The

Virginia Christian

Fall 2014

Vol. 45, No. 3

A Publication of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia

1290 Enterprise Drive • Lynchburg, VA 24502 • www.ccinva.org • 434-846-3400

Lynchburg Church Befriends Afghani Asylum Seeker

  Members of First Christian Church, Lynchburg, along with community and Lynchburg College friends, have learned personally of the extreme persecution endured by many Afghani women and men as they continue to deepen their friendship with Hawa Bakhteyari, a young Afghani woman who has been studying in the area. The church first met Hawa through a connection with her younger sister Husnia, who has studied at Lynchburg College for several years. Hawa’s father was killed by Taliban supporters, and she has experienced trauma due to her commitment to education and refusal to marry as a young teen. Another young woman from her area who also studied abroad was recently murdered in her home province just weeks after returning to Afghanistan.   For many months, faithful friends and FCC have supported Hawa’s ongoing English study, and Hawa hopes to transfer back to Lynchburg College following her recent improvement in English through study at Virginia Tech and Liberty University. At last summer’s Regional Assembly in Hawa Bakhteyari Lynchburg, members of FCC’s Outreach Committee met with Refugee and Immigration Ministries (RIM) Director Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea and Week of Compassion (WoC) Interim Associate Rev. Dawn Barnes to form a mission Continued on page 10

In This Issue:

• Reflections 2 • Around the Old Dominion 4 • Ministerial Changes 7 • Men’s/Women’s Summer Retreat 8 • Mid-Winter Sabbath info 9 • Disciple Men’s Retreat info 9 • RIM News 11 • Disciple Women’s Retreat info 12 • General Assembly info 13 • Craig Springs 14 • LC Disciples Scholarships 16

Calendar: Mid-Winter Sabbath – Feb. 8-10, Williamsburg YMC Lock-In – Mar. 6, Richmond Disciples Men Retreat – April 10-12, Christmount, NC Disciple Women Retreat – June 5-7, Lynchburg College General Assembly – July 18-22, Columbus, OH

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Reflections from the Regional Minister

Regional Minister Rev. G. Lee Parker

The Virginia Christian

Editorial Team: Amy Moore Lee Parker THE VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN is published triannually for its membership by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia, 1290 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg, Virginia 24502, (434) 846-3400. Send address changes to THE VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN, 1290 Enterprise Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

  The leaves have turned and are falling. Is that why they call it Fall? Schools are back in session, baseball has ended, football is underway, and, as always, I’m looking forward to basketball season.   Recently a number of pastors have retired and moved, creating vacancies in some of our churches. A number of search committees are working hard to call pastors. A couple of churches have just extended calls and their new pastors are starting. Fall must be transition time.   We recently ordained Dustin Parsons-Schwarz. Dustin is a graduate of Lexington Theological Seminary. On October 19 he preached his first sermon since ordination at Lynchburg College’s homecoming Sunday service.   We had a successful camping season at Craig Springs this summer, with the numbers slightly up from the previous year. Something exciting happened: we had no hospital runs during the summer. This is the first summer that I remember there not being a need to transport at least one person to Roanoke for medical attention.   When asked to reflect upon Craig Springs, Mitzi Lail of Perseverance Christian Church in Dundas wrote: “Words cannot describe the feelings that one experiences while at Craig Springs. If asked what they like about Craig Springs, campers and adults of all ages may respond with different answers but always with smiles on their faces. Just mention the Spring House, Central’s rocking chairs, campfire songs, s’mores, Potts Mountain, Four Square, Glass House or bug juice and immediately a connection is made between people. This connection exists because of the common memories made while attending various camps, retreats or work weekends. This special place located in the Alleghany Mountains provides a safe place for people to relax, learn about God, experience meaningful worship services and talk to one another without technology. While ‘Up on the Mountain’ we become family.”

