The Rev. Dr. Marcus Leathers Installed as CCCA Regional Minister

As I embark on this new journey of leadership, I extend my heartfelt thanks to those who continue to make who the Christian Church Capital Area is as well as what is does matter, through partnering, participating and praying with us in our commitment to the Great the Commission. Through Jesus’ sacrificial love for all of us, God has made us community. As no entity exist alone, survives alone or achieves alone—the ministry of the CCCA continues to be a shared journey of faith dependent upon God’s grace and the devoted support of many. 

I am grateful for the leadership of Reverend Terri Hord Owens, General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. I offer thanks for the presence of leadership representing other general and regional ministries of the CC(DoC), ecumenical partners, colleagues, friends, and family who have offered unwavering support for the ongoing endeavors of the Christian Church Capital Area.

I give thanks for the Regional Minister Search Committee—its Chairperson, Reverend Terri McLellan (also Regional Moderator, CCCA), its Regional Minister Search Committee Partner, Reverend Joan Bell Haynes. From your diligent work as search committee, you transitioned into the Regional Minister’s Installation Planning Committee. On behalf of myself, my family, our region, and indeed this great church called into being, the CC(DoC), thank you for your labors through your great love of Christ! Now, installed as the Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area, with you, I bear responsibility to pray for the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit to inspire the significance of our work together, to instill obedience in our yielding to God’s sovereignty in all matters, to insist upon our yearnings for honesty and transparency in ministry to God’s people.  

THE REV. DR. MARCUS L. LEATHERS NAMED REGIONAL MINISTER FOR THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CAPITAL AREA!

The Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Capital Area has called Rev. Dr. Marcus L. Leathers to serve as the next Regional Minister.  The historic decision was made with a unanimous vote of the Board during a called meeting on August 13, 2023.  Rev. Leathers is the first African American called to serve as Capital Area Regional Minister and will begin his ministry on September 15, 2023.

Dr. Leathers is no stranger to the Capital Area Region where he has served in pastoral leadership for over 20 years.  Rev. Leathers serves as a Core Organizer/Trainer with the Anti-racism/Pro-reconciliation Initiative and has served in other capacities across the region such Director, Camp and Conference, the Board for the Disciples Center for Public Witness, and the Commission for Ministry.

Dr. Leathers completed a Master of Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Wesley Theological Seminary.  He is married to Tammi Coleman Leathers.  They have been blessed with three children Coleman (deceased), Madison, and Maxwell.

The Search Committee is grateful for all the prayers, feedback, and support from those in the Region.  The 18-month search process included anti-racism and bias training, consultation from independent evaluators and Regional Ministry Search partners, feedback from within the Region, and an unwavering commitment to follow God’s leading every step of the way.  Members of the Regional Search Committee included:  Mike Cline, Tonya Farren, Hugh Howard (deceased), Beth Hindsley, Rev. Tim Bobbitt, Rev. Delancy Catlett, Rev. Dr. Carol Green-Freeman, and Rev. Terri McLellan.

CCCA Campaign "More Than Enough!"

“More Than Enough!” is an opportunity for you to help ensure that the Christian Church Capital Area will be served in the future by a Regional Minister on a FULL TIME basis, just as it has been in the past.   Our Region consists of 40 congregations, thousands of church members, more than 100 clergy, many persons aspiring to ordination/under-care status, numerous commissions and committees, and important relationships with the General Church, partner institutions, and ecumenical organizations.  This comprehensive, vital ministry requires the oversight of an ordained professional who is devoted full time to the inherent responsibilities of spiritual leadership and management of the organization.

This special campaign is inspired by the message of the Apostle Paul in 2Cor 9:6-8 (Good News Bible):

“Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop.  Each one should give, then, as he (she) has decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.  God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.”

 The goal of “More Than Enough!” is to raise $100,000 in each of the next three years (2022, 2023, 2024), though it may need to be extended for additional years.  THE EXCITING NEWS, AS THE GENERAL PHASE OF THE CAMPAIGN BEGINS, IS THAT $50,000 (50% OF GOAL!) HAS ALREADY BEEN PLEDGED BY EARLY DONORS IN THE ADVANCE PHASE! 

Join them!  Every pledge will help to support a full time Regional Minister.  Every Disciple, every church, every friend of CCCA is invited to make a multi-year commitment.  Please note: Pledges do not replace annual giving, nor do they replace gifts to special General Church offerings.  Together, let us embrace Paul’s position: “(We) will always have …more than enough for every good cause.”

Please give prayerful consideration to your participation in “More Than Enough!”.  Then, complete a pledge form that accompanies this announcement, and send it to the Regional office.  Now, and in the future, personal checks/pledge payments are to be mailed to the Region office, with the notation that it is for the fulfillment of a pledge to “More Than Enough!”.  The campaign’s financial records will be maintained by the Region.  CCCA is registered with IRS 501(c)(3) status, so all gifts are tax deductible.

Again, the exciting news, as “More Than Enough!” officially begins: $50,000 OF OUR $100,000 ANNUAL GOAL (50%!) HAS ALREADY BEEN PLEDGED!  Individually, and as a congregation, please join the effort!

Thank you, and God bless you!

