Give Generously to Pentecost Offering 

Through your generous Pentecost offering received on May 21 and May 28, you will help start new Disciples churches in Georgia and throughout the U.S., by training, equipping, and multiplying new leaders and their communities of faith. Remembering Jesus’ words that you can’t put new wine in old wine skins, let’s prayerfully and joyfully seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to how we can work together to create new ways to carry forth the Good News of Jesus Christ. Let’s live out Christ’s Great Commandment and fulfill his Great Commission as we grow our existing congregations and plant new ones, expecting an abundant harvest of new disciples of Christ. Learn more about new Georgia Disciples churches in a video message from Rev. Kyle Ermoian, Regional Director of New Church and Church Development. The Disciples New Church Ministry also has released a video featuring Rev. Peter Seokil Yoon, pastor of Story Forest Christian Church, a new church in Lawrenceville, GA. You may give through your congregation or directly to the Pentecost Offering here, being sure to indicate “Pentecost Offering” in the drop-down menu and your congregation’s name. 

Church Narrative Project

Have you ever experienced a process that shifted your world? Something that changed your direction and propelled you forward into a new future? The Christian Church in Georgia has been invited to join a movement with all Disciples of Christ in the U.S. and Canada called the Church Narrative Project. People make meaning of their lives through stories. These stories shape our relationships and communities, including churches. Over time, these narratives become invisible to the people living inside of them, and can result in conflict. Without understanding the narratives guiding behavior, efforts to change are ineffective. 

The goal of the Church Narrative Project is to: 

• Build capacity for deep, substantive conversation
• Create investment in the story and church we want for the future
• Help shape vision individually and corporately

The goal is to begin this dynamic process in Georgia with a kick-off on August 25-26, 2023. Beginning with a StoryHour on Friday evening, participants from congregations across Georgia will tell true stories of epiphanies large and small. Using this narrative model, group participants will then learn how to engage in Transforming Community Conferencing (TCC), a practical approach to dialogue. Facilitated by Rev. Dr. David Anderson, Hooker, TCC uses the power of storytelling, listening, and community action to develop a shared narrative that will propel us into the future. The StoryHour and TCC is designed to be replicated in congregations, with the guidance of these TCC-trained Georgia Disciples. 

If you are getting interested, but would like to learn more, there is nothing more compelling than hearing the stories that Disciples in some of our Regions are already telling. Check out (and share) the following links to learn more:

Arizona Region StoryHour

Rocky Mountain Region StoryHour

Illinois and Wisconsin – Michigan Regions StoryHour

You can also read more about Rev. Dr. David Anderson Hooker here, or watch a video conversation with Dr. Hooker and Disciples General Minister and President, Rev. Terri Hord Owens here. Dr. Hooker’s book, The Little Book of Transformative Community Conferencing: A Hopeful, Practical Approach to Dialogue, is available here. 

The Christian Church in Georgia is looking for at least 12 congregations to participate in this exciting project, as well as individuals interested in becoming certified TCC trainers. Please reach out to executive@gadisciples.org by May 31 to let us know of your interest. 

Camp Christian Updates

Summer Camp Deadline: The theme for this year’s summer camp is “Fruit-FULL Faith: A Spirit-Filled Life” and the registration deadline for campers, counselors, and Counselors-in-Training (CIT) is May 15. Spaces are still available for all age groups and counselors are needed for many camps. If you are a teen or young adult, there are counselor opportunities that could be life-changing for a child – or for you!

• Chi-Rho Camp (6^th-8^th) – 1 male, 1 female counselors age 21 or older needed
• Junior Camp (3^rd-5^th) – male and female counselors at least age 19 and a year out of high school
• Chrysalis Camp (1^st-2^nd) – male and female counselors at least age 19 and a year out of high school, plus CIT’s (must have completed 10^th, 11^th, or 12^th grade)

Learn more about summer camp at Camp Christian and register for camp or as a counselor/CIT here. 

Amazon Wish List: One easy way to support Summer Camp is by purchasing items through our Amazon Wish List, which are delivered directly to Camp Christian. It’s easy to shop here. 

Camp Wish List: Other items needed at Summer Camp include the following which can be sent with campers or counselors. You can also make arrangements to deliver items to camp by contacting Camp Managers Oscar & Paulette Hugley at campoffice@gadisciples.org. 

