Ohio Disciples Outreach Notebook

Transcription

1 We are the Body of Christ gifted and called in covenant together as Disciples of Christ to be centers of transformation on the new mission frontier of our own communities Ohio Disciples Outreach Notebook A resource notebook for your congregation s outreach/mission ministry team 355 East Campus View Blvd Suite 110 Columbus, Ohio

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3 OHIO DISCIPLES OUTREACH Ohio Disciples Outreach (ODO) is the umbrella outreach program of the Christian Church in Ohio. ODO is in place to distribute outreach/mission giving from our Ohio congregations to the various outreach/mission causes of our denomination and our regional church. All offerings received by ODO are disbursed at the end of each month to the outreach/mission causes as designated by each congregation. In the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) tradition of congregational polity, there is no apportionment or assessment imposed on the congregation as the proper response to mission giving beyond the local church. Instead, each congregation is called to spiritually discern its faithful response and to set its own commitment to the wider Church. The Ohio Disciples Outreach Ministry Team encourages your congregation to give regularly and even sacrificially in the discernment of your outreach giving. Studies by congregational research organizations have shown that vital congregations give at least 10-15% of their annual income to denominational mission/outreach, and another 10-15% to outreach programs in their local setting. The Ohio Disciples Outreach Ministry Team encourages your congregation to use these guidelines as a beginning target for discerning its outreach/mission goals. If your congregation already overreaches these guidelines, set your own challenging outreach/mission goals. Fund Raising for Mission Churches raise money for ODO in many ways. Typically, mission giving beyond the local congregation is a valued priority that shows itself in a line item of the annual congregational budget. Many of our congregations boost Disciple Mission Fund giving through Special Day offering envelopes. These special offerings occur on Easter, Pentecost, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Special Day offerings are used to help underwrite specific ministries. Easter Support of the General Ministries of the Christian Church (DOC) Pentecost Support of New Church Ministries; 50% to General Church, 50 % to the Regional Church. Thanksgiving Support of our higher education institutions Christmas Support of Regional Church Ministries Some congregations sponsor special fundraisers for ODO. Some congregations encourage fellowship groups and individuals to make contributions beyond the congregation s budget. As more churches develop endowment funds, we see the rise in commitment to include ODO in endowment fund policies. As a demonstration of their commitment to outreach/mission, one Ohio congregation has a policy that one-quarter of all expenditures from endowment funds must be spent on outreach (Disciple or otherwise). In another congregation, 10% of all nondesignated gifts must go to outreach/mission of the wider Church.

4 In addition to the Ohio Disciples Outreach program, the mission/outreach of our congregations also includes the Week of Compassion, Reconciliation, Cleveland Christian Home, and other locally defined outreach/mission projects. Week of Compassion, Reconciliation, and Cleveland Christian Home giving may be remitted with ODO monies, and will be reported separately. ODO PERCENTAGES The Christian Church in Ohio has designed the ODO Percentage Method, which is considered the most effective distribution method for extending your congregation s support of Disciples outreach/mission causes. Congregations may choose to use the recommended distribution percentages, which are determined by the Regional Church Council of the Christian Church in Ohio, or congregations may specify how their money is to be distributed. Both options are available on the ODO remittance forms. Undesignated offerings will be allocated according to the ODO Percentage Method. The ODO Percentage Method: Disciples Mission Fund % (A portion of DMF returns to Ohio) Ohio Designated - Operating 6.000% New Church Fund % Camp Christian Fund 5.400% Inner City Fund 1.300% Ecumenical Fund 0.610% Seminary Fund 4.370% Ministerial Relief Fund 2.310% The largest portion of the ODO Percentage Method distribution goes to Disciples Mission Fund (DMF). Through DMF your congregation supports the whole mission and ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The operating budget of the regional church, as well as other Ohio-specific funds for regional church ministry, also need your support. The Ohio Disciples Outreach Ministry Team recommends that each congregation accept the ODO Percentage Method to give the greatest impact of your outreach/mission offering. ODO REMITTANCE FORM Your church treasurer should use the ODO Remittance Form to remit offering money for ODO. The ODO Remittance Form is available from the Regional Church office or at When you send your remittances to the Christian Church in Ohio, you can mark the line marked ODO % method, which means you want to use the ODO percentages. The other option is that you may choose to designate your own percentages or simply write in dollar amounts. You may also use this form to remit other offerings beyond ODO. Simply write them on the form. Write one check made payable to Ohio Disciples Outreach or Christian Church in Ohio and send with the remittance form. The offering will be distributed by the Regional Church Office according to the designations on the remittance form and reported to the Office of General Minister and President (OGMP)/Treasury Services.

