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Reports Presented at the 2001 Regional Assembly
HEARTLAND - A Campbell
Stone Retirement Community One year ago Heartland began turning dirt to create a lake, roads and building pads for homes. Since that time forty-nine home sites have been created, a five acre lake has been dug and is now filling with water. Roads from the front entrance throughout phase 1A are complete, the future chapel site is ready and elevation for the beginnings of main street have been met. While all of these construction milestones are impressive, the truly newsworthy information is the first four homes are completed and people are becoming residents of this one hundred acre campus. Three of these first 4 households are members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia. These families have been, and will remain, pillars of their respective churches in Bogart, Sandy Springs and Lawrenceville. They are embodying the vision of Heartland. During the past year Heartland has learned anew that just because "you build-it" does not insure "they will come." Consequently, in tandem with the construction efforts, Heartland's staff and Board of Directors have been busy telling others about this new continuing care retirement community via marketing and advertising. Marketing and advertising are new and diverse tasks for a Campbell Stone facility. In years past options for senior living were few, but with the increase in choice has come competition. Thus, Heartland is positioning itself to fulfill its mission within the realties of the marketplace. In order to better achieve this task a decorated model home is ready for touring and a second model will be complete by year's end. Advertising has started and will increase in the coming months. The first of many marketing luncheons have been held at First Christian Churches in Winder and Athens and many others are forthcoming. While the Heartland master plan is materializing there are two fundamental tenets to its short and long-term success. First, Heartland is ministry. While roads and lakes, sewer lines and buildings are part of the plan we must remain steadfast in our focus upon Heartland as ministry, i.e. serving middle-income seniors so they might remain independent and live with dignity in a loving and caring Christian environment. Secondly, Heartland is a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia. There is no way The Board of Directors and Heartland staff can fulfill this ministry without the assistance of the entire membership of Disciples throughout Georgia. Some of the ways local members can help is to pray for this ministry, tell and encourage family and friends to learn more about this retirement option, support the growth of this campus by volunteering or making financial gifts, visit the campus to determine how God's Spirit moves you to include Heartland in your ministry. Regardless of how Heartland of Campbell Stone becomes a part of your life know that it exists for the glory of God and the care of His senior children. Submitted by Richard Woodard -- Return to Top -- The mission of the Christian College of Georgia is to nurture, educate and prepare Disciples for ministry and service. Three priorities guide the work of the College, as follows: Christian Vocation Education Ministry on Campus Education for Ministry. The work of the College is carried out by the President and three committees comprised of Trustees and other volunteers. Christian Vocation Education includes offering vocational education and guidance for those who may be exploring or preparing for ministry as a vocation. An emphasis during the past year has been to develop strategies which are designed to recruit, support and retain candidates for ministry, and to encourage increased awareness of ministry as a vocation, particularly among youth and young adults. Under the leadership of The Reverend Landa Simmons, Committee Chair, the College has cooperated with the Region in developing a campaign to increase awareness of ministry among the participants in the Camp and Conference programs. A series of cards which are mailed to over five hundred youth and young adults offers a stimulus for recipients to consider the ministry, to reflect on their experiences in Church, and to engage in conversation about the meaning of their lives as Christians and as leaders in the Church. Persons are directed to the Region's Website and dedicated pages lead them to consider "Christian Ministry and Vocation" in depth. Ministry on Campus includes the development of viable campus ministry for Disciples of Christ students and others at the University of Georgia, support of the Atlanta United Divinity Center, and consultation to congregations desiring to offer ministry to students on campuses nearby. This committee is led by The Reverend Patrick Chandler. More than two dozen students at the University of Georgia in Athens have participated in activities and programs offered on campus, including regular fellowship meals and weekly Bible Study meetings. Retreats