About 100 Disciples seminarians from across the country will congregate next month for the Seminarians Conference, organized by Higher Education and Leadership Ministries and supported by the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

"This is a once-in-your-seminary-career opportunity to meet your colleagues in ministry and the leaders of your denomination," said Kathy Carson, HELM's Director of Program Services. "The connections you make at the Seminarians Conference can make a lasting difference in your ministry."During the conference, seminarians will discuss the church's mission, ministry, heritage and traditions in a variety of ways.

Speakers at this year's conference include General Minister and President Chris Hobgood; Bill Edwards, former Associate General Minister and incoming Ohio Regional Minister; presidents of all General Ministries; and 15 additional staff members from various ministries who will lead workshops and organize other educational events.

The conference also includes a field trip - to the Disciples of Christ Historical Society down the block.

During the summer HELM sent postcards to every known Disciple seminarian. "Given the way seminarians change addresses often, we know there are some who don't yet know about this conference," Carson said. "There is still time for them to sign up and make sure they're included in Nashville.

The conference registration form and additional information are online at www.helmdisciples.org. The registration fee is $75. A limited amount of travel funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis through HELM. Students must contact HELM no later than September 30.

All 11 General Ministries help underwrite the costs of the Seminarians Conference.

HELM helps students discover how they will change the world in partnership with Disciples congregations, higher education institutions, and campus ministry programs. Including cooperative efforts with local congregations, HELM helped distribute more than $270,000 in scholarships to 141 recipients in 2003.