5 The Regional Church Office keeps an up-to-date record of your congregation s remittances and will provide a copy of your congregation s ODO giving upon request. On a quarterly basis the OGMP/Treasury Services sends reports directly to your church. However, that report uses different giving categories than your Ohio Remittance Form. If your congregation sent its offering directly to OGMP/Treasury Services, the Regional Church Office will help you reconcile giving to Ohio outreach/mission causes with the OGMP/Treasury Services report. (Refer to the Ohio Remittance Form on the next page of this ODO notebook.)

6 OHIO DISCIPLES OUTREACH 2011 Your Church Name & City CPIN NUMBER Daytime Phone # ( ) Remittance from: Congregation Church School Ohio Disciple Women Ohio Disciple Men Youth Group Individual I. Ohio Disciples Outreach -- Disciples Mission Fund ODO % method $ actual method $ OGMP/Treasury Svcs Computer Printout 69.71% Disciples Mission Fund $ DMF REGULAR 06.00% Ohio Oper Designated $ DESIG OPERATING OHI 10.30% New Church Fund $ CAP NEW CHURCH 05.40% Camp Christian Fund $ DESIG CAPTL REG OHICMP 01.30% Inner City / Rural Fund $ DESIG OPERATING OHI 00.61% Ecumenical-Ohio Council $ DESIG OPERATING OHI 04.37% Seminary Fund $ DESIG OPERATING OHI 02.31% Ministerial Relief Fund $ DESIG OPERATING OHI II. Special Offerings Easter $ DMF EASTER Pentecost $ DMF PENTECOST Thanksgiving $ DMF THANKSGIVING Christmas $ DMF CHRISTMAS Week of Compassion $ WEEK OF COMPASS WOC Designated $ WEEK OF COMPASS $ Reconciliation $ RECONCILIATION Blessing Box $ DMF REGULAR III. Other Ohio Designated Cleveland Christian Home $ $ $ $ Other: $ $ $ $ $ Total Amount of Outreach Check $ WRITE ONE CHECK TO : Christian Church in Ohio 355 East Campus View Blvd. Suite 110 Columbus, OH 43235

7 ODO DISCIPLES MISSION FUND (DMF) In this section are more detailed descriptions of each ministry supported by our giving through Disciples Mission Fund as part of Ohio Disciples Outreach. The largest portion of our ODO distribution goes to Disciples Mission Fund. DMF is a churchwide system of outreach giving that supports local, regional, and general ministry efforts as Disciples reach out in shared mission, From Our Doorsteps to the Ends of the Earth. Historically, Disciples have achieved greater efficiencies and critical presence through a common ministry fund that proclaims Christ s presence with the United States and Canada, and around the world. Disciples Mission Fund today supports a wide array of ministries as Disciples reach out in witness and mission. The Office of the General Minister and President distributes DMF receipts to 10 general ministries of the church, 33 regions, 21 Disciples-related higher education institutions, and a half-dozen other recognized church-related organizations. These organizations seek to fulfill the challenge of the Gospel by providing important ministries on behalf of the whole church. These ministries include: Leader development Congregational transformation New church oversight and training Pro-reconciliation/anti-racism work Church-wide funding strategies and resources General Assembly planning and promotion Recognition, coordination and promotion of the gifts of the Church's racial/ethnic ministries Overseeing Christian unity efforts nationally and internationally Pension plans and retirement accounts Music and congregational resources Relationships with global church partners and missionaries Senior Care ministries Historical Archives Use the mailing and Internet website addresses to request resources that will assist you in informing your congregation about the work of each ministry. Many of the groups are willing to send speakers, videos, or printed materials.