and other activities have been combined with the new Young Adult Disciples Association to provide many new opportunities for young adults in the Region. Continued growth of the ministry of the Atlanta United Divinity Center affords support and nurture of Disciples and UCC seminarians, and increases opportunities for seminarians to take active roles in the ministries of congregations in the Greater Atlanta area. The Reverend Dr. Jerry Gladson had coordinated the work of the Education for Ministry committee. The efforts to identify and offer continuing education programs for church leaders, with a particular emphasis on providing alternative theological education for persons preparing for lay ministry, have resulted in a partnership with the Southeast District of the United Church of Christ. Already, through the New Hope Institute for Christian Ministry in Lawrenceville, six individuals are working together to develop their competencies in ministry through the "Theology Among the People" program. This committee also links with the Commission on Ministry to provide consultation on training and education opportunities for persons entering licensed ministry. The past year has been an exciting time for Christian College of Georgia. The Board of Trustees is committed to its mission to perpetuate the vision of the founders of the College to educate, prepare and nurture Disciples for ministry and service. Through prudent and creative use of its assets and through partnerships and other cooperative endeavors, the College seeks opportunities and exercises leadership which will:
The Board of Trustees of Christian College of Georgia, Inc. includes the following representatives of congregations in the Region: Class of 2005 Class of 2004 Class of 2003 Class of 2002 Lifetime Member -- Return to Top -- Camp Facility Commission Report Faced with the difficult task of reopening the camp for the summer of 2001, the camp facility commission called for volunteer work days to complete the many tasks necessary to open the camp. Some of our work days were well attended others less so. However with the assistance of Scott Wilhelm, maintenance employee of the camp and our new Associate Regional Minister, Rev. Michael Weeks the camp was ready for summer. We want to thank everyone who worked and those who gave of other resources to assist the commission in this task. Our churches made a major investment in the camp this year. All facilities were painted, updated or remodeled. Electrical systems were upgraded and a new water well was installed that increased the water pressure. The recreation aspect of the camp was vastly improved with boats and other equipment. The evaluations of the camp were excellent. We closed the summer on a very high note. Our directors and youth gave our staff high marks overall for the facilities, food, and services. Financially, the camp is poised for growth. Cash on hand will carry the camp through the beginning of 2002. Plans are underway to increase the camps ministry to persons of all ages year-round. Be sure and take a look at the building plans for the Lodge, remodeling of Peachtree Lodge into a small conference center, and the Miracle Day Plans to Heat and Air Condition our Dining Hall at the Camp Christian Display here at the assembly. The Regional Board will be acting on the plans for the new retreat center during their meeting prior to the assembly. The commission hopes that this new building will be available for use in the summer of 2002. It will be available for rental to groups of 60 or less year-round. Much needed capital is coming to the camp right now through Sowing Seeds to Christ's Church, but additional capital will be needed to complete the building projects slated for 2002. As stewards of the Camp Christian Facility we take very seriously the need to help our camp to become financially independent of Regional operational dollars. To that end we have asked the Regional Board to appoint a short term commission to study the Mission and Organization of Camp Christian. This group is meeting right now and will report to the 2002 Regional Board on ways that the camp can continue to help in growing building and equipping vital faith communities. The camp is also pleased to report that a new congregation has been started and is meeting at the Camp. The Gordon Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) was recognized as a congregation in formation at the September Regional Board Meeting. -- Return to Top -- CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMISSION The Christian Education Commission has had a busy year in all
of our areas: Camp and Conference Programming, Leadership Development and Resources
and Curriculum. Camp and Conference Programming have always been a big responsibility
for the commission. We are now working with some other commissions to provide training
in leadership development and to provide assistance with curriculum and resources
