ChristiaNet      

a publication of World Convention
Editor Clinton Holloway

          

 
    September, 2008 Issue 64
  

Worship Leader Ken Young and Hallal

17th Convention a Success

“What a spiritually vibrant experience it was. It was my first World Convention but I am praying that I will be able to attend several over the coming years!”

The 2008 World Convention drew to a close on Sunday afternoon August 3; an incredibly successful event in so many regards. Just over 1500 people registered for Convention while best estimates show that around 3000 people attended at least one event of the Convention, be it at one of 46 workshops (most of which were given twice!) or one of the many worship options both morning and evening. Despite tightened international travel that restricted many visas, 25 countries were represented in Nashville. A record number of booth spaces were taken out by more than 125 exhibitors making it the largest ever World Convention Exhibit Hall. More than numbers, for us the greater compliment came from many who expressed appreciation for the wonderful openness and inclusiveness of our Global family. There was never a feeling that one part of our Movement dominated or was left out of the program.  

 

Clinton Holloway

 World Convention History Book: Together in Christ 

Clinton J. Holloway has produced a short history of World Convention entitled, Together in Christ, A History of the World Convention of Churches of Christ, 1930-2008. This 54 page book gives a brief synopsis of each of the 17 global gatherings of the Convention as well as offers insights into the dynamic day-to-day ministry of World Convention. It is also richly illustrated with more than two dozen photographs from the Convention Archives. This resource is available through the Convention office at a cost of $5 per copy plus $2 each for postage within the United States, $3 international postage.
  
  
Welcome,
President Mpofu!

At the Closing Service of the 17th World Convention, outgoing President C. Robert Wetzel passed the historic World Convention Gavel, the symbol of the President’s Office, to Zimbabwean, Bafundi (B.J.) Mpofu, who will serve as President from 2008-2012. We covet the prayers from the whole Convention family for President B.J. and First Lady Chipo, as he begins his term of office. Welcome, President Mpofu.
Brazil 2012!
The waiting is over! 
The Board of World Convention has accepted the invitation of the churches of the Stone-Campbell Movement in Brazil to
           host the 18th Global Gathering!
The announcement was made by outgoing President Dr. C. Robert Wetzel at the recent 17th World Convention. A large delegation from Brazil were present and paraded onto the stage carrying their country's flag to accept the invitation to host the convention.
 This will be the first time World Convention has been conducted in the Portuguese-speaking nation. Executive Director Jeff Weston will soon travel to Brazil to begin meeting with leaders there to lay the groundwork and begin planning for our next gathering!
 To learn more about the Stone-Campbell Movement in Brazil visit our national profile at:
 Also, visit this Portuguese-language website on the history of the Stone-Campbell Movement: www.movimentoderestauracao.com
 Start planning now to share in what will be an exciting experience!

Global Women Connect 

Seventy-plus women shared their ideas surrounding hospitality and sharing Christ's table during the second Global Women Connecting Retreat and Executive Committee Meeting held pre-convention.  To learn more about this ministry and their vision, contact Julia Keith in the World Convention office,  (worldconvjulia@aol.com), their website (www.disciplewomen.org), or Adonna Bowman (odw@dhm.disciples.org) 130 E Washington St., Indianapolis, IN  46204.

 
 
More Convention Highlights
Among the many highlights of the 2008 World Convention was the strong missional emphasis that allowed Convention goers to not only learn about mission opportunities worldwide but also to become personally involved during Convention. The Teen program constructed two house frames which were then donated to Habitat for Humanity. Adults had the opportunity to take part in the Nashville Tools for Schools Project, undertaking a range of repairs and painting projects in local city schools. A tithe of the nightly offerings has been given for a water project in South Vietnamthat will be coordinated by John Dean of Australia’s Global Mission Partners. In perhaps a first ever collaboration three U.S. aid agencies from across the three streams, Week of Compassion, International Disaster Emergency Services and Global Samaritan Resources, will investigate partnership with Global Mission Partners on projects in Vietnam. 
 
 
You Can Still Be a Part of Nashville 2008
 
Recordings were made of all the workshops and worship sessions of the 17th World Convention, including some sessions on both CD and DVD. More than 50 recordings are available through www.catapes.com by searching under “World Convention.” A complete set of 54 CDs with Main Session DVDs is available for $214, the CDs only can be purchased for $194. See their website for cost on individual CDs and DVDs. 
 
Souvenir Program Books
Copies of the 60 page Program Book are available through the World Convention office at a cost of $2 per copy plus $2 each for postage within the United States, $3 international postage.
 
Souvenir Communion Cups
Olive wood Communion Cups from Jerusalem were used in the World Convention Closing Communion Service, which was also the kick-off for the Bicentennial Celebration of Thomas Campbell’s Declaration and Address (see www.GreatCommunion.org). A limited number of the 2 inch olive wood cups/chalices are available through the office at a cost of $2 per cup plus $2 each for postage within the United States, $3 international postage.
 
 
Todd and Lee Awards
The following awards were made at the 17th World Convention.
Todd Award: For outstanding Christian service to the Community
Ashley and Anji Barker - Unban Neighbor of Hope, Thailand.
Dr Philemon Pawar - Ashwood Memorial Hospital, India
Neville and Lill Muir - Deaf communities around the world.
Sonny and Fran Graham - Australian Indigenous communities.
 
Lee Award: For outstanding service to the Church.
Avon and Deslee Moyle - Australia
Ross, and Helen Norling - Australia
Walter & Iva-Lou Birney – USA
Dr Kang-Pyung Lee - South Korea
Mrs. Shernett Faye Smith - Jamaica
Dr Henry Webb – USA
Editors of the Stone -Campbell Encyclopedia; Douglas Foster, Newell Williams, Paul Blowers and Anthon Dunavant (Dec)
Dr Royce Money - USA
 
A Word of Thanks!
The 17th World Convention was a wonderful time of fellowship, one in which God was glorified and the Unity of God’s people was lifted up and extended. Together in Christ proved to be an appropriate and meaningful theme for 2008 one we hope will live on and grow. Such an experience could not be crafted by one person or even a few. It took the presence of the Holy Spirit and the efforts of countless volunteers. The Staff of the World Convention would like to extend a word of appreciation to all who helped make the 17th World Convention a success. Thank you to President C. Robert Wetzel and the Local Arrangements Committee, our speakers, workshop and worship leaders, countless volunteers, our financial sponsors and donors and the thousands of people who attended. Your presence and gifts are greatly appreciated.