Early Disciples Worship

some notes from James Trader, Curator of Cane Ridge.

The basic order of service can be set forth in 5 categories:
Hymns of praise
Scripture
Prayers, including thanksgiving for each element at the table
Lord’s Supper
Fellowship or contribution

It has been noted that early Disciples congregations would have included the following:
1. Call to worship by the presiding officer
2. Hymn of praise by the congregation
3. Reading from the Gospels by a member designated by the president
4. Prayer, led by a member designated by the president
5. Reading from the Epistles by the president himself
6. Communion hymn
7. Statement by the president that they had met in conformity with practice of “the first disciples…to eat the Lord’s Supper
8. President took a small loaf from a table previously laid, gave thanks for it, “significantly broke it, and handed it to the disciples on each side of him
9. They passed it to others, each partaking in turn.
10. President called upon a brother to pray, “and the brethren all united with them.”
11. “Fellowship” or contribution was received.
12. All were invited to say what they would, “tending to the edification of the body.”
13. Several spiritual songs were sung.
14. President, “on motion of a brother,” pronounced the apostolic benediction.

ChiRho Catechism Updated

Here’s the 2016 edition. chirhocatechism-2016

Pulleyking workshop cancelled

We regret to announce that the October workshop on human suffering has been cancelled due to illness. We hope to reschedule the event. 

Dramatic Presentation of Mark’s Gospel in Wheeling

What: Dramatization of Mark’s Gospel by The Rev. Angus Stuart

Where: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Wheeling (free parking on the street and in the 2 lots beside the church)

When: 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 2nd

Rev. Stuart, an Anglican priest now in Vancouver, Canada, does a dramatic presentation of Mark’s gospel from memory (with musical interludes). We have just, at the last minute added Wheeling to his tour schedule. His presentation is ca. 2 hours long and is free, though an offering may be received.

Please share the good word!

Buffalo Seminary Schedule Update

The following events are scheduled and will soon be available for registration at http://www.wvdisciples.org/buffalo.  We hope you’ll join us!

• The History and Practice of the Ecumenical Movement.  Christian Unity is still Our Polar Star! Rev. Dr. Robert Welsh & Rev. Dr. Newell Williams – Bethany June 24.
• Soar—General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Education Programs – Columbus 3 CEUs offered by Buffalo Seminary –   July 19-21
• Clergy Institute—Twenty-One Centuries of Discipleship: A Tour Through the History of the Church.  Rev. Dr. William Allen &  Rev. James Trader III  – August 10-12 – Bethany
•  Inexplicable Suffering and Lively Meaning.  Dr. Micki Pulleyking –  September 17-18
•  Scripture Divina Workshop—The Practice of Writing on Scripture as Meditation and Proclamation.  Rev. Dr. Larry Grimes – October 26-27 – Bethany

2 Great Buffalo Seminary Events

Register Now!!!

WV Disciples NewsWire

Pastors and Church Leaders will want register now for 2 great upcoming events provided by Buffalo Seminary at Bethany College, a joint ministry of the college and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia, underwritten in part by a generous grant by the Oreon E. Scott Foundation.

Church Leadership:  Best Practices
1 day workshop (10 a.m. — 3 p.m.) at your choice of locations:
February 23 at Charleston – United Disciples of Christ Church
February 24 at Bethany Memorial Church
Rev. Dr. Todd Adams
Disciples of Christ Associate General Minister
Dr. Adams will be leading and teaching on the art of Church Administration.  Todd is regarded as a leading practitioner and teacher in the areas of
stewardship, governance, safety and controls for the church.  Church Administration is best understood as pastoral care for the church.  We are excited
to take advantage of his skills and experience in this…

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Peter Morgan – Church Video Workshop Deadline Aug. 31

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for A Congregational Video History – and how to do it, led by The Rev. Dr. Peter Morgan and John Scott Williams, who will share the many uses of keeping a video history of your congregation, and how to make it happen.  This is a great time for ministers, local church historians, and others interested in keeping the story of your church alive and in the forefront of congregational life.  Plan now to join us Sep. 12-13. 

It is suggested that churches plan to send at least 2 people to the event, one being the pastor or church historian, the other being a person with interest in simple video and computer technology.  Some computer literacy by one of the attendees will be helpful. 

