Youth Spaghetti Supper at FCC in Edwardsville Raises Funds for Hospital

First Christian Church in Edwardsville held its annual youth spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Sunday, March 13th.  It was great to see the youth working together and having fun while raising money for Children's Hospital.  Thank you to all of the parents and youth that worked so hard to make this event successful.  We would also like to thank those who joined us and those that donated food for the dinner.  Together we raised $710 for Children's Hospital in St. Louis.  The youth will use these funds to purchase needed items and will deliver them to Children's Hospital very soon.

Story and photos courtesy of Associate Minister Jeff Wrigley. 

Building Bridges and Friendships in Cape Girardeau

On March 6th, Abbey Road Christian Church in Cape Girardeau hosted an Interfaith event called “Building Bridges and Friendships” with our local Islamic Center.  The event was designed to establish positive relationships with our local Muslim neighbors through a potluck meal and dialogue.  We had over 50 people attend from both communities and had a fabulous feast of great variety. 

Following the meal, we honored the Islamic call to prayer with both traditions praying in their respective ways.  Our dialogue time consisted of three topics with a presenter on each topic from each tradition.  The topics were:

  1. Is the ‘other’ my neighbor?
  2. Misunderstandings and Truth
  3. How I live out my Faith

This gathering was a great success in every way and both traditions felt they had learned much and grown in appreciation of the other.  We plan to have a follow-up in a similar fashion hosted by the Islamic Center.

Story and photo courtesy of ARCC Transitional Minister Ron Routledge.

Reconciliation Grants Available

We are all aware of the fact that Racism exists. Technology has finally made it impossible to deny. We have seen it with our own eyes, no more doubt that people of color are treated differently.

Church, we need to stop being silent, sitting on the sidelines watching our brothers and sisters face injustice day after day.

Racism is a sin that hurts everyone, the targets of injustice, those acting unjustly, and those who just let it continue by inaction.  It is a learned attitude and a system of privilege that stacks the deck against some women, men and children, making life much more difficult than it has to be.  The Gospel compels us to actively care for those who are marginalized, oppressed, and are in positions of little power in the system. 

All over Mid America Region our congregations are asking – WHAT CAN WE DO?

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America supports projects sponsored or co-sponsored by Disciples congregations that address root causes of racism and foster reconciliation. We support you with prayer, and with resources including reconciliation project grants.

We have a brochure with information about Reconciliation Ministries, recent projects in Mid-America, and how to make contact.  You can find the application form and application scoring guide used to prioritize grants as well as worship bulletin inserts that can be customized to get Reconciliation project ideas from your worshiping community. All these documents are available for download here.

Dismantling racism can seem an insurmountable task but even small projects that develop positive relationships can make a big impact. Not sitting idly by can spark the interest of youth and younger adults, teach our children, and send a message to our communities that we follow Christ who said to love one another and show special care for those who need it most, the powerless, the abused, the ones whose lives don’t seem to matter. 

If you have an idea, apply for funding.

Remember, half of the money raised each year in the fall Reconciliation offering comes right back to our region for these grants, so give generously. 

Commission on Mission and Unity,Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Mid-America

Backstage Faith - New Campus Ministry of Abbey Road Christian Church

It started with a simple question during a college Sunday School class. All the students in the class were theater majors at Southeast Missouri State University.  “How do we get your friends here?” The answer was a resounding, “You won’t.”  Theater majors tend to be night owls who really don’t start their day until noon or later. Further complicating the issue, many theater majors have been rejected by the church for being different. It's hard to get them into a church building. So the proposal was made that we should have a Bible study on campus. One phone call to the college asking for space to have a Bible study told the pastor that that was out of the question. Separation of church and state wouldn’t allow it.

The college class settled on a 10PM Thursday time and began looking for a coffee house or pub or business that would let them meet at that late hour. As word began to spread that a new campus ministry, liberal in nature, that targets theater majors was looking for space, business owners started coming forward to offer help. Abbey Road Christian Church wound up with a satellite location (15 Spanish St) in downtown and Backstage Faith was launched on November 6, 2015. The first two meetings have been very successful.

The basic core values of Backstage Faith are acceptance not judgment, faith not religion, and love beyond fear.  We ask college students to accept acceptance, reclaim and build their faith, and make this world a more beautiful place.

