Tidings FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 Tidings FALL 2016 NEWSLETTER The Joys of Campus Ministry By Rev. Dr. Robert Harris Campus Ministry! It is how the Church helps young adults attending colleges and universities stay connected --with the Church itself, with one another, and with God. On behalf of Disciples of Christ in Georgia, Christian College has sponsored campus ministry in Athens since our inception in As of the publication of this issue of Tidings the campus ministry is about six weeks into the semester. Recently the first President of the Athens Disciples on Campus the Reverend Don Graham (a Timothy of Central Christian, Columbus) called just to check in and ask about ministry in Athens. Don, along with so many other University of Georgia students from across the years, was called into ministry, and he served the congregation to UGA Disciples create prayer beads in photos. which he was assigned while at the College of the Bible (LTS) for more than 50 years. (See the articles by Marilyn Parks, a former participant of Disciples on Campus in Athens and Dr. Franklin Shumake whose ministries have shaped the state.) Several Disciples on Campus Alumni are currently serving in ministry in Georgia: Katie Hawkins Gibson, Stephen Westbrook, Bryant Gibson, to name only three. But Campus Ministry is more about connection than about calling. Many are called into ministry through the experiences they have during college, but most are called into other vocations, depending on the design of their life, the gifts and talents which they sharpen during college, and the relationships they form while growing in wisdom, in body, and in favor with God and with others (sound familiar??). Please see CAMPUS MINISTRY on Page 8

2 PAGE 2 TIDINGS FALL 2016 TO BE A COMPETENT By Rev Dr. Robert Harris, President Christian College currently has five active courses and four study tracks on our distance learning platform. Most of these courses are related to Congregational Transformation and Leadership. One of the courses meets a key requirement of every minister who gains standing within the Church; that course is Disciples of Christ: History, Polity and Ethos, taught by Dr. Jerry Gladson three times each year. Students from across the nation enroll in this informative course, meeting their requirement for the ministerial competency Disciples Heritage as Commissioned, Transfer, or Ordained Ministers. In addition, Christian College also known as The Disciples College offers a full complement of courses presented to help each student develop and demonstrate his or her competencies in each of the SIXTEEN areas of competency expected of each MINISTER Minister who has Standing in the Church. Imagine devoting yourselves not only to prayer and breaking of bread in your ministry, but also devoting yourself to a minimum of thirty hours of study and preparation in each of sixteen designated areas. That is almost FIVE HUN- DRED hours, or close to SIX- TY FULL DAYS OF WORK. How many of us work 60 eight-hour days in order to prepare ourselves for the ministry to which we have been called? Would we devote two hours a day for a full year to learn what we should know to be an effective, competent leader and shepherd of God s people? And note: that time only includes the exposure to lectures or to an experience designed to awaken one s mind to the requirements of ministry. It DOES NOT include reading, writing papers, meeting with faculty and other ministers, and being interviewed and examined by our Commission on Ministry. It is estimated that for each HOUR spent in the classroom, the student spends at least four hours in preparation, demonstration, and qualification for COMPETENCY. The calculator just went from FIVE HUNDRED HOURS to 2,500 hours; from SIXTY DAYS to 300 days. It typically requires four years to complete the BASIC preparation for ministry. The servants of the Church who complete these requirements, whether through The Disciples College, through Seminary, through another Disciples institution, or through some combination of classroom, online, and independent study, do so while working job settings which include ministerial and secular employment, and managing families and relationships, and doing those things which we all enjoy to get the most from the life we have been given. Think about this when someone says, Oh yes. I take classes through The Disciples College. Think about this when someone says they are Called into Ministry.

3 FALL 2016 TIDINGS PAGE 3 TRUSTEES, PRESIDENT AND MORE INFORMATION Rev. Antoinette Kemp, Chairperson Rev. James Shelton Vice-chairperson Mr. Jim Simmons Treasurer Dr. Larry Steinmetz Secretary Reverend Denise Bell Regional Minister Ex officio member: Denise provides the essential liaison role Please visit college.org for more information on the leadership of Christian College, including ministers, faculty, and adjunct faculty serving at this time. You will also find Board contact information there. Please send USPS mail to: Christian College of Georgia PO Box 747, Statham, GA Dr. Bob Harris, in turn, serves as a member of the Regional Board and is an ex officio member of the college board. Trustee Rev. Chuck Marshall Trustee Rev. Vincine Brown was recently certified as a Consultant for Career Direct. Mr. Buddy Ray Technology Trustee. Trustee Carol Nichols Hanson. Mr. Kris Jensen Editor-in-chief kjensen55@comcast.net

