Christian. The V irginia. Rev. Coretha Loughridge called as Interim Regional Minister. In This Issue: Calendar. Moderator-Elect

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1 The V irginia December 2016 Vol. 47, No. 10 A Publication of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia 1290 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA In This Issue: 2 Moderator s Moment 2 Message from the Moderator-Elect 4 Help available for churches in Search & Call process 4 Christmas Offering 4 Director for Disciples Men sought 5 Disciples Women News 6 Progress on Mission First! 6 Webinar on Mental Health 7 General Assembly info 9 Christmount opportunities 10 Craig Springs schedule 10 Craig Springs calendars Calendar General Assembly, July 8-12, 207, Indianapolis, Indiana Christian Rev. Coretha Loughridge called as Interim Regional Minister The Search & Call Team is delighted to share that the Reverend Coretha Loughridge has been called by action of the Board of Directors to be the Interim Regional Minister. Reverend Loughridge (pronounced Lothridge ), a life-long member of the Christian Church (DoC) graduated with a B.A. cum laude from Lynchburg College and a M.Div. from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. She has served churches in Virginia, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas throughout 36 years of ministry. She currently serves as the Interim Regional Minister & President of the Christian Church in the Southwest, as well as having served as Area Minister for the Northeast Area of the Southwest Region. Reverend Loughridge is a dynamic, energetic leader who has demonstrated a passion and developed a strong skill set for regional ministry. She is a natural leader whom the Search & Call Team found to possess a genuine pastoral presence that is open, approachable, and affirming of all people as God s beloved children. Reverend Loughridge is married to the Reverend Johnny Loughridge, who is retired. They have 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren. (continued)

2 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 2 Reverend Loughridge will begin her interim duties on or before February 15, A reception to welcome her will be hosted by the Search & Call Team at the Regional Office sometime in mid to late February. We give God all the glory for this new partnership in ministry with Coretha and we look forward to sharing her gifts and graces as we do kingdom work here in Virginia! Search & Call Team: Kathryn A. Hull, Chair Sally Good Tiffanie Hairston Bill Lee John Mathews Stephanie McLemore Antonio Redd Carolyn Rodenberg Michael Weeks Moderator s Moment After serving one year as Acting Moderator and two years as Moderator, I am happy to pass the gavel. It has been challenging work at times but well worth the effort. The best part of this experience has been the opportunity to get to know and do God s work with some wonderful leaders in our Region. It has been such a blessing that when I have asked for help every person responded positively with enthusiasm. Thank you is not nearly enough to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Please know you are loved and appreciated. As we start the new year with a new structure, new leaders, new Interim Regional Minister, and soon a revised constitution, we can feel the excitement! Under Richard Cline s calm and reasoned leadership, along with his team, we can help carry God s message to the world in a new and vital way. Peace, Carolyn Rodenberg From the Moderator-Elect What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. For we are co-workers in God s service; you are God s field, God s building. I Corinthians 3:5-9 I like the perspective that Paul gives in the above passage. It is at once both humbling, assuring, and challenging. As a pastor I am humbled, as I realize that no matter how much credit I wish to take for achievements and successes, it is God that ultimately makes it happen. It is assuring, in that I know that others will come after me, and build in greater ways upon the work I have left. It also challenges me, as I realize that what I do does affect the future. My

3 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 3 inactivity or failure to address the small issues today can result in those who follow having to face large and serious problems. What is true in local ministry is equally true in the ministry of our Region. We stand upon the work done by others, both laity and clergy countless hours given to mission, to pastoral care of churches and clergy, to camp and conferences, and to adults and youth. The Virginia Region has been blessed with dedicated people who worked together in ministry in order to give us our ministry. They planted and watered, and God gave the growth. With the work of others in mind, I wish to give special thanks to our out-going Regional Moderator, Carolyn Rodenberg. The scripture reminds us that, without vision, the people perish. Carolyn has brought to our Region a renewed sense of purpose and community, and most importantly, a new vision of a regional structure that will serve us well in our future. I hope you will join me in expressing to her well-deserved thanks. Beginning January first, it will be my turn to be humbled, assured, and challenged as the Moderator for the Virginia Region. I am humbled by the trust you have given to me, assured by the work of others that I now inherit, and challenged by the task before our Region. I petition your prayers for wisdom and guidance, but also your prayers for our Region, as we rediscover the unity which is ours as Disciples. Every Sunday we gather around the Lord s Table and give an open invitation that all are welcomed. That invitation to break bread and share the cup is one that transcends all differences and disagreements. It reminds us that we are all part of one ministry, centered in Christ. This Christmas I encourage you to support our Region s ministry by your participation in the Christmas Special Offering. Of the six offerings we support as Disciples, the Christmas Offering is the one that directly benefits the Virginia Region. It goes to support our ministries with youth and adults, Disciples Men and Women, education programs, pastoral care to churches and clergy, and the work of our Regional staff. It is also a sign of our thankfulness for the work of those before us, and our trust and hope in the future work of those who will follow. I hope that you will promote and encourage the 2016 Christmas Special Offering in your faith community. I cannot help but feel encouraged by the work of our Region. How could I not, knowing the dedication and enthusiasm of so many fellow Disciples from the mountains of Southwest Virginia to the sandy shore of Virginia Beach, from Martinsville to Winchester, from the Piedmont and the foothills to the Northern Neck? This Christmas, share the vision, as we give glory to Christ in all that we do. Blessings, Richard Cline Pastor, Olive Branch Christian Church, Norge

