Across the Nation: Dads-n-Lads retreat, House to House milestone and more quick takes
Across the Nation is our monthly rundown of news briefs, links and quotes from Churches of Christ across the U.S. Got an idea for this column? Email Bobby Ross Jr. at [email protected].
Featured photo (above)
At Nebraska Youth Camp retreat, fathers, sons focus on ‘Strong Ties’: A smiling Malachi Knapp, seated next to his father, Garrett, watches a demonstration at the recent Dads-n-Lads retreat at the Nebraska Youth Camp in Kearney, Neb. About 70 fathers and sons attended the retreat, which featured the theme “Strong Ties.” Each participant received a length of rope, which was used in activities to learn useful knots as well as to illustrate the strong ties Christian men should have to God and one another, said Mark Miller, an elder of the East Hill Church of Christ in York, Neb.
Spotlight
Manuel Magos and his wife, Julie, are recognized. (PHOTO PROVIDED BY KEVIN WITHEM
California minister honored: The North County Church of Christ in Escondido, Calif., recently celebrated the 30th anniversary of Manuel Magos serving as its Spanish language minister.
The church’s Spanish ministry has grown from a small core to more than 300 active participants, many of whom are second and third generation and worship in English, senior minister Kevin Withem said. After several years, the ministry formed a team and planted a congregation in Tijuana, Mexico, across the U.S. border from San Diego.
Two Spanish-speaking elders serve alongside Magos and as part of the congregation’s whole elder body, Withem said.
Quick takes
ALABAMA
Matt Wallin
JACKSONVILLE — The most recent issue of the evangelistic publication House to House/Heart to Heart was mailed to 3.2 million homes.
“More than 1,300 congregations joined together with House to House to reach the most families we have ever reached,” said Matt Wallin, who signs up churches to distribute the publication. “We have already received word of three baptisms from this issue.”
The Jacksonville Church of Christ oversees the ministry.
LOUISIANA
CALHOUN — For nearly a quarter-century, a workshop focused on prayer has drawn church members from near and far to a rural congregation just off Interstate 20.
The recent 24th annual Calhoun Prayer Enrichment Workshop drew 44 registrants from six states, although some attended who didn’t register, minister Keith Roberts said.
“We’ve had 47 different speakers over the years,” Robert said. “It’ been a joy to do this workshop and see many of the same guests come back year after year.”
This year’s speakers included Albert Lemmons, James Nored, John Dobbs, Marco Senoret and Roberts.
Let’s Start Talking volunteers and readers at the West Springfield Church of Christ. (PHOTO PROVIDED BY GARETH FLANARY)
MASSACHUSETTS
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Let’s Start Talking sent three teams of workers to help the West Springfield Church of Christ for six weeks over the summer.
The volunteers from Salina, Kan., Canyon, Texas, and Dallas worked with the church on outreach to international neighbors, minister Gareth Flanary said. More than 50 readers from 21 countries were served.
“Each LST teacher built trust as they met the reader’s need for English improvement,” Flanary said.
OKLAHOMA
TULSA — “Family 2 Family” was the name of a recent door-knocking campaign by the Crosstown Church of Christ. Members invited more than 2,500 neighbors to attend a family seminar organized by the church.
“God has revealed himself through the neighbors we have met and served as well as through the people who have served alongside us,” minister Robert Prater said.
TEXAS
GARLAND — The Buckingham Road Church of Christ participated for the first time in a national movement to invite people who are not frequent churchgoers to try church again or perhaps attend for the first time.
National Back to Church Sunday was Sept. 17, elder Willie Hunter said.
Deacon Ted Bell, wearing a Churches of Christ Disaster Relief Inc. T-shirt, visits with residents in a hard-hit area of La Grange, Texas. (PHOTO BY BOBBY ROSS JR.)
Quote of the month
“It’s the least we could do. God bless.” — Ted Bell, deacon, La Grange Church of Christ in Texas, on offering food and supplies to victims of Hurricane Harvey. Read the full story.