for Sunday School and Youth Ministry. Our summer camp program at Camp Christian was very successful. The youth, counselors and directors were very excited to be back at Camp Christian. We had many members of our churches who gave a week to counsel at camp and some who co-directed. Several of our ministers gave of their time to direct a camp or counsel a camp. We hope that next year we will have even more laity and ministers who will come for a week at Camp Christian or Camp Kicklighter. Please let the regional office know if you are interested or if you know of someone who might help. Training will be next spring. If you have not had the opportunity to spend a week at summer camp with youth, try it. It is an experience you will remember a lifetime. Information we have received from Camp Kicklighter indicates they also had a great summer of camping. The number of campers attending Camp Christian was up from 2000. AIM High opened the camping season at Camp Christian and Sandra Barnhill reports they had an awesome camp. Some of the youth and adults from AIM High returned at the end of the summer for a day of work and fun. Report Submitted by Marilyn Parks, Chair. -- Return to Top -- WOMEN'S MINISTRIES COMMISSION 2001 has been an exciting and joyous year in the life of the women in Georgia. The year began under the direction of new officers for years 2001-2002: Polly Brock (Shiloh) President; Mary Frances Early and Minnie Haynes (Decatur First), Co-Vice Presidents/Retreat Coordinators; Mary O'Tyson (Augusta Central), Secretary; Josephine Miller (Griffin First), WC District Coordinator; and Hilda Alderman (Valdosta First) as well as continuing officers for year 2001: Frances Shumake (Decatur First), NW District Coordinator; Angela Phife (Loganville First), NE District Coordinator; Mary Ward (Savannah First), SE District Coordinator; Peggy Myers (Dublin First), EC District Coordinator, Jane Osborn (Valdosta First), Study Leader; Ann Haines (Watkinsville Antioch), Worship Leader, and Karen Haynes (Athens Friendship), Life Concerns/Service Leader. Spring Conferences held in March and April provided opportunity to introduce the new study material for 2001-2002, "Many Gifts, One Body." In addition to having workshops on the study material, worship and life concerns/service two additional workshops were offered in hopes of stimulating new interest, ideas and creativity. They were entitled "Younger Women, Let's Hear from You" and "What is Your Calling." Spring Conferences generated $1,193.69 in registration and offering used to offset some of the expenses. Attendance was great, totaling 260 and far exceeding attendance for the two previous years. The Commission planned and executed a fantastic fall retreat held at Norman Park Conference Center, October 12 - 14, 2001. The keynote speaker for the weekend was Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter, Associate Professor of Religious Education at Howard University School of Divinity as well as Pastor of Michigan Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Washington, DC. Then our very own Rev. Linda Whitmire, member of Sandy Springs Christian Church, gave a convicting and spirit filled message on Sunday morning entitled "Drinking the One Spirit." Other offerings included a healing service, a handbell ensemble, a presentation on Vietnam, and Ugly quilt making in addition to many other workshops designed for spiritual knowledge and growth. Spiritual gifts and talents were shared and utilized in abundance demonstrating God's ever flowing love and grace. Financial gifts included: Blessing Box offering, $10,414.16; Boutiques sales $2584.35; and Sunday offering, $2.014.21. Boutique sales and Sunday offering will be used to increase Martha Faw's Woman-to-Woman scholarship fund, for a Quadrennial steward, and for camp scholarships. Approximately fifty (50) women attended retreat for the first time, mostly younger women. Attendance was up, totaling 225. District Coordinators were presented to and approved by those in attendance at the retreat business meeting. Each will serve a two-year term and are as follows: NE District Coordinator, Brenda Vaughn (Watkinsville Union); NW Co-District Coordinators, Barb Duren and Audrey Chambers (Sandy Springs); EC District Coordinator, Karen Boyd (Augusta Central) and SE District Coordinator, Gloria Finch (Glennville). Plans for 2002 Quadrennial Assembly continue to take shape in Georgia under the leadership of Elaine Alsobrook, member of Decatur First Christian Church, who is Georgia's Quadrennial Coordinator. The theme for Quadrennial is "Reshape! Renew! Unleash! It will be held in Louisville, Kentucky from June 19, 2002 through June 23, 2002. We are grateful to Rev. Landa Harris Simmons for accepting our invitation as the CWF Breakfast Speaker at Regional Assembly, November 10, 2001. As this year rapidly comes to a close, the Commission is grateful to be working in partnership with all the women in Georgia and is especially thankful for each woman's participation in this ministry. All women are invited to bring their many gifts to the table in 2002 as we seek to finds ways to share them around the state of Georgia and beyond. To God be