now, Christians and Muslims have come together in peace, to work together and become friends. We now extend that friendship to the broader faith community as we work toward a more peaceful world," it said. The letter asked for remembrance not only of the Sept. 11 victims, but also those who have died in ongoing wars in the three years since the terrorist attacks.

Story by Rebecca Woods and printed with permission of Disciples World Magazine, © 2004.

Agricultural program planted at Yakama

August/September: This summer began with the arrival of a college group supported by the First Christian Church of Columbia, Mo. With their help the Yakama Mission began a new agricultural program. With 10 donated acres for use towards agricultural projects, this Disciples group began the process of building fence, developing irrigation, and planting pasture.

Though the program has just begun to crawl, there seems to be the underlying perseverance and "it will happen" attitude of a baby beginning to stand on its own two legs with full knowledge that it will walk. The vision of this program is two-fold. One is to provide a place where local youth begin to learn aspects of farm and ranch management, allowing youth a place to look outside a life of picking apples and digging asparagus and begin considering a life of farm management. Two is to allow those who visit the Mission to begin experiencing the interrelationship between themselves, farm workers, and the food they consume.

There is a lot of work ahead and today may just be the beginning. But thanks to a summer of Learning and Serving groups, the agricultural program will enter the fall with fence under construction, an irrigation pump and mainline nearly completed, and five acres ready for the plowing and planting pasture. With everyone's help there are two Boar goat nannies and their two kids, and a ewe and her lamb who now call the Mission, home!

You can help too! Though the current staff has some experience in different areas of agriculture, none have experience in farm and ranch management. Yet many of you were raised on working farms, retired from this life, or work it today. We are looking for your help developing this program into a venture that will change lives by experiencing the occurring grace between human hands and the earth. To find out how you can help contact David Bell, Director of Yakama Christian Missionat (509) 874-2824 or write to the mission at Box 547, White Swan, Wash. 98952.

Bruce Patton, DHM's Liaison to the Disciples Peace Fellowship, is a member of Southport Christian Church in Indianapolis, Ind. After 40 years of parish ministry, Bruce continues to work on peace and justice issues.

The Disciples Peace Fellowship Summer Interns

August/September: Four peace and justice interns sponsored by the Disciples Peace Fellowship are traveling across the United States (and Canada) this summer making presentations and leading discussions about justice and peace-making, primarily at youth camps and conferences. They will participate in 27 different events.

The Peace Intern program began in 1975 with Bruce Irvin being the single summer intern. Since then, there have been over 100 young adults who have taken this role.

This summer's interns are Krista Johnson of Indianapolis; Rob McRight of Raleigh, North Carolina; Timothy Murphy of Paducah, Kentucky; and Vy Nguyen of Dallas, Texas. They were at the Disciples Center the first week of June meeting with staff persons on such issues as racism, refugee and immigration ministries, ecumenism, globalization, hunger and poverty, initiatives to end violence, and the war in Iraq. They got to know each other better and had the opportunity to practice and get feedback on their leadership styles.

This is not a new and fresh concern for these special young adults. They all have involvement in peace issues and Christian service programs in their backgrounds.

Krista Johnson served as an intern in the Volunteers in Mission program in the Appalachian Mountains area last summer, hosting and guiding visiting mission groups, among many other service experiences. Rob McRight, besides service in his home area in the Habitat for Humanity program and the shelter serving the homeless in Raleigh, has also been an advocate for the immigrant worker. Tim Murphy has been involved in supporting the Bread for the World organization and T.A.N.F. (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) along with being a ministry intern. Vy Nguyen was active in his youth group's mission trips, Two summers ago, he went to the World Council of' Churches' Committee Meeting, learning about such things as globalization and the gap between rich and poor nations. He also has served with our National Benevolent Association.

Their camp counseling and other experiences also equip them well for their summer work.

Sarah Riester of Indianapolis is now serving her fourth year as Peace Interns Coordinator, after having served as an intern herself. Sarah says, "This program makes a real difference in the lives of youth and camp counselors as well as the interns themselves. This is a truly remarkable program with a lasting impact."

Let us keep this significant program and these dedicated young peace interns in our prayers.

Bruce Patton, DHM's Liaison to the Disciples Peace Fellowship, is a member of Southport Christian Church in Indianapolis, Ind. After 40 years of parish ministry, Bruce continues to work on peace and justice issues.

The Internet—A Spiritual Superhighway! Is Your Church Ready for the Ride?

August/September: Nearly two-thirds of American Internet users—that's more than three million every day—use the Web for faith-related reasons, according to a new Pew Internet & American Life Project survey. It's a trend that cuts across denominational lines, according to the study. While some fear that religious use of the Internet might discourage participation in congregational life, this study suggests otherwise. According to the survey, it appears that online usage does not replace, but rather augments traditional religious beliefs.

