Greetings Girlfriends!

Have you heard the expression, "Spring has sprung"? Well it certainly did, and it was something like cliff diving! What an adventure the last few months have been. Being with so many dedicated, committed and energetic Disciples Women in the Areas of Mid-America has been energizing. It was exciting to hear all of the creative ways you are ministering to others. That work certainly re-enforces the Disciples Women's definition of Social Action found in our Tools for Leadership Guide. In part it says: Social action is proclaiming the gospel in word and deed. Jesus in his ministry showed what service is by feeding hungry people, healing people who were sick, and caring for people who were needy, poor, and neglected by society. The Disciples Women/Christian Women's Fellowship (DW/CWF) social action program provides channels of service in the church, community, and world by women who feel a sense of personal responsibility to carry out the mission of Jesus Christ. I am so excited and proud to be working with women who are DOING the kinds of things that Jesus did.

The Disciples Women's Regional Retreat--COMMON GROUND COFFEE HOUSE. . . . where girl friends gather!--was so much FUN with 28 ladies gathering at the Rickman Center May 21-22 for a timeof rest, reflection and spiritual nurturing. About half of the ladies were experiencing their first retreat. How exciting! The OLA and SEGA tied for the prize of most in attendance, and the ladies from Granite, IL received awards for traveling the farthest! Our Mission Project was the Rape and Abuse Service of Jefferson City (RACS) with Pam Otto sharing about the needs of the center and signs of possible abuse to look for in women and children we may know or meet. Ladies brought items needed as well as contributed to an offering during closing worship of $100. Closing worship was led by Clela Anderson from SEGA and was awesome. Hopefully all who shared in the experience received a blessing. The retreat wouldn't have been as rich if not for the gifts of Patti Magruder and Ginger Humphrey who served on the planning committee and helped lead the retreat. We made a great team and I'm grateful for their gifts.

Quadrennial Assembly is HERE! In just a few days we will be gathering for the 14th QA since 1957. The theme for the 2010 Quadrennial Assembly (QA) is "Awake! Awake!" and will be held in Greensboro, North Carolina June 23-27, 2010. I have prepared "BUTTONS" with the Mid-America Region logo for all of you ladies from Mid-America to wear on our name tags. Join me as we see old friends and make new ones from all over the country and even the world. View more information at Quadriennial

A few dates to get on your calendar and keep in mind when doing your Area planning:

July 9-11, 2010
NW Area mini- retreat at MO Western, Sponsored by Woodson Chapel CC and FCC of Grant City. The Theme is "Nothing is Impossible with God". The cost is $70 ($35 if commute) Registration deadline is June 19, 2010 (form and fee). Contact Mary Lynn Breit 816-324-5214 or by e-mail at www.nwareacc@nwareacc.org.

July 24, 2010
DW/CWF Regional Cabinet meets at 9:00 am at the new Regional Disciple Mission Center across the street from the Rickman pool.

September 17-18, 2010
SEGA Disciples Women's Retreat at the First Christian Church, Bonne Terre. Cost is $28.00. Lodging is available at the Super 8 Motel in Bonne Terre. Special rate available if you tell them you're with the 2010 Women's Retreat at FCC.

September 27, 2010
OLA Fall Assembly hosted by National Avenue CC in Springfield.

September 27, 2010
NE Area Fall Assembly (Location TBA)

The DW/CWF of the Mid-America Region gathered at four Area Spring Assemblies, one Enrichment Conference, one President's Luncheon, and one Regional Retreat! I was able to share in all of these events except the Northwest Area for their Spring Assembly in April. We had two Areas gathering on the same day for their Spring Assembly. I due plan to be in fellowship with the NW Area ladies during their Mini-Retreat in July! I am in awe of how much you all do within your local church and community while still finding the time to gather with the larger church.

Brenda