Phone: 740-474-8856    E:Mail: info@cccuhq.org

Clergy Appreciation Month is a special time that congregations set aside each year to honor their pastors and pastoral families for the hard work, sacrificial dedication and multiple blessings provided by these special people. It is typically scheduled in October, but can be held at any time that is convenient for the church and the community. It is also important to remember that appreciation, affirmation, and prayer support of our spiritual leaders is appropriate throughout the entire year.

God has instructed us to recognize His servants.

"The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17).

You can make a difference! Clergy Appreciation Month is one way to invest in the lives of our spiritual leaders.  Follow this link to learn more about Clergy Appreciation Month and appreciation ideas.  

Thank you in advance for showing your love for our clergy and their families.

*This article is a preview of the article posted in the link above, published by thrivingpastors.com.

Rev. Frank Skies has been elected District Superintendent of the Northeast District of The Churches of Christ in Christian Union.  Delegates are meeting today, July 24th, for their annual District Council at Lily Lake Camp in Port Crane, New York.  Rev. Skies replaces retiring District Superintendent Rev. Brad Dixon.  Rev. Skies is the Pastor of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.  Rev. Skies is a graduate of Ohio Christian University and has served extensively in district and general level roles the the CCCU.  He is married to Kaye Skies.

Check back soon for further updates.

The West Central District met Saturday, July 12th, 2014 for its annual District Council at Lighthouse Ministries in Columbus, Ohio. Ministers, delegates, and district officials gathered to elect officers for the coming Council terms. Many significant votes were taken. Results are listed below.

Elected to following offices were:

Assistant District Superintendent: Dan Jordan

District Board of Trustees: David Case, Dan Tipton, & David Allison

District Board of Examination and Ordination: Donovan Blankenship

District Church Extension Committee: Dean Hawk

Pastoral Relationship Board: Mel Truex

District Missionary Committee: Don Seymour

WCD ECY Vice-President: John Burr

WCD ECY Secretary: Alyssa Tabor

WCD ECY Advisory Pastor: Ryan Bash

WCD ECY Member-at-Large: Liz Nunnally

District Christian Education Committee: Jeremy Olson

Camp Meeting Committee: Tracy Dague, Chris Newland

District ECL Committee: Shirley McDaniel

Mr. Jim Bowman, long time CCCU layman and leader, was promoted to his eternal reward on June 3rd, 2014. Mr. Bowman served as a General ECY President, Youth Camp Coordinator, and as a leader on many denominational boards. Our prayers are with the family.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 8th, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial CCCU in Washington C.H., Ohio.  The funeral will be held on Monday, June 9th, 2014 at Heritage Memorial CCCU.  The service will begin at 10:30 a.m.  The service is expected to last until approximately noon.  The service will be followed by a meal in the Kline Family Center at the church.  The burial procession will depart the church at 3:00 p.m.  The graveside service will be held at Sugartree Ridge Cemetery in Winchester, Ohio, at 4 p.m.

On Tuesday, April 8, CCCU ministers from across the denomination will gather at Ohio Christian University for Ministerial Conference 2014.  Ministerial Conference is an annual event focused on equipping, encouraging, and empowering workers on the front lines of ministry.  

This year the conference will be broadcasted live online. We invite you to join us!  To access the live feed, visit: http://www.ohiochristian.edu/live.  

The theme will be "Shepherding the Flock of Christ."  Special speakers include Dr. Tom Hermiz, Rev. Tim Throckmorton, Rev. Jonathan Morgan, and Rev. Wes Humble.  The Conference begins at 9 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m.

For more information, contact the CCCU Global Ministry Center at 740-474-8856.  

Sacrifice Sunday 2014 is Feb. 23rd, 2014! The Sacrifice Sunday Offering is a special offering received in every local church in February to support CCCU efforts to fulfill the Great Commission. Each local church is asked to receive a special offering Sunday, February 23rd, for this special event.

As February draws near, please begin now to pray for our Sacrifice Sunday 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 2014 Sacrifice Sunday Offering is "Gaining What You Cannot Lose." The theme comes from the words of Matthew 6:19-20: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

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 to download to Sacrifice Sunday 2014 flyer.

Rev. Joe Johnson, long time CCCU minister and leader, was promoted to his eternal reward on August 18th, 2013.  Rev. Johnson served as a pastor, leader of Inner City Ministries in Columbus, Ohio, and as a leader on many denominational boards.  Our prayers are with the family.

Calling hours will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20th, at Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene.  The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August, 21st, at Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene at 11 a.m. with Dr. Thomas Hermiz & Rev. Joseph Duvall officiating.

Rev. R.G. Humble, former General Superintendent, passed away on August 14th, 2013.  Rev. Humble served as General Superintendent from 1962-1968 and as President of Ohio Christian University from 1953-1956.  We are profoundly grateful for his life & ministry. Our prayers are with the family.

