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

Nonprofit Org.

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Columbus, Ohio

Permit No. 8724 355 East Campus View Blvd

Suite 110

Columbus, Ohio 43235

Phone: 614-433-0343

Fax: 614-433-7285

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.