Retirement of Rev. Dr. Patrick Overton

On Sunday, April 30th a retirement celebration was enjoyed for Rev. Dr. Patrick Overton and his wife Lindi at Arrow Rock Federated Church. Patrick served Arrow Rock as bookends to his lifelong ministry - for 12 years beginning in 1976 and most recently for 10 years. A special worship combined with an original song called “Honored” was shared, and Regional Minister Ron Routledge presented him a retirement pin. A lovely luncheon followed.

Pictured are: Rev. Dr. Scott Killgore, Rev. Ron Routledge, Rev. Dr. Patrick Overton, Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin, and the newly called Pastor Michael Kateman.

Patrick served the Region for years on the Northwest Commissioned Ministry Team and as a member of our Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry, and has been engaged at many levels throughout the years. He is now designated as ‘Retired-Active’ and hopes to continue in a limited capacity to serve the Church. Blessings, Patrick and Lindi and thank you for your faithful service to Arrow Rock and CCMA!

South Joplin Christian Church Worshiping in Different Space

South Joplin Christian Church Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Colleen Carroll tells the story of how this congregation decided it was time to move out of their current building and find new space as they continue to provide mission and ministry in their community.

It began back in February of 2021 when a hard freeze caused considerable damage to the elevator shaft. Due to COVID, we waited months to even get a repair person to take a look. When we were finally able to get an estimate, the starting figure was $400,000, with another $300-400,000 in additional construction costs IF we could find a company willing to do the work. (Three out of five elevator companies would not even take a look or give an estimate.)

 Our building has no entrances that are ground-level; all entrances involve at least one flight of steps. By this time, our members were growing weary of mounting the steps and/or suspending ministry due to the difficulties. We tried worshiping in the basement once a month but were not able to livestream the services from the basement.

 A Facilities Task Force was named to research our options and consulted with Church Extension via Zoom calls. The church is over 100 years old and carries no mortgage. We own about three-fourths of the city block, including two small rental houses, a public park, and the Quonset hut which is permanently closed. We obtained an estimate from a realtor who determined the entire property to be valued at over $1.5 million. 

 The Facilities Task Force made the recommendation that we sell the property and relocate elsewhere for several reasons.

  1. The congregation is not able or willing to underwrite a capital campaign to cover costs of the elevator repair or replacement.

  2. The building and property are increasingly difficult to maintain for our aging membership, and mostly underutilized.

  3. Selling the property would enable us to purchase a smaller, more efficient building even if some of the profits were needed to make modifications or repairs, and hopefully enable us to invest more funds in ministry rather than maintenance.

In May of 2022 the congregation approved a motion to list the property for sale and begin researching properties for purchase. Shortly after, we received an invitation from a small ELCA Lutheran church across town to rent or purchase their building. Their congregation has dwindled in size and is facing financial challenges. Their building was constructed after the 2011 tornado and is ADA compliant. 

Since we have not received a viable offer on our property to date and the winter months are approaching, the Task Force recommended to the congregation that we rent the Lutheran church on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings for three months, beginning November 12. This will allow safer access to our members to and from worship, as well as ease us into an eventual move when our property sells. We are also pleased that the rental will enable the Lutheran congregation to stay in their building for a while longer. 

That brings us to this Sunday, which will be our first morning at our new location. Since we do not want to abandon our property while it is listed for sale, we will maintain our offices and other weekday activities except for choir rehearsals at our property on Pearl Ave. 

 We welcome the prayers of our siblings in Christ throughout CCMA.

Education Wing Dedicated at FCC Troy

First Christian Church in Troy, MO celebrated a Day of Dedication of their new Education Wing, on Sunday, October 2nd. The new addition was constructed by Martin Contracting of Eolia, MO. The nearly $1 million building adds almost 4000 square feet of classrooms, conference room, restrooms with additional renovation creating a new Cry Room adjacent to the Sanctuary, storage space, a Sacristy for Communion preparation, and a lovely outside patio. The wing, designed by Baalman Architects of O'Fallon, MO, had excavation help from Cannon Excavating of Troy (who are church members) and landscaping by LanDesign of Moscow Mills (also, church members). Mike Martin of Martin Contractors spoke at the dedication, along with Co-Chairmen of the Dream Team - George Tucker and Dr. Scott Falls. The service featured the adult choir presenting two special anthems, as well as the "Blind Faith" Praise Team performing. A catered BBQ luncheon followed, served by Okie Doke BBQ of Martinsburg, MO. Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Moore is Senior Minister and Rev. Seth Rash, is Associate Minister of Family and Youth. 