With such a large and growing level of interest in religion on the Web, it's clear that the Internet offers churches and outreach ministries a vibrant and unprecedented way to reach out to your community and stay connected with members, friends and family. How's your church doing with its Web site ministry? Many churches have found valuable help with WebMedley … an easy-to-use, affordable Web site publishing tool for churches.

Disciples Home Missions is working with the providers of WebMedley, www.FaithandValues.com, to help Disciples congregations across the country establish or improve their Internet ministry. With WebMedley, you can create and maintain a Web site, as well as manage e-mail and other congregational services, quickly and easily. All you need is a personal computer, an Internet connection and a browser. No HTML programming knowledge is necessary! If you're familiar with Microsoft Word, you'll feel right at home. Plus, Disciples Home Missions will provide content for your congregation's Web site, without having to do anything at all! But, to receive it, you will need to use WebMedley.

WebMedley is available in several different packages, with different options and prices, starting as low as an annual cost of just $149 for WebMedleyLite. At this level, you get a complete eight-page Web site with one e-mail address, your own domain name and free Web hosting… all for a price that's less than what many companies charge for Web hosting alone.

To see some examples of how Disciples have developed their Web ministry using WebMedleyLite, visit these sites:

www.woodlandchristianchurch.org; www.nccfactory.org; or www.homemissionadvocate.com.

It's remarkably easy to upgrade from WebMedleyLite, when you're ready to add more features to your site. Silver, Gold and Platinum WebMedley packages include an excellent calendar feature, which can be easily added to a WebMedleyLite site.

You can learn more about WebMedley and church Web site ministry opportunities by visiting www.WebMedley.com or calling (800) 434-8607. Additionally, visit DHM's Web site for more information, www.discipleshomemissions.org/RESOURCES/webhelp/WebMedley.htm.

Disciples Men Pancake Money Builds Chapel

Changes at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries

August/September: Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries (SWGSM), a ministry to refugees and immigrants on the Texas/Mexico border, has just moved to its new site in Bayview, Texas. While the mailing address remains Los Fresnos, Texas, the ministry is now located only a couple of miles from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration Detention Center in Bayview.

Feliberto Pereira, Director of SWGSM, and Raquel Garcia, Administrative Assistant, have moved to the office building at the new site. Thanks to the efforts of volunteer work groups who have assisted SWGSM over the last few years, the new site now contains two dormitories for refugees, a warehouse with an upstairs dorm for work groups, a building containing a kitchen and showers, a dining hall, a caretaker's house and the office building. In addition, Disciples Men's groups in Texas have recently used the income from Pancake Breakfasts held by Disciples Men's groups across the country to build a new Chapel at SWGSM.

SWGSM has rented some of its office space to the Church World Service Immigration and Refugee program which has established a spiritual care program for detainees in the DHS Immigration Detention Center nearby. Two Religious Services staff will provide spiritual care to the detainees on a daily basis.

One of the other ministries that SWGSM supports through its outreach efforts has also moved to a new location. The orphanage for children in Matamoros, Mexico has moved from Casa Betel to Ciudad de los Ninos. The new site, while needing the continuing efforts of work groups to make additional improvements, will allow the orphanage to be located on land that it owns.

SWGSM receives major support from DHM Refugee and Immigration Ministries and Week of Compassion. To learn more about SWGSM see www.swgsm.org.

The Rev. Jennifer Riggs, director of Refugee and Immigration Ministries, is a native of Winamac, Ind., and a member of Central Christian Church, Indianapolis.

This project is sponsored by the International Christian Women's Fellowship and the Office of Disciples Women and is facilitated by Julia Cunningham Holloway, a Resource Development Consultant and member of Zionsville Christian Church.

Women's Fund Development Project Begins

August/September: Kick off your shoes, relax in the sun, and sip a cup of coffee in your pajamas. That is exactly what the women who participated in four conference calls to learn grant writing did. The group of women completed the last conference call class session in June.

Initiated by the Office of Disciples Women, Disciples Home Missions, this grassroots-level fund development project draws leadership from Inter-regions and will initially raise funds for the"Mix in '06" women's partnership event (DoC and United Church of Christ).

Training sessions began in January and taught women to be resourceful in obtaining funding for events like the Mix. The women were nominated by their Inter-Regional leadership and are learning the basics of fundraising, including how to identify potential resources, relationship building, networking and grant writing. The training took place by teleconference, with materials sent out to participants and homework given to prepare between sessions.

Participants have given a two-year commitment to the process, including the four 2- hour telephonic trainings and approximately four hours per month over the course of the two years.

Now that the group has been trained they will begin to identify potential sources for funding and write grant proposals. As proposals are written they will be reviewed and given feedback. Guidance and support will be offered to the newly trained team throughout the process. The women recruited for this project are comfortable speaking with people, are computer literate with e-mail and Internet research abilities, and have good writing skills. They are developing valuable grant writing skills both for themselves and in order to enhance stewardship resources across the greater church community.