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  I recently had an exciting conversation with Angel Luis RiveraAgosto, the new area executive for Latin America and the Caribbean at Global Ministries. We’re looking forward to reestablishing our Global Mission Partnership with Colombia through our partner there, Michael Joseph. Jon Barnes at Global Ministries has been helpful in getting that communication restarted. We had a wonderful experience with a delegation from Colombia to Virginia in 2012, but our financial position has not allowed us to send a reciprocal group to Colombia for a visit.   I find it difficult to talk about money. There comes a time, however, when money talk becomes necessary. For a number of years, the cash flow situation in the Region has necessitated the borrowing of money against our line of credit during late summer or early fall. These funds are normally paid back with proceeds from the Christmas offering. Our line of credit is $50,000. Through the end of October we have borrowed $40,000. It appears we will have to borrow more against our line of credit to correct cash flow problems in November.   From conversations with many pastors, I’m aware that finances in local churches are tight. Many churches are struggling to meet their operating budget. Disciple Mission Fund giving is down from what it was this time last year, an indication that churches have made cuts in their outreach giving.

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  December is typically our largest DMF giving month. My assumption is that churches are catching up for the year. My plea at this time is for renewed and heavy emphasis on the Christmas offering.   One hundred percent of the Christmas offering stays in the region. The portion of your Disciples Mission Fund giving that stays in the Region and the Christmas offering support search and call, congregational consultations, ministerial support, church camp, Men’s and Women’s ministries and Youth ministry.   Please help us to continue all of our Regional ministries. Please lift up, participate, and promote the Christmas offering in your church.

The 2014 Christmas Offering for Regional Ministry will be received in most congregations on December 14 and 21. Please give generously.

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Around the Old Dominion Yorktown—On Sunday, September 7, Grafton Christian Church celebrated a brand new picnic shelter with an early fall picnic. Folks of all ages joined in the fun. The church is located among the remaining woodlands and fields that once formed the farming community of Grafton in Yorktown. Pastor Vanessa Falgoust enthused, “We are blessed to have our picnic shelter in such an idyllic setting right outside our back door.”   Constructed by the men of the church, the building is equipped with electric power, lights and ceiling fans. We are deeply grateful to the property committee (top right), and especially to Robert “Robbie” Robinson and Bob Hoard (below) who, among numerous other important tasks, built all of the picnic tables.

To view The Virginia Christian online, go to “News” at www.ccinva.org. The next issue of The Virginia Christian will be published in March 2015. Deadline for submissions is March 1. Articles submitted for the “Around the Old Dominion” section should be no more than 200 words. Articles and photos may be submitted by mail to the Regional Office or by email to: [email protected].

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Martinsville—On September 13, 2014, a Global Ministries fundraiser luncheon was held at Spencer-Penn Centre, with all proceeds going to the “Congo Initiative” of Global Ministries. This Jennifer Larson of event was hosted Portsmouth won by Marilyn Whitone of the Congotaker of Martinsmade bags. ville, Virgina, a Board Member for Global Ministries. The event was a great success with sixty people in attendance. Friends from all across Virginia came to support the event.

Williamsburg—Olive Branch CC hosted Xuyen Dangers (2nd from left) on September 23-4. Originally from Vietnam, Xuyen retired in May after serving as a Global Mission partner in Laos for nineteen years. As a social worker, her primary work was with children in after-school programs where they

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Marilyn, center, presents a check to Rev. Julia Brown Karimu, Co-Executive for Global Ministries (President for Division of Overseas Ministries). On the left is Jane Sullivan-Davis, Global Ministries Executive for Resource Development.

learned skills as well as art and music. The goal was to encourage the children to remain in school and complete their formal education. She also was instrumental in developing a school of social work at the National University which has had over 400 graduates since beginning ten years ago.

