The Disciples Care Team met for its semi-annual gathering at Lake Ozark Christian Church on April 22. The Regional Ministry Team met with the Care Team and discussed ways to better communicate the Region's many ministries with local congregations. The Care Team, chaired by Murrell Arnett of Macon, is made up of retired pastors and lay folk. Team members are dedicated to visit congregations in the Region to bring greetings and share important events in the life of the church in the Region. In addition, Care Team members are available to take part in congregational anniversary celebrations, give support to pastors and church leaders, and pray for and with the congregations. Some of the team members are also available for pulpit supply.

It is the hope of the Care Team, Regional Minister Team, and the Regional Board that eventually every congregation will have a Care Team member with whom to relate and to pray for the congregation. Team members are appointed through the Executive Committee for a term of three years. Most also participate in Boundary Training and Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Training. The semi-annual gatherings are a way for the team to support one another, find ways to improve team ministry, and to have a time to learn about pastoral care, confidentiality, and ministry of care. The Regional Minister Team encourages pastors to identify persons in their congregation who may have gifts to serve on the Disciples Care Team. Dr. Larry Colvin is the Regional Minster Team member who works with the Disciples Care Team.

The photo shows the Regional Minister team with the Disciples Care Team. Front row l-r: Diane Hall, Laura Kercher, Dan Kercher, Cindy Wiltshire, Clela Anderson. Second Row l-r: Sara Compton, Penny Ross-Corona, Lina Eddy, Murrell Arnett, Paul Koch, Larry Colvin, Tom Hamm. Not pictured: Mike and Diane Bockhorst, Vic Davis, John Fisher, Ken and Sue Jameson, Ray and Wendy Miles, George Morey, and Mike Weinman. Photo by Mike Weiman.

Story courtesy of Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin.