
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 8, 1993                   TAG: 9305080229
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MEET NEXT WEEKEND

Lay and clergy delegates from Virginia Disciples of Christ congregations will gather May 14-16 in Richmond for their first assembly presided over by the Rev Dr. R. Woods Kent. Last year he became the executive for joint ministries of the churches and works from regional offices in Lynchburg. "Claiming and Proclaiming the Gospel" will be the assembly theme.

This will be developed by several speakers in small group meetings. They will focus on winning people to Christ through several means including starting new churches, direct proclamation of the Gospel, theological education and family institutions. A former Roanoker, the Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, who serves a new metro church in Atlanta, will be among the group leaders.

The Rev. Terry Willis of Melrose Church in Roanoke said about 300 are expected at the meeting. Resolutions, which may generate debate, include one to change the regional meeting from an annual to a biennial schedule alternating with the national Disciples conventions. Other overtures include one from youth asking for maintenance of a high standard by church leadership in the use of legal and illegal drugs and efforts to spell out the church position on the ordination of homosexuals.

by CNB