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Higher Education and Leadership Ministries calls transitional president
by Linda Plengemeier, vice president and treasurer
Recognizing a transitional point in the life of its witness and ministry, the board of directors of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has called the Rev. Bernard "Chris" Dorsey to serve as its next president effective Aug. 1. A dynamic and creative leader, Dorsey is currently an Assistant Professor of Theology and Preaching at Western Theological Seminary.
An ordained Disciples minister, Dorsey received his BS from the University of Texas at Austin, earned a M.Div from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, and is a Ph.D. Candidate at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. He has taught at a variety of academic and theological institutions and previously served as local church pastor, university chaplain of Clark Atlanta University, and as the Vice President of Development and Marketing at Chicago Theological Seminary.
While recognizing the current challenges facing local congregations and faith-based institutions, the HELM board was impressed with Dorsey's vision for the future, gifts for communication, and excitement for continuing and transforming HELM's programs and ministry.
Dr. Ed Strong, chair of the HELM board, commented, "We were pleased with the success of the search process that led to the calling of Rev. Dorsey. The enthusiasm he engendered during this process is indicative of his desire and ability to guide HELM during its transitional period as it seeks to determine how best to serve the colleges, universities, theological institutions, and students in the task of developing and fostering leadership within the Church and society."
Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President added, "I am looking forward to Chris' leadership at HELM and also in the general Church. His breadth of experience, both sacred and secular, has already been a gift to the Church with his service on various task forces. I am glad to have him as a colleague."
"I am honored and humbled by this new opportunity to serve Christ's church," said Dorsey. "I look forward to building on HELM's success of leadership development and finding new ways to equip people with the skills and tools needed for successful ministry and service in a rapidly changing world."
Dorsey is the father of 10-year-old daughter, Alanis and they currently reside in Holland, MI. His appointment follows the retirement of Dennis Landon after nearly two decades of faithful service as the president of HELM.
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Coming Friday ...
Registration opens for the 2015 General Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. Peruse the website for a taste of what is in store. Scheduled worship speakers and education offerings are already posted. As arrangements and events are confirmed, more extensive information will become available. You can also keep up by joining the General Assembly Facebook group.
Note: Early registration has the benefit of not only saving about 20 percent off the full price but also can spread some of the expense of attending over two fiscal years. |
Four-part video study available Join General Minister and President Sharon Watkins in reflecting on the context in which our churches are operating. In a time when not all our neighbors know the story of Jesus and technology divides and unites, this series offers some food for thoughtful discussion. Study questions included. You can also share your thoughts on the fledgling Vision for Mission Facebook page. Free download |
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Area executive for Latin America and the Caribbean called
Rev. Angel Rivera-Agosto is the new area executive for Latin America and the Caribbean. Rivera comes with experience within Latin America and the Caribbean related to churches ecumenical and interfaith organizations, communities and other partners within the ecumenical movement. Most recently he served as Executive Secretary for the Puerto Rico Council of Churches, having mission and ecumenism as a primary focus. He was also a professor at the Puerto Rico Evangelical Seminary and has run a private law practice focusing on civil and labor law. Currently, he is also a member of the Disciples-Catholic International Commission for Dialogue, serving as one of seven Disciples representatives.
Rivera graduated magna cum laude from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, earned a law degree from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and a bachelors from the University of Puerto Rico. He is the author of articles and publications on theology, socioeconomic justice and advocacy, and ecumenism. Rivera will live in Indianapolis and begin as Area Executive on Sept. 1, 2014.
 by Rev. Jon Barnes, executive of mission education
As Global Ministries continues to emphasize the Congo Initiative, we are pleased to provide new video resources as we seek to better understand how to walk with our sisters and brothers. We tried to create videos that would fit a variety of settings. Some are short (between 2 and 4 minutes) and are designed to be used in worship. Others, which are between 7 and 12 minutes, are designed to assist us in understanding the context and issues faced by Congolese, especially in regards to education, healthcare, the empowerment of women and the effects of war. Still others allow us to celebrate with sisters and brothers as they share in music and worship.
Finally, there are video commentaries by both Rick Lowery and Congolese partners which connect to Bible studies and touch on issues such as partnership, natural resources, water, and women's and children's rights. Our hope and prayer is that through these resources, we will better understand the issues, priorities, successes and struggles of sisters and brothers in the Congo and, in turn, be challenged to understand ourselves, our world and our faith anew. More on the Congo Initiative.
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Encourage your pastor to attend for rest and renewal.
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Transylvania prof publishes writer's block battering ram
Home of renowned bell choir to celebrate history, connections
Ohio church sign center of controversy
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Disciples Home Missions' Refugee and Immigration Director Sharon Stanley-Rea presents a petition to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson urging a humanitarian response for migrant children. The petition was signed by more than 4,000, many of whom signed during the Quadrennial in Atlanta.
Study immigration issues through film
 The Refugee and Immigration Ministries (RIM) office suggests these titles for immigration studies. You can also access stories of Disciples of Christ members on the immigration page of disciples.org. Contact RIM for information about families near your area to find out about how you can assist.
- From the Evangelical Immigration Table, "The Stranger" includes a screening, discussion, and prayer guide.
- Who is Dayani Cristal is a film about a desert crossing. Go to the website for info on how you can hold a screening in your area and go to the Interfaith Immigration Coalition website for questions and additional border resources for your group.
- See Amnesty International's series of four short video clips, "The Invisibles," that chronicle the migrant journeys of Central Americans as they seek to escape the violence. Video 2 especially focuses on violence to women.
Visit RIM's web page for updated information on immigration issues or find them on Facebook, follow us on Twitter: @StanleyRea, or contact Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, RIM Director, at: sstanley@dhm.disciples.org, or at: 202-957-7826
Lay and Clergy Institute July 24
The National Convocation is offering workshops and more in Columbus, OH, immediately before the Biennial Session. These are open to all Disciples at a cost of $50 (lunch included.) Seminarians in particular are encouraged to take advantage of a limited number of scholarships. (Seminarians: Call Doris Speaks at 317 713-2406.) General Registration
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If you are interested in advertising in future issues of the Disciples News Service, please contact Fred Jones |
 The Disciples News Service, also known as The DiscipleŽ, is distributed weekly or as needed by Communication Ministries. For changes to your subscription options or to subscribe to this newsletter, please visit: www.disciples.org/Default.aspx?tabid=76 If you are interested in submitting news for distribution in the Disciples News Service, please review our "Guidelines for Submitting News and Information to Disciples News Service": www.disciples.org/Default.aspx?tabid=79 The next deadline to submit news for consideration
in the Disciples News Service: Friday, July 18, 2014 |
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