Post on 18-Jun-2020
May/June 2009
Volume 18, Number 3
T h e B u c k e y e D i s c i p l eT h e B u c k e y e D i s c i p l eT h e B u c k e y e D i s c i p l e
Christian Church in Ohio D I S C I P L E S O F C H R I S T
A covenant network of congregations in mission
Summer Camp/Conference Schedule 2009 Please note: The Grandparents Camp that was
scheduled in June has been canceled. We are currently
looking for a someone who feels called to lead this
wonderful program in the Fall. Contact Brenda
Webster if you or someone you know is interested.
Adventure Camp - Bicycling - July 5 - 11
For anyone High School through Adult
Partnership Camp Those who just finished grades 3, 4, & 5
June 14 – 20 Otter Camp Christian
July 12 – 18 Badger Templed Hills
July 26 – Aug 1 Beaver Templed Hills
Chi Rho Camp - Camp Christian
Those who have just finished grades 6, 7, and 8 DATE CAMP DISTRICTS
June 7 – 13 Hocking 4, 7, 10/11, 13/14
July 5 – 11 Portahoga 2, 3, 15
July 12 – 18 Maumee 1, 5, 6
August 2 – 8 Miami 8, 9, 12
CYF Conference - Camp Christian
Those who have just finished grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 DATE CAMP DISTRICTS
June 21 – 27 Hiram 2, 3, 15
June 28 – July 4 Phyo 4, 7, 10/11, 13/14
July 19 – 25 Lakeside 1, 5, 6
July 26 – Aug 1 Wilmington 8, 9, 12
Advance Conference - Camp Christian - Aug. 9 – 16
Anyone ages 19 -29 (at least 1 year out of High School)
Adult Conference - June 15 – 19 - For adults of all ages
Northwest Christian Church, Columbus
ONLINE REGISTRATION AT WWW.CCINOH.ORG
Pentecost Offering collected May 24 & 31 New Song, Living Faith, Iglesia Cristiana Mana, Brighter Day,
and, Misiòn Cristiana Faro de Luz are a few of the churches
that were started as a result of the New Church Movement in
Ohio. Today, New Church Ministry can proudly claim that 598
new churches have been formed across America since 2001.
This is good news worth celebrating! Through these churches,
this movement is reaching more than 40,000 Disciples, and the
list continues to grow. What is our goal? Disciples hope to
start 1,000 new churches by 2020. By supporting the Pentecost
Offering you are expanding the efforts of the New Church
Movement. Each year, the New Church Movement is sup-
ported primarily by funds raised by the annual Pentecost Offer-
ing. This special-day offering provided support for new church
planter training, coaching, grants, meetings and additional ser-
vices to support the New Church Movement of the Christian
Church. ―Expanding the Table‖ is this year‘s theme for the
Pentecost Offering. As the Christian Church (Disciples of the
Christ), we welcome and embrace with the love of Christ, all
who will come to the table. And our Christian table is con-
stantly expanding and reaching beyond social and economic
boundaries to extend our witness. New Church Ministry seeks
to continue to expand the table to reach new mission fields,
journey to new frontiers and touch more lives. Support for this
special day offering is more crucial than ever. Importantly, half
of the money collected through the Pentecost Offering remains
in Ohio. The other half represents New Church Ministry to
benefit the wider church for recruitment, training and coaching
of new church planters. If you have given in the past, we thank
you. Please help New Church Ministry to continue expanding
the table to reach more people by bringing God‘s message to
new places and new communities. By Expanding the Table, we
share the witness of Christ. For more information about the
Pentecost Offering, call Bill Edwards at Christian Church in
Ohio, (614)433-0343.
Thank You! For even more contributions & pledges to the
Leadership Campaign Annual Fund:
Betty & David Adams, Joanne Arnold, Steve &
Julie Bentley, Vera Burton, Iluminado & Ana
Castellano, Dan Clark & Janet Long, Duncan
& Tina Draper, William Edwards, Richard &
Michelle Hardy, Paul & Charlotte Johnson,
Donald & Frances Mertz
For information on how you can donate contact the
Regional Church Office or visit www.ccinoh.org.
