Many Mid-America Disciples Make Convocation Memorable

Faye with certificate.JPG

Ninety participants from just about all of our Convocation congregations plus many others traveled to Willow Street CC in Hannibal on April 1 for a spirited, targeted and worshipful event addressing how to be a faithful 21st century congregation.  The Convocation welcomed Pastor Charlie Blackmon from the newly combined congregation of Restoration Christian Community Church and rejoiced for the growth and transformation taking place there.  The group was also very glad to welcome Patricia Penelton, National Convocation Board President. Worship, workshops, dance, the procession of banners, words from our moderator Vickie Sowers and Regional Minister Team members Drs. Penny Ross-Corona and Paul Koch, great food and fellowship filled the day along with a special surprise tribute to Rev. M. Faye Vaughn, Convocation Coordinator Emerita for her past 23 years of shepherding the annual event.

Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan

Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan

National speakers, the Rev. Dr.  R. Wayne Calhoun, Executive for Evangelism and Congregational Transformation for Disciples Home Missions and keynoter Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, who serves as a founding executive for the Disciples Justice Action Network spoke in the same accord.  Both identify the historic and urgent contributions of African-American Disciples congregations as being vital for the Church needed today and beyond.  Dr. Sullivan said that Convocation churches have the innate obligation to stand firm for justice and societal transformation for equality.  He said, "You can advocate for justice and not be Christian, but you can't be Christian and not advocate for justice."  Dr. Calhoun echoed that congregations cannot afford the luxury of merely taking care of their members and accepting the status quo.  He said,  "Jesus is calling us to seize the opportunity before us." 

After witnessing the brief but always stimulating presentation from the Mid-America Pro-Reconciliation / Anti-Racism team, Dr. Calhoun took a moment to go out of his way to applaud the Christian Church of Mid-America for our outstanding educational offerings, voice and activity to bring the general church forward in being a truly Reconciling Church.  Our program and efforts lead just about all the other regions in content and enthusiasm.  "Give yourself a pat on the back Mid-America." 

Convocation Co-Coordinators Paula Holliday and LeWanda Jackson were especially pleased by all who came out (even as far away as Joplin and an entire busload from Centennial CC in St. Louis).  

Story and photos courtesy of Rev. Dr. Paul Koch. Additional photos courtesy of Paula Holliday and Rev. Dr. Penny Ross-Corona.

Rev. Kevin Cravens-Koch Installed at National Avenue CC

On Sunday, March 19, 2017, National Avenue Christian Church celebrated the installation of Rev. Kevin Cravens-Koch, who has been serving as co-pastor alongside of Rev. Jenn Simmons since January. This service also served as a blessing of ministry for NACC as they move into a collaborative model of ministry. Rev. Kim Gage Ryan, Director of the Bethany Fellows, gave the sermon and Rev. Mike Weinman participated as the representative from the Region for this occasion.

Rev. Kevin Cravens-Koch grew up in Northern Kentucky where he lived until he moved to Lexington, Kentucky to attend college at Transylvania University. He completed his studies at Transylvania University in 2011 where he graduated with a BA in Religion and a minor in Psychology.  He received his MDiv from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and was ordained in May of 2014. Rev. Cravens-Koch and his husband Ryan moved to Springfield from Georgetown, Kentucky where Kevin served as Minister of Families and Faith Formation at First Christian Church.

43rd Annual Black Ministers Retreat in Mid-America

The 43rd Annual Black Ministers Retreat held its annual gathering at Centennial Christian Church in St. Louis, MO on March 7 – 9, 2017.  The theme of the retreat was “Transforming Clergy, Church and Community", scripturally grounded in Romans 12:2.  This event brought together over 100 pastors and ministers, general ministry representatives and staff persons and more from across the United States to study, reflect, fellowship and more. 