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Winchester—Everyone got “Fired Up for Christ” at First Christian Church, Winchester, on September 25 – 27, 2014. It was a wonderful 3-day event with different guest ministers and musical groups each night—First Christian Church’s own praise band and two guest bands. The guest ministers included Pastor Don Moulden from Galilee Christian Church, Winchester—First Christian Church held its annual Apple Butter Boiling on Saturday, October 11. This fundraising event has been going on for about forty years. On the previous Tuesday, the apples were peeled by machine, then hand “snitted” to get rid of the core, imperfections, etc. Friday night, the kettles were fired up, the apples ground and boiled all night long with a few hardy souls to watch over them. When the cooking was done, the spices were stirred in, and after about an hour each kettle was emptied and the apple butter put into jars.   This is a wonderful time for fellowship and the whole church takes part in each stage of the process. Everyone comes together and it’s all done by 3:30 p.m. that Saturday. All ages participate and have great fun. The church makes twelve kettles of apple butter which is equivalent to about 400 gallons. It’s hard work but very re-

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Pastor Tom Mounts from Ebenezer Christian Church, and Pastor Steve Melester from Burnt Factory United Methodist Church. The Spirit of God was definitely present as God’s Word was presented in message and in song throughout the services. Many came and experienced a spiritual renewal and joy in fellowship together.

warding and brings us all together in a unique way for a common goal—helping God’s church.

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Ministerial Changes

Williamsburg— Marilyn Whittaker (above left) visited Olive Branch CC, hosted by Kay Ainsworth (above right), on October 11, to share about her experience as a Womanto Woman delegate to China in 2012.

Rev. Matt Cox was installed as minister at West Point CC on August 17.

Moses Joshua began serving as pastor of Springfield CC, Rockville, on September 1, 2014. Kathy Reinger, pastor of Ashland CC, Ashland, retired in September 2014. Geneal Wilson, pastor of Strasburg CC, Strasburg, retired on October 4, 2014. Carolyn Schulz, pastor of Seventh Street CCC left on October 5, 2014, to begin serving Pine Valley CC, Wichita, KS. Mark Parkinson began serving as pastor of Broad Street CC, Martinsville, on October 12, 2014. Cyd Cowgill, former pastor of West Side CC, Portsmouth, began serving as pastor of First Christian Church, Lynchburg, on November 3, 2014. Kelly Gilson began serving as pastor of West End CC, Danville, on November 1, 2014. Jonathan Webster began serving as pastor of First Christian Church, Pearisburg, on November 1, 2014. He will continue his ministry as a full-time chaplain with Carilion Clinic.

Rev. Moses Joshua was installed as pastor of Springfield CC on September 21. Pictured l. to r. are the Reverend Don Richardson, Regional Minister Lee Parker, Moses Joshua, and the Reverend Dr. Bill Blake.

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Mid-Summer Retreat Reflected on Disciples History   The weekend of July 25-27 I had the privilege of attending the 2014 Men’s and Women’s Retreat at Craig Springs Camp and Conference Center. The retreat was led by Donna and Jonathan Webster, with the theme of “A Church for All Seasons: On Being the Body of Christ in the New Millennium.” The purpose of the retreat was to reflect on our spiritual journey as inheritors of the Stone-Campbell tradition which became the Disciples of Christ Church. Our group was small, with all eleven of us staying in Salem cabin.   Friday evening started at the pavilion with a wonderful fish dinner prepared by Jonathan Webster. After dinner several ice-breakers helped us get acquainted. Besides the native Virginians, attendees were from Russia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.   Our study and reflection sessions were held in Winn Cottage. We started by learning about our founders, Barton Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell. We watched a video called Wrestling with God which was about Alexander Campbell and how he left the Presbyterian Church in Scotland, came to America and faced many trials and tribulations as he taught others his beliefs about the open table for communion, baptism and instrumental music.   On Saturday, we had a lively discussion about the film, primarily about open communion. Following snack time, our discussion centered