Participants include Kathy Hedrick, Heartland Inter-Regional: Rev. Dr. Vivian Bryant and Autumn Purdue, ROSES Inter-Regional; Madelyn Logan, NIRF Inter-Regional; Almetia Brown and Kathy Ellis, SERF Inter-Regional; Gail Rekers, Diane Cripe and Marcia Meier, WESTERN (WOW) Inter-Regional.

This project is sponsored by the International Christian Women's Fellowship and the Office of Disciples Women and is facilitated by Julia Cunningham Holloway, a Resource Development Consultant and member of Zionsville Christian Church.

Children Welcome! Conference to Feature Original Children's Art

April/May: Believing that children have much to teach adults about God, planners of Children Welcome! - Past, Present, Future are inviting Disciples children and youth (preschool through high school) to contribute to the conference. Using their gifts of creativity, we would like for children and youth to answer the question, "What do you want adults to know about God?" Any art form can be used-poetry, prose, painting, sculpting with wire or clay, crayon drawings, short stories, drama. This would be a great activity for a church school class, youth group, or vacation bible school!

Clearly identify each picture with the artist's name, age, church, city and state. Bring original art contributions with you to the conference or mail, by September 23, to Kaye Edwards, 1441 Tunbridge Rd., Lynchburg, VA 24501. Telephone: (434) 832-1119.

Disciple Men International Day of Pancakes

April/May: One hundred two men's groups participated in the International Day of Pancakes to raise funds for ministries to children. The Executive Committee of Disciples Men says a big THANK YOU for the $31,453.96 raised in 2003! With this money we were able to fully fund four grants and one partial request.

The International Day of Pancakes projects for 2004 include updating or replacing playground equipment, remodeling children's classroom facilities, upgrading summer camp cabins and building a chapel at Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries. There are also work projects to be done at Sessions 2004 at Midway, Ky. The following men's groups sponsored the grant requests approved for 2004:

• Oklahoma Northwest Disciple Men of Enid, Okla.;
• Christian Church in the Southwest, Disciple Men of the Southwest region;
• Disciple Men's Group of First Christian Church, Belvedere, S.C.;
• Disciple Men's Group, First Christian Church, Summerville, SC;
• Disciple Men's Group of Christmount Christian Assembly, Black Mountain, N.C.

Again, the Executive Committee of Disciples Men thanks the groups who held fundraisers last year. We want to see more men's groups participate in the International Day of Pancakes.

Imagine what the men of our church could do for the children of our church by their participation in this one small annual effort. Imagine the fellowship, fun and evangelism that is also a part of the International Day of Pancakes.

At this same rate 1,000 congregations could collectively raise over $300,000! "Let's Work for More in 2004!"

NAPAD: Nothing is Impossible to Those Who Believe

April/May: Developing a new community of believers can be compared to climbing Mount Everest. It is not easy but it is possible. One must be determined and disciplined to do it. Every step is a big challenge that needs the energy of strong faith. One must demonstrate a living hope that nothing is impossible to those who believe. (Mark 9:23)

I am grateful for having been appointed to the ministry of developing Filipino-American faith communities here in the United States. This ministry is part of the Asian American Ministries (NAPAD), Disciples Home Missions, of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

It was exciting to discover in my research and survey that there are thousands of Filipino-Americans living in this part of the world. The population of Filipino-Americans in this church provides an exciting challenge to the Disciples of Christ. The ten states with the largest Filipino-American populations are California (918,678), Hawaii (170,635), New Jersey (85,245), New York (81,681), Washington (65,373), Texas (58,340), Florida (54,310), Virginia (47,609) and Illinois (6,298).

This demographic information calls us to seek out those Filipino-Americans whose Christian experience would be most enriched as Disciples of Christ. Indeed, this is one of the challenges before us as Disciples of Christ. My current position with DHM is one-third time as I continue to pastor a congregation. It is my prayer that God will bless our ministry miraculously, as it is said in the holy scriptures, nothing is impossible to those who believe.

Dan Calderon is the Director, Filipino Ministries, Asian American Ministries (NAPAD) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He lives in Los Angeles, Calif.

Mother-to-Mother Ministry to Change Administrative Structure

April/May: Thirty-five years ago the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), through the Division of Homeland Ministries, developed and began managing Mother-to-Mother Ministry. Originally funded solely by Disciples, this ministry soon became ecumenical and locally autonomous, spreading to over 60 communities in 15 states.

Its purpose is to provide opportunities for women to build intentional friendships across economic and racial barriers in a ministry of reconciliation. Women learn from each other, each one giving and receiving new insights and support. Lives have been and are being changed, stories are shared about these changes, and the changes in perceptions and attitudes help to change society. Praise for the program has come from a variety of voices: victims of abuse looking for a friend to help in their escape; middle class women learning what it is like to live on a minimum wage income; Al Gore, former U.S. vice president who sees it as a model for changing lives; a juvenile court judge who sees the ministry as a way to curb child abuse; and countless team members whose lives have been transformed.