During the event, there were several opportunities to engage in continuing education, which is a requirement for standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  On Tuesday during the Preston Taylor Institute, all participants were blessed to participate in three continuing education workshops titled, “Theology of Transformation”, which was done in two sessions.  The third session was titled, “Preaching For Transformation”.  All three presentations, were taught and facilitated by Rev. Dr. Chris Dorsey, President of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church. There were additional learning opportunities throughout the retreat as well, such as “Transforming Congregations”, facilitated by Rev. Dr. R. Wayne Calhoun, Executive For Evangelism and Congregational Care; “Leaders Who Transform the Church", facilitated by Rev. Denise Bell, Regional Minister of Georgia;  “Transforming Clergy For Effective Ministry”,  facilitated by Rev. Angela Whitenhill, Mental Health Initiative Manager for National Benevolent Association; “Transforming the Church Through Technology”, facilitated by Rev. Terrell McTyer (pictured), Minister of New Church Strategies of Hope Partnership; “Transforming Women Ministry”, facilitated by Rev. Chesla Nickelson, Program Director of Disciples Women; and “Your Pension Fund Programs”, facilitated by Rev. Aaron Smith, Director of Employer Services of the Pension Fund.  In addition to the learning opportunities, all participants were blessed to be a part of wonderful worship experiences each morning and night.  Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew of Ray of Hope Christian Church, Atlanta, GA preached and led us in morning Manna all three days.  She was excellent! 

The evening preachers were the Rev. Dr. Robert Scott, Senior Pastor of St. Paul Baptist Church, a mega church in Charlotte, NC and Rev. Dr. William Curtis, Senior Pastor of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, a mega church ministry in Pittsburgh, PA.  All three speakers provided empowering, transformative, lifegiving and authentic preaching in the African American experience.  During the worship services, one could readily see hands raised, hear foot stomping, hand’s clapping and the joyful noise of communal worship such as singing from the choir and congregants, and the shouting of “Amen! Say on! Preach! And Hallelujah!” 

The Retreat was exciting and empowering.  During the Retreat, the participants had the awesome privilege to meet and talk with Rev. Teresa Hord Owens, nominee for General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  There was a special prayer and laying on of hands called for Rev. Owens as she approaches the General Assembly and ministry to which she has been called.  The prayer was led by Rev. Denise Bell, Regional Minister of Georgia.  Special thanks goes out to the entire planning team of the Retreat; Centennial Christian Church, Pastor Derrick Perkins, their staff, and hospitality, greeters, van drivers and music ministries for ministering and providing hospitality to all the participants, and the Rev. Dr. William Lee, the Director of the Black Ministers Retreat for his leadership.  To God be the glory for the things God has Done!  The 44th Black Ministers Retreat location has yet to be determined.  Stay tuned!

 

Thank you to Pastor Derrick Perkins for this story, and to him and Hope Partnership for the photos.

"In the Name of Love"

On Saturday, February 18, Webster Groves Christian Church hosted "In the Name of Love" - a concert and fundraiser featuring the music of the rock group U2.  Community members were invited to an evening of homemade desserts, great music, and fun.  U2 songs about peace, love, faith, and justice were performed by Wind of the Spirit, the Webster Groves Christian Church praise band.  Sunday morning worship on February 19 was a "U2charist," featuring U2 songs, scriptural insights, and a celebration of the Lord's Supper.  The events raised awareness and $750 for Pro-Reconciling Anti-Racism ministries.

Thanks to WGCC's Rev. Dr. Jeff Moore for the story and John Smith for the photos. This event was originally scheduled for Martin Luther King weekend, but was postponed due to bad weather.

Two Faith-Transforming, Spiritual Regional Disciples Men's Retreats Announced

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Pastors are called to seek out and identify certain men in their congregations who are hungry and searching for spiritual transformation.  Two magnificent events are planned for this spring and summer; you are encouraged to consider to how these gatherings will not only grow the faith of men close to you but also how your church will be blessed by the Spiritual energy that they will bring back to their families and your church.

Dr. Paul Koch, RMT, who has much training and experience in men’s ministries, relates to our Region’s Disciples Men ministries.  He wrote in a paulblog about the 2016 Disciples Men Ozarks Retreat, planned again this year for May 5-7 on the Current River in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Shannon County.  The weekend includes remarkable fellowship bonfires; rugged service projects; youth mentoring; optional hiking, kayaking, canoeing and golf; a firehouse breakfast, steak dinner, and worship.  Click here for a brochure to read and distribute.