on the many conflicts Campbell faced concerning open communion and baptism by immersion, as this was different from what some other denominations believed.   We shared the grounds with about sixty people who arrived Saturday morning for Family Camp. It was great to see children of all ages having so much fun.   Our afternoon discussion dealt with how the Disciples of Christ movement has progressed through the years and how we partner with other churches and denominations.   On Saturday evening we joined the Family Camp folks for a talent show and s’mores around the campfire. Fun was had by all. Nighttime brought a rainstorm with very loud thunder and lightning. God was speaking to us!   On Sunday morning, following a discussion on what each of us have to offer our church, we drove a short distance to worship at Craig Healing Springs Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It was a delightful country church where we were made to feel welcome by all their members. We knew only one of the hymns in the service but noticed they had three instruments: a pump organ, a small electric organ and a piano (of interest to us in light of our recent discussions of the use of instruments in worship). After lunch, we packed our cars and said our good-byes. —Mary Helen Wagner Calvary Christian Church, Martinsville

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Mid-Winter Sabbath for Clergy and Spouses of the Christian Church in Virginia February 8-10, 2015 at the Clarion Hotel, Williamsburg A time apart for refreshment and renewal with sessions led by Sharon Stanley-Rea & Woodie Rea   Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea is the Director of Refugee & Immigration Ministries with Disciples Home Missions, based in Washington, DC, with offices at National City Christian Church. She mobilizes Disciples congregations around the country to offer hospitality to immigrants, to provide refugee resettlement assistance to refugees, and to engage in advocacy on behalf of refugees and immigrants. She is ordained Presbyterian, with standing in the CC(DOC). Prior to taking this position in January of 2013, she spent more than twenty years working in refugee ministries in California.   Rev. Dr. Woodie Rea serves as the Director of Spiritual Life at Lake Prince Woods Continuous Care Retirement Community in Suffolk, VA, a UCC community. Woodie is a clergy with standing in the CC(DOC) and has served in institutional and pastoral positions for over two decades.   Woodie and Sharon have been married for a year and a half and—after 10 years of dating cross country—are delighted to now live in the same time zone!

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SAVE THE DATE!

Virginia Disciples Men Retreat April 10-12, 2015 at Christmount Christian Assembly, Black Mountain, NC

From Membership to Discipleship: What Christian Men Should Do Now Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr. Dr. Sullivan has held numerous and varied positions with the Disciples of Christ in his 31-year ministerial career. An innovate pastoral leader, skillful administrator and advocate for social justice, Dr. Sullivan is known for his preaching and lecturing on congregational transformation, spirituality, social justice, evangelism, anti-racism and interracial partnerships.

Do your soul some good... experience Christmount in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina.

www.Christmount.org

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interview. This was an exhausting process that required Hawa’s remembering and expressing many unpleasant life experiences.   The following Sunday, Sharon joined with FCC Lynchburg to honor Hawa and the church’s outreach work to assist her, presenting the congregation with a “Heart of Hospitality Award” for their commitments and ministries to welcome newcomers in their midst. Hawa and her sister Husnia attended in traditional Afghani costumes made by their mother, shared gifts of homemade Afghani food, and offered thanks to the church and community for their ongoing partnership in her journey to find security and a new life.   The Asylum Office anticipates reaching a decision about Hawa’s application within the next few weeks. Please pray for Hawa and consider supporting her education through your own gift to Week of Compassion.

partnership to help Hawa build a safe life. The Disciples RIM office is now located in Washington, D.C., at National City Christian Church. Persons who wish to support Hawa financially can send a check to “Week of Compassion,” designated for Hawa. Funds are then distributed through the Disciples RIM office for school and other items as needed.   The faith partnership of RIM and FCC has also continued to pursue the most enduring solution for Hawa’s security by assisting in her claim for asylum status. Asylum status in the U.S. requires a complex application, as well as personal testimony of protection needed because of persecution experienced and fear of persecution due to race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion within one’s homeland.   Thanks to the recommendation of our RIM legal consult, Tana Liu-Beers, Hawa presented her case quickly to the Immigration Clinic & Legal Aid Justice Center of the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville. On October A full team of FCC and community supporters with 21st, Hawa travelled Husnia and Hawa (in front) and with RIM director to Washington, D.C. at right. The group is holding the “Heart of Hospito meet her lawyer tality” award presented by DHM, RIM, and WOC and Rev. Stanley-Rea to the church. for her official asylum