 Rev. Randy Cook is the campus minister and he has office hours on Tuesday and Thursday from 1PM to 5PM at the downtown location. If your church has a connection with a Disciples college student on the SEMO campus, please call the church (573)335-3422 with contact information. If anyone would like to donate to help this cause please make your checks to Abbey Road Christian Church for Backstage Faith.  

Story and photos courtesy of Randy Cook.

Christian Ministries Scholarships Awarded

 

This semester's Christian Ministries Scholarships have been awarded for four individuals pursuing theological education. Read about their programs of study and their messages of appreciation below.

 

 

 

 

Linda James is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree from Phillips Theological Seminary.

I am so grateful to Christian Ministries Scholarship Fund f or granting me the scholarship to relieve the financial burden of my D Min work this year. I am so humbled to be chosen for this help and you faith in my dream to complete this degree. I believe this degree is a very important component to answering God's call to ministry.

Matthew Limback is pursuing a Master of Arts at Phillips Theological Seminary.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the Disciples Women of Mid-America and the Christian Ministries Scholarship Fund for their generous support during my seminary career. As I approach the last two semesters of my time at Phillips Theological Seminary, it is humbling to realize all of those who have given so that I could not only attend seminary but do so without substantial debt. Disciples have long valued education and have seen it as a tool to both understand scripture and follow the path of Christ. Through this scholarship as well as many others, I am able to not only seek ordination but continue to serve in rural Missouri where I feel so called. I am proud to be part of a “movement for wholeness in a fragmented world” and truly blessed to be a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ in Mid-America).

Heather Patten is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Lexington Theological Seminary.

I am so grateful for the assistance the CMSF is providing toward my theological education. Thank you very much.

Geoffrey Weinman is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at Phillips Theological Seminary.

I want to give my utmost appreciation to the CMSF for their support of me for the last three years.  The journey to be a seminary educated person is not an easy one, but with the help of CMSF that burden has been lighter.  The love and care that is shown by supporting future ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is one that can often go unnoticed by those who are not completely in the know, but it is a great help for the greater church.  As I wrap my seminary education I can honestly say the support I have received and felt from the CMSF has carried me, allowed me to flourish and to realize my call of being an active participant in God’s creation.  

Learn more about the Christian Ministries Scholarship Fund and how to support it here.

Broadway Christian Church Open & Affirming

After a year-long process of study, discernment, and discussion, Broadway Christian Church members voted to be an open and affirming congregation.

 

Immediate changes include the adoption of a new welcoming statement:

The congregation of Broadway Christian Church proclaims that we are a place of welcome to all, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance, socioeconomic background, criminal history, or theological perspective. We welcome all to this congregation, to Christ's table, and to service within the church. We recognize the faith, baptism and spiritual gifts of all Christians and those yearning to know Christ and celebrate that we are all children of God, striving to do God's will. 

The recent vote also provides authorization to conduct same sex unions at the church.

The congregation will be taking a look at its personnel policies, amending them to make sure that they are nondiscriminatory when it comes to matters of gender orientation and sexual orientation. 

Read more about the process in their October newsletter here.

Rickman Center Sold - A Letter from our Moderator

With mixed emotions, I write to report to you that the sale of the Rickman Center property closed on September 22.  As some of you may already know, the property was sold to a Jefferson City group of companies: The Farmers Companies.  The Farmers are a very highly regarded business in Jefferson City, who operate the quarry across the highway from Rickman (among other enterprises), and who are well known locally for their community-mindedness.  As we understand it, the Farmers plan to use the fifty acres closest to the highway for some aspect of their business operation, but will be donating the remaining 150 acres (including the main campus with all the buildings) to an international non-profit organization: Halo Worldwide, which has programs in Jefferson City.  Here is link to their main webpage, and then a link to their Jefferson City program:

https://haloworldwide.org/

https://haloworldwide.org/jefferson-city-mo/

Our understanding is that Halo plans to use the Rickman lodge as transitional housing for homeless and at risk teens.  They are continuing all existing leases, which means that our own Disciples' congregation, Table of Grace, will continue operating on site.  Halo will likely be hosting camps during the Summer, potentially including some of ours.  It appears there will be many opportunities for synergy to develop between Mid-America Disciples, including our local Jefferson City congregations, and Halo.

The Farmers made a full price (as professionally appraised) offer of $1.1 million, which was accepted.  Because there were initial direct conversations with the Farmers, we did not have to list the property with a commercial real estate agent (saving about $75,000).  Further, we had been advised to expect the sale to take 2-5 years.

