PeopleDecember/January: Chaplains'
Training Conference in Germany
Serving our nation as a military chaplain is an awesome experience. It is a volunteer responsibility that represents God, country, and the women and men who serve in the Armed Forces. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has more than 120 military chaplains serving in various branches and capacities in the armed forces. Presently we have three chaplains in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. As it is with the service personnel to whom they extend ministry and care, the chaplain can experience the ultimate sacrifice of death, as well as family turmoil, the loneliness of separation and the rigors of assignments that can be isolating and frightening to family members. Most chaplains and family members embrace such difficulty with the understanding and acceptance that this is a calling from God and a service given to their country. Recently, more than 245 chaplains attended the Religious Support Operations Leadership Training Conference in Germany. These chaplains were from installations throughout Europe. The conference was led by the Army Chief of Chaplains and dealt specifically with support issues to our troops, how chaplains and their assistant teams can function more efficiently, spiritual care and worship support in unusual settings, and how chaplains can nurture and care for fellow military chaplains. The common theme that Disciples chaplains express is thankfulness to our Church for allowing them to serve our country and service members in this unique ministry. Our chaplains covet your prayers as they minister in very serious, demanding, and difficult times. They ask that we pray for military personnel, their families, and our nation during this Christmas season, even as they are praying for peace to come to our world and to all people.
December/January: Disciples
Chaplain Named As Brigadier General On January 2006, John will pin on his new rank and continue responsibilities as the senior chaplain of resources, policy, programs and guidance to approximately 2,200 National Guard Chaplain Service personnel (Air Force and Army). His pastoral care will be to 450,000 members of the National Guard for religious, ethical, moral, and morale issues for the National Guard.
October/November: Disciples Home Missions is pleased to announce that Lonnie Graves has accepted the Merger Staff position in the Office of Disciples Women. Graves, a lifelong Disciples and native of Southern California, began her duties October 1. Although she will have a wide range of responsibilities for Disciples Women's Ministries, her emphasis will be on ministries with the women of the National Convocation. Graves comes from a long line of Disciples leaders, including grandfather A.J.Hurdle, who was one of our earliest African American Disciples ministers, and matriarchs active in Christian Women's Fellowship. Graves said, "As a very small child, I remember my mother, grandmothers and aunties in church service through Christian Women's Fellowship. They were participants on many levels within the organization. It has been close to two decades since my sisters and I first attended our regional annual CWF meeting at Mission Springs, Calif. There have been occasions when women of three generations of our family have attended the same year. Now, with an adult daughter of my own and strong relationships with many women in their 20s and 30s, I have been on a mission to develop opportunities for them to participate in the annual meetings." This passion for nurturing and mentoring young women in the church will carry into her work in the Office of Disciples Women. "As I have seen my dream unfolding in my local church," she stated, "I would like to see this happen for women across the church." Formerly, an administrative assistant to the Northern California/Nevada regional minister, Graves brings experience in business, communications and publishing to this position. She is a member of First Christian Church of Concord, Calif. She and her husband, Roy, are the parents of Lonora and Roy. (boxed) There are presently four Chinese Disciple churches in the United States, one in Atlanta, two in L. A. and one in Dallas. In January 2004, a Chinese evangelical mission of eight to 10 people was started in Houston, Texas.
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August/September:
August/September:
Disciples
Regional Ministers accepted the hospitality of Chaplain Commander
William Faunterloy aboard the U.S.S. Nimitz while attending their
annual meeting in San Diego in December 2003.
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The Retirement
of Eldon L. Irving
June/July: Having served in the ministry for 43 years, the last 28 years as Senior Pastor of First Christian Church in Duncanville, Texas, the Rev. Dr. Eldon L. Irving will retire the end of June 2004. A special worship service will be held at the church on Sunday, June 27th, at 10:45 a.m., followed by a dinner celebration.
Born in McAllen, Texas, Dr. Irving graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from the University of Washington; he did graduate study at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, he received his BD degree from Yale Divinity School, his STM degree from United Theological Seminary, and his Doctor's degree from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. Dr. Irving has been active in the Christian Church at the area, regional and general levels. He served on the Committee of Recommendations to the International Convention of Christian Churches, has been a member of the General Board of the Christian Church, served on the Worship Commission for the General Church, served on the Ohio Youth Commission, and was moderator of the North Texas Area of the Christian Church in the Southwest.
Dr. Irving has written articles for The Christian, World Call, the Yale Divinity School periodical Reflections, and has published the book The Life of Christ in Masterpieces of Art.