The Men’s Rites of Passage (MROP) is planned for June 21-25 at the Audubon Center of the North Woods in Sandstone, MN.  MROP an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime ecumenical experience for any man wanting to make the most of discovering his True Self in the second half of life.  Men will be able to release themselves from heavy emotional burdens that were brought with them and return with life-preserving, transforming blessing.  MROP is not a typical workshop lecture series but involves powerful ritual, liturgy, small group dynamic sharing, wilderness sojourn, and is held entirely outdoors – apart from eating incredible sustainable harvest feasts and sleeping in a comfortable lodge.  (When it’s 100 degrees in Missouri, it’s in the 70’s in northern Minnesota too).  We have arranged for van transportation at little cost thanks to fundraising efforts by men who went before and who want others to experience what they did.  Go to www.malespiritualitymn.org for more information.  Note that $50 can be saved registering by March 31.

Paul Koch will be more than happy to tell you more and to share his personal experiences at both retreats.  He will gladly speak to interested men at your church’s men’s group or individually.  Please reach out to him at 636-221-7065 or paul.ccma@sbcglobal.net. 

P.S. Van spots will be saved on a first-requested/first-reserved basis.  Plans were to rent commercially but we’d rather rent from a Disciples church if you have a vehicle to spare over a Sunday.  Call Paul!

Clergy Super Cluster in the Southeast Gateway

The clergy in the Southeast Gateway portion of Mid-America have an annual gathering that they call the Super Cluster. For this event, all of the smaller, local clergy cluster groups get together for a time of worship, fellowship, and education. Thirty-one people attended this year's event on January 19th, which was hosted by Abbey Road Christian Church in Cape Girardeau. 

After the opening worship (and delicious coffee and doughnuts!), was the main presentation on the topic of church security. The guest speaker was the president of a private security consulting firm who relayed information on how to develop a church security plan that facilitates the mission of comfort, safe refuge, learning, and worship for all.

Some of the main ideas and suggestions included:

  • Form a security team and plan that identifies potential security risks and outlines responses to them.
  • Be aware of anyone with suspicious, threatening, or abnormal body language.
  • Best action is to de-escalate the situation. This can often be done with 'aggressive friendliness.' Make conversation, shake hands, show interest and concern.
  • Statistically most incidents occur outside the church building, in towns with a population of less than 10,000, and are perpetrated by a lone, male attacker who is not connected in any way with the congregation.
  • Insurance companies sometimes offer premium discounts for churches that have done congregational security training.
  • Risk factors for incidents include holding events after dark, offering counseling ministries for couples and families, offering ministries to those living with addictions, having internal church conflict, being located near heavily trafficked highways or close to county lines, and offering podcasts or worship videos online.
  • Be aware of your normalcy bias which causes people to not recognize a crisis situation if it arises. In one church, members thought that an actual crisis was a planned skit in the service.
                      

 

                     

After the presentation and lunch, the group divided into smaller workshop groups. The topics offered were teaching 'pastors' class, discerning mission needs in your community, and solution focused counseling.

New this year was an invitation to all church administrative staff. Their workshop included information on Regional structure and communications.

The closing worship ended the day on a wonderful and hopeful note. Thanks to host pastor Rev. Dr. Jeff Long and the Bootheel Cluster planning team who facilitated the event.

A Night of Hope at First Christian Church in Troy

First Christian Church in Troy held a special musical program to benefit its annual mission team journey on December 9 and 10. “A Night of Hope,” featured a delicious and beautifully planned dinner, followed by an evening of music with James Bertels, Praise Team leader and musician. Joining him on one song was Chris Stark and daughter Abby, also a Praise Team member.

With over 150 in attendance, the dinner/music raised approximately $3000, with more than 150 CD’s sold from the night of the concert. The mission team is scheduled to travel to Cedar Grove, West Virginia in July of 2017.

Story and photos courtesy of the church and pastor Jeff Moore.

Thanksgiving Dinner Served at Burlington Junction FCC

The Burlington Junction First Christian Church hosted their third annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner last Thursday! What a joy it was to serve 64 wonderful friends, family and strangers alike to a wonderful dinner prepared and served by the members of the church. We thank Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin for being a part of our day as well.

 

All this started because God pressed the need on Margie Robert’s heart. She asked and it happened! This small church in rural northwest Missouri just works that way. God tells someone it is a need, that person tells the church and the church says go for it! God is Good…All the Time.

