Past Events for 2011
The following events were completed in 2011.
Annual Men's Retreat will be September 16-18, 2011
The 2011 Annual Men's Retreat will be held at the Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center.
With a Theme of "The Church has Left the Building", two of our CCSW region's preachers will be keynote speakers. These are:
Rev. Feliberto Pereira. Feliberto is the executive director of Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Bayview, TX. Founded in 1985 to assist asylum seekers from Central America and elsewhere, this organization has helped thousands of asylum seekers request refugee status from the U.S. Government. Feliberto is also pastor of Ebenezer Christian Church in Los Fresnos, TX.
Rev. Laurie Feille. Laurie is the senior minister at Azle Christian Church in Azle, TX. Rev. Feille is the Senior Minister of Azle Christian Church in Azle, Texas. She graduated with a M. Div. from Brite Divinity School at TCU in December 1996 and was ordained in January 1997. Laurie and her husband, Bryan Feille have several made mission trips to Bosnia. She is also quite active in Disciples of Christ Outreach efforts. Currently Rev. Feille serves as the Clergy Nurture and Certification Chair for the Trinity Brazos Area, the TBA representative on the Regional Committee on Ministry for the Southwest Region.
Click here for pictures and information about keynote speakers Feliberto Pereira. Click here for pictures and information about keynote speaker Laurie Feille.
The 6:30 PM Friday evening through Sunday morning worship event will also feature uplifting singing led by Rev. John Malget, educational workshops, heart-warming sharing, fellowship and spiritual renewal. Additionally, on Saturday afternoon, there will be a Dialogue with Rev. Dani Cartwright, our Regional Minister.
There will be a pre-retreat Golf Tournament beginning at noon on Friday before the retreat begins. Contact Roy Horne at Contact Roy Horne at home.roy@gmail.com to signup.
Click here for the retreat registration form. Click here for the retreat schedle.
Please note that checks must accompany registration forms.
Click here for guidelines and forms for Layman of the Year award.
Click here for Brownwood maps.
Christmas Offering
The Christmas Offering of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) directly supports ministry in Regions! 100% of the offering stays in the Region in which it was shared and there is GOOD NEWS about the work that your gifts are doing! In this Region, there is GOOD NEWS that brings GREAT JOY in so many places in the name of Jesus:
- In the ongoing process toward ordination that includes over 125 future clergy each year!
- In the annual credentialing of over 1250 clergy: licensed/commissioned (as of August 1) and ordained!
- In the stepping in, in places where there are not currently Area Ministers, to assist congregations in transition times and in the search for new pastors to walk alongside in ministry!
- In the resourcing of the Search and Call process as partners with the whole church!
- In the support of Area Ministry and Area Committees on Ministry, and the strengthening of the partnership we share in serving the whole Region!
- In the ministries of Disciples Men, Disciples Women, and Disciples Youth in the Region and in the ongoing leadership development that continues the strong legacy of faith and leadership in this Region!
- In the support of Areas seeking to discover how God is calling them to live into God’s future by holding open the space for God’s Spirit to breathe creative and transformative visions!
In so many more places and ways…..GOOD NEWS is being shared around the Region!
YOUR Christmas offering brings the GOOD NEWS of GREAT JOY in so many places in this Region!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT!!!
Click here for the high-resolution version of the graphic.
Click here for the bulletin insert.
Raising Up Servant Leaders:
2011 Thanksgiving Offering
The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the colleges, universities, seminaries, and divinity houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). These learning communities are an extension of the church, challenging students to understand and respond to God’s call to serve. Your support provides scholarships, church relations programs, and chaplaincy offices. Most importantly, your support of the 2011 Thanksgiving Offering helps Disciples raise up servant leaders!
Click here for details and resources.
Wildfire Response
Dear CCSW Disciples:
The wildfires of this dry season have been ravaging many of your homes, fields, backyards, farms, ranches and communities. The fires seem to be relentless in where they burn and whose lives they touch!