Many of you will remember that Sara Reiter, Second Vice Moderator, led a Property Task Force (Gene Hilton, Scott Fritz and Judy Ridlen), which studied the possible options for Rickman in 2013-2014.  They recommended that CCMA sell the property, which was approved in 2014 first by the CCMA Executive Committee, then by the Council of Areas, and finally by the CCMA Regional Assembly in St. Louis.  In early 2015, a Sale Task Force (Gene Hilton, Joy Faires, Paul Ratcliffe, Nike Thompson and Leon Whitney) began to work on the process of selling Rickman, which led to the result described above.

Given our difficult decision to sell the Rickman property, this is a very positive outcome.  One million dollars will be transferred to the Christian Church Foundation to an unrestricted account, the Rickman Legacy Fund, which will be invested as if it were an endowment (meaning the principal will remain untouched and grow), with 75% of the annual distribution flowing to Mid-America youth and outdoor ministries, and 25% to Mid-America leadership development.  After deducting the costs of the sale, the remaining $100,000 will be transferred to the CCMA operating reserve (what we used to call the "historical fund").  Our regional operating reserve (a bit like a household's "rainy day" fund) had diminished to a level that was much less than optimal.  This will restore the region to a sound fiscal position.  The distribution of funds just described was approved by the CCMA Executive Committee and the Council of Areas this Summer, and our Regional Assembly in October will be asked to affirm these decisions.

Many years of wonderful ministry occurred at the Rickman Center.  Thanks be to God for all those years!  May we all look forward to continuing and renewing these ministries in new ways, and to creating and nurturing many new ones.

Guy Adams
Mid-America Moderator

Table of Grace Member Receives Scholarship to Eureka College

Matthew Capestro of St. Louis and William Compton of Independence, Ky. received Disciples Leadership Program scholarships to attend Eureka College this fall. 

The full-tuition, four-year scholarships are awarded to two freshmen each year based on membership in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), leadership, academic excellence and the commitment to explore during college a life of faith-based servant leadership. Fellows receive two on-site mentorships exploring service anywhere in the world. The program accepts students from all majors. 

Capestro is majoring in philosophy and religion.  He is a son of Richard and Nancy Capestro of Tipton, Mo. He attended Table of Grace church, Jefferson City, Mo., where he began a music ministry and planned themed services. He later was a resident at the Christian Church’s National Benevolent Association XPLOR 10-month program for young adults exploring careers in Christian service. He is active in LGBTQ support and advocacy groups and helped form a faith-based LGBTQ group in Ferguson, Mo. He formerly was a pharmacy technician for eight years. 

Compton is majoring in psychology. The son of Joe and Amy Compton of Independence attended Walton-Verona High School, where he earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average and was president of the senior class, Student Council, the choir and Spanish Club. He was a member of the Youth Advisory Board, cross-country team, Beta Club for community service, Drama Club and had lead roles in musicals. He is a member of Independence Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where he is a junior deacon, a member of the church board, performs music for worship services and is a leader in local and regional youth activities. He volunteers at a church camp, a food pantry and other organizations that provide food and shelter to the underserved. 

 

For more information about the Disciples scholarship, contact Eureka College Chaplain Bruce Fowlkes at(309) 467-6429 or bfowlkes@eureka.edu or go to www.eureka.edu/admissions/doc.

Eureka College was chartered in 1855 by anti-slavery activists who were members of the Christian Church. It is among 14 colleges and universities affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  It offers bachelor’s degrees in the sciences, mathematics, business administration, social sciences, fine and performing arts, humanities and education. 


End Racism Sunday, September 6th

Our brothers and sisters in the African Methodist Episcopal Church have called all Christians to participate in a “Confession, Repentance and Commitment to End Racism” Sunday, to be observed on Sept. 6. We write to encourage all Disciples to accompany our ecumenical partners in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the National Council of Churches and Churches Uniting in Christ, among others, in recognizing this moment to come together as God’s children.

 

This is part of a letter sent to all Disciples urging participation in this special event on Sunday, September 6th. 

Read the whole letter here and please plan to participate!

Christmount Christian Assembly Seeking Executive Director

The Executive Director oversees the total operation of Christmount, including:

  • Fund raising,
  • budgeting and financial affairs, 
  • public relations and collaborations, 
  • resource development, 
  • facilities,
  • programming, 
  • marketing, 
  • staff management and volunteer development, and
  • utilities management for private homes located on the grounds.