Please use the pledge form HERE

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“More Than Enough!” Campaign Committee:  Fran Cockerham, Sara Hindsley, Bill Johnston, Yvonne Malone, Bob McCoy,

Rev. Yakelin Santos, and Rev. Jeff Stinehelfer (Interim Regional Minister)

From Sara: “I encourage people and churches of Capital Area Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to support this campaign because we need a full time Regional Minister to serve all of our congregations, which are scattered across four states and the District of Columbia.  As I have been active in the CCCA Disciples Women Fellowship, I have met some incredible women who are faithful to its vision and mission.  At one time, we had a DW Minister who would give guidance and assistance.  But lack of funds meant that position was dropped, and the Regional Minister took a more visible role.  For many years, I was at Camp Mary Mac each summer working with Junior Camp, and a couple of years I was at Bethany Beach to help with CYF and to lead a Family Camp.  At almost every camp, the serving Regional Minister would visit to see how all was going.  We all want a Regional Minister who knows us and supports us, so we must make sure we give the support that is needed for the Regional Minister.”

 From Bill: “Bethany Beach Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has seen what a difference it makes to benefit from a full time Reginal Minister.  Allen Harris was a blessing in so many ways.  In particular, he provided invaluable spiritual and organizational guidance as our Church, during a relatively short time period, conducted not one but two searches for new pastors.  Please join me and others in participating in ‘More Than Enough!”

 From Yvonne: “My acceptance of this opportunity is primarily based on my love of the church and its people, and the strength I have received as part of such a large body of witnesses.  It has been a very fulfilling time in my life.  Our past leadership has left us with a strong faith and purpose to go forward in the name of Christ.  This campaign is a beginning for us to move in that direction.  Together we (the community of Christians) can support this effort financially and prepare to engage in raising awareness of the Capital Area Christian Church with full time leadership.”

 From Bob: “Growing up in the Christian Church Capital Area region, I have had the opportunity to enjoy the camp and conference programs as a kid and later serving as a counselor/director of many camps.  In addition to the camp and conference programs, there are many ways one can help shape the future of our region.  Following Lari Grubbs resignation, I was approached to serve on the search committee that ultimately hired Allen Harris as our RM.  Following that appointment, I felt fortunate to continue my support of Allen, serving on his Pastoral Relations Committee for four years.  It was through that service that I became educated to the financial needs of our region and the many demands placed upon someone in that position.  Taking that knowledge, I have since educated my congregation’s Outreach Council and Finance Council at Falls Church, to provide dedicated financial support to the region through our outreach giving and investment income.  It would be my hope and prayer that all of the congregations in CCCA contribute financially to support our region, now and in the years ahead.  It is my pledge through this campaign to help educate other churches and individuals on the benefits of the region and the need to support it through our time, talent, and treasure.”

 From Yakeliin: “’More than enough’ were Paul’s words to the early church in Corinth when he referred to the resources that eventually were going to serve as an offering to the church in Jerusalem.  In a different letter Paul refers to the ‘unsearchable riches of Christ’.  These were words of affirmation and assurance for the early believers.  Two thousand years later, we also receive the apostle’s words in the same way.  However, perhaps we should listen to them also as an invitation to exercise Christian stewardship and denominational support.  It was more than enough then; it is more than enough now.  With this project, we want to put into action a concrete plan that makes us able in a near future, to pay our Regional Minister a full time salary.  We count on every brother, every sister, every sibling, every congregation, but especially we are counting on you and your generosity.”

Please use the Pledge Form HERE

Little FREE Pantry (OPEN 24/7) at Shepherd Park Christian Church

LITTLE FREE PANTRY (OPEN 24/7)

SHEPHERD PARK CHRISTIAN CHURCH

7900 EASTERN AVE NW, WASHINGTON DC20012

www.shepherdparkchristianchurch.org

Shepherd Park Christian Church has set up a Little Free Pantry (LFP). LFPs are similar to Little Free Libraries, only with food and other supplies. Ours is set up with canned meats/fish, vegetables, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, soups, condiments, and other staples, We have also stocked individual packages each containing a face mask, a bottle of hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes, and a bar of soap. The principle is for neighbors to take what they need and to give back when they can. The LFP is located near the front of the church on the Eastern Ave side. You can see what’s available daily at 365project.org/spccfreepantry/365. Please share with anyone you think can benefit. Thanks

Capital Area Region Churches offering Virtual/Online Worship Services.

Several Capital Area Region Churches are offering Virtual/Online Worship Services. Please click a link below to participate.

Virginia

• First Christian Church, Alexandria, VA 22302

• First Christian Church-Falls Church VA 22044

• Springfield Christian Church, Springfield, VA 22151

• Wilson Boulevard Christian Church, Arlington, VA 22203

• United Christian Parish, Reston, VA 20190

District of Columbia

• Michigan Park Christian Church, Washington, DC: 20017

• National City Christian Church, Washington, DC 20005

• Shepherd Park Christian Church Washington, DC 20012

Delaware

• Bethany Beach Christian Church, Bethany Beach, DE 19930

Maryland

• Aspen Hill Christian Church, Aspen Hill, MD 20906

• Bethany Christian Church, Fort Washington, MD 20744

• Christian Temple, Baltimore, MD 21228

• Columbia United Christian Church, Columbia, MD 21045

• Disciples Home Missions Interactive Map of Disciples Congregations Offering Virtual Worship

• First Christian Church, Hagerstown, MD 21742

• Heritage Christian Church, Silver Spring, MD 20905

• Hyattstown Christian Church, Hyattstown, MD 20871

• North Chevy Chase Christian Church, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

• Pilgrimage Christian Church, Suitland MD (email Rev. Cardwell for login instructions) Suitland, MD 20746

• University Christian Church, Adelphi, MD Hyattsville, MD 20782