The General Evangelical Christian Ladies Department will host the 30th Annual Ladies' Banquet on Friday, June 15th, 2012. General Chairwoman Lois Taylor is excited to welcome back Susie Shellenberger as the featured speaker.  The Banquet will be held at the Maxwell Leadership Center, on the campus of Ohio Christian University.  It will begin at 6:30 P.M. 

Susie Shellenberger is a gifted communicator.  She has written over 40 books that have sold over 1.5 million copies combined.  She has debated Dr. Ruth on Fox News and has been featured as an expert on "The Montel Show."  Her university alma mater named her "Woman of the Century" in 2000.  Her greatest gift is helping people become intensely focused on a more intimate relationship with God.  

Besides Susie's incredible sense of humor, evangelism remains one of her top concerns.  Susie shares, "God doesn't want to be #1 in our lives, He wants to BE our lives!  He wants us to be saturated with him...to become obsessed with becoming all He calls us to be."  These are the things that Susie loves to speak about.  Lots of humor; lots of meat; lots of focused intensity on Jesus Christ.

Tickets are on sale now for $13.00.  To register online, click the "Register Now" button below.  Tickets may be reserved by phone by calling 740-474-8856.  To order your ticket by mail, send your reservation and payment to:

The Churches of Christ in Christian Union
Evangelical Christian Ladies
1553 Lancaster Pike
Circleville, OH 43113 

Make checks payable to "The Churches of Christ in Christian Union".  Reservations must be received no later that June 1st, 2012.  Only registrations received by June 1st, 2012 can be guaranteed.  For more information, call the CCCU Global Ministry Center at 740-474-8856.

Click here to download the 2012 General ECL Banquet flyer.

Ministers and their spouses live on the front line of ministry.  Experiencing unique challenges and pressures involved in ministry, it is important that they receive top notch spiritual and personal care.  The Northeast, South Central, and West Central districts are proud to annouce 2012 Ministers & Spouses Retreats.  These special events will be filled with times of encouragement, inspiration, fellowship, and relaxation.

Northeast District Ministers & Spouses Retreat

Date: March 9-10, 2012
Location: Lily Lake Camp
Contact Person: Rev. Brad Dixon
Phone: 302-492-8727

South Central District Ministers & Spouses Retreat

Date:  February 27-28, 2012
Location: Roberts Conference Centre, 123 Gano Rd., Wilmington, OH
Contact Person: Rev. Mike Holbrook
Phone: 740-474-8856
Featured Speaker: Rev. Joe Duvall
Cost: $145.00 per couple
To Register: Contact the District Office at 740-474-8856.

West Central District Ministers & Spouses Retreat

Date: March 5-6, 2012
Location: Carlisle Inn, 1357 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek, OH
Contact Person: Rev. Joe Duvall
Phone: 740-474-8856

The Great Commission/February Sacrifice Offering will officially launch on Feb. 1st, 2012!  The Great Commission/February Sacrifice Offering is a special offering received in every local church during the month of February to support CCCU efforts to fulfill the Great Commission.  Each local church is asked to designate one Sunday in the month of February for this special event.

As February draws near, please begin now to pray for our Great Commission/February Sacrifice Offering. Your sacrificial gift to missions is a boost to our missionaries' ministries both on the field and while at home. It is no secret that higher costs and apprehension about a changing economy cause us to think twice about an extra gift, yet we know that God has proven faithful to provide our needs.

The theme for the 2012 Great Commission/February Sacrifice Offering comes from the words of I Corinthians 15:56: "Be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." It is a great message for all of us – for our missionaries as they go to the fields – for all who remain and support their evangelism efforts.

For your convenience, you can give through your local church or give online!  If you would like to give online, click the "Donate" button below.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and giving.

Click here to download the 2012 Great Commision/February Sacrifice Offering flyer.

Click here to download the 2012 Great Commission/February Sacrifice Offering JPG for POWERPOINT slides.

