1 November 2006
International Headquarters: Redesigned for Worldwide
Service
The Temple and Auditorium are iconic to our faith movement. The Auditorium
has historically hosted many community events and is home of the biennial
World Conference, seating thousands of sisters and brothers side by side for
worldwide celebration, discernment, and deliberations. The Temple is a symbol
of our dedication to the pursuit of peace, reconciliation, and healing of the
spirit, which is embodied in all the places the church exists.
These two buildings also house the operations of Community of Christ
International Headquarters. While the headquarters complex is physically
located in the United States, it is representative of faithful disciples who
focus on sharing the peace of Jesus Christ all around the world. In order to
achieve greater alignment with missional priorities and improve responsiveness
to the needs of our worldwide church within a sustainable budget, staff and
volunteers at International Headquarters are completing a transition to a new,
team-based organizational design.
The transition is still in process and continued evaluation is taking place
regarding specific ministries and services that will be offered by
International Headquarters. The prayers, patience, and understanding of all
our members are appreciated as we strive to support the worldwide pursuit of
our mission. Initially, following are some of the changes that have taken
effect.
Education and Training
Educational opportunities for deepening discipleship and preparing for
ordination will continue to be provided through Temple School courses. To
order Temple School materials, contact Herald House Customer Service. Visit
www.CofChrist.org/templeschool/ for the catalog of available courses.
Rush shipping will no longer be available, so please order at least two weeks
in advance of when material is required.
Planning for leadership development and training, such as a Congregational
Leaders Workshop or other options, is currently being reviewed. Information
will be announced in coming months about upcoming venues for education,
training, and development.
Herald House and Available Publications
The church’s longstanding publishing partner, Herald House, is now fully
integrated into International Headquarters. Herald House will continue to be
our publishing brand and serve as the customer service agent for the worldwide
church. All orders and inquiries now go through Herald House Customer Service
as a one-stop information and resource contact.
Contact Herald House Customer Service for orders and requests including
- Herald House books and merchandise;
- World Church items and ministry tools offered at no charge;
- Temple School courses; and
- general inquiries about ministries, services, and resources.
Custom orders and rush shipping will no longer be available. Please place
orders at least two weeks in advance of when items are required.
Production of several resources will continue without interruption,
including the Herald, e-Herald, and International Herald,
which is a selection of Herald articles distributed quarterly in more
than 15 languages. For 2007, there will also be Daily Bread, reunion
director helps, and an adult study text called “Share Christ’s Peace—Going
Deeper.” Worship bulletins and inserts and 2008 Worship Resources—Year B
are also in production.
Power and Light curriculum will continue for all age groups through April
2007. For the future, President Steve Veazey said, “A disciple formation team
with representatives from International Headquarters and the fields, staff,
and volunteers is being chartered to design an age-appropriate, lifelong
approach to disciple formation.” To support 2007 camping programs, a library
of camp helps will be posted to the World Church Web site.
Book Stewards
Book stewards have served congregations faithfully for decades. President
Veazey said, “I have deep gratitude for the ministry offered by book stewards
over the years. Their ministry has helped further the gospel of Jesus Christ
and the mission of the church.”
Book steward purchases on account will be available until December 31,
2006, when the program will officially end. After that date, purchases by
congregations and individuals will be by cash, check, or credit card only,
with no financial incentives offered. New avenues of ministry for connecting
people with their sisters and brothers around the world by sharing information
and resources are always being explored. If you have ideas to share, please
send them to
CommunicationServices@CofChrist.org.
Worldwide Response
With our headquarters located in the United States, the focus of requests
and services has often been reactive to specialized requests from U.S.
congregations. With the current focus on providing the best possible service
to congregations around the world, some individual requests may not be able to
be met at the headquarters level. There will be an emphasis on directing
people to appropriate people and resources that can meet specific needs.
The main focus for people at headquarters and in congregations,
communities, and families is sharing the peace of Jesus Christ in all its
dimensions. “This is the fullness of the gospel,” said President Veazey. “The
cause of Zion is our call to enflesh the peace of Jesus Christ in all our
relationships.”
—Kendra Friend reporting
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