R egional News

Transcription

1 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina Mail: P.O. Box 1568 Physical: 207 Tarboro Street NE, Wilson R egional News Upon the retirement of Rev. John Richardson at the end of 2016, the Regional Board acted to appoint the Executive Committee of the Christian Church in NC as the Search Committee for an Interim Regional Minister. As you know, the Executive Committee called Rev. Ray Miles to serve in that position until such time as a settled Regional Minister was called. Unfortunately, Rev. Miles had to resign in the fall of 2017 due to changes in the health of his wife, Wendy. Since then, the Executive Committee has been working with the Office of the General Minister and President and other consultants from the College of Regional Ministers to find a new Interim Regional Minister to serve our region until the Search Committee completes its work. The Executive Committee is pleased to announce that it has voted to call Rev. Dr. William "Bill" Lee to be our Interim Regional Minister beginning January 3, Rev. Dr. Lee is a graduate of Virginia State University and Duke University Divinity School, and recently retired after nearly 40 years as pastor at Loudon Avenue Christian Church in Roanoke, VA, where he was a prominent community leader and advocate. Rev. Dr. Lee has been a featured speaker and preacher at Disciples gatherings across the country, including North Carolina on many occasions. He has also served as Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the US and Canada. We believe we are extremely blessed to have someone of Rev. Dr. Lee's skills and experience to lead us in the months ahead. Rev. Dr. Lee will be serving the region on a part-time basis. He will be in the region two days per week (those days will be determined at a later date, depending on the region's particular needs), and available via phone or conference call during other times. Additionally, the Executive Committee has increased the time of Bishop Valerie Melvin, as we continue in this interim time and prepare for our 170th Regional Assembly in April of Our hope is that we can work together and be flexible during this interim period, as we work toward calling a full-time, settled Regional Minister. God has been faithful in the provision of leadership; let us respond with faithfulness of our own, working cooperatively to build a promising present and future for our region. The Executive Committee Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II, Moderator Jane Alligood, Moderator-Elect Horace Williams, Vice-Moderator Rev. Kathy Smith, Treasurer Rev. Chris Furr, Clerk 1

2 In October, I joined six other DOC women on the 2017 Womanto-Woman Worldwide Journey to India. What an experience! I cannot put into words the impressions that were made upon me during that time. Suffice it to say, I was humbled. The love, joy and faith in God was so apparent from all those we met, and the hospitality, so generous, even from those who have so little to give will be such an exciting year for me as I travel around my lovely state of North Carolina and share my experiences with you. I can hardly wait to tell you about the compound consisting of a school, a medical clinic, and a sewing school for impoverished women that began all because of one little 12 year old girl. I want to share our experience of visiting a safe house close to the border of Bangladesh which houses girls saved and rescued from sex trafficking. Oh, so much to tell; just be sure to invite me! Amy Lynn Driver, North Carolina, aldriver73@gmail.com. I am a member of First Christian Church, Farmville NC. Also traveling on this trip was our very own Rev. Marilyn Williams, President, International Disciples Women s Executive Committee, mfwms7@gmail.com. LOOKING FOR GIFTS THAT LAST A LIFETIME? Disciples Women returned from their 2017 Woman-to-Woman Rev. Dr. Pat Donahoo, Executive Director Worldwide journey to India a few weeks ago. This delegation had the opportunity to visit Global Ministries partners in Durgapur, Malda, Kolkata, and Delhi. There are many stories to be told and a lot of information to share. If you are interested in a visit from one of the members of the delegation you can find the list on the Disciples Women W2WW page. These women are looking forward to sharing their stories and experience with you. You will also hear about the project they have chosen to support for the coming year. We are also inviting you to be part of a smaller project that would provide for a group of women in Delhi to start a training program for 7-10 women to learn how to sew garments to provide them with income and stability. The project would provide income for 3 months of training and 3 months to begin their business with a plan that will make them self-sustaining after that 6 months. If you would like to participate in providing $6,000 to help these women change their lives, Disciples Women is accepting donations now. If you would like to make a donation by noon on December 15 as a Christmas gift, we will send an acknowledgment to the person or group you would like to give the gift on behalf of. We will continue to accept these gifts and send acknowledgments following that date but please let us know by December 15 if you want them to receive a note by Christmas. Contact: Office of Disciples Women at or use the link to donate: 2