8 CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN OHIO Regional Church Office 355 East Campus View Blvd. Suite 110 Columbus, OH (614) Fax: (614) (614) (Automated Menu) Camp Christian Maple Dell Road, Magnetic Springs, Ohio (937) The Christian Church in Ohio cares for and supports congregations and pastors in Ohio and is responsible for training local and lay clergy leaders, sponsoring camps and conferences, establishing new congregations, offering program assistance and ministry initiatives to help revitalize existing congregations. (Of each dollar given by Ohio congregations to the Disciples Mission Fund, approximately is received for Ohio s Regional Church work.) Mission and Ministries of the Ohio Regional Church Congregational support and guidance through pastoral transitions Nurture and development of new ministers Pastoral support for every congregation and pastor Leadership training New church establishment Congregational transformation for struggling churches Opportunities for mission and spiritual development Licensed Ministry training A listening ear and a caring heart for every Ohio Disciple Summer camping program for children, youth and young adults Men s and Women s ministries Conflict resolution Offering transitional and supply ministers Offering educational opportunities and resources for all ages Maintaining ministerial standards and ethics Providing education for safeguarding children and adults Offering insurance and tax resources

9 Regional Church Staff Regional Pastor and President William H. Edwards Associate Regional Pastors Stephen Bentley (Ext. 116) LaTaunya Bynum (Ext. 115) Regional Program Director Brenda Webster (Ext. 111) Office Administrator Jennie Stoddart (Ext. 120) Executive Assistant Joanne Arnold (Ext. 110) Interim Treasurer/Accounting Manager Rich Haines (Ext. 122) Financial Clerk Sally Wears (Ext. 117) Camp Superintendent Al Channell Food Services Director Doris Woodson

10 GENERAL OFFICE OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH Mail: P. O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, Indiana Office: 130 E. Washington Street, (317) , FAX (317) The Office of the General Minister and President leads, serves, inspires, nurtures, and facilitates the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) as one church in many expressions. The General Minister and President fills two basic roles in the life of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. As General Minister, she is the general pastor of the nearly 700,000-member Church, responsible for representing the wholeness of the church, for reconciling differences, and for helping the church retain its clarity of mission and identity. As General President, she is the chief executive officer for the denomination, responsible for overseeing the work of the church's various structures. She strives to help the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) remain faithful to God's calling and to do its work effectively and efficiently. The ecumenical world regards the GMP as "head of communion" and as the chief representative of the church in national and world ecumenical councils. Disciples often speak of the GMP as the Disciples' primary leader. The Office of the General Minister and President, or "OGMP," provides leadership for the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. While encompassing many responsibilities within the Church, the OGMP's focus is on providing support for Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, the General Minister and President in her duties as the pastor and chief executive officer of the Church. Areas of ministry and responsibility can be broken into the following categories: Supporting the General Minister and President Coordinating and planning the biennial General Assembly meeting Coordinating and planning the annual General Board meeting Coordinating and planning meetings of the Administrative Committee Communicating with the larger church Coordinating and managing the Disciples Mission Fund Other organizations with recognized relationships reporting through the Office of General Minister and President include: Conference of Regional Ministers and Moderators, European Evangelistic Society, National City Christian Church Corporation, and the United Christian Missionary Society.

11 DIVISION OF OVERSEAS MINISTRIES (DOM) Mail: P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, Indiana Office: 130 E. Washington Street, (317) , FAX (317) Through the Division of Overseas Ministries (DOM) congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) engage in mission and ministry with other North American churches and with churches of other continents. Working in partnership with the United Church of Christ s United Church Board for World Ministries (UCBWM), DOM is part of the larger Common Global Ministries Board (CGMB), a common policy-making body for both denominations. Through the CGMB, Disciples share in effective and wide-ranging ministries of evangelism, witness and service around the world. DOM responds to requests from churches overseas for personnel to perform specific functions for given periods of time, working under the supervision of churches and institutions overseas. DOM seeks to cultivate strong linkages with churches and institutions in Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, engaging in mutual ministries in the name of Jesus Christ. DOM seeks to make available funds for leadership training, evangelism, medical programs and community development projects as plans are developed by sister churches overseas or ecumenical bodies in which many churches participate. DISCIPLES HOME MISSIONS (DHM) Mail: P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, Indiana Office: 130 E. Washington Street, (317) , FAX (317) (888) mail@dhm.disciples.org Disciples Home Missions (DHM) is the enabling and coordinating division of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the area of congregational life. DHM provides consultation and resources and offers leadership to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in order that congregations and their ministries may be strengthened and upheld in Bringing people to Christ Making transformation possible in individuals and society Nurturing individuals and families; and Reaching out in mission and witness to the community and the world. The ministries of Disciples Home Missions include: Men, women, youth, young adults, family and children, Worship Resources, Christian Education, Public Witness, Congregational Transformation, Evangelism, Christian Vocation, Disciples Volunteering, Refugee and Immigration Ministries.