4 PAGE 4 TIDINGS FALL 2016 My Disciples College By Marilyn Parks Marilyn is an Elder at Lawrenceville First Christian Church and has been active in the region, especially at Camp Christian. What comes to mind when I hear someone say Christian College of Georgia? I think of 220 South Hull Street in Athens where Christian College was located when I was in school at the University. Christian College was instrumental in growing leaders and ministers then, as it still is today. So many memories and friends were made during the time we were part of that special group on Tuesdays. Facebook and have made it possible to reconnect with people and share memories from the days spent there with our CCF (Christian College Fellowship) group. Thanks to Becky, Cherry, Patsy, Sylvia and Peggy for sharing remembrances. The memories in this part come from Patsy (Craft) Price. The Christian College professors also taught philosophy and religion courses on the UGA campus and were highly respected there. When I was there, Dr. Barton Dowdy started the Christian College Choir, and we went all over the state singing and sharing the Christian College story to those who heard us. It was also during that time that the Tuesday night suppers began with Mrs. Dowdy doing the cooking. That time during the week was very important for fellowship for us especially because most of the students served as student ministers to churches in the area and were very busy on the weekends. That DSF (Disciple Student Fellowship) group also is responsible for doing the first work at Camp Christian. The land had been given, but an old barn on the property had to be torn down. Our group went for a week, took my grandmother (Mammy) down with us and spent a very dirty week tearing down that barn! We were very relieved the next year to find the Peachtree Lodge partially finished. We could stay there, but the bathrooms were not operable yet so we made the trek to the outhouse! When I was there, Dr. Dowdy started the Christian College Choir, and we went all over the state singing and sharing the Christian College story to those who would hear us. Prior to attending college I have memories of Dr. Barton Dowdy coming to Lawrenceville First and bringing a group of students to present a program. Some of those students also served as counselors at Chi Rho and CYF Conference at Unicoi and worked with the youth of the Northeast District. Names I remember from those times are Jimmy Harris, Clyde Anglin, Betty Dowdy, Patsy (Craft) Price, Diane Hummel and others. Some who followed them included Andy Crowley, Al Widener, Betty Lowe, Jack Snellgrove, Lana Collins Snellgrove, Hoyt Huff and Ken Courts. Please see MARILYN PARKS page 6

5 FALL 2016 TIDINGS PAGE 5 My Disciples College By Dr. Franklin Shumake Dr. Franklin Shumake, Historic Graduate of Christian College of Georgia is a minister and member of many congregations in Georgia. I am answering the call to share about my college days and how Christian College influenced my life. I enrolled in the Christian College in Athens 64 years ago, in The College was five years old; I was seventeen. A member of the Christian Church in Jefferson, I had heard about Christian College in summer conference, district meetings, and state youth conventions. The information was significant, impressive, and key in motivating me to become a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Later, I was called to serve on the Board of Directors of The Christian College, and in that role visited various churches across the state. While I did not "leave the ministry," I did find my calling to serve as an educator in the Georgia schools. Dr. W.W.Wasson, Dean of the College, visited me at my home and encouraged me to enroll. He gave me a job: in exchange for my room in the dormitory, I was offered the opportunity to clean the floors and bathrooms daily. I made many friends of future ministers, and I participated in spiritual classes on campus. In a matter of months, I was called to be the "Student Minister" at Statham Christian Church, and shortly was also called to serve the First Christian Church, Watkinsville. The CYF had been of source of inspiration to me in high school. We continued those relationships at First Christian Church of Athens. Dr. Charlie Ross, state director, and his staff offer meaningful guidance as well. I was always active in a congregation as my career led me to be a teacher, school counselor, principal, superintendent, college professor, and a Deputy State School Superintendent in the Georgia Depar ment of Education. Bottom line: Christian College inspired me and launched me into a busy and productive career. Friendships and church memberships have guided me throughout my life. I have served as a deacon, elder, board member, church board chairman, Sunday school teacher, interim minister and proud supporter of the Christian College of Georgia. I close with two words of gratitude: Thank you Christian College for continuing to guide our churches in Georgia. Thank you Bob Harris for providing leadership to our churches and across the nation.