Many of us are guilty of being roped into one of TV's greatest weapons to ensure loyalty, the MARATHON! Whether you find yourself home on a holiday or perhaps on a cold snow day it is easy to slump down on the couch and find yourself staring at the tube in a zombie-like state. Depending on the nature of the program or movie series this state may last for hours or even all day, but no matter the time, the result is always the same. After hours of uninterrupted devotion we are changed, we begin to talk like the characters, take on their lifestyle and circumstances, resonate with them, we begin to live the plot and possibly worst of all we are unable to close our eyes without seeing a frame or scene from the previous hours of commitment.

con•sume - kənˈsum, verb

1. to expend by use; use up.

2. to eat or drink up

3. to absorb; engross

Being truly consumed is a commitment of time, talent, treasure and self. As illustrated in the circumstances above we are changed by the forfeiting of our time, the opening of our heart and mind and the giving of our self. The world wants nothing more than for you to be consumed with; self-image, video games, social networking, sports, sex and countless others. Perhaps you can resonate with one of the items from the previous list or maybe you harbor another object of consumption entirely. No matter what consumes you, it is time to turn off the worldly marathon and be consumed by the Father.

Join us at South Central District Spring Retreat as we learn what it means to be Consumed by Him!  The retreat will be held on March 30-April 1, 2012 at the Scioto Hills Camp & Retreat Center.  The SCD ECY Board is excited to announce Ryan Bash as the speaker for this year's retreat.  Ryan is the Senior Pastor of Trinity Chapel CCCU in Milford Center, Ohio.  Prior to Milford Center, Ryan led a dynamic youth ministry as the Pastor of Student Ministries at Faith Memorial Church in Lancaster, Ohio.  Jason Otero, Youth & Worship Pastor at Winchester CCCU, will return to lead worship.  Jason is a gifted musician and worship leader with a passion for sharing God's love with young people.

Register NOW for the 2012 Spring Retreat!  You can register online ,using the link below, or by calling the ECY Office at 740-474-8856.  Early Bird Registration is available for $95.00 until March 26th.  After March 26th, the regular registration rate is $110.00.  For more information, contact the ECY Office at the number above or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Click here to download the 2012 Spring Retreat Brochure.

Click here to download the 2012 Spring Retreat Registration Form.

The ECY Department is proud to announce two exciting training opportunities for CCCU youth leaders and pastors!  The department is coordinating group trips to the Simply Youth Ministry Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on March 2-5 and Catalyst 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia on October 3-5. Coordinating these trips through the ECY Department will allow participants to build relationships with fellow CCCU ministry leaders, receive valuable training, and save money.

Because the ECY Department is committed to developing leaders and staying on the cutting edge of ministry, they are offering 4 scholarships to each conference for CCCU youth leaders or pastors. Scholarships will cover 100% of the registration cost for the conference! 

These conferences are all about developing ministry and leaderships skills and encouraging you in ministry. The Simply Youth Ministry Conference is a 4-day face-to-face experience that equips, encourages and connects people committed to serving pre-teens through young adults in the church. Catalyst 2012 is an experience that leaves you enlightened, rejuvenated, and ready to embrace the life to which you've been entrusted and the journey to which you've been called. Expect a fully immersive learning, worship and creative experience.

The time together will be used intentionally to gain new skills, build relationships, and invest in leaders spiritually. If you or a youth pastor, youth leader or pastor you know could benefit from these opportunities, contact the ECY Office by phone at 740-474-8856 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Leaders of eleven denominations met recently in Anderson, Indiana to form the Global Wesleyan Alliance (GWA), a unique partnership to amplify the prophetic voice of Wesleyan-Arminian, holiness ministries and increase their effectiveness in spreading scriptural holiness throughout the world.  According to The Wesleyan Church General Superintendent Jerry Pence, who was elected as the organization's first president, "This alliance will enable our denominations to achieve a historic level of cooperation and unity for holiness evangelism, discipleship, church multiplication, compassion and justice. Our passion is to pursue the Great Commission in the spirit of the Great Commandment-making Christ known through words and deeds and millions of lives filled with perfect love." Other members of the GWA board of directors are Dr. Tom Hermiz, vice president (The Churches of Christ in Christian Union General Superintendent); Dr. David Graves, secretary (Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent); Dr. Ronald Duncan, treasurer (Church of God-Anderson); and Dr. David Kendall (Free Methodist Church USA). 