3 A Gathering of North Carolina Disciples Women Held on November 4, 2017 With great excitement and a heartful of hope, Bishop Valerie Melvin invited Reverend Abby Catoe to arrange a gathering of women of the church to have brunch and a book discussion. When she asked Reverend Catoe for a theme she might suggest, Abby blurted out what would Rev. Abby Catoe become the overarching motif, Sisters are Jewels. In several places of the book which serves as the basis of our faith, the Bible refers to women as being more precious than jewels. That s what we women in the church are- jewels to our church and to one another as supporters, encouragers and faith-builders. The original plan created by Bishop Melvin and Reverend Catoe was for a small group of about twenty women to discuss the book, Hallelujah Anyway, written by the gifted motivational Anne Lamott. With the Bishop s zeal in advertising our event, the small group grew to almost fifty women!!! Our fearless leader Joanne Williams, who is President of the North Carolina Disciples Women, made last minute arrangements to accommodate our great number at the Sapporo Fantasy Japanese Steakhouse in Greensboro, NC. Forty-three women from ten different cities and representing seven different churches in the region came together to share in this wonderful event. With the theme of jewels, the women had been asked to wear their most brilliant jewelry as a way of honoring that theme. The jewels adorned by the women were almost as beautiful as the women themselves! Following an opening prayer to thank God for our group and ask for divine guidance for those who could not attend, including Bishop Melvin who was caring for her mother, we began our sharing of the book. Those who had been asked to cover certain parts of the book gave excellent summaries along with their personal enjoyment of the author s experience regarding mercy in our world today. Reverend Alyssa Botte, Julia Archer, Donna Emmary, Doris Davis, Anne Safrit, Reverend Lee Hull Moses and Reverend Catoe were among those who shared their thoughts. All expressed their appreciation for and their delight in the book choice to help us in our faith journey. Following a delightful and hearty meal with delicious cake, the sisters dispersed with each commenting that they would like to see more gatherings such as this more often. I concur most heartily. I came away with a heart full of encouragement, hope and a deeper love for my precious sisters in Christ. The Apostle Paul knew the value of such gatherings when he wrote in Hebrews 10:24, 25, And let us consider one another, to encourage to love and to good works. And let us not forsake the fellowship that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is, but let us exhort one another, and that so much the more because you see that the day draws near. (New Matthew Bible). 3

4 The 2018 Woman-to-Woman Interest Letter December 11, 2017 Dear NC Disciples Women: We are delighted to share with you the 2018 Woman-to-Woman Scholarship Application, along with two Recommendation Forms. If you have an interest in being the North Carolina Woman-to-Woman representative to CUBA, October 19-Novemver 1, please fill out the appropriate forms and return them to the Regional Office no later than January 12 th, so that we might select the NC delegate and forward our recommendation to Indianapolis by February 15 th. A member of the regional Woman-to-Woman committee or a previous Woman-to-Woman delegate is available to talk with each applicant personally to insure understanding of the covenant agreement in regard to international travels. To complete the application process, read the guidelines for travel very carefully then give one of the Recommendation Forms to your current minister and one to a colleague. Advise them to return the form promptly. January 12 th is the deadline. The number of women allowed on the trip abroad is usually limited, so the sooner we receive your application and recommendations, the sooner we can choose a representative and pass that name on to the Office of Disciples Women in Indianapolis. Please do not send an application to the ODW without going through the NC process first, they will send it back to us! The approximate cost for the trip is $4, (not including personal airfare to/from city of departure). While your NC DWM/CWF works to fund this trip, the applicant chosen is also encouraged to raise funds as well. Local congregations and mission-minded organizations are always willing to help underwrite the trip. Some Woman-to-Woman delegates in the past have not had the money for such a trip but through the kindness of others, God made the way possible for them to travel. Go ahead and apply, you might end up with two stories to tell; 1) about the amazing benevolence of God and, 2) about how trust and faith are key ingredients for a miracle. After the trip, you will be asked to fulfill your part of the Woman-to-Woman covenant agreement, which is to prepare and present a program to churches in the Region of North Carolina. These presentations will begin April of the year following your travels. This is traditionally when the DWM/CWF study material will include the country you visited as its mission emphasis. We will publish your logistical information throughout the region and the DWM/CWF s will contact you to arrange a time for a presentation. We highly encourage the churches to provide you with a place to stay if an overnight stay is necessary, and pay your mileage at the CPI approved rate. When honorariums are given, they are remitted to the Regional office to replenish the Woman-to-Woman travel fund which will offer another woman an opportunity such as yours. According to our former Woman-to-Woman representatives, experiencing Christianity in another culture is lifechanging. Please give this your prayerful consideration. Application Timeline from the Office of Disciples Women: February 15 - Application is due. March 1 - Notice of Acceptance to participants and regional staff. May 1 - Deposit of $600 and 2 copies of pages 1 & 2 of Passport due. June 1 1/3 of balance of the registration fee is due and deposit is non-refundable. Cancellations after this point are subject to airfare and hotel cancellation penalties. July 15 1/2 of remaining balance of the registration fee is due. August 15 the balance of the registration fee is due..** Blessings~ Bishop Valerie J. Melvin, Associate Regional Minister Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in NC 4