the Glory, -- Return to Top -- "Rebuilding and Rejuvenating The summer of 2001 has seen the re-opening of Camp Christian and the continued encampment at Camp Kicklighter. Many Men of this region worked diligently to make sure the Camp facilities were well equipped and safe for our youth. Some of our Men served as Counselors, Staff, and Directors of the many Camps offered this summer. This is the ministry these men felt was they're calling and the sharing of their faith with our youth will have a positive influence on them in the future. The Commission has voted to rejuvenate the Pancake Day in Georgia. The Men will use the funds for Camp's Christian and Kicklighter, Youth Retreats, and Scholarships. Our youth across the Region will be the theme of two to three projects a year. A "Pancake Day" account will be established and application forms will be made available to select the projects. Money raised at the Men's Retreat will also be included in the Pancake Fund. The Commission will be reviewing Laymen of the Year applications at the Commission meeting on November 3rd. All applications need to be in the Regional office by this date to be considered for this year's nominee. The Fall Rally's were held in October with the theme "Rebuilding and Rejuvenating Men's Ministry". The Men's Retreat will be held at Christmount Conference Center in North Carolina on March 8-10, and the Keynote speaker will be Joey Jeter from Brite Divinity Center at Texas Christian College. The commission voted to invite the North Carolina and South Carolina Regional Men's Groups to the Retreat. Respectfully Submitted, -- Return to Top -- Congregational Vitality Mission Team According to Census 2000, Georgia's population increased by 1.8 million people over the 1990 Census. Half of those new people are concentrated in the northern part of the state, around metropolitan Atlanta and Athens. Three metro area counties, Henry, Paulding and Forsyth, saw their populations double in those ten years. Sadly, I have to report that no Disciple congregation exists in any of those three counties. While Georgia's population increased by 19% (four times the national average), worship attendance in Disciple congregations in Georgia declined by 7%. In terms of raw population growth, Gwinnett County saw the biggest increase in population, an increase of over 235,000 people (66.7%). Gwinnett is projected to be the largest county in Georgia by 2008. Total worship attendance for the Disciple churches in Gwinnett increased from 547 to 586 (7%). Three of the four churches that existed in Gwinnett County in 1990 had a lower attendance in 2000. New congregations in Gwinnett account for the increase in worship attendance. Although the numbers are somewhat discouraging, we should highlight the many good things that are happening among the Christian Churches in Georgia. This year Chattahoochee Christian broke ground on the first phase of their permanent facility. Cherry Log continues to be the fastest growing congregation in the region, increasing worship attendance at a 30% annual rate. The Ray of Hope continues to have the largest increase in number of worshippers each year. Iglesia el Aposento Alto has seen dramatic growth in the two years since Miracle Day 1999. We applaud these other congregations that have increased worship attendance over the past four years: First (Albany), Peachtree, Sandy Springs, First (Bogart), Corinth (Girard), New Covenant (Lawrenceville), New Hope (Lawrenceville), Chestnut Ridge (Marietta), Pembroke, First (Valdosta) and First (Watkinsville). In keeping with the mission of the Christian Church in Georgia, the Commission on Evangelism and the Church Development Commission merged and became the Congregational Vitality Ministry Team. The team will carry responsibility for empowering the transition of existing churches, encouraging congregations and assisting them in evaluating ministry and mission, facilitating new church planting by insuring that coaching, collegiality and accountability are present for new congregations and church planters, locating resources for new congregations and establishing centralized resources when needed. The role of the Congregational Vitality Ministry Team extends
beyond questions of demographics and logistics. Healthy new churches begin when
healthy congregations reproduce. The team is developing a core group of consultants
to work with congregations in reformation as well as new congregations. We cannot
stress enough that in order to plant healthy, vital faith communities; we need to