The Alliance is designed to increase interdenominational cooperation without the necessity of formal, corporate mergers. Its initialobjectives include: creating greater community through intentional relationship building; collaborating to pool resources, share best practices and ministers, and generate new ideas and tools; convening events to promote the personal experience of holiness and collective ministries for discipleship, church health and multiplication, leadership development, prayer and networking; communicating with one another more intentionally and addressing contemporary issues and public concerns with a more united voice.  

Several early "big wins" are anticipated for the Alliance. The GWA's first joint effort will be a call to prayer for spiritual awakening and revival. A major effort will be made to establish procedures for the mutualrecognition of minister's credentials among the Alliance's covenant partner organizations. An online, free library of classic holiness literature is already available at www.holinesslegacy.com.  The December 2-3, 2011 organizational meeting for the Global Wesleyan Alliance included the general superintendents, bishops and executive directors of the Church of the Nazarene, The Wesleyan Church, Free Methodist Church USA, Church of God (Anderson), Churches of Christ in Christian Union, The Evangelical Church, Evangelical Methodist Church, Congregational Methodist Church, Church of Christ Holiness (USA), and the Pilgrim Holiness Church. Although each denomination's governing body must ultimately approve Alliance partnership, these and several others are expected to participate in the GWA's first official assembly when it is held in Circleville, Ohio, November 30-December 1, 2012.

For nearly 100 years, The Churches of Christ in Christian Union has gathered annually at the Mount of Praise Camp Meeting. As an opportunity for spiritual renewal, theological education, and fellowship across district lines, it plays a significant role in our denominational life. General Superintendent Dr. Tom Hermiz is pleased to report, "Mount of Praise Camp Meeting 2011 was one of our best camps in several years. We were blessed significantly by the number of spiritual victories at the altars, not only in the main services, but in both the youth and children's services as well."

Statistically Mount of Praise 2011 was also success. Attendance increased significantly over the past three years. Despite a struggling economy, the camp ended the year in the black financially. Teens of Praise, the youth ministry component of Mount of Praise, reported 114 students registered, the highest in nearly 25 years. Numerous comments and letters expressed deep appreciation for the ministry of Dr. James Diehl, Rev. David Gallimore, and Rev. Gary Bond.

Next year, Mount of Praise Camp Meeting will be held June 19-24, 2012. The evangelists will be Dr. Nelson Perdue and Dr. Bill Ury. Dr. Hermiz states, "Their strong biblical preaching is urgently needed in these days. Make plans now to attend." The McCrary Family will lead worship. There are multiple lodging options and free parking is available for RV's. For more information about Mount of Praise 2012, please contact The Churches of Christ in Christian Union at (740)-474-8856 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

On August 10-14, 2011, Urbana Church of Christ in Christian Union partnered with Marysville Church of the Nazarene to hold a Holiness Summit. Holiness Summits are grassroots level events that bring together pastors, leaders, and churches from across the Holiness Movement to preach and teach the doctrine of holiness. Speakers, representing both The Churches of Christ in Christian Union and the Church of the Nazarene, delivered powerful messages.

Selected audio and DVD recordings of the services are now available. DVD's are available for $5.00 each and CD's are $2.00 each. They may be ordered through the CCCU Department of Communication by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at (740)-474-8856.

Urbana/Marysville Holiness Summit Speakers:

Dr. David VanHoose – "The Distinction Between Spiritual and Carnal"
Dr. Paul Whiteford – "You Can Have A Pure Heart"
Dr. Nelson Perdue – "The Carnal Mind"
Dr. Thomas Hermiz –  "Entire Sanctification"

CCCU churches across the country are preparing for Back to Church Sunday on September 18th, 2011.  Back to Church Sunday is a cross-denominational movement to reverse declining church attendance and encourage everyone to revisit congregational life.