The Executive Director reports to an Administrative Board of Directors.

Christmount is a year round camp, conference and retreat center, offering summer youth camp programs, numerous year round adult conferences and retreats, and individual and family retreats. The ministry includes Camp Lakey Gap, a unique and highly valued camping program for persons on the autism spectrum. Christmount also hosts groups from all denominations, non-profit organizations and government agencies.

Christmount employs 13 full-time staff and up to 33 part-time staff. The budget size is just over $950,000.

Persons interested in the Executive Director position should contact Mr. Howard Orebaugh, Chair of the Search Committee at christmountsearch@gmail.com.

General Youth Council Applications Due September 15th

The General Youth Council is composed of fifteen to seventeen members (10 youth, 4 adults, plus staff) who meet at least once a year to plan, implement, evaluate the general youth ministry program for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  The General Youth Council seeks to be representative of youth in the whole church through a balance of gender, racial/ethnic background, and geographic representation. If you have just completed 10th grade consider applying to the council. Elected members will serve two years.

Find all the information, including how to apply, here.

Christian Church of Mid-America Seeks Transitional Regional Minister Team Member in the Northwest

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America
is seeking candidates for the position of
Transitional Regional Minister Team Member-Northwest

 

 Qualifications: 

  • An ordained minister with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Enough congregational experience to relate/resonate with pastors and congregations
  • Adept at forming relationships quickly
  • A team player
  • Good communication skills
  • Good administration and organization skills
  • Experience in administrating the search and call system helpful, but not mandatory
  • Skilled in communications
  • Availability for travel

A successful candidate for this position is one who has knowledge and experience with regard to racial diversity, and/or willingness to grow in this area.

To apply:  please contact

 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America
 Reverend Dr. G Mike Weinman
 mike-olaccma@sbcglobal.net
417-865-0850
500 South Ave.
Springfield, MO 65806

Application deadline: 

            October 15, 2015

 

Job Description
Transitional Regional Minister Team Member

             Vision.        The Mid-America Region is envisioned as a continuously
                                 developing network of relationships that includes broader
                                 and deeper participation by congregations, ministers, and
                                 laity in congregational clusters, learning communities, and
                                 shared mission and ministries.

            Mission.      The Mid-America Region’s mission is to provide resources
                                and support for congregations, individually and collectively,
                                as they seek to be more faithful, effective, and sustainable
                                in the mission to which God calls us.

Values.         In keeping with Ephesians 4:11-12, Mid-America Disciples
                      affirm the core values of true community (mutual support)
                      and accountability), deep Christian spirituality, and passion
                      for justice.      

Geographical location:  St. Joseph/Cameron, MO – relates specifically to northwest part of Missouri

Accountable to:  CCMA personnel committee and governance board

Ministry duties:

  • Communicate and embody the Region’s vision, mission, and values
  • Administrate the search and call system
  • Provide pastoral care for the ordained and commissioned ministers and their families
  • Attend clergy cluster meetings and provide additional support for the clusters
  • Be available for Sunday preaching and other relationship building opportunities in the congregations
  • Conduct ordinations and installations of new ministers
  • Be available to congregations for conflict mediation
  • Participate fully in Regional Minister Team staff meetings
  • Attend Regional Board meetings and Regional Assemblies
  • Attend Commission on the Ministry meetings
  • Provide staff support for ministries assigned to portfolio (by negotiated agreement among the team)

 

Regional Minister Team Member Bill Rose-Heim Announces his new call to Greater Kansas City Region

Below is a portion of Bill's August 7th letter to the Northwest Area. Read the whole letter here.

There will be new leadership coming to serve Disciples in this part of the Region in late 2015.
This week the Regional Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Greater Kansas City extended a call for me to serve as their next Regional Minister and President for the 80+ congregations there.  My duties will begin November 16, 2015.
I will continue to serve here until October 31st as Regional Minister Team Member and NW Area Minister, assisting in helping to make a smooth transition for my successor.
The Mid-America Region Executive Committee will appoint a Search Committee soon and NW Area Disciples will be well represented.  The hope is to call a qualified ordained pastor to serve as a Transitional Regional Minister Team Member who will live in Cameron or a neighboring community and serve Disciples here.  That might be one of the pastors now serving in the Area.  A profile will be made public as soon as it is completed and interested ministers will then find application instructions on the mid-americadisciples.org website.
Should there be a gap between my departure and the new RMT Member's arrival, a plan will be published on the mid-americadisciples.org NW Area page that will provide contact information and instructions.  That information will also be shared by email and print so that anyone who is interested will have the information needed to receive the support desired.
The timing of this change is inconvenient to some of us.  On the other hand, I sense God's perfect timing.  We might compare it to planting time, when farmers' schedules are anything but predictable.  They do whatever must be done to put the new crop into the freshly prepared soil.
We will have opportunity to talk together in the days to come.  For now please know that I am grateful to be serving with you.  I hope to be preaching among you when invited during the next eleven Sundays. 
May the grace and peace of Christ Jesus set the tone for all that we do, experience and say, 
Bill