4 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 4 Search and Call help available for churches and pastors The Board of Directors of the Christian Church in Virginia has asked Rev. Michael Weeks of Slash Christian Church and Rev. Stephanie McLemore of Lynchburg College (both with past experience as Associate Regional Ministers) to aid ministers and churches in Virginia with the Search and Call process until the new Interim Regional Minister is in place on or before February 15, Any pastors wishing to enter Search and Call or churches seeking candidates are encouraged to contact Michael or Stephanie through the Regional Office by calling or by regoffice.ccinva@verizon.net Monies collected for the Christmas offering may be sent to the lock box, if your church uses it, or may be sent directly to the Regional office. It is important to note that the offerings need to be received either in the lock box or at the Regional office by December 31st in order to be reflected in the current year. Position open for Director of Disciples Men s Ministry The Christian Church in Virginia is seeking a person to fill the position of Director of Disciples Men s Ministry. This contract position involves working with the officers and leaders of the Disciple Men in Virginia, facilitating planning for the annual Men s Retreat, facilitating the men s luncheon at the Regional Assembly, and supporting Men s Ministry in the Districts. The Region provides an hourly compensation and reimbursement for travel. This is a part-time position that generally would require six to fourteen days per year. Applicants do not have to be ordained or commissioned, but persons with standing are encouraged to apply. If you are interested, send a written request to be considered to: Disciples Men Contract Position Christian Church in Virginia 1290 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, Virginia 24502

5 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 5 Disciples Women News Drop It In! Here we are in the month of December. Where did the time go? As we look back at 2016, it is a good time to reflect spiritually on not only what we accomplished in 2016, but what we want to accomplish in Something that we all can consider is stepping up our game on our spiritual disciplines. How was your prayer life, how often did you serve someone in need, how often and how much did you give of your resources, and how often did you drop a coin in your Blessing Box? Stepping up my own personal disciplines is something I plan to do. I encourage all Disciples Women in Virginia to join me in examining what change you might feel called to do as we welcome in the new year. Dropping coins in my Blessing Box is high on my list. According to the Disciples Home Mission website: For 60 years, the women of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have had a special way to express their gratitude to God for the blessings they have received the Blessing Box. The Blessing Box was created in 1953, the result of a dream of the women who founded Christian Women s Fellowship. Jessie Trout, who was CWF s co-founder and first executive secretary, developed the idea as an over-and-above way to help fund the wider mission of the church. Since that time, Blessing Boxes have been kept in the homes and offices of women across the church to enable them to express their gratitude for everyday blessings by giving to others. In 2013, the Blessing Bag was introduced as part of this practice. For those who participate, it is a spiritual discipline even more than a financial one. It helps keep a focus on gratitude to God and on the responsibility to share blessings with others. The amount put in may be a dime, a quarter or more. The amount is not nearly as important as the discipline of regularly remembering God s goodness through the acts of dropping in coins and praying prayers of thanksgiving. Kansas Disciples Women publishes a Blessing Box calendar (link) to help remind women to use their Blessing Box on a daily basis. If you or someone you know might be interested in designing a Blessing Box calendar for the Disciples Women in Virginia, please contact Donna at Advent and Christmas greetings to all of you. May God richly bless you in your journey, and in your generous giving, now and in the new year! Donna Webster, Director Disciples Women of Virginia 2017 SPA Days A special thanks to all the women who completed a pre-registration form to determine an interest in attending a 2017 Self-Care, Prayer and Action (SPA) Day in your local district. Locations and dates will be published in the February 2017 issue of The Virginia Christian.

6 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 6 Mission Council another step toward shared Mission First! a message from the Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, published by the Disciples News Service on December 7 Advent is the beginning of the church year, a season which begins focused on hope. This past weekend the Mission Council of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) listened together to the Spirit to discern a shared mission for Disciples. The Council heard God s call to continue welcoming all God s children to the Lord s Table as Christ has welcomed us, going out into the world to care for Jesus in the person of the most vulnerable, working to address the causes of vulnerability in our culture. We explored how these priorities might be expressed by ministering among January 12, pm CST / 1 pm EST Live webinar via Zoom The Mental Health and Congregational Care Affinity Group of the National Benevolent Association will offer an insightful webinar imagining how the church might think about mental health as a justice issue. In this webinar, we will break down what we mean when we say justice, lift up common issues of justice that exist in the mental health children, youth and young adults in our communities. We rejoiced in the Spirit s presence in the music of our hearts and the words of our sisters and brothers, particularly those of Dr. Moiseraele Prince Dibeela, PhD, former general secretary of the United Congregational Churches of Southern Africa and now head of Tswang Learning Communities in Botswana. Dibeela s words of challenge and comfort accompanied us throughout the weekend as we wrestled with the call, focusing on what we heard from the Mission Gatherings and the leading of the Spirit among us. As we test and share refinements of these priorities with the various boards and ministries of the Church, we are confident God will show us the way to make connections toward wholeness and hope. Webinar: Liberating the Mind: How the Church Can Think about Mental Health as a Justice Issue field, and discuss how the church can navigate and respond to the intersection of justice and mental health. Whether you are navigating the hurdles of your own mental illness, standing in solidarity with those facing life with the stigma of mental illness, or trying to learn how to create a more safe, informed, and welcoming church culture around mental health issues, this webinar is for you. Click here for more information and to register. The Disciples News Service distributes a weekly newsletter of events, resources, and information about the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Sign up here.