Thank you to Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Moore for this story
and to Church Administrator Sherri Stark for the photos.


Associate Regional Ministers Named

Our Regional Executive Committee is very pleased to announce that it has selected two Associate Regional Ministers to serve the Greater Springfield and Greater St. Louis portions of the Region. Rev. Dr. Phil Snider of Brentwood Christian Church and Rev. David Woodard of Affton Christian Church will begin their new duties on November 1. They will help facilitate clergy and congregational connections, as well as provide search and call assistance.

In addition, Rev. Jennifer Long, who has been serving as our Regional Disciples Women’s Ministries Coordinator, has also been named Associate Regional Minister for Women’s Ministries. There will be no change in the scope of her duties.

The three join Associate Regional Minister for the Commission on the Order of Ministry Rev. Katherine Kinnamon to complete our Regional Minister staff team. All four will be installed near the conclusion of our Regional Assembly on its final day, Saturday, October 7, 2022 at Lake Ozark Christian Church.


Rev. Dr. Phil Snider

Rev. Dr. Phil Snider has been the senior minister at Brentwood Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Springfield, MO since 2003. Born and raised in the heart of the Ozarks, he’s a graduate of Missouri State University (BS), Phillips Theological Seminary (MDiv) and Chicago Theological Seminary (DMin). Phil’s books on church leadership include two volumes published by Chalice Press, The Hyphenateds (2013) and Preaching as Resistance (2018). Over the years he’s taught at Missouri State University, Drury University and Phillips Theological Seminary, as well as serving in numerous capacities in the region, most recently as a member of the regional Board of Directors. Part of his calling as a minister includes helping congregations draw on the richness of their valued traditions within the shifting context of these times, so they might be faithful and innovative in following where the Spirit leads in both ancient and new ways. He hopes to help churches in the region further live into the shared calling of being a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world, especially by placing a premium on the kind of authenticity and integrity that deepens Christian discipleship and invites others to experience the wonder of Christ’s transformative love. Phil’s wife, Amanda, is a teacher in Springfield Public Schools. They’re the proud parents of three children and one grandson, plus their dog, Leo, and cats, Mia and Ava.

Rev. David Woodard

Raised in West Carrollton, Ohio, David is a graduate of Georgetown College, Kentucky. He received his MDiv from Lexington Theological Seminary, and a Certificate in Advanced Theological Studies from Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis. David is married to the amazing Tammy Tobin Woodard. Together, they have five kids and three grandkids. He is the Lead Pastor of Affton Christian Church, St. Louis, where he has served for 19 years. For the past several years, David has served as chair of the Ministry Discernment Team – helping to shepherd those going through the Commissioned Minister process, and on the Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry. His interests include spending time with his family, playing golf, and science fiction; namely, all things Star Trek and Doctor Who. David is committed to nurturing and strengthening relationships among clergy, congregations, and the Region.

Rev. Jennifer Long

Rev. Jennifer Long currently serves as Pastor of the Prairie Grove CC in Buffalo, MO, a new church start within the CCMA. Jennifer graduated from the Missouri School of Religion in Jefferson City, later graduating from Phillips Theological Seminary with her Masters of Divinity. She is an ordained minister within the CCMA and has served as the Disciples Women Coordinator of Mid-America for over 2 years. Jennifer believes in women and the value they have in ministry. She wants to see them unite, and find the love and fellowship of Jesus Christ hanging onto and communicating with one another in this fragmented world.

Pulpit, Communion Table, and Cross Available

First Christian Church in Jefferson City has some items available to a Disciples congregation that can use them. Please contact the church at info@firstchristianjcmo.org if interested.

