Early this month, Lincoln Christian University announced it is exploring the sale of a portion of its campus to Open Arms Christian Fellowship, one of its partner churches in Lincoln, Ill.
The proposal is for Open Arms to purchase the portion of LCU’s campus that includes the university’s chapel, athletic facilities, and dormitories. The church would use those facilities for its worship services and community outreach. LCU would retain its original footprint, including the Administration Building, Timothy Hall, Harmony Hall, the warehouse, Henderson Hall, Restoration Hall, and the student apartments.
“There are still significant hoops to jump through,” said LCU president Silas McCormick, “but we really want to make this work. It’s good for Open Arms, [which] is bursting at the seams right now, and it’s good for us as it helps us reduce our debt and fit our campus to our new educational model. It’s good for the community too, as it helps us remain here in Lincoln.”
In February, LCU announced sweeping changes to its program offerings and education model, which we explained in this article.
In an April 1 Facebook post, McCormick answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the upcoming changes.
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A large contingent of Dallas Christian College students visited with Mark and Caroline Worley at their home last week. The Worleys, both alums of DCC and longtime workers at the college, have each been dealing with cancer of late.
“Both Mark and Caroline are deeply loved by generations of students, employees, and the churches,” said DCC president Brian D. Smith. “So, when, over a year ago, Caroline began her battle with cancer in the form of a melanoma, our community surrounded them with support and prayer.” The cancer later metastasized to her lungs and spine.
“In late February of this year, Mark was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has spread to his liver,” Smith said.
Caroline is undergoing immunotherapy and radiation, while Mark recently started chemotherapy, he said.
A Facebook post chronicling the visit garnered more than 300 positive reactions, along with dozens of comments and shares.
Mark Worley has served DCC for more than 40 years, most recently as vice president of advancement. Caroline Worley is chair of the college’s education department.
“They have impacted countless students through their teaching, mentoring, and by their example of a Christian marriage and personal testimony,” said John Derry, vice president for academic affairs.
“Our community is certainly hurting with them,” Smith added. “We are praying of the Lord’s will in all of this.” The college is deeply grateful, he said, for the Worleys’ “immeasurable contribution” to DCC and the kingdom of God.
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Today is the birthday of Mark Taylor, who served as editor of Christian Standard for 14 years, until his retirement in 2017. Read today’s post on his “Unchosen Journey” blog.
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Todd Murphy, minister with Sugar Creek Christian Church (Campbellsburg, Ind.) and a chaplain with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, helped organize and lead a prayer vigil outside the county courthouse in Salem, Ind., on Sunday for a child found dead inside a suitcase near a heavily wooded part of the county on April 16.
The unidentified boy, about 5 years old, was found by a mushroom hunter, according to the fox59.com. The vigil, one of three in the county on Sunday, helped honor the boy and bring attention to the case.
“Maybe, somewhere, we can find this little guy’s family,” Murphy said. “The ultimate goal here is to get him home.”
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The Michigan Christian Convention will take place Friday and Saturday in the Doty Center at Great Lakes Christian College, Lansing, Mich. The convention’s website has information concerning registration, speakers, schedules, and special events.
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Northside Christian Church in New Albany, Ind. (near Louisville, Ky), will host “Leading Resilient Disciples in the New Babylon”—a dinner and discussion for church leaders only—from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday. Speakers will include Bobby Harrington and Nate Ross, among others. Learn more and register at www.eventbrite.com. The next day, the church will host RENEW.org’s Louisville Regional Gathering, an all-day session on “Real Life & Theology.” Learn more and register here. There is a cost associated with these events.
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Earl Edward Grice, 99, of Rochester, Minn., who served as a professor, student dean, and academic dean for 40 years with Minnesota Bible College (starting in the mid-1950s), died at his home April 16. Grice earned degrees from MBC (which later became Crossroads College, before closing in 2016) and Phillips University, and served as minister with churches in Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. A celebration of life service will take place a 2 p.m. May 14 at Hope Summit Christian Church in Rochester. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. The Post Bulletin published this obituary.
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We mourn the passing of Mark Williams, 52, who drowned April 14 while kayaking on Table Rock Lack, Eagle Rock, Mo. Mark had served in various ministry roles through the years in churches and at Ozark Christian College. He is the son of Heather and Meredith Williams, former administrator and faculty member at OCC. Services were April 20 at College Heights Christian Church, Joplin, Mo. Mason-Woodard handled the arrangements and provided this obituary.
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The MultiplyUs 8 Conference will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. (Eastern) on Thursday. The joint venture by 24:14 and MoreDisciples.com will be facilitated by Chris McBride (of 24:14) and Doug Lucas (author of the book More Disciples). The conferences regularly feature case studies and examples of Christian leaders who are implementing disciple-making movement strategies and life practices. To register, go to moredisciples.com/multiplyus/.
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The annual banquet for the Good News Jail & Prison Ministry will take place at 6 p.m. May 3 at Owensboro (Ky.) Christian Church. The event will benefit the ministry at the Daviess County Detention Center.
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Central Christian College of the Bible has been nominated for the Moberly (Mo.) Area Chamber of Commerce Partnership Award. The winner will be announced at the annual chamber banquet on May 7.
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