Back To Church Sunday has become the single largest community outreach in the nation with 10,000 churches expected to participate in 2011. This event reignites the power of personal invitation to empower church members to bring the community back to church. This year's event will be held the second Sunday after Labor Day to accommodate more churches.

General Superintendent Dr. Tom Hermiz and the CCCU General Board of Trustees are encouraging every CCCU church to participate and challenge members to personally invite friends, relatives, associates, and neighbors to Back to Church Sunday. 

Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site

Back To Church Sunday was launched in response to a 2008 study by LifeWay Research and the North American Mission Board of 15,000 adults that found that 67 percent of Americans say a personal invitation from a family member would be effective in getting them to visit a church. Sixty-three percent say an invitation from a friend or neighbor would likely get them to respond. 

For more information and resources on Back to Church Sunday, check out the National Back To Church website at www.backtochurch.com/participate or visit your local Christian bookstore. You may also contact the CE Lending Library for available materials. They may be reached at 937-695-0025 or by their web page www.cedept.com.

On August 27th and 28th, much of the eastern United States felt the effects of Hurricane Irene.  This powerful storm caused widespread power outages, flooding, and property damage.  Several local CCCU churches were effected by the storm.  In New York, damage was reported by Brooklyn CCCU, Cascade Valley CCCU, and our church plant in Staten Island.  In Maryland, Salisbury CCCU and Henderson CCCU reported property damage. 

The churches in Staten Island, Brooklyn, and Henderson all experienced flooding.  Additionally, the Brooklyn congregation also had a tree down on their property.  Salisbury CCCU suffered the greatest damage.  There was flooding in the church's basement and a falling tree put a hole in the roof of the youth building.  Cascade Valley CCCU has experienced an extended power outage and is still without power.  Electric service is not projected to return until September 4th. 

Pray for these congregations as they clean up and minister to their neighbors in aftermath of this storm. 

 

It is with great excitement that Wesley Biblical Seminary announces Transform:ED 2011! The Seminary's annual Fall conference on Christian leadership and spiritual formation will take place October 11-14 and features Dr. Gareth Lee Cockerill, Research Professor of New Testament and Biblical Theology at Wesley Biblical Seminary, as the distinguished Chamberlain Holiness lecturer.  The conference will take place on the beautiful campus of Wesley Biblical Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi.

Conference participants will have the unique opportunity to delve into the richly textured message of the Book of Hebrews and gain fresh insight into matters pertaining to the life of holiness and the experience of sanctification with one who has devoted close to a quarter of a century to the study of Hebrews, and whose forthcoming commentary in the prestigious New International Commentary on the New Testament series will replace the work of F.F. Bruce, one of the leading Evangelical biblical scholars of the twentieth century. As we have come to expect from the work of Dr. Cockerill, this lecture series will both furnish a fresh lens and facilitate a faithful experience for following Christ in the contemporary world.

All conference events are free to the public, and attendees wishing to earn (2) continuing education units can do so for a flat fee of $25.

Key events of this year's conference include:

-The Chamberlain Holiness Lectures
-WBS Academic Convocation
-WBS faculty forum presentations
-Breakout group sessions
-Dynamic worship and significant fellowship opportunities

Complete details, including electronic registration*, can be found on the Transform:ED 2011 webpage at transformed.wbs.edu.

We cordially invite you to come experience a transforming week that you will never forget!

*All conference events are free to the public, but attendees are required to register. Attendees from the Jackson metro area are welcome to register at the door, but are encouraged to pre-register online.

The South Central District is meeting today, July 8th, for its 53rd annual District Council at Brookside Church in Chillicothe, Ohio.  Ministers, delegates, and district officials will meet throughout the day to elect officers for the coming Council terms.  Many significant votes will be taken.  Updates will be made to this article as votes are announced.