Pulpit:  48" wide x 55" tall x 36" deep, Pecan stain over oak

Communion Table:  84" wide x 32" deep x 38" tall Pecan stain over oak, comes with glass top

Cross:  approximately 58" wide x 66 " tall, dark stain


Roots of Community at The Connecting Grounds

Many of you are aware that we at The Connecting Grounds are working to create a new program called Roots of Community which will consist of two campuses of transitional supportive shelter. One campus will be a family campus that in phase one could house 27 families and offer services such as a daycare center, tutoring program, job training, shuttle service, sobriety support, individual and family therapy, and music and therapy programs for children and youth. The second campus will be an adult campus that would have 20 dedicated respite beds as well as 48 beds in apartment-like units upstairs on two additional floors. The adult campus would also offer support services including; medical care, case management, job training, legal support, sobriety support, mental health care, educational support, and positive community involvement. To learn more about this project you can visit our detailed plans that are laid out on our website at: https://www.theconnectinggrounds.com/roots-of-community

We estimate that Phase One of this project will cost $12 million, which includes the land and infrastructure for both sites, one residential building at each campus, and a community center building at each campus. This will allow us to provide transitional, supportive housing to an estimated 103 adults and between 50-70 children depending on family sizes. We at The Connecting Grounds are working to raise one-third of the estimated Phase One costs and are hopeful that both the city and the county will see the advantages of investing ARPA funding to make this resource a reality for our community. 

This is where I am reaching out to you for help. In the month of June, we will be hosting a make Roots a Reality campaign with local churches and communities of faith. We are simply asking that each organization that is willing to participate share about Roots with your members/attendees and then take up a special love offering in June to donate to the start-up costs of this community-sized project. We will provide you with: 

  • PowerPoint slides

  • Bulletin insert files to be printed

  • Flyers that can be printed

  • A short 2 minute video that can be shown in your service and/or shared online via social media. 

  • An optional zoom meeting with members of our team to meet with individuals from your church to talk about Roots and answer questions about the project. 

The goal of Roots is to help people identify a personal path to success and support them as they take the steps to not only seek shelter but to be able to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty that has become a way of life for too many of our neighbors in need. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Roots will be customized to each individual to help them overcome barriers, save money, gain employment, maintain sobriety, and ultimately graduate to the long-term housing solution that best meets their needs. 

Roots of Community has received a great deal of community support including letters of support from Mercy Hospital, MSU Cares, Children’s Division, Harmony House, Foster Adopt Connect, GLO Center, Springfield NAACP, Springfield Street Choir, Missouri Faith Voices, and numerous communities of faith. 

 We would love to add your faith community to the list of others that are a part of making Roots of Community a Reality for Springfield! If you would be interested in setting up a time to tour our Outreach Center or a phone call to learn more about our outreaches and this program, we would love the chance to speak with you. 

You can sign up for this challenge on our website at: https://www.theconnectinggrounds.com/faith-community-giving-challenge 

We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully to working together to love out loud on our neighbors in need through this project! 

Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to talk about your faith community’s possible participation in this campaign. Thank you in advance for your consideration of this exciting endeavor.

Pastor Christie Love
The Connecting Grounds
https://www.theconnectinggrounds.com

Long-Serving Elders at FCC in Poplar Bluff

Pastor Frank Chlastak, Gene Roberts, Elder Chair Steve Fowler, Anne Roberts, Board Moderator Jack Maxwell, and Gleta Gorman.

On Palm Sunday, Gene Roberts, Anne Roberts, and Gleta Gorman were honored by First Christian Church in Poplar Bluff as elders emeriti.

They each received a certificate from the board presented by the moderator, a plaque presented by the pastor, and an elder emeritus pen presented by elder chair.

They have a combined shepherding record of our congregation of over 70 plus years.

Anne and Gene met while attending Arkansas State University. They raised their children at First Christian Church and one of them is an ordained DOC pastor in Oregon.

Gleta and her late husband Rex also raised their children at First Christian Church. One serves as a deacon and another as an elder at present. After the service, Gleta shared that she was baptized at the age of 14 in the Black River. She recently celebrated her 91st birthday.

Thank you to Rev. Frank Chlastak for this story and photo.