Christian Church of Mid-America Seeks Transitional Regional Minister Team Member

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America is seeking candidates for the position of Transitional Regional Minister Team Member.

 

Qualifications:

  • An ordained minister with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
  • Enough congregational experience to relate/resonate with pastors and congregations
  • Adept at forming relationships quickly
  • A team player
  • Good communication skills
  • Good administration and organization skills
  • Experience in administrating the search and call system helpful, but not mandatory
  • Experience with youth and outdoor ministries
  • Availability for travel

A successful candidate for this position is one who has knowledge and experience with regard to racial diversity, and/or willingness to grow in this area.

To apply please contact Rev. Dr. Mike Weinman, Christian Church of Mid-America in the Springfield office: 500 South Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65806-3102, phone 417.865.0850.

Current search and call papers will be required.

Application deadline is August 31, 2015.

 

Job Description Transitional Regional Minister Team Member

Vision.     The Mid-America Region is envisioned as a continuously developing network of relationships that includes broader   and deeper participation by congregations, ministers, and laity in congregational clusters, learning communities, and shared mission and ministries.

Mission. The Mid-America Region’s mission is to provide resources and support for congregations, individually and collectively, as they seek to be more faithful, effective, and sustainable in the mission to which God calls us.

Values. In keeping with Ephesians 4:11-12, Mid-America Disciples also affirm the core values of true community (mutual support) and accountability), deep Christian spirituality, and passion for justice.

Geographical location:  Northeast MO – relates specifically to Northeast clusters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

Accountable to:  CCMA executive committee and governance board

Ministry duties:

  • Communicate and embody the Region’s vision, mission, and values
  • Work with the search and call system
  • Provide pastoral care for the ordained and commissioned ministers and their families
  • Attend clergy cluster meetings and engage in a process of energizing and nurturing cluster development
  • Be available for Sunday preaching and other relationship building opportunities in the congregations
  • Conduct ordinations and installations of new ministers
  • Be available to congregations for conflict mediation
  • Participate fully in Regional Minister Team staff meetings
  • Attend Regional Board meetings and Regional Assemblies
  • Along with the other Regional Minister Team members, carry and lead a proportionate share of mission and ministry areas (as mutually agreed upon within the team); these currently include: attend Commission on the Ministry meetings, provide staff support for the Christian Regional Youth (CRY) and Region-wide outdoor ministries, supervise the contract staff for the African-American Convocation, and provide staff support for Region-wide leadership development

Why CRY is important to Mid-America

Ed. Note: The Christian Regional Youth Festival (CRY) is an annual leader development event usually hosted on a Disciples college campus. The CRY Cabinet, consisting of youth from around the region elected by their peers and adult sponsors, meets quarterly to plan and organize the event. CRY operates on the principal that youth are not being prepared for ministry someday but are being better equipped to engage in ministry today among their peers. Begun in the mid-1970’s, CRY has produced leaders who serve with distinction in their communities, congregations and the wider Church. This is yet another example of the many ministries that Mid-America Disciples support through giving to the Disciples Mission Fund. 

Dear Mid-America Disciples of Christ,

Why is CRY important to the Disciples of Christ Mid-America Region? I sat for a while and contemplated how I would answer this, because there are so many answers to this question.

The Christian Regional Youth Festival helps promote leadership in the church. It brings youth together on a spiritual level, it shows them that they are important, gives them a sense of confidence - not only in the church but in normal day to day life - and it does all of this while allowing them to have fun. Although I personally find all of these aspects CRY brings to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to be important, I think the most beneficial part of the CRY Festival is that you are put in an environment where you can witness God in your peers and others, and grow closer to God.

