Zane has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
Wouldn’t it be great if ministers from around our region could gather weekly for a time of prayer and renewal? We think the answer is a resounding, “YES!”
Join us on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (November 25 – December 16) as we pray the Advent lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
Disciples Home Missions Youth & Young Adults is partnering with the National Benevolent Association’s Rev. Bere Gil Soto and the M.A.C.C. Foundation for Adulting 101: Things Nobody Taught Me About Money—a three part webinar series empowering youth and young adults to reimagine their relationship with money. Each session blends practical tools with reflection on money as a tool, a privilege, and a responsibility, all through a faith filled, justice minded lens.
Tonight is session two of three. You’re welcome even if you missed the first one! The final will meet on January 21.
The webinar series is free, but registration is required.
The Christmas Offering supports regional ministries. In 31 regions across the United States and Canada, ministers are nurtured and congregations are provided opportunities for work and worship. Often recognized for the ministries of camps and conferences, regions also play a critical role in the preparation and authorization of ministerial ordination. Both are key to church leadership and development. Regions partner with congregations to support the work required to call a new minister.
Hannibal FCC has graciously agreed to host this year's event for congregations in the northeastern portion of the Region. Host sites are still needed for other locals throughout Mid-America.
This music-filled worship service, which is sponsored by the Rural Ministry Network, features congregational singing of the Christmas hymns and carols that we all know and love and that tell the story of Jesus' birth.
The RMN Steering Committee believes this will be a powerful and joyful worship experience during the Advent season.
If your congregation is willing to be a Regional host, please reach out to the Rural Ministry Network.
Wouldn’t it be great if ministers from around our region could gather weekly for a time of prayer and renewal? We think the answer is a resounding, “YES!”
Join us on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (November 25 – December 16) as we pray the Advent lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
This month’s topic is Research Strategies to Learn about Your Immediate Community.
Conversation Café is a bi-monthly virtual event designed to bring together Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country to discuss, reflect on, and engage with relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. We will explore topics like creating or reflecting on guiding statements (Mission, Vision, Values) for a congregation, community partnerships, ethnographic evaluations for local communities, and more. This one-hour lunchtime session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local contexts. People can grab a meal, settle at their computer or tablet, and join the conversation.
Brought to us by Disciples Home Missions’ Congregational Vitality and Innovation.
This event is free but registration is required. Learn more & register here>
This National Benevolent Association online presentation will provide a space to navigate grief during the holiday season.
This 40-minute virtual Blue Service offers a gentle, reflective space for those navigating grief during the holiday season. With intentional space and facilitation, we will honor the complexity of loss while holding space for healing and hope. Whether you’re mourning a loved one, facing a difficult season, or simply seeking solace, this service invites you to pause, breathe, and be held in community.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Learn more and register here>
This National Benevolent Association online presentation will provide a moment of soul care for the holidays.
Join NBA’s Mental Health and Wellness Team with special guests as we share a moment to pause, process, and care for ourselves this holiday season. We encourage you to grab your favorite mug, something soothing to sip, and a cozy chair as you prepare for an evening of SoulCare focused on wellness practices and fun for the holiday season.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Learn more and register here>
The Christmas Offering supports regional ministries. In 31 regions across the United States and Canada, ministers are nurtured and congregations are provided opportunities for work and worship. Often recognized for the ministries of camps and conferences, regions also play a critical role in the preparation and authorization of ministerial ordination. Both are key to church leadership and development. Regions partner with congregations to support the work required to call a new minister.
All are welcome to join us for this monthly gathering.
Our next study from the Just Women Bible Study titled, “As the Holy Spirit Wills,” by Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie. Her scripture reference comes from Acts chapter 2:1-4.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82023503046?pwd=SpHk95GRhnc0gsSwe7dfbUYztITFzu.1
Meeting ID: 820 2350 3046 Passcode: 615850
Bill Nichols, Pastor of the First Christian Church in Bolivar Missouri will be retiring on January 1st, 2026. Pastor Nichols was ordained at Granite Hills Christian Church in El Cajon California in June of 1983 and began his first full time ministry at the First Christian Church in Walnut Grove Missouri in July of 1985 where he served 22 years. He served the Gateway Christian Church in Springfield Missouri from 2008 - 2013 and has been the Pastor of First Christian Church in Bolivar since June of 2013. You are invited to attend a reception for Pastor Nichols on Sunday afternoon, January 4th.