Spiritual Insights
Rev. Dr. William H. Edwards
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’
teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of
bread and the prayers.” - Acts 2:42
In Acts 2:42-47, we see the formation
of the church -- the community of Christ‘s
followers -- who were so devoted and filled
with the love of Christ that people from all over the world,
from all walks of life, all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, were
impacted and drawn into this new community, and transformed
by what they experienced.
I believe that God is calling us to become that kind of com-
munity of faith -- a community so filled with the Holy Spirit, so
transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, and so yielded to the
power of the Spirit in our lives that people in our world would
be drawn in and transformed by what they experience in our
church.
That's why a study of Acts is so crucial on God‘s agenda for
the Church. What Jesus did to get his disciples ready for Pente-
cost is what he longs to do in you and me. Jesus took a con-
fused, disunited band of followers and forged them into a move-
ment. At the beginning of chapter 2, we find a scared group of
disciples waiting in the upper room, waiting to receive a bless-
ing, waiting for power. The disciples were discouraged,
dejected, disabled and filled with depression. They were waiting
for their day of breakthrough; they felt a devastating sense of
inability to act.
But on the day of Pentecost, the disciples waiting in the
upper room received uncommon strength to face the common
problems of life. The power of the Holy Spirit replaced their
weak and fearful minds with courage, their doubts with assur-
ance, their anger with peace, their hate with love, their revenge
with compassion, their hopelessness with hope, their sadness
with joy, and their confusion with direction. They found new
meaning and purpose in life. In other words, the power of the
Holy Spirit transformed these human beings into new people.
My prayer for the Christian Church in Ohio is that God will
send forth the Spirit to revive, transform and empower our lives
and our congregations.
The Buckeye Disciple
Published by : Christian Church in Ohio (Disciples of Christ)