If YOU have been affected by these fires, I want YOU to know that your brothers and sisters in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) are praying with you through this disaster! We also want to respond in tangible ways, but need to be aware of your need and how we can be most helpful. If you will call the CCSW Regional Office at 817-926-4687 with specific information, we will forward that out to the rest of the congregations across the Region. Week of Compassion stands ready to partner with us in our response, as well as many of your neighbor congregations! Let us know how we can be helpful to you and yours.
If you have NOT been affected by the fires, I invite you to go to www.weekofcompassion.org right now and make a contribution. Make your gift for WILDFIRE RESPONSE and not a specific place -- in order that your dollars can go to work right now in the places that have the greatest need and so that all who are in need can feel our care and comfort in our gifts shared.
If we receive information about specific needs that congregations or members have, we'll forward that on to you. Until the fires have burned out, there is NOT a lot that we can do beyond assisting with immediate needs. BUT...you might start gathering clothing, furniture, household goods, appliances, etc. because they will be needed as people who have been hardest hit begin to rebuild their lives.
I will pass along what I know. At present, we are aware that in the Bastrop Christian Church over 30 families have been affected. We know that there are many, many others. Check the Week of Compassion website at www.weekofcompassion.org for the latest information. Also see http://www.co.bastrop.tx.us/bcdisaster/
Most importantly, pray. Pray for those whose lives have been affected and pray for rain. Pray for those who are fighting the fires and those who are manning the emergency shelters. Pray for those who are facing a tomorrow that is without many of the things that they have worked hard to provide. Pray that each of us might discover a way in which we can be helpful!
Blessings,
Dani
Building a Legacy:
Week of the Ministry is October 16-22
"Building a Legacy: Tell It!" is the theme for this year's Week of the Ministry to be celebrated October 16-22.
Based on Acts 20:32, the week will focus on the legacy of ministry, those who participate in ministry, and those whose lives have been touched by ministry.
Click here for details.
The 2011 Reconciliation Offering
The 2011 Reconciliation Offering will be received in congregations on September 25th and October 2nd.
Reconciliation Ministry Offering is used to fund our Church’s mission priority to become an pro-reconciling/ anti-racist church through experiential education, inclusive worship and intentional dialogue across racial/ethnic difference.
Funds from this offering provide Youth and Young Adult camps, training programs for leadership development, and resources to promote small group study and community-building.
Go to: www.reconciliationministry.org for more information!
Annual CCSW Men's Retreat Will Be September 16-18
The 2011 Annual Men's Retreat will be held at the Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center.
With a Theme of "The Church has Left the Building", two of our CCSW region's preachers will be keynote speakers. These are:
Rev. Feliberto Pereira - Feliberto is the executive director of Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Bayview, TX. Founded in 1985 to assist asylum seekers from Central America and elsewhere, this organization has helped thousands of asylum seekers request refugee status from the U.S. Government. Feliberto is also pastor of Ebenezer Christian Church in Los Fresnos, TX.
Rev. Laurie Feille - Rev. Feille is the Senior Minister of Azle Christian Church in Azle, Texas. She graduated with a M. Div. from Brite Divinity School at TCU in December 1996 and was ordained in January 1997. Laurie and her husband, Bryan Feille have made several mission trips to Bosnia. She is also quite active in Disciples of Christ Outreach efforts. Currently Rev. Feille serves as the Clergy Nurture and Certification Chair for the Trinity Brazos Area, and the TBA representative on the Regional Committee on Ministry for the Southwest Region.
If you need Registration forms, they are available on the Disciples Men link from the www.ccsw.org website, or contact Nathan Higginbotham at: nathan@ccsw.org
Second Issue of the New Regional Newsletter
The CCSW is everywhere in ministry where YOU are. Every month our new newsletter,
CONNECTED2DISCIPLES, will seek to bring you closer to ministry all around the Region. Someyimes it will be specific events. We’ll point to things happening in the General Church and things happening in Congregations or Areas. And, ccasionally, I will highlight things that we are doing all together. May God use this tool to keep us connected.
In this issue:
- Church Camp 2011 - page 1
- News of our Neighbors - page 2
- General Assembly is HERE - page 3
Click here for newletter.