Viewing hours will be held Sunday evening, August 18th, from 4-8 p.m. at Boyer Funeral Home in Waverly, Ohio, and on Monday, August 19th, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at New Covenant CCCU in Waverly, Ohio.  The funeral will begin at 11 a.m. at New Covenant CCCU.

 

It's back! The premiere Christian Education training event is coming up September 14th, on the campus of Ohio Christian University in the Maxwell Leadership Center.

This year's keynote speaker will be author, professor, and educator Keith Drury. Keith has been a long time promoter of Christian Education and we could think of no one better to train and teach us on how to be more effective in ministry.

The training event will be following our three primary ministry initiatives: Biblical Literacy for Children, a Biblical Worldview for Students, and Biblical Discipleship for Adults. The Conference will feature specialized breakout workshops for each group.

The Christian Education Department is pleased to offer this training at no cost but it would be helpful if you could take a few moments to register in advance. Click here to register online or call 937-695-0025 to register by phone. This will help the CE staff better serve you by knowing in advance how to set up each of the training areas.

The tentative schedule for the day is as follows:

8:30 – Registration
9:00 – General Session
10:15 – Break
10:30 – Workshop 1
11:30 – Lunch
1:00 – Workshop 2
2:00 – Closing

For more information, visit the Christian Education Department's website at www.cedept.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Christian Education Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 937-695-0025.

Training ministry leaders is central to the success of youth ministry. Leaders who invest personally in ministry can be one of the greatest Christian influences in a student's life. The General Evangelical Christian Youth Department recognizes the need for this type of youth leader. We believe that God raises up special people for this purpose. It is our privilege each year to award the Dan Parker ECY Scholarship for the purpose of training future youth leaders, pastors, and missionaries who will invest themselves in young people.

The ECY Department is proud to award the Dan Parker ECY Scholarship annually to a graduating high school senior who enrolls at Ohio Christian University. Any student who is member in good standing with a local CCCU church is eligible to apply. The application procedures are as follows:

1.Provide a written testimony of your spiritual journey and what has led you to apply and plan to attend OCU (around 750 words).
2. Provide an official copy of your high school transcript. This will allow our board to review your sincerity and commitment to higher education.
3. Enclose a letter of recommendation from your pastor or youth pastor.

The only requirement of the recipient is that he or she follows through with the intention to attend OCU. The scholarship will be given in two $500 awards following the successful completion of each semester of the first year of study and is eligible to be matched by Ohio Christian University's Church Matching Grant.  This creates a potential scholarship award of $2000. Application materials must be received by August 31st. 

Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact the General ECY Office at 740-474-8856 or visit the ECY website at www.cccuyouth.org.  

The South Central District is excited to announce the Nipgen Camp Meeting 2013! The camp will be held from Sunday, July 21st to Sunday, July 28th, 2013. The camp welcomes evangelists Dr. Stan Toler and Rev. Jack Norman. The Family Heritage Singers will lead worship.

On Tuesday, July 23rd, Dr. Stan Toler will conduct a high-powered seminar for pastors, ministers, and church leaders. CCCU ministers in attendance will receive one CEU. The seminar will be offered free of charge and all are welcome to attend.

Nipgen Camp Meeting is a holiness camp meeting, welcoming all who desire to know and love God. Sponsored by the South Central District of The Churches of Christ in Christian Union, Nipgen Camp features dynamic ministries for all ages. Wonderful fellowship, active children's services, a growing youth program involving over 75 teenagers, and powerful preaching and worship are just a few of the reasons to join us for the 2013 Nipgen Camp Meeting on July 21-28!

The camp features three services each Sunday, starting at 11:00 A.M., 2:30 P.M., and 6:00 P.M. Services on Monday through Friday are held at 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The SCD Missionary Rally will be held on Saturday, July 27th, at 7:30 p.m. Youth and children's programs run throughout the camp, making it a fantastic family event and a true family camp.

For more information about programs, speakers, and events, contact the South Central District Office at 740-474-8856 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Click here to download the 2013 Nipgen Camp Brochure and the 2013 Nipgen Camp Poster

Mark your calendar and join us as we worship, celebrate, seek, and serve together!

The South Central District is excited to announce the 2013 SCD Missionary Rally! The Rally will be held on Friday, July 26th, 2013 at Nipgen Camp Meeting. The Rally will start at 7:30 p.m.

The theme of the Rally is "A Generation of Giving: 20 Years of Kid Power." Kid Power is a denomination-wide program that disciples children to pray, serve, and give to missions. Children collect and save money throughout the year for the annual Kid Power Offering. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been raised through Kid Power. Churches from around the district will present their 2013 Kid Power Offering during the Rally.

Click here to download the SCD Missionary Rally Poster 2013. Please post and distribute this poster at your church.

