Photo courtesy of Christian Church Foundation

More than 60 Disciples seminarians gathered in Nashville, Tenn., for the biennial Seminarians Conference, organized by HELM and supported by all the general ministries. The conference gives these Disciples leaders the opportunity to create networks, meet current denominational leaders, and enjoy the presence of others called to ordained ministry. Here, Trent Butler, editorial director at the Christian Board of Publication, meets with students during a break-out session.

Due to an increasingly tight budget, Higher Education and Leadership Ministries regretfully has laid off long-time employee Kathy Carson, Director of Program Services.

Despite the staff reduction, the programming Carson oversaw will continue.

"We are absolutely committed to our ministry to and with students and to our ecumenical ties as part of our overall mission to nurture transforming leaders for the church," HELM President Dennis Landon said. "Everybody who has had a Disciple at the table will continue to see HELM there, active and involved. This is a change in staffing, not in mission or programming.

"Sad as this moment is, we are determined to continue and extend our ministry despite the funding challenges faced by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)."

Carson oversaw programs such as the Student Ecumenical Partnership and the Seminarians Conference, and she served as the liaison with several ecumenical student ministry groups.