The Center For Faith and Giving is happy to announce that the Reverend Linda McKiernan-Allen has joined the team of contributing partners at CFG. Linda will begin writing the very popular lectionary-based worship resources that have become favorites for congregations within, and beyond, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
“It’s the number one landing spot on our website,” said Bruce Barkhauer, of the weekly worship resource. “What a privilege it is for us, and such a blessing for the Church, to have someone of Linda’s talent agree to help keep this going. I’m thrilled!” Barkhauer is the founding director of the Center for Faith and Giving, which is a ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and funded in part by Disciples Mission Fund.
The Center originally partnered with Rick Hamilton and the Jubilee Fund. “I was concerned about having good support and worship resources for pastors that would focus on stewardship. Rick was producing a product for his ministry and it was just a natural partnership.” The Jubilee Fund has since ceased its operations and Rev. Hamilton has “retired” from creating a weekly resource. Barkhauer knew the worship materials were popular and wanted to see the project continue. “I had a handful of good people to pick from – folks who appreciate our work and who want to be supportive. Fortunately, Linda was the first person I asked, and she said ‘Yes!’ That’s a win for everybody!”
The resource will keep its original format for now, but it may evolve to include additional pieces that reflect the diversity of worship styles in our congregations. Early this summer users of the worship materials will be able to receive the resource directly in their email inboxes. Watch for details.
About Linda: Rev. Linda McKiernan-Allen, a lifelong Disciple of Christ, currently serves God as minister of West Street Christian Church in Tipton, Indiana. She came to faith, baptism, and membership in Monte Vista Christian Church, Albuquerque, NM. After completing undergraduate work at Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, she earned her M.Div. at Princeton Theological Seminary, with strong interests in worship, liturgics and the gospel call to justice. She married Ronald Allen in 1975, and together they moved to serve First Christian Church in Grand Island, Nebraska. In 1982, they moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where they currently reside. Linda and Ron have five young-adult children, and five young grand-children.
Gene Spillman
I will be interested in this resource. Blessings on choosing Linda to bring her gifts to this share in worship. I will look for further writings and the helpful creativity for blessing worship.
Jeanette Heitfeld
I’m excited! It is nearly impossible to find communion meditations for the lectionary. What a blessing. Thank you.