Camp Scholarship Applications Due
We are happy to be able to offer camp scholarships thanks to our Orchard Crest Permanent Fund.
Learn more about our camping programs here>
Apply for a scholarship online here> Only one application is necessary per family.
Retirement Readiness Seminar
Pension Fund of the Christian Church is offering Retirement Readiness seminars in two Mid-America locations that will help provide a roadmap to retirement for their members. All Pension Fund members age 58 – 72, who have not yet retired, are invited to attend the seminar hosted in our region. Spouses are also encouraged to attend. The seminar is free and includes lunch, so registration is required. Learn more and register here>
During the event, Rev. Aaron Smith, Pension Fund’s Retirement Education Director, will be providing answers to common retirement questions, showing you how to calculate your pension payments, explaining the retirement application timeline and so much more. Please join our partners from Pension Fund at this exciting new seminar!
Retirement Readiness Seminar
Pension Fund of the Christian Church is offering Retirement Readiness seminars in two Mid-America locations that will help provide a roadmap to retirement for their members. All Pension Fund members age 58 – 72, who have not yet retired, are invited to attend the seminar hosted in our region. Spouses are also encouraged to attend. The seminar is free and includes lunch, so registration is required. Learn more and register here>
During the event, Rev. Aaron Smith, Pension Fund’s Retirement Education Director, will be providing answers to common retirement questions, showing you how to calculate your pension payments, explaining the retirement application timeline and so much more. Please join our partners from Pension Fund at this exciting new seminar!
Disciples Women Gathering
This month’s gathering is a week early to accommodate the holiday weekend.
We are in the second study from the 2024 Just Women study.
This month’s title is, May Justice Roll by Ayanna Johnson Watkins. Scripture references: Proverbs 31:8-9, Amos 5:20-27, Luke 4:18-19, Deuteronomy 16:20, Psalm 41:1.
Questions to ponder:
1. How does your congregation or Faith community talk about the place of justice work in the lives of people of faith?
2. Does your congregation engage in Justice work? Do you? If so, why, and what does it look like? If not, why not?
3. What scriptural texts are shaping your own thoughts about advocacy, organizing, or other justice work?
4. What are some concrete ways that injustice shows up in your own life or community?
If you don't have a Just Women there's still opportunity to order one through disciples.org. but read the scripture verses and read the questions and still you can join the conversation!
Join Zoom Meeting - Meeting ID: 859 9964 3507 Passcode: 584360
Older Adult Ministries Presents: You CAN Start a Support Group
Older Adult Ministries’ Jan Aerie will lead a webinar of panelists on May 29 at 11 am. Join them for “You CAN start a Support Group!” - a top priority requested in our national surveys.
Join the Older Adults Ministry Innovative Conversation Group as Rev. Kimberly Weir, Pastor Sandy Roberts, and Jan Aerie, Gerontologist, offer valuable viewpoints, ideas, and expertise on creating caring sharing communities. Each has worked with families and older adults, and experienced belonging to and/or guiding a support group as a caregiver, in bereavement, or during health challenges.
This event is free but registration is required. Register online now>
Boundary Training
Regional Board Secretary Nancy Rogers and Regional Minister Paul Koch will be co-leading this training focusing especially on how pastors and churches can better understand mental health issues in our communities with a close focus on adolescent mental health. Youth ministers and lay leaders are especially invited to attend.
Consult other known training opportunities.
Registration due by midnight on Sunday, June 23. Register now>
Biennial Session of the National Convocation
The 28th Biennial Session of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will be in Greensboro, NC - July 11-14, 2024. It will be a time of Worship, Education, Fellowship, and Fun!
Review a tentative schedule, sign up to be an exhibitor or sponsor, and register here>
NAPAD Convocation
Join the vibrant North American Pacific/Asian Disciples (NAPAD) community and fellow Disciples from across the United States and Canada at the 2024 NAPAD Convocation at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT, July 17-20.
The theme for this Convocation, inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:17 - “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!” - is “Revive and Renew.” This theme invites Disciples to a transformative and transcendent faith experience in individual and communal ways through an expansive in-person gathering in Salt Lake City.”
Our Bodies Our Faith
Beginning and ending times are estimates. The directors will send detailed information upon registration.
Regional Assembly
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Please mark your calendar now for next year’s Regional Assembly in St. Joseph. We will continue to add details as they become available but we know this gathering will be full of wonderful worship, preaching, music, workshops, food, fellowship, and fun!