355 East Campus View Blvd, Suite 110, Columbus, OH 43235
Phone: (614)433-0343 Website: www.ccinoh.org
Email: ccio@ccinoh.org
Regional Staff: William Edwards: Regional Pastor and President
LaTauyna Bynum: Regional Associate Pastor
Stephen Bentley: Regional Associate Pastor
Brenda Webster: Regional Program Minister
Al Channell: Camp Christian Superintendent
Regional Church Council Officers
Teresa Dulyea-Parker: Moderator Betty Adams: Secretary
Perry Mattern: Vice Moderator Elizabeth Jewell: Asst Sec
Editor: Jennie Stoddart - jstoddart@ccinoh.org
Printed/Distributed by PXP OHIO, Reynoldsburg, OH
Regional Calendar May
2 New Church Committee @ Saint Andrew C.C.
4 Interim Ministers Working Group @ RCO 10 – 2
6 RCO Staff Meeting
7 Retired Ministers Retreat @ Camp Christian
7 Ohio Disciples Outreach Committee @ RCO 10am
9 Licensed Ministry Academy @ RCO 9:00am (3-part course May 9, 16, & 23)
12 Christian Education Conference Call 7:00pm
*12 New Ministers‘ Orientation @ RCO
*13 Anti-Racism Workshop for New Ministers @ Camp
13 Youth Scholarship Committee Meeting @ 11:30am
*14 Sexual Ethics Workshop for New Ministers @ Camp
*15–17 Disciple Men‘s Fellowship Spring Retreat @ Camp
16 Licensed Ministry Academy @ RCO 9:00am
19 – 21 NIRF Conference @ Camp Christian
19 Commission on Ministry @ Northwest Christian, C.C.
22 – 24 Disciples Fellowship Retreat @ Camp Christian
23 Licensed Ministry Academy @ RCO 9:00am
25 Memorial Day, RCO Closed
26 – 27 UCC Conference and Regional Church Gathering
June
1 Deadline for entries into the July/August Buckeye
1 RCO Staff Meeting
2 Executive Committee Meeting @ RCO 10:00am
3 ODEC Conference Call 10:00am
*6 Youth Scholarship Golf Outing @
Scioto Reserve Golf and Athletic Club, Powell, Ohio
6 Anti-Racism Commission Meeting @ RCO 10:00am
*7–13 Hocking Chi Rho Camp @ Camp Christian
*14-20 Otter Partnership Camp @ Camp Christian
15–19 Adult Conference @ Northwest C.C., Columbus
16 Commission on Ministry @ Karl Road C.C., Columbus
*21–27 Hiram CYF Conference @ Camp Christian
*28–July 4 Phyo CYF Conference @ Camp Christian
July
3 Fourth of July Observed, RCO Closed
*5 – 11 Adventure Camp – Bicycling
*5 – 11 Portahoga Chi Rho Camp @ Camp Christian
*12–18 Badger Partnership Camp @ Templed Hills
*12–18 Maumee Chi Rho Camp @ Camp Christian
14 RCO Staff Meeting
*19–25 Lakeside CYF Conference @ Camp Christian
21 ODEC Meeting @ RCO 10:00am
*26–Aug 1 Beaver Partnership Camp @ Pilgrim Hills
*26–Aug 1 Wilmington CYF Conference @ Camp Christian
*29–Aug 2 General Assembly, Indianapolis, Indiana
August
1 Deadline for entries into the Sept/Oct Buckeye
*2 – 8 Miami Chi Rho Camp @ Camp Christian
4 RCO Staff Meeting
*9–16 Advance Conference @ Camp Christian
14–16 Children, Worship, and Wonder Training @
Washington Ave Christian Church, Elyria, Ohio
RCO = Regional Church Office
* Online Registration is now available
Page 2 The Buckeye Disciple
Page 3 Volume 18, Number 3
Message from Regional Associate Pastor,
Rev. Dr. LaTaunya Bynum There are people serving the Christian Church in Ohio who
are one step ahead, who see the big picture, and who can read
and interpret the signs of the times. They shape the times and
sometimes reshape how we respond to changing times. They
inspire other people.
I have been blessed to work with such leaders who use the
gifts God has given them. They are helping the Christian
Church in Ohio to fulfill its mission of being an anti-racist/pro-
reconciling church strengthening relationships and building net-
works; leader development, and congregational transformation
and evangelism.
How do they do it? They offer their life experience and their
faith in service to the church. They volunteer their time, often
in sacrificial ways, making sacred the work they do with us.
And they bring enthusiasm and deep commitment to Jesus
Christ. I am grateful for the leaders who serve the Christian
Church in Ohio.
Do you know any emerging leaders whose gifts and com-
mitment will help us to be the most faithful church we can be?
Pray for them, encourage them, and let us know who we are.
The church will be blessed by their leadership.
Message from Regional Program Minister,
Rev. Dr. Brenda Webster One of the primary goals of Camp Christian is to develop
effective servant leaders who represent the various congrega-
tions in the Ohio Region.
The Christian Church in Ohio recognizes the natural lead-
ership abilities of our youth and, through the curricula and ac-
tivities of its camping program, seeks to enhance their leader-
ship skills and abilities.
Chi Rho aged youth engage in age-appropriate leadership
opportunities under the guidance of the Chi Rho Director,
Assistant Directors and counselors at each of four camps.
The Chi Rho Camps lead into our CYF Conferences, where
leadership opportunities are taken to a deeper and more
involved level. State, Conference and District officers are
elected, each with set responsibilities and accountabilities. As a
collective body, these officers are known as our Youth Council,
who meet, make decisions regarding the CYF Conferences and
work in their districts to promote the Kingdom-building pro-
grams of Camp Christian. State Youth Conventions and Mid
Winter Conferences reinforce the idea that our youth can
work, grow and learn together in order to continue along the
path of servant leadership and devotion to causes greater than
themselves.
Realizing that there is a vast community of God‘s people
engaged in leadership as well, our youth are provided opportu-
nities to participate in the United Nations International Seminar
(every two years), a weeklong tour which takes them to
Washington, D.C. and New York City. After much preparation,
they visit such places as the Halls of Congress and the United
Nations, and listen to various speakers. Our youth are encour-
aged to examine where their faith and political views intersect.
It is an experience they will never forget!