This free program is brought to us by Lexington Theological Seminary as part of their Creating Vital Congregations webinar series.
Participants will engage with core principles of pastoral shepherding, including spiritual leadership, congregational care, and the cultivation of a Christ-centered ministry. At the same time, we will highlight the crucial areas where the local church must embody justice, compassion, and transformative presence in the world.
Teila has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
Pastor M. Faye Vaughn has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
Disciples Home Missions Youth & Young Adults is partnering with the National Benevolent Association’s Rev. Bere Gil Soto and the M.A.C.C. Foundation for Adulting 101: Things Nobody Taught Me About Money—a three part webinar series empowering youth and young adults to reimagine their relationship with money. Each session blends practical tools with reflection on money as a tool, a privilege, and a responsibility, all through a faith filled, justice minded lens.
Tonight is the third of the three sessions. You’re welcome even if you couldn’t make the first two.
The webinar series is free, but registration is required.
Be an ambassador for peace and justice!
Each year DPF selects three young adults (21-years-old or older) to serve as Peace Interns. This is a 12-week, paid, summer internship ($3,000 stipend) that will allow you to serve as an advocate for peace and justice in many different ways and in several different formats.
Our Women Empowering Women is just what it says, this group of women has been formed to help, nurture, empower, and give voice to women in ministry and find ways to not only keep women in their many roles of ministry but to also encourage others.
We want to provide a safe place where we can find others that we bond spiritually with from across the miles, women we might not otherwise have had the opportunity to connect with.
We want to keep women in all aspects of ministry throughout our region, and beyond! Women are vital and we need opportunities to be together and share, find spiritual partners, and sift through the challenges that we face, and learn ways to cope and share with others; finding new insights from those who have walked in our steps before and those who have witnessed those walking in these steps.
Women in many rolls of ministry and about ministry. I know some very strong, creative, and wise women who have been surrounded by and infused in ministry that have not necessarily been in ministry roles who could nurture and provide needed sources of encouragement for us all.
Women, many women supported Christ, supported the church. Women, the last at the cross, the first at the tomb, the first to witness the Risen Christ and the first to be told to go and tell them.
Women, we are needed and we must stand strong, and be Church!
Please RSVP to Rev. Jennifer Long at jennifer.ccma@sbcglobal.net.
This month’s topic is Community Partnerships: Expanding Congregational Capacity & Relevancy.
Conversation Café is a bi-monthly virtual event designed to bring together Disciple pastors, lay leaders, and church staff from across the country to discuss, reflect on, and engage with relevant resources for congregational life and innovation. We will explore topics like creating or reflecting on guiding statements (Mission, Vision, Values) for a congregation, community partnerships, ethnographic evaluations for local communities, and more. This one-hour lunchtime session offers participants a chance to be Church together and share resources that help our congregations thrive in their local contexts. People can grab a meal, settle at their computer or tablet, and join the conversation.
Brought to us by Disciples Home Missions’ Congregational Vitality and Innovation.
This event is free but registration is required. Learn more & register here>
Download flyer here>
Register online now>
Make your hotel reservation by March 20 to get group rate. Link to hotel here>
Link to church here>
Please RSVP to Susan Moore.
This webinar is brought to us by the National Benevolent Association’s Older Adult Ministries.
Sometimes sadness and grief can overtake the joy of the holiday season. We may find ourselves just going through the motions, forgetting the real reason we are busily preparing – yet we know we feel sad. Join us to share and learn ways to honor the sadness and loneliness, and find ways to rekindle feelings of Love, Peace, Hope and JOY!
The event is free but registration is required. Learn more and register here>
Wouldn’t it be great if ministers from around our region could gather weekly for a time of prayer and renewal? We think the answer is a resounding, “YES!”
Join us on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (November 25 – December 16) as we pray the Advent lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
This gathering for clergy and church leaders is brought to us by our National Benevolent Association Mental Health and Wellness Team.
The session will foster a sacred space of stillness and renewal. This Sacred Sabbath Rest Practice is a gentle invitation for us to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the spirit of Sabbath as the busyness of the Advent Season begins.
As you prepare to minister and care for others this Advent, you deserve to begin from a place of rest. Leave feeling refreshed, grounded, and deeply nourished.
There is no cost to attend, but registration is required. Learn more and register here>
Wouldn’t it be great if ministers from around our region could gather weekly for a time of prayer and renewal? We think the answer is a resounding, “YES!”