In Genesis 1:27 "God created mankind in his own image", but before attending CRY, I had never really witnessed God in other people. We live in a world were evil sells. The news always shows evil stories, magazine covers preach about cheating celebrities, and even our school systems spend more time in history class teaching us about the evils of wars rather than the good deeds of our ancestors.

In a world like this, it's hard to see Jesus in others. But when you attend the CRY Festival, it's no longer a challenge because you can easily see the kindness, joy and love in others. So, is CRY important to MidAmerica Disciples of Christ? Yes, because there is nowhere else I've ever been or heard of that can demonstrate in four short days what God is truly about: love and acceptance of all.

Zach Pugh, 2015 C.R.Y. President

Mid-America Center for Ministry Director Fran Schnarre Retiring

Following a fruitful ten years as the Executive Director of the Missouri School of Religion, now the Mid-America Center for Ministry, Fran Schnarre has announced her retirement effective December 31, 2015. 

Fran's dedication, hard work, and vision has led the school into a new future as the Mid-America Center for Ministry and has put the school on a solid financial foundation. However, because of the increased workload that it will take to reach the MCM vision, coupled with the lure of grandchildren and family, Fran has accepted a call to a new chapter in her life. 

We are grateful for all she has done for the school ... and for her continued guidance over the next few months. And though she has given us plenty of notice, it will take some serious work to identify and to attract the next Executive Director. The position will be full time and calls for someone with strong financial development experience. We ask for your assistance as we begin our search to fill the position. Please share this job description with any potential candidates you feel may qualify to lead the Mid-America Center for Ministry in its mission to equip congregational leaders for Christian ministry. The posting for the position is below.

Thank you for your continued service, prayers, and support.

Bill Tenny-Brittian 
Board Chair
Mid-America Center for Ministry

 

Mid-America Center for Ministry

formerly Missouri School of Religion
  

Executive Director

Full-time contract beginning December 1 to serve at Executive Director for the Mid-America Center for Ministry (MCM). The primary responsibility of the Executive Director is to lead in the fulfillment of the school's mission to equip congregational leaders for Christian ministry. To that end, the Executive Director serves as the primary advancement officer and is responsible for increasing student enrollment, providing effective and efficient administration, and ensuring vision attainment for the Mid-America Center for Ministry. 

Qualifications:

  • An active, demonstrable Christian faith
  • Passion for equipping congregational leaders
  • Proven advancement and fundraising skills
  • Proven administrative and team building skills
  • Effective and inspiring speaker
  • Strategic thinker, planner, and implementer
  • Person of high integrity (background check will be conducted)
  • Congregational leadership experience preferred
  • Strong ecumenical orientation

Complete job description available upon request.

Compensation: Renewable annual contract up to $60,000 (plus benefits package) depending on education and experience, plus potential annual performance bonus. 

Send resume and letter of interest by September 1, 2015 to Mid-America Center for Ministry, P.O. Box 104685, Jefferson City, MO 65110-4685. Phone (573) 635-1187. Email: office@m-acm.org.

 

What Does the Restructure Mean to Me? - a letter from Alex Ruth

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America
475 East Lockwood Avenue   St. Louis, Missouri 63119
314/918-2515   Fax: 314/918-2529
www.mid-americadisciples.org

 

 

June 3, 2015

By now you have probably heard of the proposed changes coming to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America. You’ve heard about the ongoing financial needs and the structural changes. And, if you are like many of the people I’ve talked to about this transition, you may be asking “What does it mean to me?”

Last fall, as a part of my doctoral studies, I conducted a survey of pastors and lay leaders from around our region. I hoped to better understand what pastors and congregations need and want from our Regional Ministry Team. I found what pastors and lay leaders need from the Regional Staff is remarkably similar to what church members want and need from their pastoral leaders; support, prayer, guidance, and skill development.

In Ephesians 4:12, Paul explains that the many gifts of leadership in the church are given “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” (NRSV) This is true, not only in the local congregation, but in all expressions of the church. Disciples of Christ historian Ronald Osborn notes; “Alexander Campbell thought of the great church as a ‘community of communities.’ He advocated a ‘general church organization’ which would give expression to this thought.” Just as every church leader has specific gifts and abilities which help to encourage and equip the body for ministry, our Regional Ministry team members have different gifts and abilities that equip and encourage the pastors and laity to participate in the ministries of the church.