The effectiveness of the Camp Christian Camping Program
is easily seen. Many of our youth go on to dedicate their lives
to serving God‘s people through various forms of ministry both
in America and abroad. Men and women come back to camp
to serve as counselors and Assistant Directors. Wherever they
are, we know that, having come through the Camp Christian
Camping Program, these servant leaders have an authentic
desire to enrich and enhance the lives of God‘s people through
unselfish servanthood.
Message from Regional Associate Pastor,
Rev. Stephen Bentley Leadership is about discerning the ―New Thing‖ God is
doing in our midst. Isaiah 43 tells of God‘s story that every
Hebrew child knew by heart because they heard it repeated
over and over.
“’I am the Lord, your Holy One, Israel’s Creator, your King.’ This
is what the Lord says—he who made a way through the sea, a path
through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to
rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:” Isaiah 43:-15-17
What a wonderful story! The Hebrew people were de-
fined by this miraculous story of God‘s action on their behalf.
What other god had done such great things for his people?
Isaiah would remind us, however, that this is not the end of
story. He continues:
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am
doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:18-19
In the Steve Bentley paraphrase version of the Bible this
would say, We in the Christian Church in Ohio have a wonder-
ful story to tell about what God has done in our midst. We
have a great story to share. Having said this, I would add, ―If
you think that was something, you ain‘t seen nothing yet.‖ I
have the privilege of working with ministry leaders who are
looking to discern the ―New Thing‖ God is working in our
midst. It is not like the old story, but is built on the foundation
given us from the past. These ministry leaders are leading us
through the wilderness that change often brings, believing that
God is ―making a way in the desert and streams in the waste-
land.‖ Isaiah 43:19b May we keep our eyes, minds, and hearts
open to discern the ―New Thing‖ God is already doing in our
midst!
“Good leaders must first become good servants.” Robert Greenleaf
Page 4 The Buckeye Disciple
Treasurer’s Corner
Duncan Draper Recently my wife and I were discussing how our 401k had
become more like a 203a or something like that. It‘s a conver-
sation that is likely going on in many households. I repeated my
rant about how the economy is acting or reacting in an unpre-
dictable manner and we are bearing the brunt of the results. As
our conversation came to an end, we both realized how lucky
we truly are. We made a pact to remind ourselves of our good
fortune and while we may need to live simpler lives, that is not
so bad.
So what does this have to do with the Buckeye Disciple and
Treasurer‘s Corner? I should be writing about the Christian
Church in Ohio and the challenges and successes we are having
financially, right? Well, I happen to think these are related.
When one considers who the Christian Church is and how we
are doing, it seems to me that we are really talking about our-
selves, personally as well as professionally. As an organization
we can review the challenges that lie in front of us and become
alarmed that we do not have the control to make the changes
we need to remain strong and continue to provide the ministry
support that is so critical to so many congregations and their
members. Or, we can review our inventory and remind our-
selves of the many gifts we continue to have as well as the
opportunities that remain available to us. Our Youth programs
have an extensive number of volunteers who give of their time
and energy by working as a Counselor, Assistant Director, and
in other roles during our Summer Camping Season. And we
have those who give financially for the benefit of various minis-
tries including Camp, Scholarships, Ministerial Relief and many
other causes supported by the Christian Church.
So what is it you can do? We are fortunate to have such a
highly developed team of volunteers who help us in multiple
roles. Our Commissions and Committees are mostly com-
prised of volunteers who donate their time, their energy, and
their collective wisdom in working towards setting a direction
for the benefit of our members. The Christian Church in Ohio
truly does need you. Each of you. In addition to those roles
that was shared above, you can also be a part of the Region
simply by participating in one or more of our planned pro-
grams. We have long held the opinion that active participation
may be the most valuable resource of the Christian Church in
Ohio. By participating, one becomes engaged with our mission
and is able to provide his or her voice in the direction and
process of ministry. How does one get started? Begin by talk-
ing with others within your church, including your minister.
And if you have any specific questions, call or write me. 614-
433-0343 or ddraper@ccinoh.org. I look forward to hearing
from you, including any suggestions on future articles.