Midway Hills Has Free Pews Available
Midway Hill Christian Church of Dallas has oak-veneer padded pews available for free. They are straight pews and will seat 400. The pews are available through Mid-July contact Eric Johnson at ej67642@msn.com for details.
2011 General Assembly - July 9-13 - Nashville, TN
When does it start/end? Opening Worship is at 7:30pm Saturday, July 9. But you may want to arrive early enough to take in one or more of the pre-Assembly educational events for elders and other church leaders. Wed. July 13 at about 10 p.m., we will pronounce the benediction on the Assembly. For program details, see http://www.disciples.org/ga
Where do I stay? Check our website for housing information. Five nearby hotels with special conference rates for our event are filling fast. There are special low-cost dorm housing options for youth groups and such. Send e-mail from the website for more info on this. http://www.disciples.org/ga
How much does it cost? Full Adult Registration is $200 ... BUT early discounts are in place until April 1, 2011; there are even lower rates for younger Disciples. Look into group rates as well. Save as much as 60% off the full adult rate with some of the offers. http://www.disciples.org/ga
What's the big deal? Great speakers. inspiring worship; every kind of music you can imagine - made by some of Nashville's finest musicians; hands-on mission opportunities; learning opportunities for all ages; fabulous fellowship with each other and powerful witness to the Nashville community - all in walking distance of some of the best barbeque in the country! http://www.disciples.org/ga
Tornados Hit Joplin, MO
Joplin, Missouri, a sleepy college town in Southern Missouri, was struck by a massive tornado on late Sunday afternoon. Initial reports indicate at least 89 fatalities and 2000 buildings damaged or destroyed, including homes and places of business. St. John's Regional Medical Center was also hit, and is currently unable to offer medical services.
Week of Compassion has been in contact with First Christian Church of Joplin and South Joplin Christian Church. South Joplin was damaged by the storm, and several members have been affected. Though the home of several members of First Christian sustained damage, the church itself was not damaged, and operated overnight as an emergency shelter before Missouri Southern State University set up a more extensive shelter for storm victims. FCC is operating as a drop-off point for supplies for those affected by the tornado.
First responders have immediately leapt to work, and Joplin is inundated by volunteers. Those involved with the initial response are clear: self-deployed volunteers will not be helpful. There are some very specific needs for skilled volunteers, such as medical professionals. Week of Compassion and Disciples Volunteering staff are currently planning on making a pastoral visit in the coming weeks, and will assess needs and ways we can respond to the entire community at that time.
For now, the best way that you can respond is to "Pray, Pay, and Stay": pray for all of those affected, that they might find healing, hope, and support. Provide a donation to Week of Compassion's response fund, which will go to meet immediate needs and long-term recovery initiatives. Finally, wait. There will be opportunities to lend a hand. However, now is not the time for unskilled volunteers.
Thank you for all that you do--for your hope, your prayers, and your Courageous Compassion.
Click here to make a donation.
Clergy Boundaries Traing, Saturday, August 27, 2011
Clergy Boundaries Traing will be held from 10 am to 4 pm at Rolling Oaks Christian Church in San Antonio, Texas. Registration fee is $20 and lunch is not included. Registration Deadline is August 15, 2011.
Click here for the registration form.
Daniel Davila - May Employee of the Month at Austin State Hospital
Calm, kind, and gentle are just a few of the words used to describe this months prestigious employee of the month award, Daniel Davila, Associate Director of Spiritual Care.
According to many around the hospital, Daniel always has a positive attitude and looks for the good in every person he comes in contact with. He listens with his ears and his heart and responds in an inspirational manner. In addition, Daniel is a true advocate for the patients at ASH and works hard to meet their needs. “Daniel is a true blessing to the patients and staff at the Austin State Hospital,” according to Debbie Trammell, Assistant Director of Community Relations and nominator of this award.
“People are drawn to Daniel. He does fantastic work out in the community on behalf of ASH and does an excellent job with our patients. He’s always encouraging and knows how to treat people with respect. I am fortunate to have Daniel as a co-worker and I know many others agree,” added Trammell.