After having served churches in Warren and Dayton, Ohio, and Kansas City, Dr. Irving began his ministry in Duncanville in 1976. In the course of his 28 year ministry in Duncanville, the church was recognized by the National Evangelical Association for "excellence in evangelism and church growth." The building doubled in size, the budget was increased by more than 700 percent, many new programs and ministries were added, and the church was recognized by the General Assembly as one of five Christian churches in the United States as being an "exemplary teaching congregation." The church recently celebrated its 110th anniversary and is a Texas Historical Landmark.
Dr. Irving and his wife, Gloria, have two grown children, Angela and Ryan. For recreation Dr. Irving enjoys sail boat racing and has raced in several national regattas. He also is interested in antique cars, and for several years made his pastoral calls in a 1929 Model A Roadster.
"Eldon will not only be missed by his congregation, but by the community as well. Eldon has always contributed so much to all of us.", says church member, Cindy Hartgraves. Church member Tom Vittrup states, "Eldon is an eloquent speaker and good teacher. We always have liked his sermons. His friendly face will be truly missed."
In retirement Dr. Irving and Gloria plan to travel. He also plans to write, and his artist wife plans to do the artwork and sketches for his upcoming book "Personalities in the Pews."
Les Galbraith Named Interim Director of Men's Ministries
April/May: Disciples Home Missions has named Les Galbraith Interim Director of Men's Ministries. He retired from the staff of the Christian Church in Indiana January 1, 2004, and began his assignment with DHM on January 14. For the last seven years he has served the Christian Church in Indiana in a variety of positions most notably in men's ministries.
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An ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Galbraith received a master's of divinity from Phillips Graduate Seminary, Enid, Okla., and a master's in library science from the University of Texas-Austin. He also holds an undergraduate degree from Phillips University, Enid, Okla.
Les Galbraith has served pastorates in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. His ministry has gone beyond congregations into several church agencies and organizations.
The focus of Galbraith's work will be to give direction and support to the various kinds of ministries for men, principally laymen through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He will offer council and support to both the General Conference of Disciples Men and regions to help them realize their fullest potential.
According to Galbraith, "The three C's of men's ministry are cooperate, coordinate and communicate. I hope to help with connecting General Disciples men's ministries with what's happening in local congregations. The whole church could be strengthened by developing a new generation of men as leaders. Also, International Day of Pancakes offers a great opportunity to involve more men's groups in funding projects that reach children and young people."
Galbraith has directed many men's retreats and says, "When men get together in retreats there's lots of sharing and spiritual growth." In Indiana, under his leadership, attendance at Indiana men's retreats grew in numbers, in some instances more than doubled.
An elder at Northwood Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind., he has served as moderator of the congregation and chair of the stewardship, outreach and worship committees.
The Denver, Colo., native is married to Marge. They are the parents of two children and have four grandsons and another grandchild is due in July. Due to his retirement status he will work for DHM part-time.
Thanksgiving and Other Graces in Sunland Park, Calif.
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Pictured from left, Galen Goben, pastor of Foothill Christian Church, Linda Houston, First Christian Church, torrance, Arlie, the musican, Diane Cripe, First Christian Burbank, and Deborah Thompson, Foothill. |
February/March: Perhaps because we had been practicing Handel's Messiah at our church, the the words from Malachi 3:3 and he shall purify the sons of Levi… were present and powerful to me on my visit to Sunland Park, Calif. I wondered just who was being 'purified'. Must be the homeless guests coming from their encampment for a Thanksgiving meal, I decided, and continued to hum.
Diane Cripe, a participant in one of the Regional Women's Action Web (WAW) events, responded to God's call two years ago and began distributing sleeping bags to adults and children. She soon began connecting with other women in the area and began to offer meals to adults and children who were recipients of the sleeping bags. Together with Deborah Thompson, a member of Foothill Christian Church, La Crescenta, Calif., a new program was begun.
Diane remembers being awkward and feeling frightened about being in relationship with these people in need. However, it was clear to her that this was indeed where God wanted her to be. So, it was on faith she continued.
Soon the word was out that every Thursday there was lunch, fellowship and music to be enjoyed at the park. One of the regulars, "Arlie," his gentle Doberman at his side, plays his guitar and sings original songs, to the delight of all.
Thanksgiving Thursday, 2003, was celebrated in Sunland Park. Of the people who came, some were homeless, some were not, some were hungry and some have never known hunger. One was clergy. One was a minstrel. All were grateful. All were served on a picnic table replete with centerpiece and candles.
The program is growing. Diane states, "It seems like every time I talk about this program, it grows." Money, support and donations of food are coming in from individuals, local civic organizations and shelters in the area. She has been invited to speak at local Nazarene, Catholic and Disciples churches.