Weekend Retreat for Disciples LGBTQ+ Youth
A retreat weekend for new friendships, sharing of experience, and attending to one's spiritual connection. Retreaters will hear from a keynote speaker, share in worship and workshops, and explore the sites of St. Louis. The age group is those finishing 8th through 12th grade.
This retreat is presented by Walter Scott Camp & Learning Center, a ministry of the Christian Church in IL & WI, in partnership with the Christian Church in Indiana, the Christian Church Michigan Region, the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest, and the Christian Church in Mid-America.
View, print, or post an event flyer>
Not sure? Complete an interest survey here>
Pension Fund's The Gathering: A Retreat for Clergy
All clergy are welcome to this annual event brought to us by our Pension Fund.
Here’s how they describe the event:
Join us next September in Washington D.C. for The Gathering. During this event we will launch Cornerstones – a new initiative with emphasis on clergy health and wellness. We will focus on the four cornerstones of Mental Health, Holy Friendships, Physical Fitness, and Financial Well-being. Cornerstones is based on the guiding scripture from Exodus 17. In the passage Moses grows weary from holding up his arms, but he finds support when a stone is placed under him and his hands are held up for the benefit of the community.
Please let us know if you will be participating so we can look into securing transport for a group from Mid-America.
Sons & Fathers Retreat
Men of all ages and all relationships will be welcome at this event.
$190 for son and father together; $99 per person; scholarships available.
Link to online registration will be on our Summer Programs page when it is opened.
Learn more and print/post the event flyer.
Sons & Fathers Retreat
This is a wonderful event for fathers and sons of all ages! Our friends from the United Church of Christ and Illuman will be joining us.
Registration will take place through our summer programs system and links will be posted when they are available.
"Awaken"
This is the annual event formerly called Soularize. More information will be posted as it becomes available. Please contact Regional Minister Paul Koch if interested.
Drum Birthing Weekend
Participants will experience the joy of constructing their very own Native American style drum made by their own hands while in fellowship with other men. Together we’ll participate in deep conversations. Through sharing our stories and listening to the experiences of other men, we will learn from one another.
Space is very limited, so please register as soon as possible. Contact Regional Minister Paul Koch if you would like more information.
Online Anti-Racism Training 1.0
This is our introductory level session and has no prerequisites.
You will receive materials to review, as well as a Zoom link, the week prior to the session.
Learn more about our Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciling Justice Ministries here>
Registration due by April 20. Register now>
Disciples Women Gathering
Enjoy a cup of your favorite brew as we share with one another, our lives, our churches, and our upcoming events, along with a thought-provoking and encouraging Bible Study from the Just Women. Don't have one yet, don't let that stop you! Read the scripture, read the questions, and join us! Embracing Life, Through the Looking Glass; seeing the world through the eyes of faith!
Our first study comes from Sandyha Jha, the scripture references are from Deuteronomy 6:4 and 5 and Leviticus 19:18. Her questions to ponder:
Who is the biblical ancestor who tried to engage people different from them in a loving way? If you could ask them questions, what would they be? What might be their responses to those questions.
Who in the community is different from you, who don't know well, who have you had conflict with? Who from the Bible might be able to relate to your situation and what might their advice be?
Activist Grace Lee Boggs of Detroit talked about " putting the neighbor back in the hood. " Thinking about that last story, are there any small acts that could help you connect more deeply with your own neighbors so you're all in a relationship with each other?
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85103457025?pwd=cE9jT2JzWEJ0MUZRUXQ0ZFdKeVgrUT09
Meeting ID: 851 0345 7025 Passcode: 859436
Bootheel Leadership Workshop
All Mid-America laity and clergy are invited to this FREE event designed to support all of our church leaders!
Workshop choices will include Being an Elder, Being a Deacon, Discernment: A New Path to Decision Making, Technology and the Church, Modern Disciples, and Engaging Scripture. See the schedule of events here>
Pastors Retreat - CANCELLED
UNFORTUNATELY, THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED. PLEASE WATCH OUR UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE FOR A SIMILAR EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THE FUTURE.
The theme of this retreat is “Be Still.”
There will be programming during the first and last hours of the retreat. Otherwise all are welcome to personal retreat time with no programming.
Participation limited to first twelve people to register.
Register now> See/print/post event flyer>
African American Convocation
The special guest speaker for this event will be Dr. Delesslyn Kennabrew, Executive Director of the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and Associate General Minister.
Please see the event flyer and registration form here for more information.
Registration is due by April 3. You may register online, via phone at (314) 462-0932, or by using the form above. (The form must be received back in the mail by April 3).