Watch Worship at the
2011 General Assembly Live!
The worship events at the 2011 General Assembly will be streamed live via the web. Anyone with an Internet connection and computer can watch and virtually participate in worship with live video and chat! During the webcast, Disciples from across the globe can participate in discussion via Facebook, Twitter or a hosted chat discussion on this page.
Can't make the Assembly? Want your congregation to participate? Organize a "webcast worship party!"
Several congregations are already making plans to setup audio-visual equipment in their churches so their faith communities can gather and worship virtually with the Assembly.
Click here to watch on this website.
Scheduled Webcast Events:
All events are in Central Time.
- Opening Worship on Sat., July 9, at 7:30pm
(webcast begins at 7:00pm) - HIV/AIDS Healing Service on Sun., July 10, at 8:30am
(webcast begins at 8:00am) - State of the Church on Sun., July 10, at 2:30pm
(webcast begins at 2:20pm) - "Sing It!" Concert on Sun., July 10, at 7:00pm
(webcast begins at 6:30pm) - Emergent Worship on Mon., July 11, at 7:30pm
(webcast begins at 7:00pm) - "Tell It!" Testimonies on Tues., July 12, at 7:30pm
(webcast begins at 7:00pm) - Commissioning Worship on Wed., July 13, at 7:30pm
(webcast begins at 7:00pm)
Center for Faith and Giving Pre-Assembly Event - July 8
The Center for Faith and Giving is having a pre-assembly event at General Assembly in Nashville. There is an early registration deadline that will pass on June 1st, and registering prior to (or on June 1) will save the registrant $15. This will be a great event that will empower and transform congregations in our Region on issues related to stewardship. Rick Lowery, Stephanie Crowder, and Frank Thomas all have major leadership roles and they are supported by a diverse and experienced group of some of our church’s best resource leaders on the subject of stewardship.
Click here for the flyer.
General Assembly Delegates Needed!
If you are traveling to Nashville for the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and would like to be a delegate to the Assembly for the Region – please send an email to dlc@ccsw.org so that we might include you on the list!
Business will begin on Sunday afternoon, July 9th and continue until Wednesday morning, July 13th.
Click here for more information. We have started a General Assembly page at this link to keep you posted on General Assembly news and information.
Sharon Watkins Will Deliver Stalcup Lecture Titled "Prophesy!" - June 12
Rev. Sharon E. Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada will deliver the lecture on June 12, 2011 at 3 p.m. at East Dallas Christian Church, Dallas as part of the Eleventh Joe A. and Nancy Vaughn Stalcup Lecture Series.
Sharon Watkins is an inspirational preacher, teacher and facilitator who shares her considerable skills in a variety of religious and ecumenical settings. She is a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, serves on the WCC's Permanent Committee for Consensus and Collaboration, and was a representative at the WCC's General Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil. She serves on the National Council of Church's governing board and on the board of Sojourners/Call to Renewal. Most recently, Dr. Watkins preached at the National Prayer Service in Washington, DC on January 21, 2009 and has been named to President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
Standing Renewal Form Is On-Line
It is time again for our ordained clergy to share their Annual Standing Renewal Form with the Regional Committee on Ministry. This is the opportunity for our active ordained clergy to renew their standing credentials in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This is an annual responsibility for all of our active clergy.
The 2011 Annual Standing Renewal Form is on-line in the Connected Community.
Please note that the standing form is for ORDAINED clergy. IF YOU ARE RETIRED CLERGY and NOT serving a congregation, you do NOT need to complete this form.
Click here if you are already a member of the community. Simply log in with your username and password and complete your 2011 Annual Standing Renewal Form.
Click here if you are not yet a member of the Connected Community to begin the registration process for your access. Requests for access will be processed within 24 hours of submitting your request. Once your access has been finalized, you will be able to log in and complete the 2011 Annual Standing Renewal Form.
The Regional Office of the CCSW Is Moving - Again!
In 2007, the Regional Council made the decision to sell the Regional Office building on South University Drive in Fort Worth. The staff then moved in December 2007 to Park Plaza - just off of Forest Park and Interstate 30, moving from 10,000 square feet to 1,700 square feet. AND NOW, in 2011...we are moving to a whole new concept. We are closing our physical office space and going COLLABORATIVE!!