Disciples General Board Met February 11-13

A very spirited and hopeful gathering of Disciples leaders gathered on a digital platform over the weekend - a venue that kept delegates as connected as possible and provided new opportunities.  Representing Mid-America were our elected representative Paula Holliday, Jacque Foster (representing NBA), Beau Underwood (former 1st Vice-Moderator and Nominating Committee Chair), Mark Anderson (NBA President), Brad Lyons (Chalice Press Publisher) and Regional Minister Paul Koch.

Saturday morning was dedicated to hearing a preliminary Visioning Report by the Governance Committee.  They have been in great discernment and careful listening to thoughts on how our Wider Church might live into our third century of witness, responding to current needs and with greater stewardship and efficiency.  The delegates did several straw polls and each step had overwhelming initial support.  Mid-America pastors, lay leaders, and the Regional Board are encouraged to look for further surveys and offer input.

Nominations were received for general unit board members and we congratulate Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman for being elected to the HELM (Higher Education and Leadership Ministries) board.  Paul Koch presented our Mid-America Regional Report to a small group that included the General Board Moderator, First Vice Moderator, two general unit presidents and two Disciples University presidents.  Each voiced great excitement on the ministries taking place in our region.

Worship and devotionals were all provided by Disciples chaplains deployed in various military, healthcare, correctional, and other settings.  This proved to be exceptionally powerful and full of the Holy Spirit.  We salute all chaplains who largely provide a quiet witness on the landscape of our church.

We all look forward to the planned in-person and hybrid General Assembly in Louisville, July 29 - Aug. 1, 2023.  Please hear General Minister and President Terri Hord Owens’ State of the Church Address, offer input to the Visioning Report, and see other news by subscribing to the Disciples News Service here.

Thank you to Regional Minister Rev. Dr. Paul Koch
for this summary of the recent General Board meeting.

Bolivar First Christian Church nominated for Chamber’s Community Partner/Business of the Year

The church recently installed a new digital sign and use it to promote church activities and to promote the various organizations that meet there.

Bolivar First Christian Church was nominated for recognition from the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce as the 2021 Community Partner/Business of the Year. Members of the chamber, and the community, could submit nominations to the chamber, who annually recognizes outstanding businesses and community partners in the Bolivar area. Bolivar First Christian Church has been a long-time member of the chamber and supports and participates in many community and chamber activities.

Since 2017, the chamber has sponsored a Christmas Open House Showcase for independent consultants to help them with Christmas sales. The event has been hosted at the Bolivar Christian Church. “Without hesitation, Pastor Bill and the church welcomed us and have consistently been a more than gracious host,” says open house chairman Bobbie McKnight. “Everyone at the church makes sure we have all the tables, chairs, sound system – everything. I love how they extend themselves to help the community.”

When the COVID pandemic started, the chamber was unable to utilize the venue normally used for the annual luncheon. Again, Bolivar First Christian Church offered their fellowship hall, as few places in the community were open and large enough to safely accommodate the event. “Not only did the church offer us the use of the fellowship hall, but they also set up tables and chairs, allowed us to use their audio system and helped us decorate and take down,” says chamber manager Judy Ross. “We could not have had our annual event had it not been for the church.”

Representatives from the church regularly attend the chamber’s monthly networking meetings, after-hour socials and participate in the chamber’s events such as the networking golf tournament, Taste of Bolivar, Bolivar Day at the Springfield Cardinals, New Teacher Welcome Lunch and Christmas activities such as the annual parade and Light the Park Christmas light show. “Our chamber and definitely our community is better with the presence, love and support given by Bolivar First Christian Church,” says Ross. “The church and Pastor Bill are daily examples of Christ’s love extended to others, way beyond their church building walls. We are grateful and thankful for them.”

Thank you to pastor Bill Nichols for this story and photo.