cultivate vitality in our existing congregations. Submitted by Rev. Dean Phelps -- Return to Top -- OVERVIEW: Here is a thumbnail sketch of the effective current structure of the Commission On Ministry. This structure consists of five distinct sub-committees. Rev. Dr. Tom Neal serves as the staff liaison for the Ordination & Transfer of Standing sub-committees, while Rev. Dr. Alfred Dotson serves as staff liaison for the Licensure sub-committee. Each sub-committee aligns with a specific function of the COM. The five sub-committees and their chairs are: Ordination chaired by Rev. Dr. Fred Craddock, Ordination chaired by Rev. Dr. Ken Henry, Transfer of Standing chaired by Rev. Dr. Jerry Gladson, Clergy Care & Education chaired by Rev. Carol Parker-Hampton, and Ethics Task Force chaired by Jane Osborn. SUB-COMMITTEE STATUS: The Ordination sub-committee has met consistently throughout this year. This sub-committee has met with approximately fourteen candidates in various stages of the Ordination process this year. Those ordained this earlier this year are: Edwin Bob Greenway of Brookhaven Christian Church, Donna Kremer of Roswell Christian Church, Katherine Vickers Cornell of Peachtree Christian Church, Laura Hutchinson of Peachtree Christian Church and Adrianne Lotson of The Ray of Hope Christian Church. The candidates with upcoming ordinations this year are: Julie Richardson Brown of Sandy Springs Christian Church, Stanley Saunders of the Open Door Community and Frank McDonald of Sandy Springs Christian Church. The Transfer of Standing sub-committee has thirty-one candidates under care and nurture. This year the sub-committee has met with approximately six candidates in various stages of the process. This sub-committee has reviewed, updated and drafted a Transfer of Standing section of the Order of Ministry and Transfer of Standing Process Flow document. This process flow is currently in use by the candidates under care and nurture of this sub-committee. The Licensure sub-committee has 21 candidates in the process. This sub committee has met with approximately five candidates in various stages of the process. Three have been interviewed and are awaiting a couple of documents. There are about six who are up for re-licensing. Annual renewal shall be upon anniversary of date of issuance of original license to spread out across the calendar year all of the processes that are required. Persons already licensed must submit a letter detailing their ministry over the previous year. This sub-committee will follow all candidates who are eligible or have a license, including those who hold a license and are also a candidate of Ordination or Transfer of Standing. The Clergy care and Education sub-committee has reviewed and set up a new system for reviewing and maintaining current information, feedback and continuing education needs on the clergy with standing in this region. The first Clergy Education Update form was included in the February Minister's Mailing from the Regional Office. With the data gathered the committee is working with the Com sub-committees and will contact other commissions to further identify continuing education needs in the region. The data collected will also be used as a resource in the mentoring process. Partners in Ministry was held this spring at Epworth by the Sea. The First Annual Pulpit Sharing held in the Region this August was created and sponsored by this sub-committee The Ethics task force has begun its work with the review of the adopted sexual misconduct policies and procedures and attendance at a multi-regional training for seminarians. This sub-committee led the full COM in adopting a Clergy Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training Proposal. The Regional Board at the September 15th meeting adopted this proposal. This task force will partner with the Clergy Care & Education sub committee to see that all clergy with standing in this region have opportunities for ongoing continuing education training about ethical issues. ONGOING INITAITIVES & PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS:
In closing, there are many relational issues paramount to the effectiveness of this commission. In order to effectively meet your (our ministers, congregation, candidates and prospective candidates) expectations, was as the Com should be aware of what those expectations are, just as you should be aware of what our (COM) capabilities are. Some simple questions to ask one another might be: "What do you need from me?, What do you do with what I give you?, Where and what are the gaps?, What do you need from me that you are not getting?" Remember, this communication flows both ways!! Tom Neal, our Regional Minister, gave a metaphor relating to the Commission. I asked him for permission to steal it to share with you, and naturally Tom agreed. "Think of the Commission on Ministry as a DOORWAY TO MINISTRY, you have to come to the doorway and knock." It is most imperative for those with the desire to enter into a relationship with the Commission on Ministry to contact the Regional Minister in order to make that request known. Remember that the Commission on Ministry plays a vital role in this region. As we move forward to 2002 let us prayerfully consider the importance of the work and commitment needed to assist and equip those who are in the process of fulfilling God's call. Thank you for the opportunity to serve this year. Respectfully submitted by, Joan Riley -- Return to Top -- And This Shall Be A Sign Unto You… The signs were not looking too good for the first Miracle Day of 2001!