Click here for details.
Guidelines Posted For the Montgomery Ministerial Subsidy Fund
This fund exists to subsidize salaries of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) ministers in small-town congregations, preferably in West Texas and New Mexico. However, it is not limited if the need exists elsewhere. The purpose of this fund is to provide an opportunity for ministers to develop their preaching skills as well as their pastoral responsibilities in small churches without the usual financial sacrifice.
Click here for details.
Stewardship Moments from The Jubilee Fund
The Jubilee Fund is a ministry formed in partnership with the Great River, Oklahoma, and Southwest regions and is not affiliated with the Center for Faith and Giving. However, both are in correspondence and support and encourage each other's ministries. Both of us share a goal: to grow support of the Disciples Mission Fund and improve Disciples Identity along the way.
Click here for the Stewardship Moments.
Click here for a bonus idea for Lent.
New Day, New Direction Ministry Plan
The New Day, New Direction transformation process yielded extensive relationship-building across the Region and created the Ministry Plan that will help guide the CCSW into the future.
These documents provides clarity about each partners role in the Region: congregation, Area, Region. It also introduces the concept of "network" which is designed as a cross-Region web of conversation and relationships and support for ministry. The "Network" concept is supported by the Connected Community on the website, that any member of the CCSW can sign on to join. Click one the links below for a copy of the Ministry Plan brochure or the 7-page New Day, New Direction: Roles & Responsibilities document. God is leading the CCSW into the future in exciting ways!
Click here for the Ministry Plan brochure.
Click here for the New Day, New Direction: Roles & Responsibilities document.
Regional Assembly Highlights
It was a wonderful 2010 Regional Assembly. The highlighs and photo album for the 2010 Regional Assembly have been set up on a dedidcated page for you to review and enjoy.
Click here for the highlights of Regional Assembly.
2011 CCSW Women’s Assembly,
June 10-12, 2011
Our theme this year is "Make It Happen!" and assembly will be held at Hilton DFW Lakes in Grapevine TX, just north of DFW Airport.
Click here for the information sheet.
Click here for the registration form.
The Wisdom of Age Newsletter
This newsletter is published by Rev. David Theel, Associate Area Minister of the High Plains Area of the CCSW, and is designed to help churches recognize the need to support their Senior Adults, and to provide the ministry their older members need. It also recognizes that Senior Adults have special gifts. And because of those gifts, they have a responsibility to serve their Lord through service to their churches – just like everyone else. I pray that the information you find here will be of value to a ministry involving your Senior Adult members.
Click here to get the newsletter from the HPA website.
Northeast Area/North Texas Area Clergy Spiritual Retreat
April 26-27, 2011, Noon Tuesday—Noon Wednesday at Sabine Creek Ranch with Rev. David Cartwright serving as Spiritual Director.
Send registration form and fee to NEA Office by April 20th.
Click here for flyer.
Click here for registration form.
Clergywomen’s Retreat - May 9-11, 2011
Will be held at the Glen Lake Camp & Retreat Center. For ALL Licensed aod Ordained Clergywomen in the Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Click here for flyer.
Click here for registration form.
64th Annual Tri Area Men's Spring Retreat - May 13-15, 2011
To be held at Disciples Crossing in Athens, TX.
Click here for brochure.
Updated List of Unreported Churches for the 2011 Yearbook
Has your church reported in for 2011? Check this link to the list of congregations whose yearbook reports have not reached the Yearbook and Directory staff yet! If you have already sent your report, and your congregation shows up on this list, please contact Andrea Gantz, administrative assistant, at the Regional Office for assistance at 817-926-4687 or ccsw@ccsw.org. If you need a form, or need instructions, please let Andrea assist you with the process. We're hoping that we get 100% completion for 2011! Can you help us?
Click here for the updated list as of March 10, 20011. Updated!
Regional Minister's Report to Regional Council - February, 2011
There was something significant about the dedication service that Dr. Kenneth Hall, Area Minister for the Trinity-Brazos Area, and I participated in a week ago Friday. We dedicated the stone that was the identifying marker for the Regional Office Building that stood on South University Street for seventeen years. The remarkable timing continues to amaze me.