Join us on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (November 25 – December 16) as we pray the Advent lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
Centennial Christian Church is sponsoring the presentation of Global Ministries’ Global Mission Intern Kyra “KC” King. She will be sharing information about her work in Sierra Leone.
All are most welcome.
With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we are pleased to invite you to a Memorial Service dedicated to celebrating the cherished legacy of our beloved Centennial Christian Church building—a place where faith has been nurtured, lives have been touched, and countless prayers have been lifted.
RSVP: Zelois Powell, Church Administrator
We hope you will join us for this meaningful occasion as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and step forward in faith and unity.
Theresa and Russ have completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
The ceremony will take place during the 10:00 am worship service.
The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses.
This year, our churches and communities in Saint Louis and other areas of Missouri and Illinois endured major disasters on top of numerous individual and collective crises. Our communities have experienced trauma. Congregational leaders within the Disciples of Christ and United Church of Christ, along with leaders from ecumenical partners and the Eden Seminary community, are invited to a one-day event combining elements of retreat and education to help you identify and understand common responses to trauma. Join with fellow clergy and lay leaders to share stories, engage in soul care practice, and learn tools for response. Print and post flyer>
Brought to us by Week of Compassion and the National Benevolent Association.
The event is free but registration is required by Tuesday, November 18. Register online now>
All are welcome to join us for this monthly gathering.
Our next Bible study from the Just Women is titled He Is, by Dr Evonne Wimbush
Scripture reference comes from St John 14:15 - 31
Questions
Who is there when we need comfort, strength, and support?
How did God's Spirit encourage you today?
How did you treat this gift that Jesus so graciously gave?
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82023503046?pwd=SpHk95GRhnc0gsSwe7dfbUYztITFzu.1
Meeting ID: 820 2350 3046 Passcode: 615850
This is the final installment in this series presented by Older Adult Ministries
Enrich your spiritual life and that of others by following the contemplation resource, “Looking for God Over Your Shoulder.” It will be our guide to a different topic each week. An image, scripture verse, meditation reflection, and prayer will be shared. Then participants will be invited to explore discussion prompts. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister of the Mid-America Region, has been a participant in contemplative meditation circles in earnest for a decade and will lead our discussions.
This is a four-part webinar series taking place each Wednesday between October 29th and November 19th. Each webinar takes place at 12:00pm ET/11:00am CT.
Learn more and register through our National Benevolent Association here>
The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses.
Terry has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
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.
We’ll be welcoming speakers Randy Robb, Kirby Gould, Ethan Colbert, and Jan Aerie.
This is a free event and lunch will be provided.
More information, including the agenda, is on the flyer here>
Please register online by November 12 so we can be prepared with enough food for all>
Join us for this wonderful celebration of the Rickman Legacy and all who continue to participate in the vital ministries it supports! Please let us know if you can join us>
Presented by Older Adult Ministries
Enrich your spiritual life and that of others by following the contemplation resource, “Looking for God Over Your Shoulder.” It will be our guide to a different topic each week. An image, scripture verse, meditation reflection, and prayer will be shared. Then participants will be invited to explore discussion prompts. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister of the Mid-America Region, has been a participant in contemplative meditation circles in earnest for a decade and will lead our discussions.
This is a four-part webinar series taking place each Wednesday between October 29th and November 19th. Each webinar takes place at 12:00pm ET/11:00am CT.
Learn more and register through our National Benevolent Association here>
Our Women Empowering Women is just what it says, this group of women has been formed to help, nurture, empower, and give voice to women in ministry and find ways to not only keep women in their many roles of ministry but to also encourage others.
We want to provide a safe place where we can find others that we bond spiritually with from across the miles, women we might not otherwise have had the opportunity to connect with.
We want to keep women in all aspects of ministry throughout our region, and beyond! Women are vital and we need opportunities to be together and share, find spiritual partners, and sift through the challenges that we face, and learn ways to cope and share with others; finding new insights from those who have walked in our steps before and those who have witnessed those walking in these steps.
Women in many rolls of ministry and about ministry. I know some very strong, creative, and wise women who have been surrounded by and infused in ministry that have not necessarily been in ministry roles who could nurture and provide needed sources of encouragement for us all.
Women, many women supported Christ, supported the church. Women, the last at the cross, the first at the tomb, the first to witness the Risen Christ and the first to be told to go and tell them.
Women, we are needed and we must stand strong, and be Church!
See flyer here> Please RSVP to Rev. Jennifer Long at jennifer.ccma@sbcglobal.net.