The Division of Homeland Ministries (d.b.a. Disciples Home Missions) has held together the national network, sponsoring an annual seminar for local coordinators, providing national consultants who give training and guidance for local ministries, and providing printed resources for promotion and information. DHM is now announcing, due to severe financial constraints and a shortage of staff, that it is handing the administration of this network over to a new structure. This structure will be determined by current national consultants, planning committee members, former national resource coordinators, and local coordinators as they meet in Leavenworth, Kan.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is extremely grateful and gives thanks to God for all of those who have given countless hours and their gifts to this ministry. We ask God to bless whatever structure may arise from discussions at the annual seminar, April 2004, and pray that Mother-to-Mother Ministry may continue to touch and transform lives throughout our country.

Communications Team Informs, Inspires Staff Fellowship

April/May: At a meeting last fall, the ICWF Executive Committee decided to create a comprehensive communications plan for Disciples Women's ministries. They wanted to move this network of faithful women into a 21st Century mode of communication and resource sharing. As they imagined how such a plan might come about, the committee decided to bring together a small group of young women with experience in using modern technology and set them to dreaming.

In January the newly created Communications Team joined Church Women Staff Fellowship at their annual meeting and brought new vision and energy to the group. They interacted with regional and constituency women's leadership to learn about the communications challenges Disciples women are facing and then envisioned ways to address those challenges. Utilizing the latest technology, they presented the results of their dreaming to Staff Fellowship and received an enthusiastic standing ovation. Their recommendations are providing direction for the future. Special funding is being sought to supplement funds set aside by the Executive Committee in order to implement their recommendations, which include data base and Web site development.

What did the experience mean to the young women on the Team?

April/May: They ended their presentation with these words. "We now understand what it means to be a Disciples woman. It means saying yes to something even when you're not sure what you're being asked to do. You show up. You work harder than you've ever worked before. You do your best. And when it's all over and you're exhausted, you know that the next time you're asked you'll say yes all over again!" Members of the Communications Team: Laura Cottrell, Eastridge Park Christian Church, Mesquite, Texas; Yowanda Bowens, Light of the World Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind.; Lisa Coleman, Orange First Christian Church, Santa Ana, Calif., Melanie Bowman, Westchester Christian Church, El Segundo, Calif.; Glenda Survance, Central Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind.; Ruth Method, University Park Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind.; and Jenice Carter, First Christian Church, Orange, Calif. Sarah Reister, Allisonville Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind., was unable to attend this first meeting.

They will continue to be involved throughout the design and implementation stages and are available to speak to regional and constituency gatherings. For more information, please contact the Office of Disciples Women.

New Way! New Day! Equipping God's People to Lead

April/May: Nearly 130 African American clergy and lay leaders gathered at the 30th annual Black Ministers Retreat, held March 1 to 4, 2004, in Silver Srings, Fla. at The Christian Church Conference Center, a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Danny Thompson, vice president of Christian Vocations, and the planning team designed the retreat to provide opportunities for worship, relaxation, refreshment and renewal. The camp setting offered many outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, horseshoes and trails for long walks.

A number of church leaders participated in the retreat with morning meditations, evening worship services and presentations. The meditation leaders were Eric H. Brown, senior minister, Woodland Christian Church, Columbus, Ohio; Shauna McGhee, associate minister, Douglas Boulevard Christian Church, Louisville, Ky.; and William C. Morrison Jr., Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Florida.

The evening worship leaders were Timothy James, Associate General Minister and Administrative Secretary of the National Convocation; Nadine Baritone, Minister for New Church Leader Development; and Jack Sullivan Jr., Regional Minister and President of the Northwest Regional Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Several participants commented, "The meditations and sermons were dynamic, uplifting and excellently delivered."

Attendees participated in three presentations, each of which was followed by discussion. The first presentation was, "What Does the 2020 Vision Mean to/for African American Pastors?", led by William H. Edwards, Associate General Minister and Vice President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Also, there were two presentations focusing on Africa. Angelique Walker-Smith, Executive Minister of the Church Federation of Greater Indianapolis presented "Focus Africa: Ecumenical Perspective". Global Ministries Executive, Lawrence A. Q. Burnley, Office for Racial/Ethnic Relations and Angela Balfour, Program Associate, Africa Office, Global Ministries presented "Focus Africa: Disciples of Christ Perspective".

According to Danny Thompson, "The passion given and received in their presentations left those in attendance feeling a Christian connection that echoed a feeling of brotherhood/sisterhood and oneness. The efforts given by all were great!" The Black Ministers Retreat is sponsored annually by Disciple Home Missions, DHM, a general unit within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), that is committed to equipping Disciples for Christ and connecting people to the life changing love of God.

DHM Establishes Office of Disciples Volunteering

April/May: In order to expand hands-on mission opportunities for Disciples in the United States and Canada, and make best use of human and monetary resources, Disciples Home Missions announces the establishment of the DHM Office of Disciples Volunteering. Volunteers in Mission, Vision Builders! Construction, DHM internships, leader development trips, various church-wide mission projects and 9-11 Respond to the Call are encompassed in this office. These changes are immediate.