The signs were not looking good! The signs were not looking good that night long ago when a Star shone bright over a manger in Bethlehem. The Son of God was about to be born in a common manger stall. Lowly shepherds and foreign dignitaries got the word but no one else showed up but cows and sheep. A mother, who was pregnant before marriage and a simple carpenter were the parents…no royalty there! The signs were not looking good! BUT LOOK WHAT GOD DID WITH THAT SITUATION! Angels appeared; unique gifts were brought; all God's creatures gave praise to God; and a birthing occurred that changed the course of history! Don't you love a repeat performance! Over 300 angel volunteers traveled from all over Georgia to United Christian Church in Dublin. Folks from 35 Disciples congregations-more than 50% of the churches in the Georgia Region-plus one Jewish Temple, NBA Columbia Community Connections and the national NBA office in St. Louis, drove as many as 4 hours one way to share in this miraculous event. Over $10,000 was raised and many donations of supplies and equipment were brought…unique gifts for the birthing of a new day for this congregation. What wondrous gifts were brought! Prior to Miracle Day on February 3, a team from First Christian Church, Savannah, completely redid electrical work at the church. With an additional new power line and numerous new electrical outlets in the sanctuary and the kitchen…now, both the electric stove and the refrigerator could run at the same time! Another set of workers built an 83-yard fence along the dangerous ravine at the back of the church property. On Miracle Day, incredible work for all skills and ages was accomplished. The entire outside of the building was painted. In the sanctuary, the chancel area was rebuilt, the paneled walls were cleaned and oiled, the 10 pews and the communion table were taken outside and sanded and repainted, chancel seats were recovered. In the kitchen, new cabinets, sink and storage were added. The tiny dining room, the library, Sunday School room and an entryway were all paneled. Many outside walls were insulated for the first time. Shelves were built in a large closet off the library. In the library, new shelves were built as well as a desk totally redone. Both restrooms were totally redone, including jack hammering the women's floor and redoing all plumbing. Three new exterior doors were installed, the church sign was completely redone, and beautiful landscaping occurred all around the building, including the planting of two new dogwood trees. Some 500 leaflets were distributed across the neighborhood and a large delegation cleaned trash from all along the highway near the church. More work was done this past Saturday on a mini-Miracle Day when some 15 folks from around the Region joined local church members in trying to finish the work. Another mini-MD is planned for next Saturday as well. Such enormous work was undertaken it simply could not be accomplished in one day! The miracle goes one! How wondrous was the work! But just as significant was the spirit of joy, partnership, and commitment to mission that spread throughout this entire effort. Because the property of United Christian Church is so small, registration, breakfast and lunch all took place at First Christian Church, Dublin, with shuttles carrying folks back and forth all day. A rainbow assortment of races and ethnic groups worked together. The recipient of Georgia's first Miracle Day, 18 months ago, El Aposento Alto Iglesia Cristiana from outside Atlanta brought their music team and a total of about 35 members. That was their average worship attendance when Miracle Day came to them! Now they are averaging over 180! Their pastor, Ketty Santos, expressed the same hope and prayer for United Christian Church! "May they grow in spirituality and in numbers…like us, this is a second chance to start all over again," she said. "And this shall be a sign unto you…" No one attending Miracle Day in Dublin will ever doubt that sign. Three young men were assigned to garbage detail; that is, so much junk was taken out of the church all day while the re-building was going on, that their job was to put it in a dump truck and take it to the dump! Because it was so cold, they got the idea of using these scraps as firewood! So, they built a fire ring and kept it going all day long. As workers would get cold, they would take a break, gather around the fire, and suddenly, it became the focus of singing, community building, and the closing worship. Truly, the flame of the Holy Spirit was in our midst! "And this shall be a sign unto you…" Angels were singing, gifts were shared, God's work was being done with joy and praise…new life was everywhere! United Christian Church pastor, Alphonso Whiting, said it best: "What a shot in the arm for us! This congregation needed this so much…seeing all these people come from everywhere. This truly is like a little bit of heaven right here on earth…in Dublin!" Submitted by Suzanne Cole Wages -- Return to Top -- Georgia's Partners in Ministry met in May 2001 at Epworth-by-the-Sea. We were blessed by the presence of resource leaders, Dianne and Emanuel Cleaver from Kansas City, Missouri. Dianne, in the field of community health and Emanuel, a former KC mayor and an ordained minister, made a wonderful team. With their delightful leadership, we had frank and prayerful discussions on cultural diversity in today's church. Doug Job led us in meaningful times of worship; and Michael Weeks played the guitar for spirit-filled singing by the group. The weather was spectacular; and it was indeed a Sabbath time for participants. The 2002 retreat will be at Epworth May 6-8. All ordained and licensed ministers in the region are encouraged to participate. Spouses are welcome