June 13, 2008

connecting the Community of Christ staff community

Extra News

Read important announcements shared with the church in the June 10-Minute News.

Leadership Development and Discipleship Formation

Developing leadership and discipleship formation for Community of Christ has been a focus for Becky Savage since she entered the First Presidency in 2007. Prior to that she served as director of leadership development at International Headquarters and had held similar roles with other organizations.

After much consideration and because of her giftedness in this area, the Presidency decided for Becky to retain development of leadership and discipleship formation as part of her responsibilities. This eliminates the previously posted Director of Leadership and Discipleship Formation position.

Becky is working with Wim van Klinken, International Headquarters director, and designated members of the Ministry Specialists Team to determine what additional giftedness and support will be needed to advance leadership and discipleship formation throughout the church.

Details will be shared as they become available. If you have questions, please contact Wim or Scott Murphy, Human Resources director. We are excited to continue moving forward with leadership development and lifelong disciple formation processes for the field and International Headquarters.

From the First Presidency

During the 2007 World Conference, the First Presidency shared our intent to hold a special assembly of church members in the United States. This non-legislative gathering would give opportunity to confer on issues of importance about the church’s mission in this nation.

The need for a USA Assembly is still a reality, and we are pleased to announce that a special USA assembly will be convened during the April 10–17, 2010 World Conference. (Other fields and language groups will also have opportunity to meet at this time.)

Our original intent was to convene a USA assembly in 2009. However, the combination of economic concerns, staff capacity at International Headquarters, and other international events scheduled for that year prompted the World Church Leadership Council to look toward 2010 for the USA Assembly.

In 2009, members of the church in the United States will have opportunity to study, worship, and fellowship with brothers and sisters from around the world. We encourage the USA church to maximize its support of these opportunities:

• International Youth Forum (IYF)—July 21–25
  www.CofChrist.org/iyf/

• SPECTACULAR—July 25–August 1
  www.CofChrist.org/spec/

• International Women’s Gathering—October 18–23
  www.CofChrist.org/women09/

• Peace Colloquy—October 23–25

We thank God for the many ways in which the Holy Spirit is uniquely moving within every nation of the world. We look forward to the USA church having opportunity to discuss issues of importance when it assembles in 2010. May God bless you as you seek to be a blessing to others.

Summer Interns

International Headquarters

• Congregational Life Workshop: Nicole Winship

Heritage and Visitor Services

• Independence: Krista Ballantyne and Annie Van Dielen

• Kirtland Temple: Cory Upson, Amanda Batey, Sarah Crockett, Lyle Anderson, Margaret Rastle, and Cassandra Rosbury

• Nauvoo: Kevin Bryant, Katie Weston, Laura Minton, Maggie Bennett, Tara Stevens, Jaimee Phipps, Julianne Jones and Alan Savage

• David Howlett (former summer fellow) will be leading the summer course on church history.

WorldService Corps

We have approximately 12 volunteers in a variety of places around the world this summer as part of WorldService Corps. Please remember to keep them in your prayers as they share and receive ministry in the places to which they were sent.

• Hawaii: Alisha Bauman and Meghan Sullivan

• Philippines: Alicia Clore, Zach Velkinburg and Myles McCormick

• Australia: Josh Ishikawa and Dan Gregory

• India: Rajini Shanker

• Tahiti: Meredith Jeschke and Kyle Jeschke

• Independence, Missouri: Rachael Kuchar and Ashley Campbell

• Long-term assignment to Australia: Lindsay Sills

Summer Organ Recitals

Help spread the word about this fantastic and free way for everyone to hear the magnificent organs at International Headquarters. Join us every day for a 30-minute recital presented by the approximately 30 staff organists from a variety of faith traditions who donate their time and energy to help our visitors understand and enjoy part of who we are.

Photos of Jan Kraybill’s June 1 recital

Submit news and announcements for consideration in NewsPEACE.