Threads of Joy
Our Rural Ministry Network is hosting a conversation about stitching together rural and small churches. As Disciples, we are all at the same table and together we want to encourage, equip, and connect Disciples of Christ churches in Mid-America as we grow in Christ.
This is a free event and dinner will be provided.
More information, including the agenda and other dates/locations, is on the flyer here>
Please register online so we can be prepared with enough dinner for all>
Threads of Joy
Our Rural Ministry Network is hosting a conversation about stitching together rural and small churches. As Disciples, we are all at the same table and together we want to encourage, equip, and connect Disciples of Christ churches in Mid-America as we grow in Christ.
This is a free event and lunch will be provided.
More information, including the agenda and other dates/locations, is on the flyer here>
Please register online so we can be prepared with enough lunch for all>
Solar Eclipse Gathering
Abbey Road CC would like to extend to all our area DOC churches an invitation to our unobstructed hill to view and celebrate the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024. We will have a Meet & Greet in the church at 10:30 am followed by a light lunch at 11:00 am on the grounds. At 12:00 noon there will be a labyrinth walk for those who wish to participate and finger labyrinths for those who cannot walk it.
There is limited seating in our pergola and firepit areas, so please bring your lawn chairs. Also bring any snacks and drinks you wish to have, and sunblock if needed, as well as protective glasses to view the eclipse.
We look forward to seeing you! Please RSVP by Monday, March 25, 2024, so that we may plan for lunch. Thank you!
Retirement Celebration for Rev. Katherine Kinnamon
Our Associate Regional Minister for Commission on the Order of Ministry Rev. Katherine Kinnamon is retiring effective March 31. We are grateful for her many years of ministry in Mid-America and invite all to join the celebration at Compton Heights CC in St. Louis on Sunday, April 7 during their 11am worship. A reception will follow at approximately 12:30. All are also welcome to send a card to the church (2149 S. Grand, STL, 63104) to be presented to her that day.
Threads of Joy
This session has been cancelled due to low enrollment. Please see the flyer for more information and register for one of the other options.
Our Rural Ministry Network is hosting a conversation about stitching together rural and small churches. As Disciples, we are all at the same table and together we want to encourage, equip, and connect Disciples of Christ churches in Mid-America as we grow in Christ.
This is a free event and lunch will be provided.
More information, including the agenda and other dates/locations, is on the flyer here>
Please register online so we can be prepared with enough lunch for all>
Threads of Joy
Our Rural Ministry Network is hosting a conversation about stitching together rural and small churches. As Disciples, we are all at the same table and together we want to encourage, equip, and connect Disciples of Christ churches in Mid-America as we grow in Christ.
This is a free event and lunch will be provided.
More information, including the agenda and other dates/locations, is on the flyer here>
Please register online so we can be prepared with enough lunch for all>
Threads of Joy
Our Rural Ministry Network is hosting a conversation about stitching together rural and small churches. As Disciples, we are all at the same table and together we want to encourage, equip, and connect Disciples of Christ churches in Mid-America as we grow in Christ.
This is a free event and lunch will be provided.
More information, including the agenda and other dates/locations, is on the flyer here>
Please register online so we can be prepared with enough lunch for all>
Easter Special Offering
The Easter Offering supports several of the general ministries of the Christian Church. Your gift supports college students in leadership development programs, global mission partners, health and social service ministries, the formation of new congregations, support for pastors and chaplains, and so much more.
Lenten Lectio @ 11
Join us on Zoom for this online Lenten spiritual journey focusing on centering, reflection, and prayer. We’re hoping this will be a time to step away from the routines of the week, be with others you don’t normally get to see, and engage the Word of God for the people of God. Join us every Wednesday, or only a few as your schedule allows. All are most welcome!
Sessions led by our Associate Regional Ministers Rev. Dr. Phil Snider and Rev. David Woodard.
Easter Special Offering
The Easter Offering supports several of the general ministries of the Christian Church. Your gift supports college students in leadership development programs, global mission partners, health and social service ministries, the formation of new congregations, support for pastors and chaplains, and so much more.
Disciples Women Gathering
Our next Bible study for March is the last one in the 2023 Just Women Bible Study, titled Learning to Let Go, from Isaiah chapter 43:18-19 is by Rev. Tanya Lopez
Questions for consideration:
What are some of the " things that were " that we might have to grieve in our lives today?
How can you hold space for yourself as feelings come up in your grieving of these " things "?