Although these energetic women credit the Women's Action Web for nurturing the spiritual experience and skills needed to assess their communities' needs. It is the relationship with those being served that feeds them and keeps them going but it would not have happened without the WAW.
Now I understand the verse from Malachi a bit differently. It is not they who are being purified. It is those of us who are allowed to be of service to our sisters and brothers.
Linda Houston, Torrance, Calif. is President of the Pacific Southwest Region Women's Commission. Diane Cripe is a member of First Christian Church, Burbank, Calif.
—by Linda Houston and Diane Cripe
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Three Asian Staff Appointed
December/January: It is my distinct pleasure to announce the appointment of three new members of the North American Asian Ministries team. Each will serve on a 1/3-time basis and will hold the following positions:
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Right: Dan Calderon, director of Filipino Ministries
Below right: Kim Tran, director of Vietnamese Ministries
Left: Lian Jiang, director of Chinese Ministries
Each director brings an extensive and unique set of experiences and background to our ministry as we prepare to build upon the successes we have achieved thus far. These positions are funded by the Mission Imperative Fund of the General Board through your support of the Disciples Mission Fund and New Church Ministry.
Serving nine different and distinct Pacific/Asian groups within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) today, our ministry has grown from only eight Asian churches when I began 10 years ago to 80 today! With the addition of these three senior leaders focused specifically on the Chinese, Filipino and Vietnamese groups, we are prayerfully looking forward to many more years of growth and vitality.
Please join me in welcoming Lian, Dan and Kim and please feel free to contact any of us!
Raymond E. Brown Receives DHM's Distinguished Leadership Award
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Raymond E. Brown |
December/January: Raymond E. Brown is the fourth recipient of Disciples Home Missions' (DHM) Distinguished Leadership Award. In presenting the award, President Arnold Nelson Jr. said, "Raymond E. Brown has dedicated the largest part of his life to this church. Many times he has contributed leadership to DHM. Most recently, he contributed to DHM by giving us his energy, his courage, his integrity, and his reputation."
Brown, the retired Senior Vice President of Church Extension, has served the General Church in nine interim capacities: Church Finance Council, interim president, 1992 and 1998 to 1999; National Convocation of the Christian Church, administrative secretary 1993 and 1999; Division of Homeland Ministries, interim vice president Center for Education and Mission; interim vice president Center for Congregational Growth and Vitality; interim vice president Center for Leadership and Ministry; interim president 2000-2002; and Faith United Christian Church, Indianapolis, Ind., interim pastor The first recipient, Bruce Cotton, an executive and layman from Lexington, Ky., helped DHM become congregationally oriented, received the award in 1991.
The second recipient, Saundra Bryant, executive director of All Peoples Christian Center (All Peoples), Los Angeles, Calif., served the church as vice moderator and has dedicated her life to All Peoples, a home mission center of DHM, received the award in 1997.
The third recipient, Charles Gaines, dentist and layman, Arlington, Texas, has been a tireless, imaginative and dedicated leader for Disciples Men, received the award in 1999.
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New Chaplains/Directors 2004
December/January: On October 18, 2003, at the General Assembly Chaplaincy/Specialized Ministries Breakfast, Sir Walter Scott and William Dorman were announced as directors of Military Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries, respectively. Danny Thompson made the announcement and Arnold C. Nelson Jr. gave the installation prayer at the breakfast.
Dorman will have responsibility for Institutional Chaplaincy/Pastoral Counselors and Scott will have responsibility for Military Chaplaincy/Veteran Affairs Chaplaincy. These deployed positions will become effective January 1, 2004. Both men are excited about this new ministry and committed to it.
The ministry of pastoral care to our chaplains and counselors will be a major focus of ministry for these two new directors. Their devotion to the Christian Church and desire to be faithful to their calling will continue to build on DHM's commitment to support our vocational leaders.
These appointments are indicative of DHM's mission to bring new vitality to the collective ministries of the Christian Church (DoC).
Thanks for the Kagiwada Scholarship
December/January: Dear Lois Robinson & Disciples Home Missions
I would like to greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to express my gratitude to you for granting me a scholarship through the Kagiwada Memorial Scholarship provided by DHM. As an international student, and father of a family, I have faced various cultural and financial difficulties to live in the United States.
However, I was very thankful to God when I learned He provided me with such a scholarship, and also was encouraged to do the work that He has ordained to me in my life. I pray that this scholarship be used to glorify His name and to help prepare His kingdom in this world. Again, thank you very much for your support, and I pray that God bless you and DHM for His ministry.