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Refugee and Immigration Ministries invites you to respond to Central American children in crisis Who are the Children? • 92% of all arrived chil-

dren are from 3 countries hardest hit by drug related violence: Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. • Fairfax County, VA., and Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Md., received more than all but five other localities across the nation—largely due to the greater DC area having the nation’s 2nd largest population of Central Americans. • Over 85% of children are cared for by an existing relative in the US. • ALL children must soon appear before an immigration judge. While the UN estimates at least 58% would be eligible for international protection, lack of legal assistance could mean nearly all will be deported. • Already, 5 children deported back to Honduras have been murdered. (WaPo, “Md., Va. Suburbs Receive Surge of Border Kids from Central America,” August 27, 2014; UNHCR “Children on the Run Report”, 2014; LA Times, “Five Children Murdered After They Were Deported Back To Honduras,” Aug. 19, 2014.)

How Have Disciples Already Been Helping Them?   Throughout the summer, our Refugee & Immigration Ministries office, Week of Compassion, the Family & Children’s Ministries office, and our Global Ministries office have been working in partnership with our General Minister & President, Women’s Ministries, Hispanic Ministries, Regional Ministers, and local churches to advocate for, educate about, and respond to the children in crisis.   There are many ways that individuals and churches can get involved, from supporting legal help, to sending cards, to becoming a foster parent.   For specific suggestions, check out the link at CCinVA.org or call Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director of Refugee & Immigration Ministries, 202-957-7826, or email: [email protected].   Also, visit the RIM website to obtain constantly updated information regarding refugee & immigration issues at: www. discipleshomemissions.org. Like them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ RefugeeAndImmigrationMinistriesChristianChurchDoc; and follow them on Twitter: @StanleyRea

RIM helps your church welcome the world! Check out the link at the Region’s website (www.ccinva.org) for how churches and individuals can help recently arrived refugee families in the Richmond area.

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Elders and Deacons Workshop March 6-7, 2015 Christmount Assembly in Black Mountain, NC

Co-sponsored with Lexington Theological Seminary

Keynoter: Dr. Richard D. Weis   The Elders and Deacons Workshop offers church leaders intense training in these two vital lay ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).   A member of the faculty or staff of Lexington Theological Seminary gives a lecture on Friday evening and Saturday morning. Participants also attend two workshops designed to offer a special area of training or thought specifically for elders or deacons.   Elders and Deacons can benefit from this event in many ways: • Gain a deeper understanding of the work they do. • Hear Disciples scholars teach about these lay ministries. • Learn specific skills, such as how to visit in homes, how to strengthen the ministry of their pastors, how to deepen their personal spiritual lives, and how to talk about faith and the major issues of the modern world. • Share concerns with and learn from other Elders and Deacons. • Fellowship with other Disciples.   Arrive a day early or stay Saturday night for your church’s elders and deacons to meet together. Or just relax and enjoy Christmount! Groups staying for a mini-retreat may reserve a meeting space at no charge.

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SAVE THE DATE!

Virginia Regional

Disciples Women Retreat June 5–7, 2015 at Lynchburg College

All rooms are handicap accessible $154 single / $117 double

Change

A Sea ng son Inspiri al o f n Chan tio ge Genera e Chang Encouraging Change Embracing Change

Rev. Pat Donahoo, Executive Director Office of Disciples Women Ministries Start making crafts now for sale at the handcraft market! New Date! New Place! New Time! New Ideas!

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Worship that lifts your soul. Stories that touch your heart. Educational resources to assist your congregation in ministry. Conversations that stretch your mind. Messages that call you to action. Connections that remind you that God’s family is bigger than a local congregation. All this and more in five short days!

Disciples CALLED to worship

Disciples bringing God’s God’s COMFORT CHALLENGE to the world to bring wholeness

For more information or to register go to http://ga.disciples.org/

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2014 Camping Season at Craig Springs There were about 350 campers during the camping season, attending eight different camps.