For more information, contact the South Central District Office at 740-474-8856 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Ohio Christian University announces a new service to the community with the opening of The Connection, Circleville's premier Christian bookstore. The new two-story facility is located in the east wing of the Maxwell Center on OCU's main campus. In addition to OCU apparel and textbooks, The Connection boasts a large selection of books, bibles, cards, artwork, church supplies, and gifts.

"Being a part of the community and serving is what we strive for," said Dr. Hank Kelly, OCU Provost. "The Connection is a new way members of the community can enjoy our facilities as much as our students do."

The two-story addition to the Maxwell Center is located on the east side of the building and is easily visible due to its plate glass facade. The Connection is also equipped with elevator access and multiple locations to relax and enjoy a book.

The Connection is open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays.

For more information, contact Bookstore Administrator LeAnn Daniel at 740-477-7756.

In Memory of Kent M. Harmless

When Kent Harmless passed away unexpectedly in the early hours of February 4, 2013, it didn't take long for an outpouring of love and support to flood Rhonda's Facebook page, and this was one of my favorite comments.  "If God has an auto repair shop up there, heaven just filled the position of head mechanic!"

Without question, Kent is celebrating in heaven today with others who have gone before him. Our understanding of our "second life" in heaven is dim, and we can only imagine the transformation in Kent as he can finally fully worship our Lord and Savior.

Over the years that we on earth were privileged to spend with him, Kent excelled at many, many things. He had an uncanny knack for giving old cars a new lease on life, fixing motors that had been deemed "unfixable," and solving all manner of mechanical problems. Everywhere he went, whether he was fixing a church bus in Laredo, Texas, wiring a missionary's home in Kenya, or teaching auto mechanics to underprivileged boys in Honduras, Kent used his skills to direct people to the Lord.

Kent adored his wife of almost 35 years, Rhonda, calling her his Queen. He loved his daughter, Teresa. His little granddaughter, Sydney, had a special place in his heart. Most importantly, his Savior, Jesus Christ, was the Lord of his life.

World Gospel Mission was fortunate to have Kent and Rhonda join our team in 2004, when they were appointed as missionaries to Honduras. They were veteran missionaries at that point, having served in Laredo, Texas, for 15 years with Churches of Christ in Christian Union.  Kent poured himself into his work at Escuela El Sembrador, maintaining farm equipment, teaching in the vocational school, and helping with visiting work teams. He never missed a chance to pass on his knowledge of mechanics, always desiring to build up his students. Kent's greatest joy was seeing the changes God made in the lives of the students.

He was not eloquent, but he was profound. He was not a preacher, but he proclaimed Christ's love. Kent was not a linguist, but he was a master communicator. He was not a rich man, but he possessed riches beyond all measure. He was not a counselor, but his advice was always paramount. He was not always in charge, but people followed his heart, a heart that was committed to others and to a life dedicated to service.

Matthew 25:21 (NIV): "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' "

Kent M. Harmless was a faithful friend and servant of the Most High God, and he is truly sharing in his Master's happiness today. World Gospel Mission joins with his family and friends who are spread around the globe in mourning the loss of our friend and celebrating his life and legacy.


Dr. Hubert Harriman
President
World Gospel Mission

The Global Wesleyan Alliance met recently in Circleville, OH at the Global Ministry Center of The Churches of Christ in Christian Union. The GWA is comprised of the top leaders for over ten denominations. They represent more than twelve thousand congregations in North America.

The GWA is a partnership with the purpose of spreading scriptural holiness throughout the world. The level of cooperation and unity among the member denominations is remarkably high.

Dr. Thomas H. Hermiz was elected to serve as President (General Superintendent, The Churches of Christ in Christian Union), Dr. JoAnne Lyon, Vice President, (General Superintendent, The Wesleyan Church), Dr. David Graves, Secretary, (General Superintendent, Church of the Nazarene), Dr. Ron Duncan, Treasurer, (General Director, Church of God Anderson), and Bishop David Kendall, Member at Large, (Bishop, The Free Methodist Church).

Several cooperative initiatives were approved and are being developed by the Board of Directors. These initiatives will be announced as soon as the details have been completed.

The purpose of the Global Wesleyan Alliance is to increase interdenominational cooperation without the necessity of formal corporate mergers. It provides a forum for developing relationships, pooling resources and sharing best practices. There will be occasions when the Alliance will provide a way to speak to current events with a united voice.