• Unscented Clorox or equivalent
• Pine-sol or equivalent
• Toilet paper (6-12 roll packages for septic systems)
• Paper towels 2-8 roll packages 
• Amdro ant killer bait granules (in shaker container) or equivalent 
• Wasp and hornet spray
• Heavy duty 33-gallon trash bags 

Celebrating 60 Years of Camp Christian: More than $9,000.00 has been donated so far this year in celebration of Camp Christian’s 60 years of camping programs. Thanks to everyone who has supported this campaign. You are invited to generously support Camp Christian through this special campaign in either of these ways: 

• Mail your check made out to Christian in Georgia (with “60 for 60” in memo line) to Christian Church (DOC) in Georgia, 2306 Vineville Ave., Suite B, Macon, GA 31204
• Give online through the regional website here, being sure to select “Celebrating 60 Years of Camp 2023” in the drop-down menu

Work Days: Help is needed to get ready for the opening of Summer Camp on June 11. Watch for dates to help clean cabins, villas, director bungalow, bathhouse, etc. Possible dates will be after Memorial Day and the first full week of June. Thanks in advance for your support.

Women’s Retreat Deadline is May 16

Disciples Women at St. Andrew Christian Church in Macon hosted 29 women on April 22 for a Spring Conference featuring Rev. Nancy Oliver and musician Rev. Ann Haines, around the theme, “Celebrating Women: Honoring Our HERstory Then and Now.” Along with warm fellowship and plenty of laughter, the church served a delicious catered lunch and homemade desserts.

If you missed it, you can catch the next one on May 20 at New Hope Christian Church, Lawrenceville, GA. Register here and download a flier to print or post on social media here. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Georgia Disciples Women Fall Retreat on September 22-24, 2023, at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA.

General Assembly in Louisville, KY this Summer

It’s been four years since the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has gathered in-person at a General Assembly. You won’t want to miss this event on July 29-August 1, 2023 in Louisville, KY. Highlights will include all-Assembly worship, fellowship, workshops, a hands-on Habitat for Humanity build, resident artists, and much more. If you can’t attend in person, there are also virtual learning opportunities. Learn more and register here.

News & Reminders

• The 2023 General Assembly Chalice and Paten are available for order now with orders closing at 12 pm ET on May 30. Chalices and patens are available by preorder only. You will not be able to purchase a chalice at General Assembly. For more information and to place your order, visit the Chalice Press website here where you can learn more details, place your order, and watch a video about the maker, Felissa King, a member of Central Christian Church, Indianapolis. 

Learning Opportunities

• 2023 Festival of Homiletics: For only $95, you can still register for an online access pass to this year's 2023 Festival of Homiletics: "Preaching Hope for a Weary World," to be held in Minneapolis from May 15-18. Your sense of calling will be refreshed and renewed as you hear renowned speakers, teachers, and preachers, including Georgia Disciples' own Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, founding and senior pastor of Ray of Hope Christian Church, Decatur. Check out the speakers, learn more, and register here. 

Rev. Dr. Denise Bell’s Upcoming Schedule

In May

• May 7, 11 am – Rev. Monica Ledford Installation, Cherry Log Christian Church
• May 18, 7 pm – Virtual Clergy Chaplains & Educators Connect
• May 21-23 – Retreat in Orlando, FL

Looking Ahead

• Every Tuesday from 12-1 pm OR 8-9 pm Dr. Bell invites all regional clergy to gather virtually for one hour to forge paths for stronger ministry by staying connected, being supportive, and sharing resources. A weekly reminder Zoom link is sent to clergy on Mondays.
• Rev. Dr. Denise Bell will convene one-hour Zoom meetings with various clergy groups to connect and encourage during 2023. Mark these dates and groups on your 2023 calendar and watch for Zoom links sent to clergy:
• May 18, 7-8 pm – Chaplains & Educators Connect
• August 17, 7-8 pm – Retired Clergy Connect

Prayers & Celebrations

Prayers

• Prayers for those suffering in Sudan as competing military forces have clashed, killing hundreds, injuring thousands, sending many more fleeing for safety, and risking further destabilization and starvation for many.
• Prayers for the family of Rev. Michael Fitzpatrick, former pastor of First Christian Church of Eastman, who passed away April 30. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann. Visitation will be held May 5, 2023 from 10 am to noon, with the funeral service immediately following at 12 pm at McCullough Funeral Home, 417 South Houston Lake Road, Warner Robins, GA. The obituary may be viewed here.

Celebrations

• Prayers of celebration for Brookhaven Christian Church, led by Senior Pastor Rev. Beth Wendl, celebrating its 75^th Anniversary this year. The Church celebrates with a worship service on May 7 with many former ministers as guests, followed by a catered lunch. 
• We celebrate Cherry Log Christian Church in calling the first female pastor in its 26-year history. Rev. Monica Ledford's installation service will be Sunday, May 7th at 11:00 am. May God be glorified in this new pastor and people relationship.