Blessings to all,
Pastor Terry Robison

St. Joseph Church Observes Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil

First Christian Church in St. Joseph, an open and affirming congregation, observed its first annual Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil on Sunday November 20.  This vigil is held worldwide each November to honor the memory of transgender individuals who died in the past year due to violence.   The first TDOR was held in 1999 to bring attention to the murder of Rita Hester, a transgender woman whose murder has yet to be solved. As part of the vigil at First Christian, a transgender member of the congregation shared her witness of her struggle, the violence she has encountered, and her gratitude in finding a church that welcomes and loves her.  Participants then listened as the names of the transgender individuals who were murdered in the past year worldwide were read. This list, of course, did not include all incidents of anti-transgender violence as many crimes go unreported, nor does it mention trans individuals who committed suicide due to societal abuse and pressures. The event concluded as each participant from the church and community was invited to come forward to light a candle in memory of those lost and in solidarity as advocates for transgender persons who continue the struggle for acceptance. 

Story and photo courtesy of pastor Brian Kirk.

Free Breakfast in Troy

A new outreach program has been started by First Christian Church in Troy – a free Community Breakfast that occurs on the second Saturday of each month between 8 am and 11 am. The first breakfast was held in October and drew more than 40 individuals for a hot and tasty breakfast, with plenty of warm fellowship. The November breakfast, held on Saturday the 12th, served more than 65 individuals from the Lincoln County area.

 

The breakfast was the brainchild of Naomi Uy-Moore, wife of Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Jeffrey. T. Moore. There is no cost for those who come, and the meal is prepared by a wide variety of church members who share in the responsibility. The church adds the breakfast to its other outreach emphases including Matthew 25, a monthly feeding program for those in need, and the church’s heavy involvement in the Bread For Life Food Pantry, based in Troy, in which both adult and youth volunteers from the church actively participate. The church is located at 1302 Boone Street, and for any questions, you are asked to call 636-528-7322.

Story by Jeff Moore, photos courtesy of Sherri Stark.

Celebration of Jan Shrewsbury's Ministry

Jan and her husband Ed.

Jan Shrewsbury, Office Manager for the Northwest Office was honored for her many years of service at a reception held at First Christian Church in Cameron on November 6. In addition to Jan's family, many from around the northwest attended. Friends gave testimony to Jan's helpfulness and friendly smile. It was noted that for Jan this was not just a job, but her ministry, and she gave much more than her office hours.

Former Northwest Area Minister, Bill Rose-Heim made a plaque for her. A scrap book and money tree were also presented. 

Jan will continue in the office through the end of the year.

Frankford FCC Celebrates 180 Years

Photo by Ethan Colbert.

Photo by Ethan Colbert.

Last month First Christian Church in Frankford celebrated the 180 years since its founding. More than 100 people joined in the festivities. 

Pastor Gail Aurand delivered an abridged version of a 1839 sermon by Alexander Campbell. His "short sermon on prayer" had originally lasted more than two and a half hours, but she brought it down to just over nineteen minutes. 

Read the whole story by church member Ethan Colbert in the Bowling Green Times.

2016 Regional Assembly

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins sermon video
Rev. Ayanna Johnson Watkins sermon video

The 2016 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America Regional Assembly took place October 7-9 at Central Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri, with nearly 200 people taking part throughout the weekend.

The Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism team facilitated a pre-Assembly event on Thursday, October 6th. Thank you to Drury University for their support in hosting this session. The training provided definitions of key words and concepts, utilized videos to illustrate ideas, encouraged constructive discussion, and promoted next steps for further exploration and action. Find the distributed materials here. Participation fulfilled the new requirement that clergy attend a Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism training session once every three years, which the Commission on the Order of Ministry established earlier this year. The next opportunity for such training is November 5th in St. Louis.

First among the Assembly speakers was Center for Faith & Giving Director Rev. Dr. Bruce Barkhauer who spoke at the clergy/spouse luncheon on the topic of clergy personal finance issues. Later, at the opening worship, several brought greetings to those assembled: Rev. Geoff Weinman on behalf of Central Christian Church, Rev. Dr. Penny Ross-Corona on behalf of the Regional Minister Team, and Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel on behalf of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ. 