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7 2018 WOMAN-TO-WOMAN WORLDWIDE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION CUBA OCTOBER 19-November 1 / Approximate Cost: $4, North Carolina Regional DWM/CWF Please print, use extra paper if needed. Name Age Address City/State/Zip Phone ( ) Congregation Describe your DWM/CWF and general church activities at the local, district, regional and general levels. Describe your involvement in community outreach and civic functions. What are your previous travel experiences? In what capacity did you travel (e.g. tourist, mission group, business, etc.)? What skills and gifts can you employ as a member of the Woman-to-Woman group during your travels abroad? Do you feel comfortable speaking to groups of people? Do you speak multiple languages? What languages? What are your speaking experiences and presentation skills? RELEASE FORM I understand that if I am chosen to represent North Carolina on the Woman-to-Woman Worldwide trip, I should make myself available for the following year to share my experience through visits and presentations to DWM/CWF s and congregations in the region. I understand that I am responsible for my own insurance coverage, and I release the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in North Carolina of any and all liabilities. I further state that I have read the Participant Guidelines, understand them, and agree to abide by them. I am aware that all reasonable basic precautions are taken by Woman-to-Woman Worldwide staff. Additionally, I agree to read all preparatory materials. Signed Date *Note: First consideration will be given to women who have not participated in other Woman-to-Woman experiences. Please complete the entire form. Incomplete applications may NOT be considered. Return by January 12, 2018 to: Christian Church in N.C., PO Box 1568, Wilson, NC 27894/Ph /Fax: Attn: Bishop Valerie J. Melvin 7

8 Please print, use extra paper if needed WOMAN-TO-WOMAN WORLDWIDE SCHOLARSHIP CUBA OCTOBER 19 NOVEMBER 1, 2018 North Carolina Regional DWM/CWF RECOMMENDATION Name of Applicant: The above-named woman has applied to represent the North Carolina Disciples Women s Ministries / Christian Women s Fellowship on a mission trip. Please assist us by answering the following questions to the best of your ability. How do you know the applicant? CURRENT MINISTER FORM Describe her global vision. How well does she relate to people of different cultural and economic backgrounds? Will this woman s health and fortitude lend to her being a good representative of Disciples Women in North Carolina and the United States? Woman-to-Woman participants must share their experience with others in the year following the trip. What communication and presentation skills does this applicant possess? I recommend the applicant to represent North Carolina in the Woman-to-Woman Worldwide program. Signed: Date Please print your name and address: 8

9 2018 WOMAN-TO-WOMAN WORLDWIDE SCHOLARSHIP CUBA OCTOBER 19 - November 1, 2018 North Carolina Regional DWM/CWF Please print, use extra paper if needed. RECOMMENDATION Name of Applicant The above-named woman has applied to represent the North Carolina Disciples Women s Ministries / Christian Women s Fellowship on a mission trip. Please assist us by answering the following questions to the best of your ability. COLLEAGUE FORM How do you know the applicant? Describe her global vision. How well does she relate to people of different cultural and economic backgrounds? Will this woman s health and fortitude lend to her being a good representative of Christian women in North Carolina and the United States? Woman-to-Woman participants must share their experience with others in the year following the trip. What are the applicant s communication and presentation skills? I recommend the applicant to represent North Carolina in the Woman-to-Woman Worldwide program. Signed: Date: Please print your name and address: Return by January 12, 2018 to: Christian Church in N.C., PO Box 1568, Wilson, NC 27894/Ph /Fax: Attn: Bishop Valerie J. Melvin 9

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12 Wow! I cannot believe that Missiongathering Christian Church (DOC) Charlotte is almost two years old. As I contemplate the journey of our church plant my mind wanders to my own journey through the process of ordination. Two years ago, I was not familiar with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). I had finished seminary but had given up on ever finding a church home that would truly welcome everyone. Then I met a man from San Diego who had a dream about planting a church in my neighborhood. Over the past two years, Rev. Rich McCullen has been a teacher, a mentor, and a friend. As I approach my Ordination service on January 7th, 2018 and I look back on this journey, I am filled with humility and gratitude. I am grateful to our region for seeing the vision of an urban DOC church in the heart of Charlotte. I am grateful to the Commission on Ministry, who has guided me step-by-step on the path to both ordination and understanding myself as a minister. Additionally, I am grateful to Rich, who saw in me the capability and passion to care for our congregation in Charlotte. Through the faith of the North Carolina Region, we at Missiongathering have been making new disciples over the past two years. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Andrew Graham Shipley Lead Teaching Pastor Missiongathering Charlotte Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) Something Wonderful is Happening...The Vision is Moving! NC Disciples Women are embracing change, inspiring one another on to good works, and sharing relevant resources for today s woman! Join The NC DWM/CWF Mill Creek District Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00am / FCC, Goldsboro, NC Focus: Devotional Readings/ Outreach Moments/ Resources & More Stay Tuned for More Details! 12

13 170th Regional Assembly Dates to Remember Assembly Resolutions due by January 19, 2018 Assembly Delegates/Alternate Delegates list due by February 20, 2018 Assembly Registration Sunday is March 4, 2018 Coming Soon: Assembly Theme, Volunteer Opportunities during Assembly, Hotel Information and much more! Assembly Workshop Suggestions Welcomed! To enhance the educational component of our Assembly, the Commission on Leadership Skills and Personal Growth is seeking suggestions for workshop topics and facilitators. Please submit your recommendations to the chair and co-chairperson by January 20, Rev. Dr. Jerry Burton, Chairperson: Rev. Dr. Jackie McHenry, Co-Chairperson: 13