| November 6, 2007 |
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Indianapolis
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Lonnie Graves has announced her intention to conclude her work in the Office of Disciples Women and as Merger Staff for women's ministries for the National Convocation at the end of January, 2008. Lonnie states, "After three years, it is now time to check for balance in my life, as I honor my thirty-one year marriage covenant. I am so blessed to have a husband who respects my personal call, knowing that God can call us collectively or separately."
Timothy M. James, Associate General Minister and Administrative Secretary for the National Convocation, reflects on the committee's interview and how pleased they were with all they saw in Lonnie. He says, "In reality, she surpassed all of our expectations. But what came clearer to me than ever, which is true for all of us, is the following reflection made by Lonnie to the committee, 'As I answer this call, I will serve for a season.'" He goes on, "The Bible says, 'To everything there is a season, a time and purpose under the heavens.' This truly speaks to the ministry of Lonnie Graves. She has served for a most fruitful season. She has borne good fruit in the Office of Disciples Women in general and for the Disciples Women of the National Convocation in particular. She has truly demonstrated and modeled whole church inclusiveness in her own professional and gentle way. As her season of service ends, we pray God's richest blessings upon her."
Dan Clark, Interim President at Disciples Home Mission, states, "Although I have known Lonnie only a few months, she has made a lasting impression on me. I am moved by her passion for the ministry she has served for the last three years, for the leadership she has provided, and for her love of Jesus Christ and this church. We will miss her in DHM and at Disciples Center."
Comments Adonna Bowman, Executive Director of the Office of Disciples Women, "The Office of Disciples Women and Disciple Women everywhere are grateful for the ministry provided by Lonnie. We also thank God for her husband, Roy, and his unselfish willingness to encourage Lonnie to share her time and talents as she lived into the ministry she felt God has called her to for the past three years, knowing that this call required many life adjustments including his remaining in California where his business is located and she relocating to Indianapolis. While there is sadness in losing Lonnie's calm, compassionate, gracious and loving presence in our office and ministry, we also rejoice with her and her family as she returns to California and the bonds of love they hold for one another.
Lonnie's legacy will go down in the annals of Disciple Women for the contributions she has made to all women of the church, and her ministry does not stop when she leaves her ministry in the Office of Disciples Women in Indianapolis. She will be attending the Women's Habitat Blitz Build in January of 2008 in Beaumont, TX, and has already agreed to serve on the Women's Resource Consulting team in the development of a new and exciting magazine for Disciple Women, premiering early in 2009."
During the next three months, Lonnie will be working from her family home in Northern California and may be reached at lgraves@dhm.disciples.org or by phone at (925) 849-4222.
For more information and a personal statement from Lonnie, visit www.discipleshomemissions.org/News2007/07.08.GravesLetter.htm or www.discipleswomen.org.
A general ministry of the church, Disciples Home Missions is committed to equipping Disciples for Christ and connecting people to the life changing love of God. |