Deadline for entries into the July/August issue of
The Buckeye Disciple Due in the Regional Church Office by
June 1, 2009
Submitting via email is preferred ccio@ccinoh.org
Week of Compassion is Hiring! Week of Compassion, the relief, refugee and development
ministry fund of the Christian Church, is seeking an associate to
work under the direction of and in partnership with the Execu-
tive Director of Week of Compassion to fulfill the mission and
vision of Week of Compassion ―to be the channel for the
resources for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in
providing ready and compassionate response‖ to an array of
humanitarian needs in the world. The Associate will respond
to and carry out the high demands of disaster relief and emer-
gency response, focusing on domestic disasters. For a complete
job description and instructions on how to apply go to
www.weekofcompassion.org. If you have any questions, please
direct them to Rev. Amy Gopp, Executive Director
agopp@woc.disciples.org or (317) 713-2442.
Wholeness Café "Right behind worship, the Wholeness Café is THE REASON to
be part of 2009 General Assembly, July 29 to August 2 in
Indianapolis. Please be there! I want to hear from YOU!"
-Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President
The General Assembly marks
what may be the biggest Disciples
conversation ever. Employing social
technologies proven to help large
groups hear each other, the 6000+
Assembly Disciples will sit face-to-
face to address what it really means
to live into our newly stated identity.
"We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a
fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all
to the Lord's Table as God has welcomed us." - Statement of
Identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Together we will convene a conversation of the whole, tap
the deepest wisdom in our faith community and learn together
what it means to be a Movement for Wholeness in a Frag-
mented World.
Your role?
To show up and share from the heart; to show up and
listen deeply
To be part of the outrageous prayer that we might all be
One that the world might fall in love all over again with God
To be part of the audacious prayer that what Disciples do
together as a faith community really matters
To dare to believe that God has gifted our band of believers
with a powerful witness to the love that has no bounds
What you do in Café:
Listen to learn from each other
Share stories and experiences that have made a difference
in your life as a Disciple
Ask honest questions that influence Disciples' day-to-day
lives. Contribute to the way this body of believers will face the
future together
For more information about General Assembly and the
Wholeness Café visit www.disciples.org.
Page 5 Volume 18, Number 3
2009 Ohio
Delegation
to Chile In a low-lying part
of the majestic Andes
Mountains, amongst
the two hundred
year old Coiyo trees
that make up this
virgin forest, is a
round clearing with
log benches set
around its edges,
creating a peaceful
circle. In the middle
of this circle of
benches stands a
peace pole, just like
the one that stands at
the back of the Camp Christian Vespers spot. With the rustle
of dried leaves at your feel, and the smell of the warm summer
air, you would swear you were at our Vespers spot, over five
thousand miles away. But where you are is the Shalom Center
in the beautiful country of Chile.
This was just one spot at the Shalom Center where the
2009 Ohio Delegation to Chile and young adults from the
Pentecostal Church of Chile in Romeral came together in the
fellowship of Jesus Christ. Across cultural lines, language
barriers, and diverse socio-economic statuses, eight Ohioans,
seventeen young adults from Romeral, thirteen Shalom Center
staffers, and one Global Ministries missionary came together as
members of the body of Christ to continue to foster the rela-
tionship and partnership in ministry between the Christian
Church in Ohio and the Pentecostal Church of Chile.
During our time together we worked on building up the
infrastructure of the Shalom Center, by building a new bridge,
setting foundations and frames for new buildings, and clearing
away thorn brush to make playing soccer a little less painful.
We played soccer, whiffle ball, card games, and had a skit night
not unlike the ones at Chi Rho camp. We even had a night of
folk dancing that looked and felt like a Camp Christian Monday
night Hoedown, which even included some of our dances. (The
Chileans loved the Shottishe!) We worshiped, prayed, sang, and
immersed ourselves in God‘s presence. And it all brought us
together as good close friends, brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Ohio Delegations to Chile are efforts to continue to
foster the relationship between the Christian Church in Ohio
and the Pentecostal Church of Chile created when the Chris-
tian Church in Ohio gave a portion of our Keep the Fire Burn-
ing Capital Campaign Outreach monies to the Pentecostal
Church of Chile. With this gift they began to build the Shalom
Center, or what I like to call, ―Camp Christian, South Amer-
ica‖. Now, the Ohio Delegations are about continuing this rela-
tionship that result in a broader perspective of other brothers
and sisters in Christ and heightened awareness of our role as
North Americans within the global community.