Elected to following offices were:

Assistant District Superintendent: Leland Allman

District Board of Trustees: Doug Campbell, Dwight Hershey, & David Marhoover

District Board of Examination and Ordination: David Lattimer

District Church Extension Committee: Marilyn Roades

Pastoral Relationship Board: Lonnie Potts, Bob Jones

District Missionary Committee Chair: Randy Peters

SCD ECY President: Lisa Trimble

SCD ECY Treasurer: Aubrey Hines

SCD ECY Member-at-Large: Steve Warner

District Christian Education Committee: Charles Elliott

Camp Meeting Committee: Jim Slaughter, Wayne Hiles

OCU Representative: Philip Tipton

District ECL Committee: Angela Goldsberry

District Treasurer: Bruce Crabtree

The Friends of Tim and Kim Benner are pleased to announce a benefit for CCCU Missionaries Tim and Kim Benner on Saturday, June 11th.  They invite you join them at this free, open-invitation event.  The goal is to complete their fundraising in one night, including their monthly support and cash needs.  The event will take place at the Nipgen Camp Grounds in Nipgen, Ohio.  The evening will feature a reception for Benners and a benefit concert.  The reception will begin at 5 P.M. with light refreshments with the concert beginning at 6 P.M.  The Benners will greet guests at the reception until 7 P.M. and then join the concert already in progress. 

The Friends of Tim and Kim Benner have been contacting pastors, Missionary Presidents, and mission-minded Christians seeking 40 churches who will commit to bring 25 people and at least one $25 monthly commitment or equivalent to the benefit.  You can participate by attending the reception and concert, making a contribution to their ministry, or by committing to their monthly support need at the benefit on June 11th.   

The Friends of Tim and Kim Benner is an ad hoc committee comprised of friends, lay people, and ministers from throughout the CCCU.  These ministry champions are making it their personal responsibility to see that Tim and Kim Benner are fully funded and able to depart for the field by August 1st.

Tim and Kim, along with their daughert, Faith, will be serving on the Texas-Mexico border in McAllen, Texas, at Taylor Christian School and Taylor Community Center. This is a predominately Spanish-speaking community whose people need to hear about Christ so they can have a personal relationship with Him.  Kim will be teaching at Taylor Christian School while Tim helps with carpentry and mechanical projects at the school and Taylor Community Center. Tim will also lead work teams into Mexico. Tim and Kim will be involved in children's and youth ministries in the evenings as well. Their desire is to build friendships and lead others to Christ.  Kim is currently employed as a school teach in the Paint Valley School District and Tim works at Kenworth Truck Plant in Chillicothe, Ohio. 

For more information about how you or your church can participate in the Tim and Kim Benner Benefit, please contact the South Central District Office at 740-474-8856 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or the CCCU Missionary Department at 740-474-8856 or by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  

On March 11, 2011, a massive earthquake struck northeastern Japan, causing widespread damage and triggering deadly tsunamis. Few segments of Japanese society have been spared from the effects of this disaster. In the coming weeks and months, the people of Japan will undertake the massive task of caring for the hurting, rebuilding, and returning to normal life. Undoubtedly, this is a time when the Church can be a source of hope for Japan like never before. 

In response to the Gospel's call to help others in Matthew 25, The Churches of Christ in Christian Union is accepting donations to help with disaster relief in Japan. The CCCU responds to crises through partnerships and people on the ground where the crisis has occurred. Through our partnership with World Gospel Mission (WGM), we are able to respond to this disaster.  In Japan, WGM missionaries work with the Immanuel General Mission (IGM), an indigenous Japanese holiness denomination who will help lead the disaster relief efforts.

You have the power to make a difference in someone's life by making a donation to the CCCU Disaster Relief Fund. Every donation helps provide services to those in need and can help bring comfort to those in distress.  The CCCU has set up an donation web page. Contributions can be made online using the link below or sent by mail to the CCCU Global Ministry Center, P.O. Box 10, Circleville, OH 43113. For further information on the CCCU Disaster Relief Fund, please contact the Global Ministry Center at 740-474-8856.

The Churches of Christ in Christian Union is proud to announce the launch of the new denominational website.  The new website is a one-stop source for CCCU news, events, information, and resources.  This redesign is the result of significant collaboration between multiple departments, districts, and Global Ministries Center staff. 