The congregation partners with all of these organizations who utilize the church facility regularly:

Cub Scout Pack 128 - (Pastor Bill is the church representative to the pack) Weekly
Ozark Technical College - Free Adult Education Classes 2 days a week
Sling n Stones All Addicts Anonymous meeting - Weekly
Sling n Stones Ministries - Sat. night meal & Church Services (Pastor Bill is VP of the board) - Weekly
Open Hands (Bolivar Area Soup Kitchen) Free meal to community - Weekly
Greener Pastures for Polk County - meeting the needs of the homeless/food insecure population
Community Connections - A coalition of volunteers, churches, businesses, agencies, educators, and health care providers in the community - Meets monthly at our church - (Pastor Bill is VP of the Board)
Lifeline Screenings - A health organization that does individual health screenings for members of the community at our church about twice a year
Exceptional Pupil Coop - CPI Training - twice a year
MU Extension Center - Workshops for members of the community - 1 - 2 times a year
Chamber of Commerce annual Christmas Open House Showcase

Church Legacy in New Franklin

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The Christian Church in New Franklin dissolved about five years ago. Rev. Paula Ritchie and Rev. Greg Robinson helped provide Chaplain care in their last three years. Following the closing, the building and all its contents were auctioned off. Several of the stained glass windows went to Living Water Christian Church in Parkville, MO.

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Following disbursements of every possible item, the building was raised and the lot was given to the city for a pocket park. The Church gave the city $10,000 for maintenance and care of the park and erected a gazebo and a monument which contains part of one of the original stained glass windows. These serve as a permanent reminder of the faith legacy in that place.

Just recently, probate has been closed and the remaining funds have been distributed to six local churches, the Parrish Trust, and Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Association. On behalf of a grateful Region, we would like to thank Rev. Greg Robinson in his helping steward this place and disbursement in ways which will continue to glorify God!

"Good" Grief

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First Christian Church-Festus said farewell to Rev. Lari Grubbs at a retirement party weekend. After serving in ministry almost 54 years, Lari is entering his second retirement. Lari has held many roles in the local, area, regional and general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Prominent among those roles are pastor, area minister, teacher, mentor, jokester and friend. 

On Saturday, July 10, the church held a catered retirement dinner with family, friends, colleagues, and congregants. Lari was presented with a Peanuts-inspired stole which was signed as a guestbook/card, a bookstore gift card, and a glass cup with the church anniversary commemoration by leaders of the church. John Evans, Keith and Liam Osterberg played musical tributes. Rev. Mindy Kiepe brought greetings and words from the regional office. 

On Sunday July 11, Rev. Grubbs, wearing his new stole, shared his last "Moments with the Peanuts," preached his farewell sermon from Ephesians 1:3-14, and presided over communion. Special music was performed by Samantha Roberson, John Evans, and lifelong friend, violinist John Meurer. The Holy Spirit was present through the inspired song "You've Got an Friend in Me," both a statement of love from the congregation and the embodiment of Lari's ministry at Festus.

Among the balloons, cake, cards, presents, celebration, shed and unshed tears, music and stories shared, the church participated in the resurrection celebration of "Good Grief" in wishing their beloved pastor a fulfilling retirement. They are looking forward to Lari's book on their church history. 

Thank you to Karen Stoll for this story and photos.

Lent Around the Region

Lent began on a very snowy Ash Wednesday for most of Mid-America this year. While many plans had to be adjusted for the weather, and of course for the pandemic, this holy season itself remains a special time of preparation and devotion.


Broadway Christian Church in Columbia offered “Ashes to Go” where people could drive through and pick up an ash kit to be used at home. Kits contained a cotton swab, a bag of ashes, and the liturgical wording, "Remember from dust you have come and to dust you shall return; in sure and certain hope of the resurrection." That evening they held a virtual vesper service.



First Christian Church in St. Joseph created Lent-at-Home kits to help the congregation feel connected as they observe the season. Their pastor, Rev. Brian Kirk, describes the program:

Worship for our congregation has been online since last March. In an effort to maintain a sense of shared community beyond just experiencing the Sunday morning worship videos together, we have tried to provide ways for our church members to experience worship at home throughout the week. Most recently we offered Lent-at-Home kits for our congregation. In addition to a weekly devotional (with both images and scripture for contemplation), the kit includes a variety of items to help create a "sacred space" at home: a finger labyrinth, a tealight candle, a stone with the sign of the cross, and sea glass (connecting to our worship theme for Lent and which we'll use during worship each Sunday). In addition, the kit includes a do-it-yourself "resurrection set" (sort of like an Nativity set for Easter, depicting the disciples at the tomb), coloring pages for meditation, and educational resources for parents and children. The final item is a colorful strip of cloth which worshipers are encouraged to write or draw their prayers on each Sunday during online worship. At the end of the season, those strips of cloth will be turned into a beautiful piece of community art, weaving together all of our prayers.