Cost will be $35 and include 1 c.e.u. (Understanding Heritage).  Deadline for registration is soon upon us.  Register now at www.wvdisciples.org/buffalo.  See this video from Dr. Morgan for a sampling and more information…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIbtjOYtaxM

Summer Clergy Institute Schedule

Rev. Dr. Larry Grimes and Rev. Jim Trader have announced the schedule for the Summer Clergy Institute.  Take note: There are assignments this year!  We hope many of you will join us, and our featured lecturer, the Rev. Dr. Rick Lowery, for what promises to be a fine 3 days of learning and sharing with colleagues from around the region and beyond.  See registration details at http://www.wvdisciples.org/buffalo

Monday August 18

8:00    Continental Breakfast                                             (Mountainside Conference Center)

8:30    Morning Worship and History Vignette               (Mountainside Conference Center)

9:00    Disciples History—James Trader II                    (Mountainside Conference Center)

Noon   Lunch                                                                                               (Harder Hall)

1:00    Theologies and Practices of Preaching           (Mountainside Conference Center)

            Participants will share personal theology and practice of preaching,

            including preparation practices, delivery techniques, etc.  Please

            bring notes, outline, manuscript of a favorite sermon to share with

            the group.  Max of 10 minutes for presentation.

4:00    Benediction

Tuesday August 19

8:00    Continental Breakfast                                              (Mountainside Conference Center)

8:30    Morning Worship and History Vignette                 (Mountainside Conference Center)

9:00    Preaching Workshop – Dr. Rick Lowery             (Mountainside Conference Center)

Noon   Lunch                                                                                                           (Harder Hall)

1:00     Preaching Workshop – Dr. Rick Lowery             (Mountainside Conference Center)

4:00    Benediction

Wednesday August 20

8:00    Continental Breakfast                                             (Mountainside Conference Center)

8:30    Morning Worship and History Vignette               (Mountainside Conference Center)

9:00   Liturgy and Worship:  History and Practice –

Revs. Thad Allen and David Chafin                             (Mountainside Conference Center)

Noon   Lunch                                                                                               (Harder Hall)

1:00   Worship and Liturgy:  A Sharing of Theology and Practice –

Revs. Thad Allen and David Chafin                               (Mountainside Conference Center)

Participants will share their theology and practice of worship and liturgy.

Please bring copies of your current order of worship to share with the group.

3:30    Closing Worship

Elders Workshop Offered in September

Buffalo Seminary will offer an Elders Workshop on Saturday, Sep. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Mountainside Conference Center, Bethany

Features the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Peter M. Morgan, author of Disciples Eldership, among other well-received books and articles, and President Emeritus of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society.  Dr. Morgan now serves as Historian in Residence at National City Christian Church.  He will lead us in a study of the history, theology and practice of Eldership in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The role of Elders and the practice of Eldership will both be examined. The workshop will end with a gathering at the Lord’s Table.

Cost:  $15 per person (lunch included); $45 maximum payment per congregation (plus $15 per congregation for 1 copy of Disciples Eldership and the accompanying CD). Individuals and Congregations Register Now Online or call our office (304-428-1681) with your list of participants and any dietary needs. Registration Deadline: Aug. 31 (after which the book/cd set will be available at $30 per congregation). Payment will be received at the event by check to “CCWV” or Credit Card/Paypal but advance registration is required!

Also that weekend… – The St. John’s Illuminated Bible Presentation will be held at Bethany Memorial Church – Friday at 7 p.m. (open to the public) – The Prayer Labyrinth at the Campbell Mansion, built by Disciples Men from around the nation last year, will be dedicated – Saturday at 4 p.m.

Limited guest room reservations will be available at the Gresham Inn (reserve early – it’s a home game weekend): call 304-829-4343 for rooms

Plan now to join us for a stimulating an encouraging time of learning and fellowship!  Visit us soon at www.wvdisciples.org or check out our Facebook page.

Upcoming Schedule and Bits from the Summer Clergy Institute 2013

With thanks to those generous souls who have set our minds to work in new ways, we want to provide you with bibliographical resources and links. The posts will follow, and we welcome your comments and additions.

Note upcoming events (watch this site for updates and adjustments):

9/21/13 Workshop for Elders (Peter Morgan)

10/28-29/13 – Paul and the Institution of the Lord’s Supper (Bonnie Thurston)

2/21-22/14 – Intro to Pastoral Care and Counseling (Vic Hunter, Wesley Howsare)

3/28-29/14 – Seeing the Word – The Illuminated Gospels (Barbara Sutton)

4/24/14 – Gift of Years Workshop with NBA at Regional Assembly in Beckley

4/28-29/14 – Scott Lectures (Charisse Gilette)

6/16-18/14 – Summer Clergy Institute

7/18-19/14 – The Beauty of Holiness – Fine Arts on the Life of the Church (Larry Grimes, Kenn Morgan, Aaron Anslow, David Chafin)

9/12-13/14 – A Video of Your Congregation (Peter Morgan, Scott Williams)

10/17-18/14 – Spiritual Gifts Discovery (Steven Smith, Kevin DiGregorio)

11/6-7/14 – A History of Christianity (William B. Allen)