Centennial Christian Church's Struttin' Jazz Brunch

Centennial Christian Church hosted a Struttin’ Jazz Brunch on September 19, 2015, with entertainment provided by The Coleman - Hughes Project featuring Adrianne Felton - King.   

 

 

The Capital Campaign Committee, which includes Terell Butler (right) and Troy Squires (left) as Co - chairs, Conchita Hughes (center) – Fundraising Chair, and Tamarah Clark – Finance Chair, raised over 90% of the $10,000 goal set with donations still being received.  A silent auction was held with items as far away as California, and as luxurious as spa treatments in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  Several local Disciples of Christ, sister church congregants, contributed their talents towards our affair, from blown glass creations, handmade stationery, to designing of the showcase stopping peacock for the appetizer table. The brunch was a congregational success, which infused and invigorated our membership with excitement flowing into Sunday Morning Worship!!!  Members are already looking forward to the event next year.

As the Capital Campaign Committee event and campaign pledges were so successful, preparations have already begun for 2016 and beyond, as a new way for Centennial Christian Church to raise funds for capital improvements. Our new fund is designed to provide the financial resources to make the necessary building repairs and modifications to offer hospitality to our neighbors, guests and members.   At Centennial, our mission continues to be “We are the people of God who love one another and share that love by building ministries that Reach, Teach and Win Souls for Christ!”.

 
Photos courtesy of Michelle L. Artist

Disciples Summit on Racial Justice

Nearly 100 participants gathered Saturday, September 19th, at the Compton Heights Christian Church in St. Louis from the congregations across the Mid-America Region, Disciples Reconciliation Ministry, Metropolitan Congregations United the National Benevolent Association and Loretto Volunteers for a day of worship, exploration, confession, pilgrimage and hope.

Among the topics discussed were systemic racism and institutionalized white privilege.  Among the more moving moments were those in which those who daily live under the cloud of danger for no other reason than the color of their skin shared their experiences.  

Here were some memorable take-aways from the day:

  • Racism = Prejudice plus Power
  • "Racialized" - a condition in which some people live under constant if subtle threat of oppression or attack because of race 
  • "I've been asleep for 45 years."
  • "Only whites can fix white racism."
  • "Whites are fickle allies."
  • Flesh tone Crayola crayons were what color?  Whose flesh is the standard?
  • "I was born on third base and thought I had hit a triple." (Jeff Moore on white privilege)*
  • Color blind racism  ("I have black friends, so, I'm not racist or privileged.")
  • "Our analysis is tainted." (We cannot come at issues of racism from any other vantage point than our own and that reference point is not neutral.)
  • Serial charity is no substitute for justice.

There were documents provided with information about resources for addressing racism. Among them was a protocol for regions, congregations and general units to respond when violent incidents occur nearby that calls for assistance at several levels to victims, their families, and others involved.  More proactive strategies were also discussed including meeting with local police, elected officials and judges to assure that all are adequately trained and aware of Disciples concern that all lives matter and our willingness to work for justice for all.

Story and photographs courtesy of Regional Minister Team member Rev. Bill Rose-Heim.

* find his list of resources on racism and white privilege here

Find more information and resources from the event at NBA here.

 

Rev. Rhonda Aldridge Ordained

At a very proud and joyful Centennial Christian Church, Rev. Rhonda Aldridge was ordained into Christian ministry on August 30th. 

This comes after her earning of a Master of Divinity degree from Eden Theological Seminary and working through the ordination process with the Commission on the Order of Ministry.

Among the program participants were Regional Minister Team member Rev. Dr. Penny Ross-Corona, host pastor Rev. Derrick Perkins, and Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker, pastor of Liberation Christian Church, who delivered an inspired and inspiring sermon entitled "Mount Up!" based on Isaiah 40:21-31.

Many other local ministerial colleagues were present, as were Rhonda's extended family from out of town. She was very grateful for the support of everyone!


Northwest Area Assembly

Sixty-two people signed in for the August 1st event which began with a business meeting.  The two most important resolutions recommended by the Northwest Area Executive Committee robust discussion.  There was unanimous approval to authorize the Northwest Area Executive Committee to make the determination about the 160 acre Center for Lifelong Learning (without the need to call another Board meeting).  That decision would be worked out in collaboration with the Mid-America Executive Committee.