Our elders and staff helped to deliver about 100 kits to the homes of our members, or in some cases they were mailed as we now have regular worshippers in other cities and states who join us online each week. The shared elements help to create a sense of physical and spiritual connectedness and they invite our members to actively participate in creating their own worship experience at home.

South Street Christian Church in Springfield is participating in 40 Days of Creation Care. They are a Green Chalice congregation and decided to make creation their focus for Lent. The SSCC Green Team put together a list of daily activities/suggestions ranging from turning off the heated dry cycle of your dishwasher to taking a virtual tour of Yellowstone National Park. For each Sunday during Lent, the activity calendar lists a scripture passage having to do with creation.

West Office Remodel

Thank you to everyone who helped with the recent remodeling of our West Office in Springfield. Many helped with the process including staff and their families, board members, and folks from South Street CC, Bolivar First Christian Church, Ozark Christian Church, Republic First Christian Church, and South Joplin Christian Church. Special thanks also to South Street Christian Church for their hospitality in housing the office all these years. The space looks great with its new paint and flooring!

Before

During

After

Bridgeton Fund Grants Awarded

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Bridgeton Fund grants totaling $28,000 were allocated this week by the Bridgeton Fund committee to three Disciples congregations.

The largest allocation was $15,000 to Community Christian Church of Jefferson City. Their property was severely damaged by a tornado on May 22 last year.

A $10,000 allocation was made to Woodson Chapel Christian Church of St. Joseph to support repairs caused by a broken drainage pipe under the floor of a 1960s addition to the church property, severely damaging the building.

The third allocation was $3,000 to Community Christian Church in Manchester to help support a creative new ministry to the church’s neighborhood, construction of a large community garden for both members and non-members of the church.

The committee received 10 grant requests, totaling almost $161,500, but had only $28,000 available for grants this year.

The Fund is an endowment created by the former Bridgeton Christian Church when it closed in 1995. The fund has been invested with the Christian Church Foundation. No more than 5% of the previous year-end’s closing balance in the fund may be awarded in any year, in order to keep the fund in perpetuity.

Purpose of the fund, as stipulated by the congregation, is three-fold:

  • To meet monetary shortfalls due to unexpected strife in a church;

  • To help a church underwrite “revitalization/renewal” of its congregation;

  • To help meet property/structural damage caused by an act of God or other circumstances and not caused by neglect.

Guidelines stipulate that the Fund shall be used to meet a church’s temporary financial need, as long as the need was not created by “overextension of a budget or repetitive under-funding of a budget by the congregation”.

In no case did the committee disagree with a congregation’s need, but was limited by the amount available to allocate. Even with the three allocations that were granted, none met the total amounts requested.

Submitted by Mid-America Treasurer Tom Wood,
who serves as the chairperson of this committee.
[Note: Applications are due each year by January 31.]

Celebrating Disciple Identity Day

First Christian Church, Sedalia - Throughout our worship services this past Sunday (2/23/2020) we celebrated Disciples’ history and tradition, while also praying for the future of our movement. With a display of chalices on our communion table, we highlighted the Scottish Presbyterian roots of this denomination in Thomas and Alexander Campbell, as well as with Barton Stone. We also pointed out our three presidents who were members of the Disciples (Lyndon B. Johnson, James A. Garfield, Ronald Regan), our Pentecostal revival at Cane Ridge, and our movement towards wholeness within all of humanity. While those were highlighted, we really emphasized the Chalice with St. Andrew’s Cross, and it represents our calling to welcome all to the Lord’s Table, Week of Compassion and the fruitful ministries that can be seen as far away as Australia and as near as Jefferson City. We also really emphasized our commitment to Christian unity and the role we can play in uniting not only our churches, but our nation. What a day it is to be a Disciple. May we all recognize our diversity as our strength.

First Christian Church, Troy - home of Rev. Darrell Faires, who brought forth the original idea of "Disciple Identity Day", had bulletins stuffed with "Discover the Disciples" brochure, utilized The Affirmation of Faith in both services of worship, and the choir sang "Dare to Be Disciples," penned by Darrell.