The recent meeting brought together the General Superintendents, Bishops, General Directors and Presidents of the following denominations: The Church of the Nazarene, The Wesleyan Church, The Free Methodist Church, The Church of God Anderson, The Salvation Army, The Churches of Christ in Christian Union, The Evangelical Church, The Evangelical Methodist, The Church of Christ Holiness and The Missionary Church. The Congregational Methodist, the Methodist Protestant Church and the International Fellowship of Bible Churches are also active members.

kent and rhonda harmlessKent Harmless, CCCU Missionary to Honduras, passed away early Monday, February 4th, 2013, due to complications from a heart attack early on February 3rd.  We mourn our loss, but celebrate a life well lived. Please join us in praying for his wife – Rhonda, daughter – Theresa, & granddaughter – Sydney. Truly, our loss is heaven's gain.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 10, at Crossroads CCCU in Circleville, Ohio. Visiting time with the family will be held at 1:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Dr. David Lattimer, Dr. Dan Tipton, & Rev. Tim Throckmorton will officiate.

A memorial service will also be held this evening, February 4th, at Escuela El Sembrador in Honduras.

The family asked that a memorial fund be established to benefit El Sembrador, where Kent served.  Contributions may be made online by following the link below or by mail.

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Donations by mail should be sent to the CCCU General Missionary Department at 1553 Lancaster Pike, Circleville, OH 43113.  Please mark donations with "Harmless Memorial Fund."

 

General Secretary Dr. Ralph Hux is proud to announce the launch of the next ordination class, "Administering the Local Church".  The deadline to register for the next ministerial class leading to Ordination is January 5, 2013.

This class is available to all our ministerial candidates.  The class will meet one night per week from 6-9 PM for 5 weeks beginning February 5th and ending on March 5, 2013. The class has been moved and will be held at the Global Ministry Center in Circleville, Ohio.  For those who cannot meet in person, ALL classes will now be available on "Go To Meeting," from the comfort of your home or office. You will be able to interact with the instructor and the other members of the class from anyplace in the United States.

This is one of the required courses for Ordination. Just like all of the twenty-two courses it will only be available once every three years. The instructor for this class is Pastor Jonathan Morgan. The cost is $150.00.

Please contact Dr. Ralph Hux for specific information and to register. Phone: (740)474-8856. E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Churches of Christ in Christian Union are happy to report our churches in the Northeast District have not suffered any damage or loss of life from Hurricane Sandy. Northeast District Superintendent Brad Dixon reports that some are still without power. Let us thank God for His protection and pray for these congregations as they minister to their neighbors.

Ohio Christian University is proud to present Practical Leadership, with Rev. Mike Holbrook.  Practical Leadership is a four (4) hour continuing education seminar for pastors and students on November 2nd, 2012.

Rev. Holbrook will share insights on God's calling for pastors to lead their congregations and will give a practical look at how that manifests itself in the local church.  Once we establish that God has called us to lead, the next step is to find the heart of Jesus for our people. Mike will help us understand how to both discover and cultivate this heart.  Finally, on the application level, he will discuss how a pastor can develop the requisite people skills needed to effectively lead a congregation.

Admission to the event is free and CCCU ministers who participate will earn one (1) Continuing Education Unit.  The seminar will be held in Room 219 of the Maxwell Library, beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Pre-registration is not required.  For more info, contact Ohio Christian University at 1-877-762-8669.

Click here to download the Practical Leadership flyer.

The General Church Extension Department is proud to announce the 2012 Fall Offering: Building His Church...Constructing New Lives. The Churces of Christ in Christian Union continue to experience the steady establishment of new churches throughout the denomination. Many established churches are responding to the leadership of the Holy Spirit becoming directly involved in launching new congregations. As important as the financial support from our churches and congregations is, the most powerful display of faith and vision are occurring among our established churches taking leadership in launching new works. No existing church however can completely underwrite the financial challenges associated with the establishment of a new church. That is why your support and participation in the Fall Church Extension Offering is so important.

The Building His Church...Constructing New Lives Offering will begin on October 28th.  Through your financial support, not all the expense burdens associated with starting a new church is solely borne by the new congregation. This offering provides all of us with the privilege of being involved with the success of building His church and constructing new lives for the glory of God and His kingdom. There is nothing more exciting than being directly involved in kingdom work. Our financial commitments, combined with our unwavering support, provide for us our greatest potential for success and reaching the lost for Christ.

Now is our opportunity to make a difference. Please do all you can to encourage your family, friends, and church to join in the work of launching new churches by supporting the 2012 Fall General Church Extension Offering. God is pleased when we do all we can to see His kingdom go forward. God loves the church and has determined we continue to build His church until Jesus returns. The greatest hope for the construction of new lives continues to take place week-in and week-out through the ministries of local God-fearing congregations all across America and around the world. That is why we must continue to build His church until Jesus calls us home!

You may contribute online, give to the special offering at your church, or contribute by mail. Click the "Donate" button below to donate online. Offerings will be received at each local church until November 18th, 2012.

Click here to download the 2012 Church Extension Fall Offering Poster. For more information about how to promote, participate, and contribute to Church Extension, please contract the Church Extension Department at 740-474-8856, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..