ChristiaNet, Volume 78,  December 2009

A Monthly Email Newsletter from World Convention
Connecting everywhere, everyday. 
Clinton J. Holloway, Editor

Merry Christmas from World Convention!

Updated Christmas E-Book Avaliable
The last several years World Convention has made available an E-Book, The Traditions of Christmas by Jeff Weston, former Executive Director. This year Jeff is pleased to offer a revised and expanded version of this delightful little volume that illuminates some of of the stories behind our most dearly held Christmas traditions. To have a copy emailed directly to you, contact Jeff at RosemaryandJeff@aol.com
  
Great Communion News
As 2009 draws to a close there are a few final Great Communion notes to share. On November 29 the three streams of the Stone-Campbell Movement in Japan met together at Ochanomizu Church of Christ in Tokyo and partook of the Lord's Supper together. Tad Aikawa writes that it was "awonderful and beautiful opportunity."   
 
The US Stone-Campbell Dialogue, which helped cast the vision for the 2009 Great Communion Service, would like to see the spirit of Great Communion continue with further dialogue and action. To read more about future plans coming out of their recent annual meeting see the article posted by DisciplesWorld at http://www.disciplesworld.com/newsArticle.html?wsnID=16166
 
The World Convention office recently received a check from First Christian Church, Bellflower, California representing the offering taken up in their Great Communion Service. Dr. Wayne Long, Minister, wrote that it was, "given to help the Convention put on the 2012 meeting in Goiania, Brazil..." Thank you, Bellflower, for your forward thinking gift and your efforts at Christian Unity!  
 
Prayers
Thank you from the World Convention staff for your prayers on our behalf. Clint and Adele Holloway returned safely from China with their new son, Jin Taylor Holloway, on November 13th. While in China we also had the opportunity to worship openly with a group of intnernational Christians at Christ Church on Shamain Island. What a blessing it was to share with these folks and lift up the name of Jesus!
 
Please continue to keep Julia Keith, Office Coordinator, and her family in your prayers. Her husband, Joe will undergo multiple by-pass surgery on December 14th. Email Julia at worldconvjulia@aol.com    
 
COCOA South Pacific Storm Relief Update
Our Australian churches have reported that $175,000 was raised in the emergency appeal in response to the recent devastating storms in the Asian Pacific region. To date more than $120,000 has been dispersed in Vietnam, Samoa, Sumatra and the Philippines.
 
While there are many opportunities to show the love of Christ this Christmas season by helping those in need, COCOA has produced a catalogue of great gifts that make a great dela of difference in places such as Zimbabwe, India, Vietnam, and Thailand. Many of these gifts are geared towards the needs of children but also include farm livestock, well drilling and more. To see the catalogue online go to: www.inpartnership.org.au
 
Reviews by Global Women Connecting Coordinator Julia Keith
God is creating a Kingdom, and you have been called to your coronation.  Princess Unaware   by Brenda Garrison provides thoughtful reflection and insight for personal or small group study to assist in discovering God's unique plans for your unique gifts.  Another book from Brenda, Queen Mom, is ten chapters of light-hearted, yet practical, personal scenarios to help you "restore order in your home." Available through Standard Publishing  www.standardpub.com
 
Cheryl Elliott's book, What Were You Thinking? presents new ways to hear stories of the women of our faith.  Her 'interviews' of this cast of women are great conversation starters for small groups or for interpretive dialogue between Bible-time women and women of today.  Contact Cheryl at cherylelliott@gmail.com or through Xulon Press, www.xulonpress.com
 
World Convention Office Closed
The World Convention offices will be closed from December 19 through January 3. Donations received during that time will be posted to 2009 as long as they are postmarked by December 31.   

Christmas Greetings from President Mpofu

My Dear World Convention Family,
The year 2009 will be remembered by all nations as one of the most challenging years in recent memory due to the devastating Global Recession that affected many countries of our world - particularly the Western World. The Church was not spared the wrath of this disaster. Job losses became a common feature and many people experienced numerous financial losses. Budgets were cuts and our church ministries suffered as a result of these challenges. World Convention finances were also hard hit by all of these problems. We are, however, thankful to our loyal friends and supporters who remained faithful in their giving. Without your help we could not have continued. But we desperately need more funding if we are to remain operationally sound in our ministries. Your donation no matter the size will be most helpful in this economic environment.
 
Zimbabwe is a country desperately trying to discover its rhythm after many years of political strife and total neglect of human suffering. The exciting thing is that the Church grew in leaps and bounds during this period. When you are down and under the one desire you have is God, and we have experienced this fact. Just walking down the streets of my hometown of Bulawayo, I am struck by the beauty majesty of our Jacaranda trees and for the first time in many years the joy of the people in the streets as they get into the festive mood. Walking into the shops all you hear is the sound of joyful music reminding us of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then of course the buying of gifts for loved ones ready for Christmas day.
 
The birth of our Lord Jesus in a manger and not in a mansion, reminds us of his humility. It is at times likes these that we too must reflect on ourselves and see whether we truly reflect the humility that we see in Jesus as we share His love in a world that greatly needs to know HIM. May we all allow His love, peace and humility to be evident in our lives as we desire to let the world know that He is Lord. The Hope we have in Jesus, Lord of Lords, must encourage us to be resolute as we look to the future in His service. Christmas time gives us that opportunity to tell the world that he is truly King of Kings and that we rejoice in the knowledge that he is our Saviour. GO! Tell the world the Good News.
 
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
 
BJ Mpofu, President, World Convention, 2008-2012
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