Continued in the next column
Chile continued
Elena Huegel, the Disciples Global Ministries missionary
who serves in Chile, has hosted all four Ohio Delegations, and
each time has reminded us of the great privilege we received by
coming to Chile. Elena also reminded us that with great privi-
lege comes great responsibility. Not one of Chileans we were
with will ever have a chance to see the peace pole at our
Vespers Spot. But by God‘s grace and providence, through a
region that is willing to look beyond itself, that powerful and
holy ground can now be found in a low lying part of the
majestic Andes Mountains in Chile. Thanks be to God!
The 2009 Ohio Delegation to Chile included:
Kendra Matvey, Melanie Majewski, Kyleene Schnoover,
Kristi Hicks, Julie Barkovich, Josh Babbey, Alan Dicken, and
Jonathan Rumburg.
Nominations Being
Accepted For New
Preaching Award Disciples of Christ His-
torical Society in partnership
with the Craddock Center
has created the "Fred
Craddock Award for Excel-
lence in Preaching." The
award will be conferred an-
nually, or biennially, to a
Disciples minister under the
age of 35 exhibiting out-
standing skills in the pulpit. Included in the award will be a cer-
tificate of accomplishment, a trophy, and a cash gift.
"This is an opportunity for us to recognize younger minis-
ters who are gifted in preaching," said Glenn Thomas Carson,
president of the Historical Society. "The proclamation of the
Word is central to who we are as Disciples and Dr. Craddock
hopes this award will encourage new ministers to give their
very best in preaching."
Fred Craddock is an ordained Disciples pastor and distin-
guished professor emeritus in the Candler School of Theology
at Emory University. He was ranked by "Newsweek" magazine
as one of American's greatest preachers. Nominations for the
Fred Craddock preaching award may be sent to
mail@discipleshistory.org. For more information on the minis-
try of the Craddock Center visit www.craddockcenter.org and
visit the Historical Society at www.discipleshistory.org.
The first award will be given at the 2009 General Assembly
dinner co-hosted by the Historical Society and the Council on
Christian Unity on Aug. 1.
Get The Buckeye
Disciple via Email!
If you would like to replace your copy
with an emailed copy, please send an
email ccio@ccinoh.org. Don‘t forget to include your
name and the address to which it‘s currently being sent.
Page 6 The Buckeye Disciple
Disciples Fellowship Retreat Memorial Day Weekend
May 22-24, 2009
A gathering of Disciples, Families, and Friends of all ages at
Camp Christian, Magnetic Springs, Ohio
―The life and story of Alexander Campbell, our founder,
and the Disciples church‖ will be portrayed by Dr. John Bolen.
Come, hear, and see, as Alexander Campbell ―comes to life‖
(portrayed by Dr. Bolen) as he presents (in costume) his found-
ing of the Disciples church. Along with Dr. Bolen‘s presenta-
tion, we will be breaking off into groups for different activities,
including fishing, Bible study, fun & games, hiking, etc. Go home
feeling refreshed and renewed after spending time with fellow
Christians! What a great way to get away from the hustle and
bustle of your everyday life and enjoy the out-of-doors! This is
also a great opportunity for you and your family to come and
experience camp together, so your children will know what to
expect when they attend Partnership, Chi Rho, or CYF Camp.
Hope to see you there!! Any Questions?? Call or Email Bev
Sajna 440-333-1264 or sajhome81@yahoo.com
Adult Conference
June 15-19
You can still register for Adult
Conference in Ohio through May 22nd.
The conference meets June 15-19 at
Northwest Christian Church, 1340
Fishinger Road in Columbus for a week
of wonderful Christian fellowship in a
beloved community of believers.
Our theme is – Our Faith: From
Roots to Fruits to Seeds (Disciples
Past, Present and Future). Come and
hear the inspirational preaching of Rev.
