ChristiaNet
Monthly Global News and Information of the
Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ family of churches
from World Convention
Number 4 - July 2003
To contact us, or discontinue, use worldconv@aol.com - ChristiaNet uses a send-only address.
OUR GREETINGS
During the next few weeks the staff of World Convention is looking forward
to seeing many readers of ChristiaNet at one of several different gatherings:
These include the delegate conference of the Fellowship of Churches of Christ,
Wigston, United Kingdom (July 5), the United Reformed Church Assembly, Portsmouth,
United Kingdom (July 5-8), the North American Christian Convention, Indianapolis
IN, USA (July 8-11), the Brazil Christian Convention, Brasilia, Brazil (July
11-13), the Pan European Lectureship of Churches of Christ, Geneva, Switzerland
(July 27 - August 1) and the URC Window on the World conference, Swanwick,
United Kingdom (August 2-8). Please pray for these gatherings and your global
church family.
LOOK FOR 'WORLD CHRISTIAN'
A special full colour issue of 'World Christian', with full details of our
World Convention next year (July 28 - August 1 in Brighton, England) was
mailed on June 23. We recommend registration as soon as possible now if you
are able to attend this exciting global family event. If you are not on the
mailing list for 'World Christian', email your name and address to worldconv@aol.com
We'll see you receive it! 'World Christian' is the only paper prepared for
all members of Christian, Churches of Christ and Disciples of Christ churches
globally.
GENERAL MINISTER AND PRESIDENT FOR NORTH AMERICAN DISCIPLES
Dr William Chris Hobgood, until recently regional minister for the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area, is being recommended to
serve as General Minister and President for the Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ) in the USA & Canada for a twenty-one month term following
the General Assembly in October. The recommendation will be before the church's
Administrative Committee on July 19th.
USA NATIONAL 'STONE-CAMPBELL' DIALOGUE IN ACTION
About 400 members of Christian Churches, Churches of Christ and the Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ) shared in a combined rally on Sunday 22 June
at the Greater Atlanta Christian School. On the Monday evening sixty people
gathered at Peachtree Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to discuss how
the Stone-Campbell Dialogue, begun in 1999, can be brought to congregational
level. The small national Dialogue team has planned a further meeting for
April 25-27 next year in Indianapolis. Many other locally organised meetings
are occurring also. Information from John Mills at drjpm@ohio.net
INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF CHRISTIAN ORIGINS, TUEBINGEN, GERMANY
For more than fifty years all streams of our churches have shared in the ministry
of this Institute associated with the University of Tuebingen to ensure that
we are involved in German research scholarship related to 'the New Testament'
church. Scott Caulley became Director last year. On June 1, Wye Huxford became
the third Director of the European Evangelistic Society, which undergirds
this ministry and other outreach in Europe, succeeding Jim Evans who was
Director for twenty-one years. (wyehuxford@earthlink.net)
'WORLD CONVENTION' SUNDAY - AUGUST 3
Don't forget to use this Sunday to lift up your congregation's links with your wider church family. Exactly one year before the 'Brighton' convention.
BRIEFLY:
- The United Church of Christ in Thailand is building a new 15 storey headquarters
building in Bangkok. Some space will be let. It is hoped it will be finished
next year - the 70th anniversary of the church. Also in Thailand the Lisu Bible
Institute (Christian Churches/Churches of Christ) reports its first graduation
of eleven students on March 22.
- The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2004 is, 'My Peace
I give to you' (text: John 14: 23-31). Dates suggested are 18-25 January; some
southern hemisphere countries choose other dates. As a unity movement within
the church, we have an opportunity here to lift up our 'polar star'.
- D Newell Williams who is leading one of the North American tours to World
Convention (with Paul Blowers and Doug Foster) has been appointed President
of Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.
- There are seven churches of Christ (a cappella), each 50-100 members, in
Croatia.
- The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the USA/Canada established
26 new congregations in the period January 1 - May 15 this year.
- Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, USA reported 32,214
in attendance at their five Easter services.
- IDES, a USA Christian Church/Churches of Christ ministry meeting needs around
the world, celebrates 30 years this year. www.ides.org
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!
'Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us, to him be all glory in the
church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.'
(Ephesians 3: 20-21). A text for the North America Christian Convention, July
8-11 in Indianapolis with the positive, forward looking theme, 'Imagine!'
World Convention (Christian - Churches of Christ - Disciples of Christ)
4800 B Franklin Road, Nashville TN 37220-1199, USA
Phone +1 (615) 331-1824; Fax +1 (615) 331-1864
worldconv@aol.com www.worldconvention.org
Lyndsay Jacobs - General Secretary; Lorraine Jacobs - Associate General Secretary