Next on the schedule was Bible study by Dr. Marco Hofheinz, a Professor of Systematic Theology at the Institute for Theology and the Study of Religion at Leibniz University in Hanover, Germany. He is currently a visiting scholar at Drury University.

Then came some mission work! The Disciples Women put together school and hygiene kits for the Festival of Sharing. The youth went to the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks to pack diapers. Still others went to Crosslines to lend a hand. Good work was done by all!

 

 

General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins preached at the evening worship (view here) and communion was served by the Regional Minister Team (Rev. Drs. Larry Colvin, Paul Koch, Penny Ross-Corona, and Mike Weinman). Special thanks go out to worship planner and music director Rev. Emily Bowen-Marler of Brentwood Christian Church. Approximately $1,000 was received toward the joint Hurricane Matthew relief effort by Week of Compassion, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Global Ministries.

 

The final activity of day one was the Mission & Ministry Council launch party. Council Chairman Rev. William Brown explained the purpose and vision of the council, and introduced members of several congregations who outlined some of their churches' projects. 

Saturday began with a Mission First Gathering. Rev. Dr. Watkins explained the Mission First! program and showed a video to illustrate its vision. Our Mission First host Mike Weinman outlined the process for the gathering, then invited all to separate into small groups and discuss their church's mission(s), identify common themes and specific efforts, and outline their findings for the larger group. 

Speakers for Saturday's lunch were Jim and Jayanthi Wilson, Global Ministries missionaries to South Africa. They are currently traveling around Mid-America speaking in congregations and sharing their experience. After 28 years of ministry, they are retiring. They were presented a recognition for their dedication and service by Larry Colvin. Read a summary here. A Global Ministries fund has been created to support the work of such missionaries into the future. Donations can be made in their honor here.

Moderator Guy Adams called the business session to order. All reports were received, the 2017 budget was presented, and new officers were installed. Several who were completing their service to the Region were applauded for their contributions. Find the the business documents and more in the Assembly program book. Read the minutes of the session by Secretary Rick Rollings.

 

Participants then headed to their Mission Breakout Session of choice, after which they were invited to Pick their Passion. People with similar mission interests got together to share experiences, successes, failures, resources, hopes, and plans. To facilitate more complete and ongoing collaboration, discussion groups have been established for all of the identified topics. All are welcome to get in on the mission conversations here.

 

The All-Assembly dinner was held at Drury University's Findlay Student Center. Saturday evening's worship was a Taize service featuring several talented musicians and speakers. Rev. Dr. Jacque Foster of Compton Heights Christian Church in St. Louis gave an account of some of that congregation's involvement with Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism. Approximately $800 was received toward this continued work. 

 

Saturday evening ended with a Blue Grass concert by Kentucky 31. This entertainment was sponsored by First Christian Church in Bolivar.

 

 

 

Sunday morning worship brought a message by Rev. Aryanna Johnson Watkins, Director of the National Benevolent Association's Incubate Initiative. Her message (video here) was based on Luke 13:6-9(CEB) and challenged all to 'Get Up & Go!' 

 

 

 

Thank you to Vickie Sowers, the whole Assembly Planning Team, and the many others who put so much effort into making this a wonderful experience for all. Watch upcoming Regional newsletters for information about the dates and location of our next Biennial Assembly!

Photos courtesy of Kirby Gould,
Diane Hall, Carole Hughes, Kris Milliron,
Penny Ross-Corona, Mike Weinman,
Mike Williams, and David Woodard.

Congratulations Rev. Matthew Limback

Matt (center) is pictured here with Patrick Overton (left) and Larry Colvin (right).

Matthew David Limback was ordained to the Christian Ministry at Central Christian Church in Higginsville on Sunday, October 2. In attendance were is wife, mother, father, and other family members as well as his best friend from childhood. The local high school choir sang an anthem and The Rev. Rodney Hopper of First Christian Church of Rock Port led the clergy processional by playing the bagpipes. The Rev. Dr. Patrick Overton of Arrow Rock Federated Church preached from Isaiah 49:14-16 and Ephesians 1:3-10 in a message entitled, "Unlikely Leader, Unwilling Servants." The Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin, Regional Ministry Team member officiated the ordination and laying on of hands.