Volunteers at spring work weekend

New Covenant campers enjoy the pool

Counselor Jim Perkins with campers at 2nd Triple Special camp buddies

1st Triple staff: Ben Rinehart, Meggan McGraw, Sarah Friend, Hannah Ott and David Baum

2015 Craig Springs calendar available For the fifth year, a calendar featuring and benefitting Craig Springs can be purchased. Several area churches will have a representative with copies for sale for $15 each. If ordered, they are $17 each, including shipping. Make checks payable to Friends of Craig Springs, 100 Copperfield Road, Wirtz, VA 24184 or email Rhonda Williams at [email protected]

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The junior high shaving cream extravaganza at 1st Triple

There’s something for everyone at Craig Springs!   Craig Springs offers camping programs for all ages and abilities and brings people together from across the Region to share their faith, talents, and experiences. There are opportunities for participation as a camper and for adults as counselors, coordinators, craft

helpers, nurses, musicians, kitchen help, and gophers. There are also work weekends to open and close the camp each season, with lots of work to be done by folks of all ages.   We’d love to have you come join us on the mountain and experience God in a fresh, new way!

2015 Craig Springs Camp Schedule Spring Work Weekend : June 12-14 Nature Camp: June 22 - 26 — Directors: Lydia Hall & Kim Sharrett Special Camp: June 28 - July 3 — Director: Janice Austin 1st Triple: July 5 - 10 — Directors: Steve & Rhonda Williams 2nd Triple: July 12 - 17 — Directors: Robert Sharp & Sarah Trezza New Covenant/ChiRho: July 19 - 24 — Director: Sally Good AMPDD Camp: July 26 - 31 — Directors: Chris & Kim Crowley Family Retreat: July 31 - Aug 3 — Director: Amy Jones

Check out the great new Craig Springs website

  At www.craigsprings.com you’ll find complete descriptions

of all the camps, as well as photos and descriptions of the facilities at Craig Springs which are available for rent. Keep Craig Springs in mind for a weekend getaway, a retreat, conference or family reunion.

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Disciples Scholarships at Lynchburg College

  Did you know Lynchburg College offers scholarships specifically for Disciples students? LC offers scholarships for Virginia Disciples, Florida Disciples, Piedmont District Disciples, and a new scholarship to assist Disciples students with travel abroad and internship expenses. In addition there are scholarships for dependents of Disciples clergy.   The Spiritual Life Center offers a full range of Bible Study groups, faith groups, and worship options. Sunday afternoon Protestant Worship is co-led by Student Pastor James Coleman and Music Director and Piedmont Disciple Kiran Penn. The gospel ensemble Praise God is going strong.   Lynchburg College has a thriving honors program, sends students to competitive graduate schools, and has a strong network of alums helping graduates find employment. Our student athletes succeed in the classroom as well as on the field. We have the championships along with the Scholar Athlete awards to prove it.   Youth Groups are welcome to visit. Come see the new Drysdale Student Center, spend time on the team building course or the rock climbing wall, and the Chaplain will treat you to lunch!

Youth of the Region!

YMC will host a Lionto-Lamb Lock-In on Friday, March 6th, in the Richmond area. Put the date on your calendar—more details will be sent out soon!

Non Profit Org US Postage PAID Permit 496 Montgomery, AL

THE VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN 

The Virginia Christian The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Virginia 1290 Enterprise Drive Lynchburg, VA 24502

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Regional Staff Lee Parker, Regional Minister Ann Shepherd, Associate Regional Minister for Youth & Outdoor Ministry Ray Gryder, Director of Men’s Ministries Donna Webster, Director of Women’s Ministries & Webmaster Bill Moore, Director of Commissioned Ministry Alisha Bennett-Beane, Manager of Craig Springs Camp & Retreat Center Amy Moore, The Virginia Christian Editor & Regional Assembly Coordinator Rita Rodenbaugh, Administrative Assistant Susan Gordon, Secretary Melinda Floyd, Financial Secretary