What examples can you name of times in your life in which God made a way during a time of crisis or deep need.
How can you begin the process of " releasing the grip " on things of the past in your life today?
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88123748611?pwd=aGU5cnFBKzVCdW1VdFU1YWZFeFZ5QT09
Meeting ID: 881 2374 8611
Passcode: 290238
Boundary Training
This is a renewal course. $50. Lunch will be provided. We will focus on the Ministerial Code of Ethics and have discussions on various ethical ethics that come our way. Persons who have not taken a 101 Boundary Training before are encouraged to take the Lewis Center’s training online or consult other known opportunities. Led by Regional Minister Rev. Dr. Paul Koch.
Registration due by midnight on Sunday, March 18. Register now>
Lenten Lectio @ 11
Join us on Zoom for this online Lenten spiritual journey focusing on centering, reflection, and prayer. We’re hoping this will be a time to step away from the routines of the week, be with others you don’t normally get to see, and engage the Word of God for the people of God. Join us every Wednesday, or only a few as your schedule allows. All are most welcome!
Sessions led by our Associate Regional Ministers Rev. Dr. Phil Snider and Rev. David Woodard.
Installation of Rev. Elizabeth Wolf
Rev. Elizabeth (Lizzy) Wolf will be installed as the pastor of First Christian Church in Harrisonville. All are welcome to attend the celebration! The service will begin at 4:00 and a reception will follow.
Ordination of Heather Johnston Patten
The Mid-America Region, Auxvasse Christian Church, and Fulton First Christian Church invite your presence and prayers for the ordination to Christian ministry of Heather Johnston Patten.
Clergy are invited to gather in the education wing at 2:45 to process in together. Wear robes and red stoles, if you wish.
Lenten Lectio @ 11
Join us on Zoom for this online Lenten spiritual journey focusing on centering, reflection, and prayer. We’re hoping this will be a time to step away from the routines of the week, be with others you don’t normally get to see, and engage the Word of God for the people of God. Join us every Wednesday, or only a few as your schedule allows. All are most welcome!
Sessions led by our Associate Regional Ministers Rev. Dr. Phil Snider and Rev. David Woodard.
Mid-America Board Meeting
Our Regional board will meet via Zoom to review recent financial and ministry reports, and discuss future programming and other activity. Preparations are also being made for our Regional Assembly coming up August 8-10, 2024 in St. Joseph. Learn more about our board here>
Lenten Lectio @ 11
Join us on Zoom for this online Lenten spiritual journey focusing on centering, reflection, and prayer. We’re hoping this will be a time to step away from the routines of the week, be with others you don’t normally get to see, and engage the Word of God for the people of God. Join us every Wednesday, or only a few as your schedule allows. All are most welcome!
Sessions led by our Associate Regional Ministers Rev. Dr. Phil Snider and Rev. David Woodard.
Congregational Reports Due in ALEX
Each year we ask all Disciples of Christ congregations to complete a very brief report in our ALEX database system. This enables us to keep track of changes and trends throughout the church.
This is also the vehicle by which congregations remain under the umbrella of the Disciples’ 501(c)(3) tax-exemption.
There's an online help desk to answer lots of frequently asked questions about the reporting process and the database system. Contact the St. Louis Regional office if you don't know how to get started, or if you get stuck at any point. Pastors and lay leaders, please make sure that your congregation reports as its tax-exempt status and insurance coverage could be affected. Here's a worksheet listing all the questions that will be asked online. Please do it today!
Lenten Lectio @ 11
Join us on Zoom for this online Lenten spiritual journey focusing on centering, reflection, and prayer. We’re hoping this will be a time to step away from the routines of the week, be with others you don’t normally get to see, and engage the Word of God for the people of God. Join us every Wednesday, or only a few as your schedule allows. All are most welcome!
Sessions led by our Associate Regional Ministers Rev. Dr. Phil Snider and Rev. David Woodard.
Open House of Regional Office
We are very grateful to South Street Christian Church for the many years of housing our Springfield Regional office. We are also excited as we look forward to moving to our new location at Drury University.
Before we go, we do have some books, supplies, and other resources for which we will no longer have use or room. All are welcome to come by this open house to see if there are some items that may be useful to you or your congregation. We are happy to gift these items to anyone, and will rejoice in their renewed purpose!
Ordination of Teresa Spear
South Street Christian Church and the Mid-America Region invite you to the ordination of Teresa Spear into Christian Ministry.
Clergy are invited to wear red stoles and participate in the laying on of hands during the service.