Community CC, Camdenton - read our Identity Statement and 12 Principles in worship and printed them, as well as the Preamble to the Design, as a bulletin insert. The congregation was encouraged to keep the insert to remind themselves what being a disciple means, every week!

Rock Bridge CC, Columbia - incorporated into their worship the Preamble to the Design, words of Thomas Campbell, special hymns, laypersons presiding over communion, and reflections by three long time Disciples about how they came to, why they stayed with the Disciples, what being a Disciple means to them, and being involved with the wider church.

Thank you to all who participated!

10 Steps Toward Disaster Preparedness

Thinking about preparing your church for a disaster can be overwhelming. How can leaders begin such a big task with so many variables and unknowns?

The best way to begin is simply to begin! Every step you take toward preparedness, even small steps, will help protect people and assets and–most importantly–better enable your community to help others after a disaster or emergency event. Here are ten simple ways for your congregation to become more prepared:

  1. Post the church address, phone number, and emergency contacts by every phone, fire alarm, defibrillator, and first aid kit at the church.

  2. Sign up for local emergency alert systems, and keep a battery or crank weather radio at the church.

  3. Create evacuation and shelter-in-place signs and have evacuation and shelter-in-place drills.

  4. Locate the emergency shutoff valves for gas and water and the main electrical breakers for your church buildings. Make sure multiple leaders know these locations.

  5. Put flashlights in main rooms and by emergency shut offs. Check the batteries regularly.

  6. Back up important church documents–with hard and digital copies–and store in safe locations both on- and off-site.

  7. Update the church’s insurance information.

  8. Introduce church leaders to city and county emergency officials.

  9. Update the church directory, including emergency contact information and notes about members who would need assistance in an evacuation, prolonged power outage, or other emergency situation.

  10. Stock water and non-perishable food in case people need to shelter at the church.

Finished with those steps? Check out the congregational disaster preparedness guide available from Week of Compassion and Disciples Volunteering, or consider hosting a Week of Compassion and Disciples Volunteering disaster preparedness training for your congregation or Region.

A Message from our Board Moderator

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January 20, 2020

Mid-America friends,

As the new year begins I know you are wondering “What is going on with the Regional Minister Team in Mid-America?”

Retiring Regional Minister Penny Ross-Corona will finish up next week a month’s worth of part-time contract work helping to transition important pieces of her portfolio to our current Regional Minister Team of Ron Routledge and Paul Koch (the RMTs). Penny is also making final connections with congregations in the Search and Call Process. Over the past two months, the current RMTs have been working with the Regional Board leadership to establish a workable plan for ministry and mission in the coming year. This process has been slowed with Advent/Christmas and budget also precedent. The following is the plan for the next year or so, taking the portfolios of four Regional Ministers and dividing them up among three RMTs and new to be called contract staff. A summary:

One Interim Regional Minister called to serve in the south. We are currently in the interview process.

Contract staff will be called to serve in areas of Regional Commission on Ministry and Disciple Women. Other areas of need may be determined later.

Current RMTs Paul and Ron will realign their job descriptions. Ron Routledge will take on the administrative role of official President of the Regional Church/Corporation, budget, and some other administrative pieces. Paul Koch will take on the connections of Mid-America to the wider church – representing us with denominational and ecumenical bodies.

Paul and Ron are good with this. The creative and forward thinking approach they are taking is to be commended. We appreciate their flexibility and willingness to do things differently for the good of the Region.

Now, if any of this causes you to fret and have a smidge of anxiety, please let it go. I and other Board members have already taken on that spiritual discipline for you! It is important to note there is reason for this shift. It is called good stewardship. As we budgeted for the coming year, we found that we are not able to at this time fund fully four regional ministers while also balancing the budget. The money doesn’t come up/down stream to regional church bodies like it used to. The addition of our Annual Fund is helping to change that income flow. In a year we will see where we are.

Now, about the question you still have. Who is my RMT member?

Are you in the south? You are covered!

Are you in the east? You are covered!

Are you in the north? You are covered and won’t know anything changed!