Women's Day at Second CC in Fulton

Second CC in Fulton, was packed on Sunday afternoon, August 28th for their annual Women's Day celebration service.  Disciples from Fifth Street CC in Columbia were honored guests along with many in the community.  Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister Team member, was graciously welcomed to the congregation by Pastor Cedric Harris in a public affirmation of regional support for the vital work carried out in our African-American Convocation churches. 

The Second CC women's choir, shown here, sang rousing inspirational anthems as did the Fifth Street women's choir and special artists to affirm the gathering's theme, "Miracles are Happening Here."  An inspiring message was delivered by Pastor Ciara Hardin of Jefferson City who shared her courageous battle with cancer as a young mother and then almost succumbing to a chemotherapy overdose.  (She is now healthy and cancer free!)  She delicately tied this together Proverbs 31 along with Solomon and the story of David & Bathsheba in her message, "A Woman's Worth."

Story and photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Paul Koch.

Hands Around the World Grand Mission Festival

The Grand Mission Festival was a cooperative effort of Global Ministries, the Mid-America and Greater Kansas City Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Missouri Mid-South, Kansas-Oklahoma, and Illinois South Conferences of the United Church of Christ. The August 20th event was held at Colonial UCC in Prairie Village, Kansas and live-streamed to several sites including Community Christian Church in Camdenton and Webster Groves Christian Church in St. Louis. Over 150 persons took part.

Pictured from left to right are Minerva Halteh, Rachel Shomali, and Dr. Peter Makari.

Pictured from left to right are Minerva Halteh, Rachel Shomali, and Dr. Peter Makari.

 

 

Dr. Peter Makari, Executive for Middle East and Europe with the Common Global Ministries was the keynoter. He shared a history of the Middle East, along with present day religious and political issues. He also talked about the ministries taking place through our Global Ministry partners in Israel and Palestine.

Minerva Haleth and Rachel Shomali, both Palestinian Christians and Disciples Peace Fellowship Peace Interns, shared very moving personal stories about their families and everyday life as lived in Palestine.

The gathering was part of a larger 10 day event featuring 7 missionaries visiting over 30 congregations in America's heartland.

Story and photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin.

Rev. Barbara Gulick's Retirement Celebration

Millersburg Christian Church bid a fond farewell to Rev. Barbara Gulick who retired as their pastor on July 31, 2016.  A moving "last service" began with her baptizing three adults! Tributes for Barbara and her husband Rev. John Gulick started the evening before with a concert sing-along with the Millersburg Gloryland Band featuring Rev. Larry Brown, Patty Eggleston, Jeff & Barbara Moran, followed by steak and chicken supper, and concluding with fireworks provided by the Millersburg Christian Church community preschool.

Barbara is a commissioned minister who was installed at Millersburg CC on Dec. 7, 2008.  Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister team was present for both days and was happy to represent the wider church by presenting her the Honored Minister Pin.  Revs. Larry Veatch and John Bennett shared their blessings as well.  Brenda Rose, church council president created a moving liturgy for Barbara and the congregation with powerful words and symbols of "letting go."  We wish the congregation all the best as they move forward in their search for a transitional minister.

Story courtesy of Paul Koch.

FCC Ash Grove Celebrates 135 Years

On July 24, 2016, First Christian Church of Ash Grove, Missouri celebrated its 135th anniversary.  Larry R. Colvin, Regional Ministry Team member brought greetings from the national and regional church and Wanda Hendenberg, retired board member of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society presented a certificate to the church commemorating the occasion.  We were also joined by our Disciples Care Team Member, Sara Compton.  The worship/celebration was followed by a fellowship luncheon.  It was a great day of reunion, remembrance, as well as anticipation of where God is leading us in the future.

In the months prior to the celebration, the church was involved with several service projects involving the number “135.”  These included: collecting 135 packages of newborn diapers for Newborns in Need; collecting 135 bars of soap for the local food pantry; participating in the 135 “Miles of Motion” (walking, jogging, exercising, etc.), collecting 135 boxes of quality tissues for the residents of the local health care facility; encouraging our children to perform 135 eggs-tra acts of kindness, submitting 135 prayer requests for personal, local, national,  and global issues, and sharing 135 favorite Bible verses.  Also, a book of members’ and former members’ memoirs was compiled and distributed on the day.  It’s been a great year of service and celebration for First Christian Church of Ash Grove.