 

The recommendation to have the Northwest Area fully merge with the Mid-America Region, effectively dissolving its governance structures while maintaining currently effective programs, was also approved unanimously.

Following the business session, some participants enjoyed a workshop on congregational best practices for transformation entitled "Hope Is a Partnership."  Leading the workshop was Cristie Sharpsteen, a facilitator for the Disciples HOPE Partnership, elder at North Kansas City First Christian Church, and realtor.  In her energetic and interactive presentation, Ms. Sharpsteen encouraged congregations to discern what they are already good and prayerfully work to raise it to such a level that it attracts the attention of those seeking to serve with Christ in that way.

The Mission Fair featured table top displays around the large fellowship hall at Wyatt Park Christian Church in St. Joseph, which hosted the event.  Congregations displayed photos and items from the missions and ministries that bring out the best in their congregations and representatives shared stories with those visiting the displays.

 

 

Worship followed.  New ministers, seminarians, and Youth Leadership Team officers were recognized and given desktop oil lamps that burned during the service to remind all of the light of Christ we each bring to the work of the Church.  At the close of worship all those who helped to support Summer Church Camp were invited to gather on the stage for a group photo which included former NW Area Minister Morris Page and his wife, former NW Area Office Administrator Dee Page.

Participants then enjoyed a sumptuous meal prepared by the Summer Church Camp cook and her staff.  A drawing was held for participants and Summer Church Camp volunteers for Chalice Press gift certificates.

Thanks to Regional Minister Team member Bill Rose-Heim for this summary and photos.

Rev. William Brown Ordained

Saturday, June 20, 2015

The Reverend William Brown signs the Ministerial Code of Ethics during his ordination ceremony at First Christian Church in Troy, Missouri. Congregations that nurtured William and supported his call participated in the joyful celebration which closed with the Chris Rice song Go Light Your World. We pray God's blessings on William and his family as he begins a new ministry at the Community Christian Church in Camdenton.

He had been serving Villa Ridge Christian Church as he completed his program through Lexington Theological Seminary.

Congratulations and blessings to William as he continues his ministry!

Trenton First Christian Makes Connections In the Garden

 

"The Garden" of Trenton, Missouri is an effort primarily sponsored by the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, to unite the community in growing something good. Nearly an acre of land on the church's property has been designated for use as a community garden, growing healthy food and healthy relationships for anyone willing to come participate.

 

Rather than renting out individual plots, the model is for everyone to work together on one large-scale garden; this not only allows for more visionary management of the property, but also allows for people who may not have the knowledge or time to plant their own garden to still take part in the process. Anyone who comes to volunteer in the garden is allowed to take home a share of produce available.

 

Behind the hopes to educate, provide healthy food, and celebrate nature's process of food production is a hope to connect the Church with people of the community as they work alongside each other; some out of need for food, some out of need for belonging, and some out of a desire to share God's love. And what better way for all of us to connect with our Creator than to go back to the place where it all began - in the garden.

Thanks to Ashlen Busick for this story! To see future posts about this and other activities at FCC Trenton click here.

Rev. Tom Russell Celebrates 50 Years of Ministry

This past Saturday, May 30th was the 50 year anniversary of Rev. Thomas Owen Russell and on Sunday First Presbyterian Church in St. Joseph held a celebration in his honor.

Tom was ordained at the Shepherdsville Christian Church in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. He is a graduate of Lexington Theological Seminary and served fifteen years with Department of Church in Society, Division of Homeland Ministries. He also pastored churches in Kahoka, MO, Terre Haute, IN, and St. Joseph, MO and served as Northwest Area volunteer Area Pastor for Strategic Planning and Conflict Mediation. 

photos and information courtesy of Holly Rudolf

2015 Faith-Based Organizations Disaster Workshops

The Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Service Partnership for Disaster Recovery invites faith organization leaders, emergency management directors, local public health agency (LPHA) representatives and Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) members to attend one of the nine regional workshops in May and June. 

Because faith-based organizations face unique challenges in helping their communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, The Partnership, along with the Public Health Emergency Preparedness program has put together a program that will provide insightful and practical advice to help with that mission. We hope you can participate.