Heather Schimmel, and the insightful
daily presentations, Themes in Disciple
History, by Rev. Dr. William Paulsell as
we connect with the roots of our movement. Enjoy excellent
classes, two Bible study sessions, lay leader led devotions, fan-
tastic music and singing, a beautiful Consecration service and so
much more. And by the way, we have plenty of time to have
loads of fun, enjoy delicious meals and share in fellowship and
friendship. Please come and join us, you‘ll be glad that you did!
To get an application, information on making hotel reserva-
tions and AC INFO & FACTS (Everything you need to know
about Adult Conference), please go to the Christian Church in
Ohio web site – http://www.ccinoh.org/camp/applications.aspx
To receive an application and AC INFO & FACTS by mail,
please call Lee Snyder, secretary, 419-221-0303. Adult
Conference scholarships are available for those who need
financial assistance. (See AC INFO & FACTS for information
on how to apply.)
Licensed Ministry Academy With the developing guidelines recommended by our Commis-
sion on Ministry for licensed and commissioned ministers, our
next offering for training will be on Church Administration and
Planning! Saturdays May 9, 16, and 23 from 9 am to 3:30 pm
will be the time-frame, and location will be in the Regional
Church Office conference room. Cost for the section is $40.
Send your check and notice of interest to the Regional Church
Office, marked "LMA". For more information or other
questions, contact Jeff Gill at knapsack@windstream.net.
Additional LMA courses are being developed for later in the
year as the commission guidelines develop. You can also
register online for these courses. Youth Scholarship Golf Outing & Dinner
Saturday June 6, 2009 Scioto Reserve Golf & Athletic Center, Powell
www.ccinoh.org for more information
Ohio Disciple
Men’s Spring
Mission Retreat Friday, May 15 –
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Ohio Disciples
Men’s Spring Mission Retreat is a time
for men of all ages and backgrounds to
come together in fellowship to worship
God and do God’s work. For more information visit the www.ccinoh.org or contact
Rev. Stephen Bentley at 614-433-0343.
Elders Workshop Saturday, September 26, 2009 Central Christian, Wooster
Featuring: Richard Hamm, Former General Minister and Presi-
dent of the Christian Church in the United States and Canada,
Executive Administrator of Christian Churches Together in the
U.S., Author of books, ―Mainline to Front Line‖, ―2020 Vision for
the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)‖, and ―Recreating The
Church: Leadership For The Post-Modern Age‖
Registration Fee $20.00 per person (received by Aug 1)
For more information (330)262-4652 or kevin@cccwooster.org
Page 7 Volume 18, Number 3
A New Church, New Song Community Yvonne Gilmore Essig, New Church Pastor
―Set forth your case, says the Lord; bring your proofs, says
the King of Jacob…Tell us the former things, what they are, so
that we may consider them, and that we may know their out-
come.‖ Isaiah 4:21-22 After taking inventory of the former
things, the resistance of God‘s people and foreigners to justice,
the songs of sin and self sufficiency and empty idols, God de-
cided that a new song needed to be sung. ―…New things I now
declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them. Sing to the
Lord a new song…‖ 42:9
In response to the call of the Holy Spirit, after taking inven-
tory through windshield tours, new relationships and outreach,
bi-weekly worship at our ‗Happy Hour‘ service and the prepa-
ration that has taken place over the last year, a litany of activi-
ties will take place to launch a new faith community. New Song
Community Church, a new church plant poised to sing ―A new
song of wholeness and diverse community‖ has formed in the
Northland area of Columbus to nurture faith and to equip
others to sing a new song with their lives to the glory of God.
Weekly worship at New Song Community Church, dually
aligned with the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and the
United Church of Christ, will begin in May.
The seeds that you‘ve sown in the Christian Church in
Ohio and our collective denominational commitment to faith-
fully respond to God‘s voice today are as much a part of the
genesis of New Song as the planning of the core team or our
direct outreach to new people in new ways. Likewise, we solicit
your prayers and extend a special invitation to you, our be-
loved co-laborers in Christ, to be with us on one or several of
the following dates as your schedule permits. Please save the
following dates:
“Redefining Violence, Violence Prevention and
Community” conference and outreach event
Friday, May 22 at 1333 Morse Road
Walter Smith, Dr. Deanna Wilkinson and local community
officials have been invited. More details are forthcoming.