12 PENSION FUND OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH PENSION FUND of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 130 E. Washington Street P. O. Box Indianapolis, IN (317) , FAX (317) The Pension Fund serves the church by supporting ministers, missionaries and lay employees of the Church and its related institutions. For over 100 years, first as the Board of Ministerial Relief and then as the administrator of the Pension Plan, it has sought to under gird the church and its ministry. Change and growth of the Pension Fund have continually broadened and deepened its ministry. Through both contractual and gift programs, the Pension Fund seeks to serve the total church and its ministry. Among the services provided are: Church-wide health care insurance Preparation for retirement Money management Minister s personal finances Low cost accident insurance Income tax information Additional benefits program (tax-deferred annuity) Promotion of the Month of the Ministry The Pension Fund also manages Ministerial Relief and Assistance and the Church Wide Health Care Gift Fund. These help to make life better for many of our older retired ministers, missionaries and their widows or widowers. Ministerial Relief and Assistance makes funds available for the Supplemental Gifts (to supplement low pensions) and Ministerial Relief Grants (for those who have no pension). Funds for this ministry come from individual gifts, offerings through DMF and the earnings from the Endowment Fund for Ministerial Relief and Assistance. The Church Wide Health Care Gift Fund helps to pay the Health Care Medicare Supplement for many worthy servants of the Church.

13 National Benevolent Association 149 Weldon Parkway, Ste. 115 Maryland Heights, MO The National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is creating communities of compassion and care. To fulfill our mission, we empower and equip the various health and social service ministries throughout the life of the denomination. This is accomplished through: Resourcing and networking congregations who are offering up ministries of care Supporting health and human service ministries affiliated with the denomination Advocating on behalf of the least of these The National Benevolent Association traces its roots back to the 1880s when six very determined and compassionate women in a St. Louis-based prayer group gave birth to a local program designed to help the area s widows and orphans. From that initial ministry, the NBA, a General Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), grew as it added homes for older adults, orphanages and facilities for adults with developmental disabilities, and even a few hospitals. At its peak, the organization owned, operated, and/or was affiliated with facilities from Florida to Alaska and from Pennsylvania to California, numbering close to 100. Economic instability at the turn of the 21 st century impacted NBA s bottom line and forced it to change its organization s structure in 2005, retaining 6 ministry sites. In 2007, NBA changed its name to Disciples Benevolent Services, to emphasize their new role in partnering with other faith-based organizations within the Disciples network and beyond. NBA Chaplaincy Care services at 5 additional locations were added and receive financial support from their local Regions. The DBS name never seemed to catch on with the wider church. In 2011, the NBA Board of Trustees made the decision to restore the name, National Benevolent Association, and launched a new mission for the organization Creating Communities of Compassion and Care. The staff and the Board of Trustees recognize that NBA is not alone in providing ministries of compassion and care, and that partnerships with congregations, Regions, and other General Ministries is imperative to be successful. NBA is forging a new working relationship with Disciples Care Network, but does not share DMF funding with DCN. There will also be new collaborations and partnerships with congregations and regions to strengthen their missional work related to health and human services.