Yours in Christ, Moon Su Kang
Moon Su Kang is a student at Brite Divinity School, Fort Worth, Texas, a cooperative program with San Francisco Theological Seminary and Disciples Seminary Foundation, Claremont, Calif.
Veteran Disciple woman to coordinate 2006 Quadrennial
December/January: The Rev. Claudia Ewing Grant, former Deputy General Minister and Vice President for Communications of the Christian Church (DOC), has been called to coordinate for the 2006 Women's Partnership Event to be held in Indianapolis June 21 to 25, 2006. This special event (known as Quadrennial Assembly by Disciples Women) will bring together women from the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ in worship, study and fellowship. It is anticipated over 5000 women will attend.
Claudia served as Coordinators for the 1998 Quadrennial Assembly and was staff to four General Assemblies, including serving on the planning committee for the first-ever joint General Assembly/Synod in St. Louis. In addition to being a wife, mother, step-mother and grandmother, she has served in numerous pastoral and regional positions and brings a wealth of ecumenical and global experience to her new position.
Following the recent Indiana Women's Retreat, Claudia said, "(It) was a strong reminder to me of the power and life-giving possibilities for the church when women of faith come together." She says it is her passion for creating meaningful experiences which bring Christ into the midst of large groups that led her to consider taking on the role of Coordinator a second time. The Executive Committee of ICWF and the staffs of the Office of Disciples Women and Women's Ministries for the UCC give thanks that Claudia has accepted this leadership role.
Claudia began her duties part-time the week of August 4. Her office is housed at Disciples Home Missions in the Office of Disciples Women and she can be reached at (888) 346-2631, (317) 713-2638 or via e-mail at cgrant@dhm.disciples.org.
Scholarship named in memory of Vanderbilt Divinity School graduate
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October/November: A scholarship is being established by DHM in memory of a recent Vanderbilt Divinity School graduate. Michelle Rebecca Jackson, 38, died June 18, 2003, after a brief, unexpected illness, less than a month after receiving the Master of Divinity degree. Under care of the Commission on Ministry of the Christian Church in Tennessee, she was seeking ordination this fall. She was the mother of four.
Jackson was a Washington, D.C. systems analyst when she responded to a call to ministry upon entering the divinity school. Ms. Jackson was still seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance in finding a place to serve.
It was through her relationships with Disciples divinity school students and her experiences at the Vine Street Christian Church that she discovered the Disciples as her spiritual home. She was a member at Vine Street.
As a student at the Divinity school, Ms. Jackson chaired the Council of Black Seminarians and served in the Student Government Association. Anticipating a ministry directed toward social justice, she was a gifted preacher. Students said, "if you spent ten minutes with her, you got a sermon." The Michelle Jackson Scholarship is to provide a legacy for her stillborn ministry. It will serve African American Disciple women in M.Div. degree programs at accredited seminaries. It will be based on merit and need. Contributions can be made to DHM and all income will be used for the scholarship.
R. Wayne Calhoun Sr., becomes DHM minister of evangelism
October/November: Disciples Home Missions has named R. Wayne Calhoun Sr. Minister of Evangelism effective October 1. Calhoun will focus on providing leadership in evangelism, church growth and vitality for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with a dual emphasis to serve African American congregations and provide African American leadership to the whole church.
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Calhoun is an ordained minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and received a master's of divinity from Brite Divinity School—Texas Christian University, Ft. Worth, Texas. He also holds an undergraduate degree from Jarvis Christian College. With 20 years of pastoral experience, Calhoun has served in various capacities at Disciples congregations throughout Texas including Contemporary Christian Church, North Bolton Street Christian Church, East Side Christian Church, Pine Hill Christian Church, New Mount Olive Christian Church, and Northside Christian Church where he was most recently the associate pastor for administration and Bible study.
Calhoun is active in various ministerial and community associations. He was recently honored with an Award of Recognition for the Timothy Wall of Fame and an Award of Recognition for Ordination into Christian Ministry both from University Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Houston, Texas. The Texas native is married to Deborah Daneils Calhoun. They are the parents of three children: ShaRhonda, 18, a freshman at Jarvis Christian College, Hawkins, Texas; Reginald W. Jr., 15, and ShaMarla, 10.
The position of Minister of Evangelism is one of three merger agreement positions between the National Christian Missionary Convention and the United Christian Missionary Society (UCMS).
DHM continues the ministry of UCMS and this position is in partnership with the National Convocation of the Christian Church (DoC).
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Home Mission Advocate published by Disciples
Home Missions |
