ChristiaNet Number 3

ChristiaNet

Monthly Global News and Information of the
Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ family of churches
from World Convention

Number 3 - June 2003

To contact us, or discontinue, write to worldconv@aol.com ChristiaNet uses a send-only address.

NORTH AMERICAN CHRISTIAN CONVENTION

This Christian Church/Churches of Christ convention is meeting this year in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 8-11 with the theme 'Imagine'. Bob Russell, Senior Minister of Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, Kentucky is president. (Information at www.NACCtheconnectingplace.org) World Convention has both an exhibit and a 'global update' luncheon. If you are attending the NACC or live in the Indianapolis area, please join us for lunch on Thursday, July 10th. Purchase a ticket so we can cater for you. Send US$15 (check or credit card) to the World Convention office. (See below).

CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST) ASSEMBLY

The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 17-21, with the theme, 'One Church, One Vision'. Alvin Jackson who spoke at the World Convention in Brisbane is Moderator. (www.disciples.org) Again, World Convention has an exhibit and meal function. Join us for breakfast on Monday, October 20th. Tickets US$11.00 (check or credit card) from the World Convention office.

NORTH EAST INDIA CHRISTIAN CHURCH CONVENTIONS

Over 4000 people gathered at the Mawlai Church of Christ in Shillong in the Indian State of Meghalaya (bordering the northern boundary of Bangladesh) in April for the annual convention organised by the local church. Another biennial convention met in Kamjong (in Manipur, a mountainous Indian State on the Burmese border). This is an area with thriving churches many miles from the state capital. Leonard Thompson spoke at both services.

AUTHOR OF RUSSIAN HISTORY DIES

Wesley Jones who, with Geoffrey Ellis of Canada, wrote 'The Other Revolution: Russian Evangelical Awakenings', died in Tennessee in April. This book outlines clearly the third (in addition to the United States and the United Kingdom) indigenous Restoration Movement in the 19th Century. It is interesting to consider how different our global movement today might have been if the communist revolution in Russia had not occurred. Russian and English editions. (ACU Press: www.acu.edu/campusoffices/acupress)

'DISCIPLESWORLD' EDITOR APPOINTED

Verity A Jones, 36 year old pastor of Central Christian Church, Terre Haute, Indiana has been named first publisher and editor of this year old magazine for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the USA and Canada. DisciplesWorld was established with volunteer staff when 'The Disciple' ceased publication. (www.disciplesworld.com) Disciples Home Missions has begun producing the 'HOME MISSION ADVOCATE' to promote their comprehensive ministries in the USA and Canada. (www.homelandministries.org)

'WORLD CHRISTIAN' IN JUNE

The second quarter issue of 'World Christian' (quarterly paper of World Convention) will be a full colour issue focussing almost entirely on the World Convention (Christian Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ) in Brighton, England, next year - July 28 - August 1. The theme is 'Founded in Christ - Building for Tomorrow'. There will be an outstanding program of fellowship, inspiration and learning. We urge you to attend if you possibly can. We know many people cannot attend but you can register instead as an email participant. (See www.worldconvention.org) If you are not receiving 'World Christian' please email your mailing address now to worldconv@aol.com

WORLD CONVENTION EXECUTIVE STAFF

With the retirement of Lorraine & Lyndsay Jacobs at the end of next year, World Convention is seeking applications for the position of General Secretary. Information is available to interested persons from the World Convention President, Dr David Thompson at: dmt3@hermes.cam.ac.uk Applications are requested by September 8 this year. It is anticipated that there will be some overlap in the latter part of 2004.

EUROPEAN LECTURESHIP

The Church of Christ Pan-European Lectureship will be held July 27 - August 1 in Geneva. This is an annual gathering of Church of Christ members from throughout Europe with visitors from other places, particularly the USA. (Information from: TheKees@bluewin.ch)

WORLD CONVENTION SUNDAY - AUGUST 3

Congregations are encouraged to celebrate the first Sunday in August each year (the Sunday of the convention every fourth year) as a 'global family' Sunday. Hold up the links you have with your wider church family and pray for the convention in 2004.

PLEASE PRAY FOR

- The Annual General Meeting of the Overseas Mission Board of 'Churches of Christ in Australia' meeting June 20-21. Australia has major partnerships with Fiji, India, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. BJ Mpofu, a World Convention Executive Committee member from Zimbabwe, will be attending.
- The Churches of Christ - Christian Churches - Disciples of Christ 'USA Dialogue'*, June 22-23 in Atlanta, Georgia. You will be very welcome at the opening meeting on Sunday 22, 7pm at Greater Atlanta Christian School, 1575 Indian Trail, Norcross. (NE Atlanta off I 85)
- Cane Ridge Day, Paris, Kentucky - Saturday, June 28. Celebrating the 199th anniversary of the signing of the Last Will & Testament of the Springfield Presbytery which effectively established the Christian Church. (Information from: canerdgmtg@aol.com)
- The 22nd Graduation of the British Bible School in Corby, England on Friday 27 June. A seminary of the Churches of Christ (a cappella) in the United Kingdom.
- The United Reformed Church (Church of Christ - Congregational - Presbyterian) Assembly* in Portsmouth, United Kingdom, July 5-8.
- The Delegates conference of the Fellowship of Churches of Christ in Britain and Ireland* in Wigston, July 5.
- The Brazil Christian Convention* in Brasilia, July 11-13. The World Convention General Secretary, Lyndsay Jacobs, will be speaking. Over 1000 are expected to attend.
- Healing Hands International, an a cappella Churches of Christ service ministry based in Nashville, Tennessee, USA, approved by the US State Department to serve in Iraq.
- Joel Carillet, a graduate of Emmanuel School of Religion (Johnson City, Tennessee, USA) who is serving in the Ecumenical Accompaniment Program in Palestine and Israel.
* World Convention staff attending.

World Convention seeks to build up fellowship, understanding and common purpose within the Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ family of churches now serving and witnessing in at least 165 countries

PLEASE KEEP WORLD CONVENTION INFORMED ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE DOING!

'We are sure that we live in union with God and that he lives in union with us, because God has given us His Spirit.' 1 John 4:13. Christians celebrate God's gift of The Spirit every day but many celebrate especially on Pentecost Sunday - this year, June 8.