6 PAGE 6 TIDINGS FALL 2016 From MARILYN PARKS on page 4 Over the years I was in Athens some of the people who came through the group were my sister Andrea, Sylvia Wages Hollums, Becky Craft Burton. Cherry Von Almen Finn, Carol Finn, Beth Wilkinson, Pat Torbush, Linda Clay, Ronnie Smith, Mike Beasley, Peggy Rusk Bladen, Joe Brewer, Joe Culpepper and Ellen, Craig Daughtry, Byron Finn, Jamie Newton and Connie Carstensen. Some adult leaders were John and Dee Lytle, and Preston and Mary Prather. We enjoyed many retreats at Camp Christian (called Camp Gordon or the State Camp) and at assembly at Rock Eagle during the same time Chi Rho and CYF had their Youth Assembly. There was a larger group of college age and slightly older young people who met as DSF (Disciple Student Fellowship) at times in the area and attended regional events together. When I began school in Athens, Dr. Dowdy had left for Northwest Christian and the board was in the process of looking for a new Dean. Dr. William David was one of the professors and worked with the student group on Tuesdays. At that time it was CCF (Christian College Fellowship). We always gathered for a meal and many Tuesdays Dr. David s wife prepared it. Other times district churches brought in a meal, and we also traveled to eat with many churches and families including going to Lawrenceville and eating at my parent s home where we were treated to a meal prepared by my mom, Louise Craft, Vernelle Wages and others. Those were such fun evenings and bring special memories to all of us. Churches (including Lawrenceville First) continued carrying meals to the group into the 90s. Some of the male members of CCF lived in the Christian College dorm but all the females lived in University dorms. During that time period music played a big part of what we enjoyed on Tuesday. Many played guitars and all sang and enjoyed harmonizing together. We caravanned to area churches and presented musical programs. Once we went to Tennille near Sandersville, and we were very late getting back to campus. Singing at area nursing home made an impact on our lives. After Dr. Carstensen began his tenure he offered courses and some of us were able to participate. One I specifically remember was The Gospel Parallels. Dr. David, Clyde Anglin and others offered courses, but all were additions to our regular course schedules at the University. We always enjoyed listening to Dr. C (as we called him) play the piano and tell stories. In 1968 or 1969, CC purchased Magnolia Manor (as boarding house next door) and opened it to female students of Christian College. Several of us moved there from campus housing when we were seniors (the time the University would allow female students to live off campus.) We all are thankful that we had our Tuesday evenings to spend with other CCF members and that we received guidance from the Christian College staff and other ministers in the area. Several members of Lawrenceville First have been on the board of Christian College. Those I know about were my mom, Doris (Mrs. W.O. )Thompson, Jr. who served in the early 90s, and later Rev Hoyt Huff. We are grateful they had the opportunity to share their gifts and talents with this group. Now Kris Jensen is serving and sharing his gifts and talents.

7 PAGE 7 TIDINGS FALL 2016 Let Your Love Shine By Rev. Dr. Robert Harris IF SOMEONE were to ask how to HELP Christian College of Georgia: The Disciples College in our Mission and Ministry, I would answer think about what you do for someone you love, and do that. And they might reply, But what is there to love about Christian College? There are no buildings, there is no campus, and we hardly ever see the College in our church. Then I would respond, Christian College is where Disciples attending Georgia s flagship university or second largest university gather to stay connected to THEIR Church. Christian College is where Seminarians from across the country go to study Disciples of Christ History and Polity in preparation for Ordination. Christian College is where candidates for ministry in Georgia go to develop the COMPETENCIES which are required of all ministers. Christian College is where clergy can go to stay abreast of the best practices in leadership and stewardship for increasing the vitality of their congregation. And they might then say, I LOVE IT. It brings me such comfort to know that The Disciples College is looking out for our future, for our college students, and for our ministers. And I would say, Yes. We re loving what we do, doing what we love, and it is all because He First Loved Us. If you want details, beyond our Annual Fund (supported by individuals and congregations from Georgia, Alabama and Virginia) and our Sustain Campus Ministry Fund (supported by several congregations and Larry and Bunny Steinmetz, please contact Bob Harris at , or send a designated offering to Christian College of Georgia, PO Box 747, Statham, GA SHARE YOUR STORIES Christian College of Georgia has provided spiritual guidance to Disciples since being chartered in 1947 by the State of Georgia. At one time, it had buildings nestled into the University of Georgia campus. In the feature My Disciple College we d like to publish your stories on how Christian College of Georgia has influenced your life whether in live classes around the state or in long-distance learning classes. Stories and memories of your time at Christian College, including photos, can be sent to President@thedisciplescollege.org. Photos should be at least 300 dpi for any print projects, including a possible book. Aim for words and try to be succinct.

8 Disciples on Campus end of Spring Semester Cookout from May From CAMPUS MINISTRY on page 1 Christian College sponsors TWO campus ministries, and there is exploration currently underway to discern if we may be called to enlarge the "Disciples on Campus Tent" to one or more additional campuses. But for now, under the direction of Supervising Campus Minister (Dr. Bob Harris) the Reverend Dr. Diane Bales directs the ministry in Athens, and the Reverend Lainie Jenkins directs the ministry in Statesboro. As of the publication of this issue of Tidings the campus ministry is about six weeks into the Fall Semester. Diane Bales has submitted the photographs of the participants engaged in the ministry of the community, and reports that once again the students will be served one of their weekly fellowship meals each month by the Bogart Christian Church. (Pastor Allen Rogers reports that this ministry by his congregation is of great benefit in helping the church stay connected to mission and ministry beyond the local activities, and to stay connected with young adults). Lainie Jenkins is about three weeks into the Bi-Weekly schedule at Georgia Southern. Student attrition (graduation) has a huge impact on a small group, but Lainie is hopeful that there will be not only the four or five who remain from last year, but also some additions who are attracted to a Disciples environment for ministry among young adults. Keeping Young Adults Connected to the Church; Keeping the Church Connected to Young Adults. Campus Ministry, Disciples in Georgia. Keep Us in your prayers and in your will.