Story & photo courtesy of Tom Geer.

St. Charles CC Hosts Singing Group

New Generation Singers is a Christian singing group with members ranging in age from second semester 8th graders through high school and college-aged youth from Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, MO.

 

 

New G has been in St. Joe since 1970, bringing God’s message to each member, the community and surrounding areas.  Each summer they take a two-week tour, traveling across the United States spreading that Word.  During their 2016 tour, St. Charles Christian Church hosted the New Generation Singers on Friday evening, July 24.  They performed at the finale for SCCC's Cave Quest Vacation Bible School program.

Community Recess in Perry

Placing extreme value on community and fellowship, on Saturday, June 25, Perry Christian Church hosted the second annual Community Recess at the Bill Trower Memorial Park.  One may inquire, “What is a Community Recess?”  That is a great question and now for the answer. 

Recess as most of us know it is a break from doing something, like work or school. Almost everyone looks forward to taking a recess!! But recess comes from the Latin word recessus, meaning "a going back, retreat.” Ahhh retreat. Now you've got it! Community Recess is a time for the community to come together with their families for a day of fellowship and a special retreat for the children. By offering food, drinks, special games and willing workers, Perry Christian Church puts the emphasis on fellowship.

Of course, there is NO COST to attend!  However, any child who registered on-line was issued a ticket.  If they brought that ticket to Community Recess they received a free t-shirt.  Registering on-line helped determine how much food to prepare and the number of supplies needed for those who attended.  One did not have to register to attend Community Recess. 

As one might suspect everyone who attended knows that Community Recess was a great success.  It was an incredible day of fun, fellowship and food.  Even though an official count was never taken, it is estimated that at least 50 children and 20 adults attended this free event. Only ten (10) hot dogs were left from the one hundred (100) hot dogs prepared.  Approximately forty (40) games and activities were offered in which the children were allowed choose whether or not to participate.  Several found out how good they were at finding marbles in sand and putting them in a bucket…using only their toes.  Others found out how fast they could throw a baseball because they were able to have the speed of their fastball check by a radar gun!  Ever stacked nuts using a chopstick?  Those who attended had a chance to try their skills with the sticks!  Need a new tattoo to show off this summer? Young and old alike waited in line to get a temporary tattoo at Community Recess!  Summer is the perfect time to go fishing and those who attended had a chance to practice their casting skills.  Their reward was brightly colored plastic fish on their hooks, thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation.  Everyone was welcome to play games and pick up give-aways at the Corp of Engineer Water Safety Display.  One would be remiss if the bounce house and inflatable slide that was added to this year’s event were not at least mentioned.  There was always a line at each of these with children waiting patiently for their turns.  No one threw a fuss when some of the younger children didn’t understand the waiting-in-line rule and jumped to the head of the line! 

Enough can’t be said for all of those who answered the call and showed up to volunteer. Without dedicated volunteers none of these activities could be possible.  It would be thoughtless if a thank you were not extended to all the people that could not make it but supported the event with their thoughts, donations and prayers.

Saturday morning started with the sound of thunder and the flashes of lightening.  Prayers were offered to God, “Moisture is needed and one would not want to sound ungrateful, but something good is trying to be done, could You hold off with the rain until 1:00?”  Comments were overheard where several volunteers had offered up similar prayers.  About 9:00 the clouds cleared, the sunshine came through and a slight breeze started blowing.  This continued for the remainder of the event.  At 1:00 when the cleaning up had started, several people noticed that the clouds were gathering overhead.  As individuals were driving away from the park, it started to rain.  Our God is such an awesome God!  And then some people say that God doesn’t answer prayers!  The following email was sent Saturday afternoon, “Unbelievable!!! Rain and storms all around us this morning and the sun shines with a light breeze. Exactly at 1:00PM the clouds roll in and the rains come down to bless the farmers. Praise God!! Is that a sign or what?”

We, the members of Perry Christian Church, are continually thankful for God's goodness.  Community Recess is our way of sharing our love for the Lord with the community and we appreciate the way this annual event has been accepted.

 Thanks to Transitional Minister Nancy Kellstrom for sending the story and photos as prepared by event organizers.