Carl Zerweck, III, is Director of the DHM Office of Disciples Volunteering. Jayna Powell is the Project Coordinator for Volunteers in Mission. Zerweck continues to coordinate Vision Builders! Construction and Powell will recruit and train interns and write mission resources. Although the office is based in Indianapolis, Zerweck currently resides in Plano, Texas. Powell is deployed in Baltimore. DHM Executive Vice President, Jane Lawrence, serves to keep DHM's goals: developing leaders and congregational transformation, in the forefront. Brenda Tyler completes the office staff as administrative assistant.

New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ): A Place Where Doubts Are Welcome, And Wounds Are Embraced

February/March: I had never dreamed of being part of a new church, nevertheless pastoring a church that would be planted among one of Houston's most diverse neighborhoods. When I graduated from Louisville (Ky.) Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 1999, I was called to pastor a church in one of Houston's suburbs.

Soon after moving to Houston, I was visiting the Resource Center for the Presbyterians and Disciples. Across the street from the Center is Covenant House, a place for runaway youth. I had noticed a lot of teenage youth hanging out on the street around the Center. When I asked about the youth, one of the volunteers at the Resource Center told me that the youth were a nuisance. To me, I found that they were my calling.

You see, God had done some amazing things in my life before I had gotten to this place. I still chuckle when I think about the name, but I had already learned how to "Get Dirty for Jesus" while serving as the youth minister at Douglass Boulevard Christian Church, Louisville, Ky., and at the Salem First Christian Church, Salem, Ind. God had opened doors to ministries that seemed almost impossible, but in spite of my humanness, I had been able to be a part of some awesome moments. During a F.A.S.T. (Faithful Advocates Serving Together) mission trip to Appalachia through Disciples Home Missions, I saw what getting young people involved in the work of the church and into the lives of people in need could do. I realized that through these experiences, being a pastor within the Disciples of Christ is about seeking out persons who are missing from the table of our Lord.

In January of 2003, after nearly six months of sharing prayerful thoughts, fourteen people gathered together in a room donated by the local Community Center to worship and begin New Covenant Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). During the first two months, we labored, to discern our mission, and convince other Disciples' churches in our area that we were serious about our ministry. We discovered New Covenant Christian Church had been called to be a place where doubts were welcomed and wounds were embraced.

Civil Liberties for Immigrants

February/March: The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), meeting in Charlotte, N.C., October, 2003, passed a resolution taking a stand towards assuring equal rights and justice for individuals being affected by national security initiatives. That resolution, "On Assuring Civil Liberties and Equal Justice to Immigrant Communities in the United States," called on General Assembly representatives "to communicate to their congregations and regions:

• The need for the government and American citizens to recognize the United States as a nation of immigrants whose strength emerges from that diversity;
• The history of the pain caused by the targeting of specific racial, ethnic, and religious groups in the United States;
• The importance of educating themselves and others about issues faced by immigrant communities, embracing ways of actively supporting immigrants and their families, and furthering efforts of peace and reconciliation among all of God's people."

DHM's Refugee and Immigration Ministries program has prepared a packet of material to help congregations better understand the issues currently being faced by immigrant communities. The packet contains a list of the various laws and regulations that have adversely affected immigrants since September 11, 2001; web sites where major papers on these issues can be found; a Church World Service newsletter containing the personal story of an Iraqi refugee affected by the Patriot Act; and a Christian Century article containing the personal story of a Pakistani man who was deported, even though he was married to a U.S. citizen. To receive this packet please call Jennifer Riggs at (888) 346-2631.

Women's Endowment Fund Fall Grant Awards

February/March: Establishedin 1990, the Women's Endowment Fund is a permanent fund that benefits the work of women in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Annual distributions provide money for leadership training, scholarships, outreach ministries and faith development programs for women.

• Upper Midwest Region Regional Women's Action Web $ 2,000
• Kentucky Region Spiritual Facilitator for Spring Retreats $ 1,500
• Church House of Ministries CC (SC) (New Church start, April '03) Life enrichment classes for under-served women in community $ 2,500
• Virginia Region Regional Women's Action Web $ 2,000
• West Virginia Region Regional Women's Action Web $ 2,000
• Michigan Region Women's Action Web scholarships $ 1,000
• '06 QA/UCC Women's Event Grant writing/fund development training program $ 3,000
• Total $14,000

Since the fund's inception, more than $105,000 has been awarded in grants. For more information, contact Deborrah Wray at the Christian Church Foundation (317) 713-2421, or visit the www.discipleswomen.org.

Texas Congregation Wins Congregational Web site contest

December/January: University Christian Church, a 4,000-member Fort Worth, Texas, congregation has taken the top spot in the first Disciples congregational Web site contest. Brad Lyons, director of communication for Disciples Division of Higher Education, said the University site's designers did a good job making the site relevant to the user.