Please see the flier below for more information. 

Registration is recommended and may be completed using the following link: http://training.dps.mo.gov/sematraining.nsf/TrainingSchedule.

These events are provided free of cost to participants. All events are from 1-5 p.m. The dates and locations of each regional workshop are listed on the flier below.  

Click on image above for larger, printable version.

Convocation Held at Rickman Center

The 2015 African American Convocation was held at Rickman Center on Saturday, April 11th. Thirty-two people, including three youth attended the event. 

Several speakers presented on a variety of topics. Regional Moderator Guy Adams brought a State of the Region address. Janice Legg brought greetings from the Executive Committee and relayed information about the Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism initiative.  Jay Stevenson led a stewardship workshop entitled 'The Art of Giving.' Regional Ministry Team member Rev. Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian brought greetings from the Northwest Area. Rev. Jacqua Brown Williams shared about her mission trip to the holy land. Rev. Cedric Harris spoke about 'The Trouble with You.' 

The keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Calhoun, Sr., Executive for Evangelism and Congregational Transformation and Director, Office of Black Ministries. He brought with him special guests Rev. Sheila P. Spencer, Director of Christian Education and Faith Formation and Assistant to the President of Disciples Home Missions, and Rev. Chesla T. Nickelson, DWM Program Director and Merger Staff. He invited the group to let them know what they could be doing to help them.

The event's planning committee was Rev. M. Faye Vaughn, Coordinator, Dolly Leo Salmon, Inez McPike, Sue Brown, Jeff Miller, Joe Miller, Jane Miller, LeWanda Jackson, JoAnn Allison, and Paula Holliday. They would like to thank Master of Ceremony Lillie Gardner, pianist Talya Mayfield, and crafts/youth leader LeWanda Jackson. 

The day closed with worship including an offering to be donated to DHM.

The tentative date for next year's event is April 16th. 

The next National Convocation will be July 21-24, 2016 in Kansas City.

FCC in Marceline Celebrates 100 Years in Their Sanctuary

On Sunday, April 26th First Christian Church in Marceline celebrated the 100 year anniversary of their sanctuary.

 

 

One set of stained glass windows in the church tells the parable of the Sower.

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Hauser, chair of the Board, points to the memorial prayer garden dedicated the same day. Also captured in this photo is former pastor Rev. Ed McLachlan.

 

 

 

 

Current pastor Rick Roberts greets some of the over 100 members and guests who attended the celebration.

 

First Responders Honored at Lathrop FCC

Lathrop  First Christian Church sponsored an Appreciation Dinner for all local area First Responders on March 11, 2015.  Invitations went out to the Firemen of Lathrop, Turney, and Holt,  county and city law enforcement officers , EMTs, local coroner,  county and city commissioners and members of the community.  This was in an effort to show our appreciation for those that chose  to be caretakers of our community. Associate Pastor, Michael Falgout  was the Master of Ceremonies.  Carmen Bennett, local music director of Lathrop Schools presented some of her students who beautifully sang the National Anthem. Each guest was given an honorary poem with a flag lapel pin.  A wonderful dinner furnished by the church and accompanied by carried in dishes from the community was enjoyed by approximately 70 attendees.  Due  to a large fire that day, several firefighters were doing exactly what we expect from them, and were  unable to attend. 

Ordination of Rev. Minnie Smith

Rev. Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian, Mid-America Ministry team, Rev. Lucretia Facen, preaching, and Rev. Minnie Smith.

Rev. Dr. Kris Tenny-Brittian, Mid-America Ministry team, Rev. Lucretia Facen, preaching, and Rev. Minnie Smith.

Congratulations to Rev. Minnie Smith as she was ordained on Saturday, March 7th at Willow Street Christian Church in Hannibal.

She has served as the pastor there since 2008, when she retired from the Hannibal School District where she served as a school counselor. This was after her 2000 retirement from the Social Security Administration and 2002 BS degree from Culver-Stockton College.

Rev. Smith is the first to be ordained via the 'apprentice track' of the Commission on the Order of Ministry. 

 

Two Mid-America Ordinations in February

Sarah Klaasen was ordained at Rock Bridge Christian Church on Saturday, February 14th. She is pictured here wearing the stole that was a gift from the congregation. The banner to her right is a gift that she made for the congregation to thank them for nurturing and supporting her. 