and encouraged to attend; but the planning committee reminds you that this is not just an event for couples. "Partners in Ministry" refers to the life vocation which we hold in common and which we support in one another by coming together in fellowship. Congregations, please make it possible for your pastor to attend; pastors, you'll be glad you came! -- Return to Top -- Sowing Seeds for Christ's Church Today we live in a time of spiritual hunger. Today we live in a time of uncertainty. Today we live in a time unlike that which most of us have ever seen. Today we live in a time when, for many of us, confidence in our ability to succeed and prosper has been called into question. Today we live in a time when our communities, our country, our world is longing to hear a message of hope and love. Today, the Church is being called to proclaim that message, for it is the message of the one in whom we have placed our faith and to whom we have committed our lives: Jesus Christ. The congregations of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia are responding to that call. The congregations of our region are expanding. New ministries are being developed and old ministries are being revived. At least ten of our congregations are in the process of building expansion and/or renovation, including one of our newest congregations, Chattahoochee. Other congregations, from the newest, The Rock and Gordon, to the oldest, Antioch, Savannah, Valdosta, and Guyton; from the largest, The Ray of Hope, to the smallest, The Church of Love, continue to faithfully preach and teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Camps Christian and Kicklighter are continuing to renovate and expand to meet the growing needs for our summer camping ministries and year-round opportunities. The exciting ministry of the Atlanta United Divinity Center is now supporting its third class of Disciples and United Church of Christ seminary students in Atlanta. The ministries of care and compassion offered through Campbell-Stone, Columbia Community Connection and others in local communities throughout our region continue to express the love of Christ to those most vulnerable in our society. And, we continue our long tradition of reaching beyond our local church and community to support the ministry of Jesus Christ in distance places like, Lexington, Nashville, Washington, D. C., and India. From our deepest roots in Europe, Africa, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Korea, China and other places, we have come together in the name of Jesus Christ to be and do the work of the Church in our world today. The Sowing Seeds for Christ's Church Campaign is an opportunity to financially support some of the greatest needs of our church. Through this campaign we faithfully respond to Jesus words in Matthew 28: 19-20a, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." Through this campaign we faithfully live out Jesus teaching in Luke 12: 48b, "From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded." Through this campaign we faithfully demonstrate to the world that Jesus' prayer in John 17: 21a, "…that they may all be one" is possible, as we join together, every member and every congregation sharing in prayer and in financial support of the important ministry of the church in the world today. One year ago, at our Regional Assembly meeting on St. Simon Island, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia launched the Sowing Seeds for Christ's Church Campaign. As a region we adopted the goal of raising $2,000,000 to support specific ministries of the Christian Church in Georgia. To date we have raised $517,389 in gifts and pledges. Four congregations, three of which are currently conducting Sowing Seed campaigns, have set an additional $221,000 in goals. Gifts and pledges have been received from individual members, fellowship groups and congregations. To date we have received gifts or pledges from 20 congregations. However, only three congregations have actually completed a Sowing Seeds campaign. They are Athens, First, Decatur, First and Fayetteville, Community. Two-thirds of the gifts and pledges received thus far have come from the major gifts of a few individuals. Two distributions have been made to the ministries Sowing Seeds supports. A third distribution will be made as this calendar year ends. One half of all monies collected go the new church support. Currently Sowing Seeds is providing pastoral support funding to Iglesia El Aposento Alto, The Rock, and First Atlanta Chinese. We are also making payments on the original mortgage at Cherry Log, and the mortgage on the new church property in south Hall County. In order to continue to faithfully and adequately support these
new congregations, our camp facilities, and the other ministries beyond the local
church we must raise more money in the weeks, months and years to come. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). In other words Jesus is saying to you and me, that where we spend our money determines where we commit our heart. I invite you to spend your money on the ministry of Jesus Christ. John M. Richardson -- Return to Top -- The Stewardship Commission held budget hearings in late summer. We had good participation, but were not able to complete budget building that day. Regional commission chairs met in late September to look at areas where cuts in spending could be achieved. They made about 3/5ths of needed cuts, but were unable to bring the budget into complete balance. The budget found starting on page 9 shows $3882 more expenses than income for the operating budget, which we believe will more than be made up by a number of churches who plan to send some offerings as designated giving for the regional program. We believe that in the