The results of the surveys confirmed that both congregations and pastors long for a greater sense of connectedness with other churches and other pastors around the region and beyond. Historically, however, we have struggled to find a balance between the need for connection and the contextual nature of ministry. At times this tension has led to discord and the fracturing of relationships. At other times, however, it has brought unity and a sense of purpose to a diversified group of believers. Sometimes we long for the support that connection with other communities of faith provides. However, we know that each community brings with it a unique blend of challenges and opportunities.

I have been asked, “Why do we need the Region?” I believe that we need the Region for the same reason that we, as Christians, need the local church. We are meant to be part of the body of Christ. I believe that body extends beyond the local congregation. Osborn claims “the church operates on the principle of mutual consent within a common commitment.” What I believe we are being asked (I would say called) to do is to reaffirm our commitment to one another as Disciples. We are called to be a community of faith that extends beyond the boundaries of our sanctuary walls, beyond city limits, county lines, state borders, and even countries and continents. We are called to support one another as we strive to fulfill the ministries to which God is calling us.

During his inaugural address, during uncertain times here in the US and around the world, President John F. Kennedy urged us to think differently; “ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” I believe the same is true in our churches, and in our region. Instead of asking what our region can do for us, we are called to ask what we can do to support our region. But, don’t take it from me, or even President Kennedy; Jesus told his disciples “whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26-27, NRSV)

I hope you will join me in asking, “How can I support, how can I serve, the church across our region, and around the world?” And, if I might be so bold, I would like to suggest some answers; prayer, finances, service, and involvement. We can and certainly should be in prayer for our regional leaders and for congregations around the region as we engage our local communities in life-giving ministry. We can and certainly should continue to provide financial support for the important connectional ministries of the region. We can and certainly should be involved in the various committees and ministries of the region. Because we are part of the body of Christ, and “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.” (1 Corinthians 12: 26, NRSV)

Journeying together,

 

 

 

Rev. Alex Ruth
Marshfield Christian Church

Welcome to the Joy of Giving! A letter from Budget Chair Kathy Brown

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America
475 East Lockwood Avenue   St. Louis, Missouri 63119
314/918-2515   Fax: 314/918-2529
www.mid-americadisciples.org

 

 

May 28, 2015

Last week, our regional moderator Guy Adams wrote a letter informing congregations and leaders throughout the Christian Church of Mid-America about exciting (and maybe a bit scary) changes happening in our region.

I am writing in follow-up to his letter. I have served on the CCMA budget committee for at least six years, and as committee chair for the past four years. The budget committee’s role has expanded over the years from that of focusing solely on developing a biennial budget to one of closely reviewing and monitoring income and expenses on a monthly basis, making (sometimes painful and unpopular) spending reduction recommendations to the executive committee, and almost literally determining how to creatively “rob Peter to pay Paul.”

One might ask why I have continued to volunteer to work on this committee – and it is a reasonable question. The most compelling reason is that I believe that God is present in and working through the Christian Church of Mid-America. I believe the “faithful remnant” that remains following cuts and eliminations is strong, and is filled with the same Spirit that empowered the early Christians on that long-ago Pentecost. I am excited about the visionary work that has been happening over the past few years, and I strongly feel that CCMA is transforming and becoming a body that can ably “resource and support congregations, individually and collectively, as they seek to be more faithful, effective, and sustainable in the mission to which God calls us” (excerpted from the CCMA Mission Statement). It is true that our inability to financially sustain “the way we were” has been a key factor in determining the need for change, however I really believe that God has used this situation to “do a new thing” in MidAmerica. I see mission and ministry replacing administration and bureaucracy, and I praise God for this.

I can assure you that your gifts to CCMA will be used to provide mission and ministry to our congregations in the most effective and efficient way possible. Todd Adams, our Associate General Minister and Vice-President, put it very simply: “Congregations in the Mid-America region can choose to continue their area giving as a designated gift to the region, not subject to the DMF allocation formula. These congregations should also make a gift to DMF….Designated gifts do not have a negative impact on the region’s distribution via DMF.”

What congregations have given in the past to their Area needs to be continued (and enhanced if possible). On the “remittance form” which will be provided to all congregations (to send to OGMP Treasury Services in Indianapolis), the line “Mid-America Ministries (formerly known as Area Support),” will insure that 100% of former Area giving returns to the Mid-America region for the ongoing support of those ministries formerly associated with our Areas.

In my local congregation, we celebrate the “joy of giving” each Sunday as we give back to God a portion of the abundance we have received, knowing that our gifts support ministries and missions about which we care deeply. I am excited to now feel that way about our giving to the Christian Church of Mid-America!