"I had the feeling that I could find whatever I wanted to know within a click or two. In high-profile areas were information helpful to visitors and a summary of the congregation's ministries," said Lyons.

Meanwhile, Bethany Christian United Parish, a 23-member Worcester, Mass., congregation affiliated with three denominations, won the Peoples' Choice Award. That site was selected by General Assembly attendees who cast their vote at the Charlotte General Assembly. The Rev. Elizabeth Magill, Bethany's pastor, said her congregation was excited that their Web site did so well in the contest.

"Several people went to see the site that hadn't seen it before, and older ladies asked their grandchildren to look up the site for them so they could see it. People were quite surprised, they didn't realize how much we're doing," said Magill. She added that Bethany is in the midst of a major revitalization effort and the Web site is part of that plan.

A young adult who recently began attending Bethany is looking at the Web site as a way to be involved, according to Magill. In fact, she said he plans to rework the site to make it more interesting to young people in hopes of attracting them to Bethany.

An attractive, well-organized site was an important factor in the judges' decisions. They looked at a number of criteria, including timeliness of content, correctly spelled words, originality, quick load times and accessibility. The judges were Brad Lyons, Disciples Division of Higher Education; Daric Ferrell, Director of New Media, Disciples Communication Ministries; and Bryan Richardson, member of the General Assembly Young Adults planning team and member of the young adult group at Compton Heights Christian Church.

The purpose of the contest, according to Disciples Home Missions director of Web site development, Angela Herrmann, was to highlight excellent Disciples Web sites.

"As more and more people turn to the Internet in search of a church home, it's critical that Disciples congregations view their Web sites as a kind of ministry with the purpose of attracting prospective visitors. Many Web developers will agree that a bad, outdated Web site is worse than no Web site," said Herrmann.

Lyons agrees. "Several [Web site entries] tried to be too 'cutesy'. They included gimmicky tricks like scrolling marquees, animated graphics, and other elements that didn't seem integrated into the Web site's total design. Many tried to overuse colors, which caused the site to look like a hodgepodge of elements," said Lyons.

Open to congregations and regions, forty-one Web sites competed for the top honors.

Parkway Garden Christian Church Receives Salary Support Grant

Representing DHM, Danny Thompson (left) presents a grant to Edward J. Morris, pastor, Parkway Garden Christian Church, Chicago. Agnes Murphy (center) , moderator, looks on.

December/January: Danny Thompson, Vice President of Christian Vocations, presented a salary support grant to Edward J. Morris, pastor, Parkway Garden Christian Church, Chicago, Ill. This three year program provides salary support to minority congregations.

The participating congregation receives an annual grant from DHM awarded on a reducing scale. By the end of three years the salary support grants have made it possible for the congregation to gradually pay the minister's entire salary.

For more information regarding the Salary Support Program, contact Danny Thompson or (888) 346-2631.

Pancake Grant Applications Now Available

December/January: Disciples Men are gearing up for their International Day of Pancakes.

These are grand times for men in congregations as they flip flapjacks and know they are joining with Disciple men across the continent doing the same.

Money raised helps with ministries that reach out to help kids across the US and Canada. In 2003, there were five grants approved totaling $36,300. These grants were made available through the monies that were collected through the 2002 International Day of Pancakes. Grants are approved on the basis of need and impact on children.

Individual churches, districts/areas, and/or regions are encouraged to submit a grant application. If you know of any church group which may have a potential project and is eligible to apply for a grant urge them to contact the Office of Disciple Men at (888) 346-2631, extension 2675 or by e-mail to pbradfor@dhm.disciples.org. You may also obtain the Grant Application at the Disciples Home Missions Web site at www.homelandministries.org/Men.

You can also use all these numbers to receive your International Day of Pancake packet!

Grant rules are as follows:

1. Pancake Day grants may be written for any proposed project where Disciples Men, Christian Men's Fellowship, districts, area, regional or national groups are involved in a "Hands on" project and working to support kids.
2. Pancake funds will not be granted to applications associated with Miracle Day® events. Miracle Day is a special NBA event.
3. Application received from groups who have received grants in the past, will be given consideration, only after all new applications have been given consideration.
4. The intent of the Executive Committee is to exhaust all funds available in grants for that year. In order to maximize the impact on kids, funding for individual applications may be less than 100 percent of the funding requested by an individual group.
5. All decision by the Executive Committee are final. Groups may appeal to the Executive Committee with any grievance.

The Executive Committee of The General Conference of Disciples Men hopes your men's group will look around your church and community for opportunities to help kids. Please contact us for an application to fund that need. The deadline for all grant applications is January 15, 2004. All applications received after that date, will be held and submitted with the 2005 Grant requests.