14 HIGHER EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES (HELM) HIGHER EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES Olde Cabin Road, Suite 310 St. Louis, Missouri (314) , FAX (314) The mission of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM), with the whole Church, is to help proclaim and embody the reign of God and to be part of the human transformation that is the mission of both higher education and the Church of Jesus Christ. HELM aims to be at the forefront of efforts to form and reform leadership for the church s 2020 Vision and the higher goal of the Great Commission. HELM strives to identify and nurture in Disciples men and women, lay and clergy, the gifts and graces required of those who will transform existing congregations and establish new congregations faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ in the 21 st century. HELM carries responsibilities for the health and effectiveness of the relationship between the Church and its related institutions of higher education. That relationship includes theological institutions, colleges and universities, and those who minister with students through both institutional chaplaincies and ecumenical campus ministries. HELM coordinates DMF allocation requests for the colleges and universities and for the seminaries and foundation houses. HELM also provides grants, scholarships and awards in the area of higher education. The Thanksgiving Special Day Offering helps support our higher education institutions. The Christian Church in Ohio is in close relationship with four Disciples institutions of higher learning: Bethany College in Bethany, West Virginia; Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio; Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky; and Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Indiana. Scholarship information for Disciples students considering study at any Disciple related school is available from HELM or by contacting the office of church relations at the school being considered.

15 CHURCH EXTENSION (CE) CHURCH EXTENSION of Disciples of Christ Mail: P.O. Box 7030 Indianapolis, Indiana Office: 130 E. Washington Street, (317) , FAX (317) Since 1883, Disciples of Christ congregations have looked to Church Extension for building and planning consultations, capital fundraising campaign counsel and building loans. Through the generous support of Disciples investors and partners, Church Extension provides financial planning, building planning, and capital funding to help congregations focus their facilities and ministries upon those they are called to serve. Types of services provided by CE when a congregation is considering expansion, remodeling, or new construction of facilities include: General Counseling Study-Plans Counseling Listening Conferences Site Selection Counseling Fund Raising Advice Providing Loans Church Extension also provides oversight and training for the new church movement on behalf of general, regional and congregational ministries of the church. The New Church Ministry Team is part of Church Extension. The mission of the New Church Ministry Team is to ignite the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to start as many new churches in as many ways as possible. The New Church Ministry vision is to provide spirited permission giving leadership for a revival of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that will break down barriers and result in the formation of 1,000 multiplying congregations by the year A Church Treasurer s Handbook is available for download from the Church Extension website.

16 CHRISTIAN CHURCH FOUNDATION (CCF) Mail: P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, Indiana Office: 130 E. Washington Street, (317) , FAX (317) (800) The Christian Church Foundation works with members and entities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to make a difference in the sharing of accumulated resources through permanent funds. Although the CCF raises money the joy of their ministry is distributing funds given by donors to their favorite Disciples-related causes. In addition to working with donors, the staff: Consults with congregations to discuss congregational endowment programs, policies and education of members. Leads seminars and workshops on such topics as wills, estate planning, management of congregational funds, and inheritance planning. Will show how the Foundation can manage funds for entities of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations, regions, general units and institutions. Ohio is part of the Great Lakes Region served by W. Darwin Collins, dcollins@ccf.disciples.org Vice-President of CCF. COUNCIL ON CHRISTIAN UNITY (CCU) P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, Indiana Office: 130 E. Washington Street, (317) The Council on Christian Unity was created as an instrument of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to keep the vision of the unity of all Christians and the oneness of the church before the Disciples of Christ and to encourage our church s participation in the wider ecumenical movement. Its origins came at the 1910 National Convention (now General Assembly) in Topeka, Kansas. Its purpose, expressed in its constitution by those early ecumenical pioneers, speaks courageously of a catholicity in mission and methodology: "To watch for every indication of Christian unity and to hasten the time by intercessory prayer, friendly conferences, and the distribution of irenic literature, until we all attain unto the unity of the faith." The Council on Christian Unity works collegially with congregations, regions, and institutions of higher education and contributes to our church s efforts in fulfilling Jesus prayer in John 17, that they may all be one... so that the world might believe. This work includes church union efforts, dialogue for reconciliation and understanding, international dialogues, local and regional ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue. Let the Unity of Christians be our Polar Star