7 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 7 Register NOW July 8-12, 2017 Indianapolis REGISTER at disciples.org/ga Early registration rate expires March 30, 2017 WORSHIP as one LEARN in community about transformational leadership, worship, resources and justice ELECT a new General Minister and President HEAR the results of Mission First! EXPLORE new ideas groups/docgeneralassembly Download the app or at disciples.org/app

8 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 8 BE inspired. BE transformed. BE renewed. Powerful preaching. Great learning. Fresh strength. EVENING WORSHIP SPEAKERS Saturday Rev. Jose Morales We pray that all unity will one day be restored Claremont School of Theology, Claremont, CA Monday Rev. Dr. Serene Jones We will guard each one s dignity and save each one s pride Union Theological Seminary, New York City Tuesday Rev. Virzola Law Together we will spread the news that God is our land. Lindenwood Christian Church, Memphis, TN Wednesday The newly elected General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) They will know we are Christians by our love CORE LECTURERS MONDAY MORNING Resources & Stewardship Rev. Eric Law Kaleidoscope Institute 3 Justice Rev. Sandhya Jha Oakland Peace Center 2 Worship Marcia McFee Worship Design Studio 4 Transformative Leadership & Innovation Rev. Dr. Yvonne Gilmore Disciples Divinity House, University of Chicago Go early and often to disciples.org/ga to find out more about the 2017 General Assembly in Indianapolis July Registration, hotel and other information is available.

9 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 9 S*O*I*L [Social Opportunities for Intentional Listening] YOUTH/Adult Summer Eco-Justice Camp! July 24-28, 2017 Christmount Christian Assembly Black Mountain, NC Green Chalice and Christmount are partnering for a pilot intergenerational project. This camp/mission experience explores the landscape of our faith as you ve never seen it before: through the lens of sustainability, justice, service and action. It will be something like summer camp, mission trip, model UN and a Ted Talks Conference combined. On this week-long journey situated in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, groups will learn about some of the most challenging environmental issues impacting our world today. Participants will explore complex sustainability challenges and meet churches engaged in environmental / social justice in their own communities. This will be a service learning/mission trip experience that is rooted in your community and culminates in a camp that includes spiritual formation, social justice, creation care and community building. Experience a rich eco-system of worship, learning, work & play. Teams of 6-12 people (with at least half of whom are youth ages 12-18), from churches engaged in creation care and / or social justice work in their community will work together on a project ahead of time and bring it to the camp. We are accepting applications for the following topics: Food and Faith Climate Change Pollution Poverty Race and Reconciliation Contact Scott Hardin-Nieri or Rob Morris with questions and interest. Save $50 by registering by January 1. Winter Conferences at Christmount Pastor s Pre-Lenten Planning Retreat January 30-February 1 A few days for pastors to get away, enjoy some quiet time, and plan for this very special time in the liturgical year. Elders & Deacons Workshop, March 3-4 A faculty member from Lexington Theological Seminary keynotes the workshop, leading two sessions to help participants focus on an area of Christian faith and practice. Lenten Prayer Retreat, March Let Christmount aid you in your Lenten observances: come to a quiet place for contemplative worship, Holy Conversation, spiritual direction, labyrinth walking, simple meals, and social times.

10 December 2016 The Virginia Christian 10 Craig Springs News 2017 Schedule for Craig Springs Camp & Retreat Center Spring Work Weekend June 2-4 Nature Camp June Special Camp July 2-7 AMPDD Camp July Triple 1 Camp July Triple 2 Camp July New Covenant Camp July 30-August 4 Family Retreat August 4-7 Men s and Women s Retreat August 4-6 Fall Work Weekend October Craig Springs calendars available Need a last-minute Christmas gift? The 2017 Craig Springs camp calendars are now available for purchase. What a great way to support Craig Springs and also have memorable photos to look at all year long to remind you of good times up on the mountain! To purchase one, send a check for $17 to: Friends of Craig Springs to 100 Copperfield Road, Wirtz, VA Regional Staff Donna Webster, Director of Women s Ministries & Webmaster Bill Moore, Director of Commissioned Ministry Amy Moore, The Virginia Christian Editor & Regional Assembly Coordinator Jason Good, Craig Springs Camp Manager Rita Rodenbaugh, Administrative Assistant Susan Gordon, Secretary Melinda Floyd, Financial Secretary Submit news articles and photos any time for the next edition of The Virginia Christian: by mail to the Regional Office 1290 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA or by to: moore.amy.g@gmail.com.