future, budget worksheets should be sent to each commission chair in mid summer, to receive input and build a budget for the budget meeting. Rather than concentrating on details of the budget, therefore, we would look more at the overall picture of the budget needs and income sources. We also need to plan for a 2-3 year budget cycle. By the end of this year, we should be able to transition to a new consolidated chart of accounts that will provide much clearer reporting to the board and the commissions. Dean Phelps is chairing an ad hoc working group to accomplish this. At the September board meeting, the commission recommended a budget, which was rejected by the board. An amended budget was then recommended, which would require the cutting of program expenses in order to balance the budget for 2002. In addition, the board recommended a reallocation of funds between the region and the general church so that the region would have more funds available for its use. Accordingly, the board set the percentages for undesignated BMF for 2002 as follows: 60% to remain for regional work; 40% to be sent to Indianapolis for general mission work. This is a change from the current percentages which are 52.916% for regional work and 47.084% for general church causes. The Commission presents the 2002 budget to be approved during the Regional Assembly. We encourage each congregation to prayerfully consider the tithe of their church's receipts as a minimum to Basic Mission Finance. We also encourage each church member to tithe his/her income. The Commission wholeheartedly encourages every church to make a commitment to the Sowing Seeds campaign of the region designed to assist new church development, camping programs and other specific causes. The Rev. John Richardson is doing a commendable job in interpreting these needs to churches. (See his report.) Budget progress through nine months of 2001 shows that churches have given 13.3% more to Basic Mission Finance than the same period in 2000. When special offerings and giving of constituency groups to BMF, the increase is smaller - 4.5% -- for the 9 month period compared with 2000. Whether we show an increase in BMF giving at the end of 2001, will depend largely on the special Thanksgiving and Christmas offerings. Milton Summerall, Chairman -- Return to Top -- We salute the congregations that have been examples to the rest of us in the growth and extension of their mission and ministry. They have led our region in giving, and sometimes have led the whole church in their example. The following congregations are to be applauded for the excellent records set in 2000. Highest per capita in total giving Highest per capita disciples related outreach Highest percentage of budget to basic mission finance Most dollars given to basic mission finance Several of our congregations received recognition in the 2000 Year Book. In largest contributions to Basic Mission Finance from all Disciples Churches, Decatur, Ray of Hope, was ranked 12th and Atlanta, Peachtree was ranked 16th of 20 churches with 1001 and above participating members. Of the 100 CWF's in the United States and Canada contributing to Basic Mission Finance, Atlanta, Peachtree was ranked 59th, Marietta, First was ranked 73rd, and Columbus, Central was ranked 79th. Year after year the Year Book listing of Youth Groups giving $200 or more to BMF is dominated by the youth from Georgia! Of 14 youth groups listed in the US and Canada, 7 are from Georgia (last year we had 6)! They were: Atlanta, First, 4th with $1,000; Atlanta, Peachtree 5th with $650; Lawrenceville, First 7th with $450); Watkinsville, First 9th with $350); Decatur, First 12th with ($297); Athens, First 13th with $250 and Macon, First 14th with $229. CONGRATULATIONS to all of the above for pointing the way! -- Return to Top -- YADA--Young Adult Disciples Association Our group was formed following the 2001 Youth Assembly to help increase the fellowship and connections of young adults in and from Disciples churches. Our group is composed of 18-30ish persons who are married and unmarried and are seeking fellowship with other young adults in Disciple churches. Leadership for YADA is shared by Jarrett Kremer, Katie Hawkins, Amber Shaw and Andy Torbert. Our first event was in the early summer and dealt with the theme Connections - connections to God, connections to one another, and connections, to our world. All who attended were blessed by the event. We are holding one more event this year and have two scheduled for next year.
Please email the names of any young adults that you would like to receive information about our events. Michael@gadisciples.org Respectfully submitted by, -- Return to Top -- Regional Youth Assembly was held at Epworth by the Sea in January 2001. This was a very successful assembly. We were happy to have Rev. Michael Weeks as our guest. This gave the Commission time to work with him and get to know him. The Commission has held two meetings since the assembly where evaluations of the assembly and planning for this year's assembly were started. One of these meetings was a weekend planning retreat at Camp Christian. A third meeting will be held to finalize plans for this year's assembly. The youth have decided to sponsor a leadership event during next summer. This event will help bring leadership skills to the youth of the Georgia region. We are very excited about the possibilities and potential leadership roles that this commission can promote among all of the churches of the Georgia region. YAC have expressed an interest and are exploring possibilities of greater participation on the commission and procedures for elections of representatives. Submitted by Jimmy Peeples -- Return to Top -- |
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