New Song is situated in a community in transition with
changing demographics, economic characteristics and occa-
sional fluctuations in violence. Periods of community transition
are forwarded, impacted and eased not only by the business
community but also by the faith community. Likewise, we aim
to plant seeds to address the spiritual issues and relational
disconnections that encourage violence and to better equip
present anti-violence and community building efforts during our
time together. Perhaps your community is similarly situated or
you have insights about youth and family violence or the impact
of violence on the spirit that you would like to share. Please
join us.
Launch weekly worship at New Song on the weekend
of PENTECOST
Friday, May 29 at 7pm, 1333 Morse Road, Columbus, 43229
at the Columbus Humanities Arts and Technology Academy
Sunday, May 31 at 10:30am at 6360 Busch Boulevard,
Columbus, 43229 at The Screens at the Continent
North Eaton says farewell North Eaton Christian Church in Grafton said, "Farwell" to
its pastor of 26 years, the Rev. Dr. Paul H. Durbin, on Decem-
ber 28 with a retirement celebration. In his remarks, Paul said
his most-treasured accomplishments through the North Eaton
congregation included the establishment of a discretionary fund
for members in temporary emergency financial need, the devel-
opment of a food pantry program, the resettlement of a family
of religious/political refugees from the Ukraine, the building of a
new sanctuary with no resulting debt, participation in a monthly
hot meal program at a partner church in Cleveland, and watch-
ing the church's growing outreach efforts on behalf of local
agencies such as the Cleveland Christian Home, Cornerstone
Among Women, Genesis House, and many others.
While the North Eaton congregation will miss its good
friends Paul and his wife, Michaelene, the church is pleased to
announce its call to Intentional Interim Ministry the Rev. Ralph
S. Wearstler.
For more information about this story or the church visit
their website: www.neccdisciples.com .
Workshops around Ohio Ohio Interfaith Power and Light is holding regional work-
shops. The workshops are all on Saturdays, from 9 AM - noon.
They are parts of workshops held at Ohio community colleges.
June 20 - Owens Community College, Toledo
August 1-Cuyahoga Community College, Warrensville Hts.
September 12 - Hocking College, Nelsonville
Disciple churches can learn stewardship opportunities that
at once conserve energy, save money and fight global warming
by reducing air pollution. Many of these lessons work for
congregants and their residences, as well as for congregations
and their churches.
For more information contact Don Scherer dschere@bgsu.edu.
135th Anniversary The First Christian Church of Willoughby celebrated its
135th anniversary in September of 2008 with several of the
previous ministers and many of the people who had moved
away in attendance. There was special music and a wonderful
luncheon following the service. The funds for the celebration
were earned with a fundraiser selling hotdogs at the annual
Willoughby Frontier Days Parade. The Church came into being
when the founding fathers and mothers heard a message by
Thomas Campbell in 1828 in Willoughby Hills. The original
wooden structure was replaced with the current building in
1929 and the commitment to service has never ceased. For
more information about this church visit
www.ourfirstchristianchurch.com.
The Buckeye Disciple
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E-mail: ccio@ccinoh.org
Christian Church in Ohio
Disciples of Christ A covenant network of congregations in mission
Check us out online!
www.ccinoh.org
May/June
Volume 18, Number 3
Attention Youth!!
Shadow a Disciples
leader at General
Assembly!! Ever wonder what a
regional minister or general
ministry leader does at
General Assembly? Do you
want a "behind the scenes"
look at how Disciples
work? What is it like to work for a general ministry, anyway?
Disciples youth can answer these questions and more
through the "Shadow a Disciples Leader" program coordinated
by Higher Education & Leadership Ministries. Filling out a simple
application is the first step to finding answers. Choose which
ministries are most interesting to you — sure, you'll be learn-
ing, but this should be fun, too!
HELM will attempt to pair as many students with as many
leaders as possible, but we cannot guarantee a placement. We
will do our best to schedule appointments, generally an hour or
two in length, outside of workshops and worship times. You
may be scheduled with another youth. By submitting this form,
you agree to accept the assignment(s) given. All applications are
due no later than June 1, 2009.
Download an application at www.helmdisciples.org.