17 DISCIPLES OF CHRIST HISTORICAL SOCIETY 1101 Nineteenth Avenue, South Nashville, Tennessee (866) (toll free) (615) See link The Disciples of Christ Historical Society was established in 1941 to preserve the past upon which our future is built. The Society serves as a common ground for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ and the a cappella Churches of Christ. All three church bodies have their roots in the Stone-Campbell movement. One of the most important church history research centers in American Protestantism, the Disciples of Christ Historical Society provides services to congregations, individuals, colleges and seminaries. The Society locates, processes and preserves books, periodicals, pamphlets, pictures, manuscripts papers, ledgers, histories, diaries, scrapbooks and other historical materials related to churches, church leaders and church work. The Society also publishes the periodical, Discipliana and a newsletter, Streamlines. CHRISTIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION PO Box Atlanta, GA The Christian Board of Publication, a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1911, is preparing for its 100th birthday in Operating under the Chalice Press name, we publish books designed to explore Christianity, bring us to a closer relationship with God, and address our overall spiritual well-being. Through Chalice Press, CBP offers publications and services that support the ministries of congregations to invite people into deeper relationship with God, equip them as disciples of Jesus Christ, and send them into ministries as they are called. Cyrus N. White is president.

18 ODO - OHIO MISSION FUNDS This section, ODO Ohio Mission Funds, describes Ohio-specific ministries supported by our giving through Ohio Disciples Outreach. OHIO DESIGNATED OPERATING FUND Ohio Designated-Operating plus Ohio s share of the Disciples Mission Fund are the main funding source for the current ministry of the Christian Church in Ohio. The operating fund provides financial resources for the administrative ministry support for Regional Church Ministries. This includes Regional Church Office staff, facilities, insurance and supplies as well as the ministry of annual programs and regional church commissions and committees. NEW CHURCH FUND Since 1954, the New Church Fund has helped to establish new congregations in Ohio, congregations beyond Ohio, and denomination-wide programs to plant new churches. The New Church Ministry Team, under the supervision of the Regional Church Council, is responsible for the New Church Program. Its responsibilities include: Developing long-range projections for new churches as part of the Christian Church s 2020 Vision. Determining where and when new churches are started. Employing personnel for new churches. Supervising the establishment and development of new churches, including their building programs. Promoting and raising of New Church Funds. Developing policies and procedures. Empowering existing congregations to start new congregations in creative ways. Encouraging New Church Pastors. Some of the congregations in Ohio continue to receive assistance while others have become selfsupporting. Assistance has been given through demographic research, support and counsel to purchase a site, with the construction of the church building, parsonage, and grants for pastor s salary support. The New Church Ministry Team receives income from investment funds, 50% of the Pentecost Special Day Offering, a special offering at the Regional Assembly and the ODO designated percentages. CAMP CHRISTIAN FUND (OPERATING) The Camp Christian Fund (Operating) is used for the maintenance of our regional church camp, Camp Christian in Magnetic Springs. Camp Christian is accredited by American Camp Association. Camp Christian is used year-round. Ohio Disciple congregations using the camp pay fees that only cover the operating cost(s) of their use of the facilities. In addition to congregational use, there are Chi Rho Camps, CYF Conferences, Advances Conferences, OWM and Disciple Men s Retreats, regional church ministry teams and commissions meeting at Camp Christian.

19 At the present time our camp fees are lower than other church camps because our fees are supplemented by the Camp Christian Fund (Operating) to help cover maintenance and small improvements. Because Camp Christian is such an important regional church ministry we all share together in the stewardship of its care and maintenance. Some of the on-going expenses of this fund are: insurance, taxes, utilities, telephone, fuel, sewage, swimming pool repair, equipment repair and upkeep (truck, tractor, kitchen appliances, beds, tables, chairs). Occasional expenses include: landscaping and gravel. Items not covered by this fund include capital improvements/additions to the camp, or replacement of equipment. These items have been paid for in the past by special capital campaigns and gifts. To reduce the need for future capital campaigns for the benefit of Camp Christian, we are initiating a development ministry plan to cover the replacement of buildings and contents through major capital gifts and planned giving. INNER CITY/RURAL FUND The Inner City/Rural Fund provides financial support to Ohio congregations to minister to the needs of God s people who live in the inner core of our cities and to the Hocking Valley Parish. Through this fund we give financial support to inner city/rural congregations in Ohio seeking to do new/different transformation mission ministry projects. Grant applications are reviewed by a special committee of the Regional Church Council. Grants are based upon available funds. For further, please contact the Regional Pastor and President. ODO - ECUMENICAL FUND The Ohio Council of Churches is an ecumenical ministry supported by our giving through Ohio Disciples Outreach. OHIO COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 6230 Busch Blvd., Suite 430 Columbus, Ohio (614) , (800) , Fax: (614) The Ohio Council of Churches is a partnership of 27 Christian faith bodies working together in service to God. Established in 1919, Ohio is one of the oldest of the state ecumenical councils. Its seventeen denominations encompass some 6,000 congregations and more than 3,000,000 members. The Regional Church also does outreach/mission work with several church-related organizations such as Church Women United, Church World Service, Ohio Campus Ministries, Ohio State Chaplain s Association, and the Interfaith Peace Center. OHIO SEMINARY FUND The Seminary Fund was established in 1976 to respond to a financial crisis in our seminaries, which was greatly affecting the quality of training for the future leadership of the church. Both Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, Kentucky and Christian Theological Seminary in