In terms of connecting to congregations, clergy, and clusters the following adjustments will be made: Paul’s NE territory will take on the east to include St. Louis, Illinois, and south a bit toward the Lake. Ron’s NW territory will extend south toward the other Lake. The Interim will cover the entire lower south, Joplin to Kennett. If you know anything of the locations of congregations and highways between them, this plan has potential.

Congregations, clergy, and clusters that previously connected to Rev. Palan or Dr. Ross-Corona will be contacted with an updated RMT point of connection.

All three RMTs will relate to both offices as needed. Paul will be primary to St. Louis and Ron to Springfield. The Interim will live around Springfield. Office Managers Susan Moore and Jeni Brown are team players, and we appreciate their continued good work. In this day of regional ministry, we are not the only region with staff deployed and living in the general areas of coverage. The RMTs will not be at every clergy cluster meeting. The RMTs will be in communication with cluster shepherds and “super-cluster” events scheduled. They will continue to work with congregations and clergy in any way they are needed.

Remember, this is for a year. As the Board initiates a process of discernment of future staffing and ministry needs, we will also take into consideration what we have had in the past, how the present is working, and what might be for the future.

Remember, our current regional structure (when we moved from one regional office and 4 independent areas to one region with 4 co-ministers) is still rather new and is primed for a review and a discerning eye.

Board Member Rev. Jeff Moore (FCC-TROY) will head up a renewed Personnel committee – a key piece to our future staffing.

As always, please contact me or other Board members to express your questions or concerns. Your input is vital in the next steps of discernment. There will be opportunity for input through surveys/listening sessions across the Region in the year ahead. We appreciate your continued willingness to be church in an ever changing world and Region called Mid-America.

By the time we get to the Regional Assembly in October 2020, I hope there is much to share about what will come in 2021. Until then many meetings, emails, conversations, and prayerful considerations will be made. Stay tuned and keep the faith.

-Rev. Jimmy Spear

Moderator, Christian Church of Mid-America
jimmy@firstchristian.org

DISCIPLE IDENTITY DAY—FEBRUARY 23, 2020

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We Disciples of Christ have a story to tell and to celebrate! The Disciple Identity Statement we have been using for the last decade or so is a very good one and worthy of emphasizing in our congregations, along with other reminders of our history, traditions and distinctive way of being church. Most long-time Disciples will be somewhat familiar with our history and beliefs.  More recent members may know very little about our origins and how we evolved from being a part of “the restoration movement” on the early American frontier to the well-organized, ecumenically-minded, mission-oriented denomination we are today. Therefore, we invite you to observe a “D. I. D.” (Disciple Identity Day) which encourages congregations to highlight Disciple identity and history at least once a year in an intentional and concentrated way.  This could be both educational and motivating as members focus on who we are and why we are the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We are proposing that we declare February 23, 2020 as our first DID.

Here is a beginning list of resources and presentation possibilities:

  1. Study the video on “A Movement for Wholeness”

  2. Statement of Identity and Principles of Identity (in year book) 

  3. The Preamble to the Design of the Christian Church (pg 551 in Chalice hymnal)

  4. Characteristic Beliefs of the Christian Church by Robert K. Welsh

  5. Brochures and descriptions of DOC agencies and ministries

  6. Books such as:  
    “Disciples: Who We are and What Holds Us Together” Kinnamon & Linn
    “Journey in Faith” by Lester McAllister and William Tucker
    “We Call Ourselves Disciples” by Kenneth Teegarden
    “A Handbook for Today’s Disciples” by D. Duane Cummins
    “What Sort of Church Are We?”  by James O. Dukes

  7. Biographies of Alexander Campbell, Raccoon John Smith and others

  8. Include Disciple history and identity elements in worship liturgy, such as the full identity statement, The Preamble for the Design, songs such as “A Movement for Wholeness,” and “Dare to Be Disciples” by Darrell Faires

  9. Study Disciple history and identity in church school

  10. Creation of a learning fair for all ages

  11. A fellowship meal followed by a speaker versed in Disciple history or dramatic impersonations of Disciple founders and leaders

  12. Use D.I.D. as a way of relating to the church’s community through the church’s web site, social media, etc.

  13. Find more information on the Identity page of the Disciples website.

Please let us know if you plan to participate and share your experience with us!

Rev. Ron Routledge, Regional Minister
ron.ccma@sbcglobal.net