Eric has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ. Clergy are invited to robe and stole.
Theme: “Still in the Good Fight” Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9
We’re honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Katina Allen-Colon, Pastor of 5th Street Christian Church, as our Guest Speaker. And honor our beautiful church mothers: Mattie Chambers, Violet Black, Geraldine Chandler, and Helen Ferguson.
Before the service, join and fellowship with us for our soulful anniversary lunch as we reflect on the journey, remember those who came before us, and rejoice in all that’s still to come.
Come celebrate 120 years of worship, service, and community — because through it all, we are still in the good fight!
We are created in and for relationships. Life-enriching relationships, whether with intimate partners, family, friends, colleagues or parishioners, require healthy boundaries. This workshop explores the meaning and practice of healthy boundaries in the context of ministry.
The session will be led by Rev. Jennifer Long, Tim Long, and Rev. Sharae Kelley.
Clergy with active ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) must participate in such a boundary training session every three years. The $50 registration fee includes lunch and any distributed materials. Sessions will not be streamed or recorded.
Consult other known training opportunities.
Registration due by midnight on Wednesday, November 5. Register now>
Mandy has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
Save the date for Awaken 2025, Illuman’s annual gathering designed for all male-identified persons seeking inspiration, contemplation, and deep connection. This unique event invites participants to engage in transformative inner work, weaving together ritual, teaching, nature exploration, poetry, drumming, song, small group councils, and time for rest and connection.
Learn more on the FB event page here or contact Rev. Dr. Paul Koch here>
Disciples Home Missions Youth & Young Adults is partnering with the National Benevolent Association’s Rev. Bere Gil Soto and the M.A.C.C. Foundation for Adulting 101: Things Nobody Taught Me About Money—a three part webinar series empowering youth and young adults to reimagine their relationship with money. Each session blends practical tools with reflection on money as a tool, a privilege, and a responsibility, all through a faith filled, justice minded lens.
Tonight is the first night. Subsequent presentations will be made on December 10 and January 21.
The webinar series is free, but registration is required.
Presented by Older Adult Ministries
Enrich your spiritual life and that of others by following the contemplation resource, “Looking for God Over Your Shoulder.” It will be our guide to a different topic each week. An image, scripture verse, meditation reflection, and prayer will be shared. Then participants will be invited to explore discussion prompts. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister of the Mid-America Region, has been a participant in contemplative meditation circles in earnest for a decade and will lead our discussions.
This is a four-part webinar series taking place each Wednesday between October 29th and November 19th. Each webinar takes place at 12:00pm ET/11:00am CT.
Learn more and register through our National Benevolent Association here>
This sharing group is for men navigating mid-life changes. It will meet on this date for the first time, and then each Tuesday for seven weeks. Regional Minister Paul Koch recommends this program as part of our ongoing Mid-America Men & Friends ministry.
Our hope for this offering is similar to that of the porpoises in Bernard Moitessier’s book ‘The Long Way’.
“For three hours longer they swim like that, each isolated on his own side, without playing, setting their speed by Joshua’s, two or three yards from the boat. I have never seen anything like it. Porpoises have never kept my company that long. I am sure they were given the order to stay with me until Joshua was absolutely out of danger.”
In some small way we hope we can be like the porpoises and show-up at a dangerous time in a man’s life and help them navigate their way through, to safer waters.“
Randall has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
John has completed the requirements of our Commission on the Order of Ministry and will be ordained to the Church’s Ministry for Jesus Christ.
The weekend of November 1-2, Compton Heights Christian Church will bid farewell to its building at 2149 S. Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, celebrating 75 years of ministry.
You are invited to Saturday’s reception to enjoy snacks and refreshments while visiting with friends and sharing memories of the ministries that have called the building home.
Then on All Saints Sunday service at 11:00am, they will name, remember, and celebrate the saints to have served the congregation. See postcard invitation here>
Presented by Older Adult Ministries
Enrich your spiritual life and that of others by following the contemplation resource, “Looking for God Over Your Shoulder.” It will be our guide to a different topic each week. An image, scripture verse, meditation reflection, and prayer will be shared. Then participants will be invited to explore discussion prompts. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister of the Mid-America Region, has been a participant in contemplative meditation circles in earnest for a decade and will lead our discussions.
This is a four-part webinar series taking place each Wednesday between October 29th and November 19th. Each webinar takes place at 12:00pm ET/11:00am CT.
Learn more and register through our National Benevolent Association here>