The website provides greater access to information and incorporates new features such as online giving, online subscription for electronic version of the Evangelical Advocate, and expanded sections for districts and departments. Several features are still under development including a new media section, online event registration, and a new church directory.

The CCCU invites you to return to the new website as new sections and features are unveiled in the coming weeks and visit regularly to stay up to date on latest news and events throughout the denomination. 

 

The 2012 Ministerial Conference will be held on April 10th at the Maxwell Center at Ohio Christian University.  All CCCU ministers are invited to attend a day of equipping and encouragement.  Dr. Tom Hermiz and and Dr. James Diehl will present on the theme "Preach the Word!".  

Conference Schedule

Conference Speakers

Tuesday Morning 8:30-9:00 Registration 9:00-9:30 Praise & Worship: Rev. Mark Murphy 9:30-10:30 General Superintendent's Address:  Dr. Tom Hermiz 10:30-11:00 Break 11:00-11:15 Music: Rev. Mark Murphy 11:15-12:00 Keynote Session I:  Pastor as Preacher - Does it "Work" to preach holiness in the 21st century - Dr. Jim Diehl 12:00-1:30 Lunch Tuesday Afternoon 1:30-2:00 Music: Rev. Mark Murphy 2:00-2:45 Keynote Session II: Pastor as Shepherd - Contemporary challenges to ministry (Part One) - Dr. Jim Diehl 2:45-3:15 Break 3:15-3:30 Music: Rev. Mark Murphy 3:30-4:15 Keynote Session III:  Pastor as Shepherd - Contemporary challenges to ministry (Part Two) - Dr. Jim Diehl 4:15-4:30 Closing Comments & Adjournment If you cannot attend, CDs will be available of each session. Orders may be placed through The Global Ministry Center (740-474-8856) or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Overnight Accomodations Overnight accommodations in Circleville Mention you are with The Churches of Christ in Christian Union for these special rates. Holiday Inn Express - $65 U.S. Route 23 740-420-7711 (Behind Tim Hortons) Comfort Inn - $65 24517 U.S. Route 23 740-477-6116

Dr. James Diehl Dr. Jim Diehl has served with the Church of the Nazarene as a pastor, administrator, district superintendent, board member of several Nazarene universities and the Nazarene Theological Seminary and General Superintendent.  Dr. Diehl has written several articles.  His humor and love for people are evident from his preaching.  His heart beats ardently for evangelism, missions, youth, families and the communication of the Spirit filled life to people of all ages and cultures. Dr. Tom Hermiz Dr. Tom Hermiz serves as the General Superintendent of The Churches of Christ in Christian Union. He has served as pastor, executive director and president of the Christian Holiness Partnership, president of World Gospel Mission and evangelist. In recent years he has been in great demand as a speaker for camp meetings, Bible and missions conferences, and local church crusades. His preaching ministry has taken him to every section of the nation and into the West Indies, Asia, the Orient, Africa, South America, Central America, and Europe. Dr. Mark Murphy Rev. Mark Murphy is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University.  He has been a gospel soloist and recording artist since 1980.  He is an ordained elder with the Church of the Nazarene as a preaching and singing commissioned evangelist.

The offerings that are taken for the support of launching new churches are among one of the most important events of our church calendar year. According to Dr. Thomas Armiger the fastest growing mission field in the world is in North America. While Christianity is growing on every other continent, the Church is experiencing major decline in the United States and Canada. That’s why these offering appeals from the General Church Extension Department are so important.

Since the introduction of the General Church Extension department's new paradigm for establishing churches, our existing congregations are beginning to catch the vision and sense God's leading concerning their direct role in launching a new church and with assisting the denomination in reaching its goal of establishing seven new congregations over the next three council years. Many churches are seriously praying about forming, developing and nurturing a new congregation.

The CE Department would like to take this opportunity to invite you, your church's teachers and children's workers to the 2011 Teacher Appreciation Dinner.   The Christian Education Department holds this banquet once a year in order to say "Thank You" for the countless hours of ministry promoting Christian Education throughout our denomination.