From General Assembly: Violence Against Women resolution adopted

December/January: A resolution on ending violence against women was adopted by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at their General Assembly in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The resolution, sponsored by the International Christian Women's Fellowship, urges congregations and regions to:

• Teach children, youth, and adults that girls and women are created and loved by God.
• Become a nonjudgmental place of safety and support for women.
• Communicate verbally and visually information about local support resources.
• Provide education and training opportunities for congregational leaders.
• Encourage the United States Senate to ratify the United Nations' Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and encourage church leaders, members, congregations, regions, and organizations to advocate for the ratification of CEDAW.
• Display in the building the Disciples Home Missions poster, "Is Someone Hurting You?" in each church building to provide information on local and national domestic violence services.

Currently the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is participating in the World Council of Churches Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010). Central to the goals of this Decade is a focus on ending violence against women.

From General Assembly: Disciples Men Energized and Renewed

December/January: Approximately 260 Disciples Men gathered for the Men's Luncheon at the recent General Assembly in Charlotte, NC. There was a great spirit in the air as old friendships were renewed and new friends were made.

Michael Carlson, pastor of University Park Christian Church, Indianapolis, offered several songs during the luncheon. His songs moved us and gave us a glimpse of what to expect regarding music at Sessions 2004, where Michael will be our Music Leader.

A favorite men's speaker and leader of our church, C. William "Bill" Nichols, then stepped to the podium and addressed the theme "Preparing to Run the Race" in anticipation of Sessions 2004. By the time he was finished, he had challenged each and every man to begin a serious "training program." There was an exciting feeling of energy and renewal as the men left the luncheon.

Also during General Assembly eighty men representing 20 regions attended two workshops that focused on Transforming Men's Ministries through mission work. Men were challenged to see how mission activities provide opportunities to bring vitality to all men's ministries. This could also be a catalyst for the revitalization of their congregations. Topics covered were: International Day of Pancakes, Young Men's Christian Initiative, Extreme Events and Momentum Manual. New mission opportunities were presented. These included Vision Builders! Construction New Church Build in Kinston, N.C., this summer, and the Vanderbilt Partnership with Disciples Men of Tennessee to remodel Disciples Divinity House. Men shared success stories and received some practical information to help them plan mission activities on both a local and national level.

Disciples Men were also part of a unique partnership for Vision Fest at the Assembly. They partnered with the Yakama Christian Mission --Youth Education Services, Vision Builders! Construction, and Overseas Ministries to construct a replica of the kind of house being built in Central America by Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ volunteers following the devastation of Hurricane Mitch several years ago. They also constructed a sample of a hovel to depict the kind of living situation in which many people around the world currently live.

From General Assembly: Women's Luncheon

December/January: More than 635 women and men gathered at the General Assembly Women's Luncheon to celebrate Disciples Women's ministry. The luncheon speaker, Noelle Domico, former Director of the United Church of Christ Peace and Justice Commission and catalyst for the University of the Poor School of Theology (UPST), addressed the issue of combating hunger. Domico authored the hunger related content of the 2003 New Day study material and leader's guide, "Feed My Sheep." For more information: www.universityofthepoor.org.

New Office of Disciples Women (ODW) staff were installed: Adonna Bowman, executive director; Marie Fleming, contractual program staff; Claudia Grant, coordinator and Marcia Jewsbury, associate coordinator, ICWF 2006 Disciples of Christ/United Church of Christ joint women's event.

The offering, totaling $4600, will be divided equally between the UPST and a new ODW Leadership Training initiative focusing on fund development.

General Assembly thank yous to:

• Myrna Richardson and the Luncheon Planning committee for their excellent work.
• The people from the Pacific Southwest Region for creating and leading the installation service.
• Marilyn Williams and the Committee for "The Well".
• Ethel Ragland and the Committee for work on the Women's Booth.
• Ray Uhl for engineering the Women's Ministries mobile for the booth
• Mary Uhl for recruiting him!

Black Leadership Project Grants Announced

December/January: The Black Leadership Projects Fund Committee, at its October 29 meeting, celebrated the awarding of five grants totaling $22,000 to organizations that submitted proposals outlining initiatives in leadership development. The Black Leadership Project Funds were authorized by the United Christian Missionary Society in 1970, then known as the Negro Leadership Projects Committee. At that time, proceeds from the sale of Mt. Beulah farm in Edwards, Miss., were placed in a trust fund with the interest to be used for projects approved by the committee.