As we say at Rock Bridge Christian Church, welcome to the joy of giving!

Kathy Brown
Chairperson, Christian Church of Mid-America Budget Committee

Click here for a printable version.

A Letter from our Moderator about CCMA's Restructure

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America
475 East Lockwood Avenue  Ÿ  St. Louis, Missouri 63119
314/918-2515  Ÿ  Fax: 314/918-2529
www.mid-americadisciples.org

 

May 20, 2015

Vision:           CCMA is envisioned as a continuously developing network of relationships that includes broader and deeper participation by congregations, ministers, and laity in congregational clusters, learning communities and shared missions and ministries.

 

Mission:        CCMA’s mission is to resource and support congregations, individually and collectively, as they seek to be more faithful, effective, and sustainable in the mission to which God calls us.

 

Values:          In keeping with Ephesians 4:11-12, CCMA also affirms the core values of true community (mutual support and accountability), deep Christian spirituality, and a passion for justice.

Welcome to the new Mid-America!  If all goes as currently planned, effective January 1, 2016, our current four Areas will have merged all their operations into the Christian Church of Mid America.  As many of you are aware, we have been deeply engaged in a process of transformation for the past five years.  Please take note of our vision, mission and values printed at the top of this page.

Many congregations have experienced their most direct support from their respective Area; please know that it is our strong commitment to continue (and multiply) these ministries!

We have been moving as rapidly as we can to a network model of mission and ministry in Mid America (see the Vision!).  That has meant moving away from a staff and program-driven “hub and spoke” model of middle judicatory.  It takes time (more than it should!) to “de-layer” much of what we do.  Beginning in January, 2016, the decks will (finally) be cleared for us to direct our full energies into fostering and jump-starting networks of ministries and missions throughout Mid America.  We can, and will, do more—much more—with less!

We need your help with financial support!  Todd Adams, our Associate General Minister and Vice-President, put it very simply:  “Congregations in the Mid-America region can choose to continue their area giving as a designated gift to the region, not subject to the DMF allocation formula.  These congregations should also make a gift to DMF….Designated gifts do not have a negative impact on the region’s distribution via DMF.”

What congregations have given in the past to their Area needs to be continued (and enhanced if possible).  On the “remittance form” which will be provided to all congregations (to send to OGMP Treasury Services in Indianapolis), the line “Mid America Ministries (formerly known as Area Support),” will insure that 100% of former Area giving returns to the Mid America region for the ongoing support of those ministries formerly associated with our Areas.

We certainly want all of our Mid America congregations to continue (and enhance if possible) their financial support of our Disciples Mission Fund, which underwrites important ministries and missions of the general church.  As you know, approximately 43% of these funds return to the Mid America region.

We have made a good beginning in realizing our vision, mission and values!  Hopefully, everyone has been to our new website: http://www.mid-americadisciples.org/  We have new resource teams up and running:  Youth and Outdoor Ministries; Pro-Reconciliation/Anti Racism; Disciples Care Team.  Regional Commissions (like Mission and Unity and New Church/Vital Church) are exploring ways to support current initiatives and those being created by new networks forming among Mid-America Disciples. Disciples Women’s Ministries, which pioneered the network model for us all, continues its alive and vibrant work.  The Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry, as well as Search and Call support for congregations are on-going.

Welcome to the new Mid-America!

Guy Adams, Mid-America Moderator
ill Rose-Heim, Penny Ross-Corona, Kris Tenny-Brittian, Mike Weinman, Mid-America Ministry Team

Click here for a printable version.

 

Joplin Four Years Later

It's been four years since the devastating tornado that changed Joplin forever. Today hope continues to flourish and the community that has worked so hard and been through so much together continues to collaborate towards tomorrow.

Joplin Globe photo. Click here for full story.

Joplin Globe photo. Click here for full story.

The Station, which closed last year after hosting more than 1,400 volunteers over a 2 1/2 year period, is now providing a temporary location for Crosslines food pantry. The pantry had to move out of its former building by the end of April due to that property's purchase by the city for use by the local baseball team. Thanks to South Joplin Christian Church, the many who receive food assistance through Crosslines will still be able to do so as they transition into a permanent new location. Read more.

South Joplin Christian Church is also seeking to renew its special use zoning permit so that the facility, which is located in a residential neighborhood, can be used to house volunteers again should the need arise over the next five years. See local TV news coverage here.