20 Indianapolis, Indiana were facing severe budgetary problems. In order to balance their budgets, they had to reduce faculty, staff, and services. Since the training of pastoral leadership is a high priority, we continue support of this fund. ODO receipts for the Seminary Fund are divided between Lexington Theological Seminary and Christian Theological Seminary. A small portion of the ODO receipts for the Seminary Fund goes to the Ohio Ministerial Scholarship Fund. This fund is administered by Ohio s Commission on the Ministry and is used for students from Ohio who are preparing for ministry. MINISTERIAL RELIEF FUND 80% of the ODO receipts for Ministerial Relief Fund are given to the Pension Fund for Supplemental Gifts (to supplement low pensions), Ministerial Relief Grants (for those who have no pension), and emergency grants in catastrophic situations 20% of the receipts are retained for Ohio s Pastoral Assistance Fund. The Regional Pastor and President administers Ohio s Pastoral Assistance Fund, which is used for Ohio s active pastors during times of crisis.

21 OTHER OUTREACH/ MISSION OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONGREGATIONS These Disciples related ministries provide congregations with a way of responding through the church to the world around us. These monies may also be remitted with ODO monies, and designated on the ODO Remittance Form. WEEK OF COMPASSION Mail: P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, Indiana E. Washington Street, (317) Through Week of Compassion, North American Disciples reach out in the name of Christ to: Provide emergency and long-term assistance to people in the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, civil war and other natural and human catastrophes. In a typical year WOC responds to a disaster about once every two days. Respond with help, hope and hospitality to people who have been uprooted and displaced from their homelands by war, environmental catastrophe, famine and natural disaster. Many of the world s 25 million refugees are children. Support self-help programs of the development and rehabilitation that empower people and communities to stand against and rise above hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy, and other forces of injustice that deny and destroy human dignity. WOC supports projects in more than 80 nations on every inhabitable continent of the earth. Encourage and support volunteer groups in hands-on mission and service opportunities. Annually, WOC partners with more than 50 Disciples work groups in mission projects in North America and abroad. Through partnerships with Church World Service, Action by Churches Together, Interchurch Medical Assistance, Food Resource Bank, Heifer Project International, the Disciples Overseas Ministries, Volunteers in Mission, Refugee and Immigration Ministries, Bread for the World, Souper Bowl of Caring, Habitat, the Ecumenical Loan Fund, and hundreds of local church partners around the world, Week of Compassion shares in a remarkable network of service and caring that is efficient, effective and faithful. WOC s administrative costs are typically less than eight percent annually. Designated gifts go to 100% of the designation. Disciples through WOC also participate with Christians in nine other Protestant denominations in One Great Hour of Sharing, thus multiplying the effectiveness and extent of our witness many times over. The annual drive for Week of Compassion occurs in February, but gifts are accepted, and needed, throughout the year. Many congregations mount a special campaign in response to natural disasters.