Recipients of grants for Fall 2003 are:

• Piedmont District Bible Institute – The institute operates under the auspices of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology Evans Smith Leadership Program of Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va. Its purpose is to prepare both clergy and laity for congregational leadership. It will empower African American Christian leaders in evangelism and pastoral ministry. It will foster and support pastoral leaders who will respond to issues and concerns of African American Youth and will, again, facilitate leadership, faith formation and competency in African American spirituality and culture.
• African American Clergy Institute – The purpose of this institute is to equip, train, prepare and empower Disciples of Christ African American clergy for ministerial leadership. The institute will engage and encourage all clergy, especially ordained, BI-vocational, seminarians and lay ministers. This institute will be held in conjunction with the 18th Biennial Session, National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Aug. 6 to 10, Indianapolis. The focus of the 2004 Clergy Institute is congregational transformation and revitalization through leader development.
• South Carolina "One Church" Clergy Leadership Session – This project will host sessions targeted at Black Clergy of South Carolina, to encourage leadership in regional and general manifestations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The sessions will focus on Disciples polity, issues of leadership and full partnership in the work of the whole church.
• African American Lay Leader Institute – This institute will empower African American lay leaders for congregational leadership. Its goal is to provide training, resources and practical ministry "helps" for elders, deacons, board chairs, teachers, Christian education directors and others. The institute will be a pre-conference at the 18th Biennial Session, National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For 2004, the Lay Leader Institute will focus on leadership development, networking trends and practices, and congregational ministry models.
• Children Welcome! II Internship – This grant will provide leadership development for one individual intern who focuses on African American children's ministry. The intern will help plan and implement the Children Welcome ! II Conference, Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2004, Belmont Christian Church, Roanoke, Va.

Association of Disciple Musicians Make Music

October/November: This year's Association of Disciple Musicians (ADM) workshop was held on the campus of Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, July 19 through July 24. The clinicians for the workshop included John D. Thornburg, worship; Timothy G. Seelig, choral; Joseph D. Golden, organ; Cynthia Nott, children and youth music; Nancy Cappel, handbells; and Louise Foster, liturgical dance. Jane Marshall, well-known composer from Dallas, was keynote speaker, and also presented a reading session of choral selections.

The workshop sessions covered the use of drama in worship, new music literature for instruments and voices, new hymns, early music instruments, and vocal health. Daily worship provided an opportunity to experience a variety of artistic expressions. Evening programs featured selections such as "Three Old Broads" and an incredible organ concert by Golden. A memorable recital incorporating many members of the organization was presented in memory of Vera Enz, a charter member of ADM. The workshop culminated with a concert featuring the results of the week's efforts.

The Association of Disciple Musicians is open to anyone interested in church music. For those willing to share their talents, wanting to learn more and interested in joining a great group of people, ADM is for you!

The annual summer workshop is held in July. The workshops are designed to benefit the full range of people who care for and tend to the worship lives of their congregation. Next year's workshop will be held at Anderson University, Anderson, Ind., July 24-29, 2004, and will include Andre Thomas as Choral Clinician, Cynthia Dobrinski for Handbells, Janette Fishell/Colin Andrews as Organ Clinicians, and Linda McKiernan Allen and Ron Allen in the area of Worship. For further information regarding the organization and upcoming workshops, please visit our Web site at www.adm-doc.org.

6th Annual F.A.S.T. Program Hosts 38 Congregations

October/November: "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?" Isaiah 58:6-7

Six hundred forty-one volunteers from 38 Disciple and UCC congregations traveled to Appalachia this summer to participate in the 6th annual F.A.S.T. program. F.A.S.T. is an acronym for Faithful Advocates Serving Together. Jayna Powell, Director of Volunteers in Mission, designed this program to provide opportunities for congregations to participate in mission trips to Appalachia. Volunteers in Mission is a program of Disciples Home Missions and funded though your generous support of Week of Compassion. Working in partnership with the Commission on Religion in Appalachia (C.O.R.A.) and Volunteer Ministries of the United Church of Christ, Volunteers in Mission coordinates mission trips that include Bible Study materials, economic justice training and debriefing the experience after the trip. Participants covenant to become advocates in their local communities when they return home.

This year the F.A.S.T. Program was located in five communities: Prestonsburg, Ky., Pipestem, W.Va., Hurley, Va., Oakwood, Va. and Cosby, Tenn. Disciples Home Missions and the Week of Compassion sponsor interns to host the groups for their week-long experience. Volunteers refurbished over 50 houses this summer and enjoyed a day off learning about the history of Appalachia.

Appalachia is the mountain chain that stretches from northern Alabama to southern New York state. Coal, mineral and timber industries in this area own most of the land and control most of the economic power. As a result, poverty is extremely high among the 20 million people who live in Appalachia. F.A.S.T. participants learn about these issues, meet some of the people who live there and discover a land as rich in poetry, music, stories and religious tradition as it is in humanity and natural resources.

If your congregation would like to participate in F.A.S.T. 2004, contact the Volunteers in Mission office at (888) 346-2631 or check the Web site www.homelandministries.org/VIM/FAST/. The cost of the trip is approximately $200 per participant and less for children under 10 years old. This program is designed for all ages and is perfect for an intergenerational event. Week of Compassion offers grants to congregations participating on their first work tripF.A.S.T. Participants report that their experience this summer has revitalized their own faith and impacted their congregation as well. That should be no surprise for Isaiah concludes:

"Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am." Isaiah 58:8-9.

The Rev. Claudia Carls, associate director of Volunteers in Mission, resides in Nashville, Tenn., with her two children. She is a member of Vine Street Christian Church, Nashville, Tenn.

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