In case you don't know....
Click here for the full report.
Licensed Ministers Appreciation Dinner
In recognition of the dedication and hard work of our licensed ministers, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Southwest is sponsoring a Licensed Ministers Appreciation Dinner on Monday, February 7.
The dinner will begin at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall of University Christian Church in Fort Worth, 2720 S. University Dr. All licensed ministers are welcome and will receive a free dinner. Extra guests are asked to contribute $5 toward the cost of the meal. A highlight for the evening will be the recognition of each Area’s Licensed Minister of the Year. We ask that ministers interested in attending make a reservation with Andrea Gantz in the Regional office, 817-926-4687, ccsw@ccsw.org.
God's Heart Was the First to Break
God's heart was the first to break – when one young man decided to pull the trigger and when his victims began to fall. Now a nation is in shock and grief. We are reminded again how fleeting is life and how enduring the patterns of human nature, both for good and for harm.
Click here to read the entire blog of Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Greetings and Happy New Year from the Center for Faith and Giving!
At the link below, you can download the Center's first quarter Newsletter: Speaking Generously from the Center. We ask that you pass this along to all of your congregations and local stewardship chairs. We also ask you to forward this on to others whom you think it will benefit. A Spanish Translation will be available soon. It will be posted in both English and Spanish on the Stewardship Page of Disciples.org.
Click here to visit their website.
Click here for the English version.
Congratulations To The TCU Horned Frogs On Their Rose Bowl Victory!
We are very proud of you and are reminded that TCU is a historically-related Disciples school!
Thanks be to God for the education that you provide and for the world-class way you are representing yourselves in the world!
Way to go, Horned Frogs!
Frog Evangelism
More than a year ago, the Disciples congregation in Beeville, TX began to pay attention to the TCU Horned Frogs in a new way. Rev. Geraldine “Jerry” Huckman and her husband, Dr. Mike Huckman are staunch Horned Frog Fans …. even to the point of “fan-atics.” With the realization that this kind of TCU Horned Frog fans have not been seen since the days of “Slamming” Sammy Baugh and his back up quarter back, Heisman Trophy winner, Davey O’Brien, more than 71 years ago, Rev. Huckman saw an opportunity for a creative to involve members of her community with the church.
Click here for deatils.
Please Note That Clergy Boundaries Training Date Has Changed
There will be a Clergy Boundaries Training course in San Antonio in January. The previously announced course on January 15, 2011 has been changed to January 22. The January 17, 2011 course remains unchanged. Both will be at Rolling Oaks Christian Church in San Antonio. Those that wish to attend should download the forms attached and send them in.
Click here for the registration form for January 17th.
Click here for the registration form for January 22th.
Clergy Boundaries Training - Feb 7th
There will be a Clergy Boundaries training course on February 7, 2011 101m to 4pm at University Christian Church in Fort Worth. The registration fee will be $25 and it includes a box lunch.
Click here for the registration form.
CCSW Regional Minister Called to Extended Term
The Regional Council of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has voted to extend the call of The Rev. Dani Loving Cartwright as Regional Minister & President for a period of three years.
“We’re in the midst of an important conversation as Region,” Dani said, “with God leading us to work together in a whole new way that emphasizes collaboration and allows us to share our strengths across geographic boundaries. God seems to be urging me to stay a few more years as we continue the conversation and begin to implement our Ministry Plan that has been an important collaborative work created over these past few years,” said Rev. Cartwright.
Click here for details.
Standing Renewal Form Is On-Line
It is time again for our ordained clergy to share their Annual Standing Renewal Form with the Regional Committee on Ministry. This is the opportunity for our active ordained clergy to renew their standing credentials in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This is an annual responsibility for all of our active clergy. The 2011 Annual Standing Renewal Form is on-line here in the Connected Community.
Please note that the standing form is for ORDAINED clergy. IF YOU ARE RETIRED CLERGY and NOT serving a congregation, you do NOT need to complete this form.
Click here and complete your 2011 Annual Standing Renewal Form.