22 RECONCILIATION GENERAL RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE Mail: P.O. Box 1986 Indianapolis, Indiana E. Washington Street, (317) Reconciliation Ministry is a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) focused on the eradication of the root causes of systemic racism and structural oppression. The mission of Reconciliation is to nurture the wholeness of the church by dismantling systemic racism and other oppressive structures toward becoming a church that demonstrates True Community, Deep Christian Spirituality, and Passion for Justice. This ministry is accomplished through organizing, education and advocacy. The Christian Church in Ohio strives to be an anti-racist, pro-reconciling church, continuing to grow in faithfulness to the Gospel. To that end our Anti-Racist/Pro-Reconciliation Ministry Team as organized anti-racism/pro-reconciliation training workshops for both clergy and laity, which continue on an on-going basis. Grants are made on the regional level to local congregations to encourage them in the vital work of anti-racism/pro-reconciliation. The Ohio Anti-Racism Team (ART) will partner with congregations and grant their time, resources, the team and a specific partner who will continue to work with that congregation until their goals are met. The Reconciliation Offering taken in September offers your congregation the opportunity to participate in a church-wide effort to eliminate the scourge of racism in our society by attacking its root causes. Fifty percent of the offering goes to the general office of Reconciliation. The other fifty percent stays here in Ohio for our Reconciliation work in the region.

23 CLEVELAND CHRISTIAN HOME Cleveland Christian Home Development Department Lorain Avenue 3146 Scranton Rd Cleveland OH Cleveland, OH The Christian Church in Ohio has a long-standing relationship with the Cleveland Christian Home, which is a member of the Disciples Care Network, a national organization of human service agencies in covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Many congregations have chosen to give directed gifts to CCH, remitted either through the region or directly to the Cleveland Christian Home. The Cleveland Christian Home exists to be a haven of hope and healing for children, youth and families struggling with mental illness, abuse and neglect. Its vision is to be a center of excellence providing the highest quality services to meet the physical, emotional, intellectual, cultural and spiritual needs of children, youth and families. Begun in 1900 as an orphanage, the CCH has grown to provide a wide variety of services from inschool counseling to residential treatment for boys to independent living for teenage mothers. Cleveland Christian Home s main area of service is Cuyahoga County, but programs are also run in Summit County, and communities across Ohio occasionally send young people to our residential services at the Home. From CCH is conducting a Partnership Campaign to reduce bond debts acquired when it bought its assets from the former National Benevolent Association. In addition to monetary donations, goods and services are also needed. Lists of needs for baby items, school uniforms, school supplies, and Christmas gifts may be found at Silent auction items valued at $50 or more are welcome year-round, as are donations to facilities improvements. Contact the Development Department to discuss other possible donations. To arrange drop-off time and date call ask for Maria Livers or Donna Ryant. The Alice M. Cotabish Society recognizes those who have named CCH in their will or estate plan.

24 HIRAM FARM LIVING AND LEARNING COMMUNITY PO Box 157 Hiram, OH Find us on Facebook The Hiram Farm is a church-related non-profit social service agency. We are related to the Christian Church in Ohio (Disciples of Christ) as an agency that serves people on behalf of the whole church. The Farm opened its Day Adult Services Program in June, Our mission is to provide opportunities for person with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to grow, learn, work and live in a setting focused on respect and support for individuals and the environment. It is a community project, begun through efforts of Hiram Christian Church in Hiram, Ohio and from a large group of volunteers in the area, that seeks to provide employment and therapeutic activities that will offer security, individual growth and personal fulfillment to our participants. Hiram Farm is fortunate to have acquired a long-term lease on a 120-acre organic farm in Hiram, Ohio. The farm was owned by the late Al Couch who was a pioneer in organic farming in Ohio. The farm is protected by a very strict conservation easement that permits only organic farming. Our dual purpose is to provide meaningful work activities in an agriculture based setting for persons with Autism, while at the same time practicing and demonstrating organic, sustainable farming techniques. Our vision is to serve as many as 100 persons with ASD in the Day Habilitation program on the Farm and eventually to provide residential housing for several others. We will offer therapy services, respite care and other support services to people with Autism and their families throughout northeast Ohio. Much of our operating funds come from reimbursements from the state of Ohio for services we provide to our participants. The reimbursements are, however, not adequate to provide the kind of supports often needed for persons with Autism. We are dependent on donations from individuals, churches and groups to help underwrite our operating budget and our capital needs. We are indeed grateful for all of the support that has helped us to launch and fund our developing program. HIRAM FARM--Meaningful work and community support for persons with Autism.