 

 

Pictured are St. Charles Christian Church pastor Chris Franklin, NAPAD Executive Pastor Jinsuk Chun, World Mission Christian Church pastor Young Noh, and SEGA Area Minister Penny Ross-Corona.

Pictured are St. Charles Christian Church pastor Chris Franklin, NAPAD Executive Pastor Jinsuk Chun, World Mission Christian Church pastor Young Noh, and SEGA Area Minister Penny Ross-Corona.

Church is at its best when it works faithfully with partners in ministry. Such testimony was witnessed by all who attended the ordination of Young Gee Noh on Sunday, February 22nd. Conducted in both Korean and English, the inspiring service was underscored by the generous hospitality of World Mission Christian Church as they welcomed representatives from SEGA, NAPAD, and St. Charles Christian Church.

If you would like to learn more about the ordination process, and what it means to come under care of the Christian Church of Mid-America, please click here.

 

Northeast Area Assembly

Assembly Business

Officers & Board Members

Don’t be anxious about anything;
rather, bring up all of your requests to God
in your prayers and petitions,
along with giving thanks. 
Philippians 4:6 (CEB)

More than 60 Northeast Area Disciples gathered at Macon First Christian Church on Saturday, November 8th for the 2014 Northeast Area Assembly.  This year’s theme focused on Freedom From Anxiety using “Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks” from Philippians 4:6 (CEB) as our inspiring text.  The opening session of our Assembly re-visited our history by reflecting on Walter Scott and his Five-finger Exercise. 

Each Assembly offers continuing education opportunities for ministers and lay persons and this year’s Assembly offered two opportunities for folks to attend workshops about a pastor’s baptism class, giving and receiving forgiveness, encouraging and equipping leaders in your congregations, maximizing your church’s spaces to be welcoming and hospitable for visitors, and a chance hear about the upcoming changes in Mid-America and the Northeast Area with an opportunity to ask questions.     

The Business session started out with an Area update and recognition of new ministers to the Northeast Area and well as those retiring (or retired) in 2014.  New to the Area are Bill Foglesong at Eldon First Christian Church and Mark Tisch at Central Christian Church in Moberly.  Retiring this year is David Avery of Community Christian Church, Jefferson City; Don Carter of Jefferson City First Christian Church; Bob Eichenberger of Higbee Christian Church; Martha Jolly of the Northeast Area; Tom Schofield of Elsberry First Christian Church; Donna Scott of Paris First Christian Church; and Ed Varnum of Fulton First Christian Church.

The only business item was the approval of the slate of officers to be in effect during the proposed changes in the Mid-America Region to provide continuity and experience.  Mark Palmer, CEO of Woodhaven and Rev. Larry Veatch presented information about the current Woodhaven Capital Campaign.  Woodhaven is currently in a 1.9 million dollar campaign to help build new facilities that will train healthcare workers as well as a facility that will provide spaces for those they serve reach ages in which their medical needs increase and they can age in home with medical support.  Woodhaven is very proud of their history and continued relationship with Christian Church (Disciple of Christ) in Mid-America and the support of our congregations.  Rev. Veatch as well as other ambassadors will be contacting your congregation to let you know of their campaign and needs. 

There was then a moment of levity which provided many laughs as Jay Stevenson, NE Area Administrative Chair and Mark Palmer re-enacted a “Who’s on First” act.  A presentation was given to Mark Palmer for his dedication to the Northeast Area and his work on the Northeast Area board.   Knowing Mark’s love of the St. Louis Cardinals, an anonymous donor gave the Area a Hall of Fame silver dollar autographed by Tony LaRussa to present to Mark.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of pulled pork provided by the folks at Macon FCC.  We closed the day with Praise and Worship in which we revisited our history with Walter Scott and again took a look at how to keep ourselves free from anxiety by practicing the basic five finger exercise.  Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Remission of Sins, and Gifts of the Holy Spirit can be used to proclaim the gospel and a way to keep us focused on being people of hope without Anxiety.  Our Assembly Offering will be presented to Woodhaven from the NE Area as a gift to the Capital Campaign.

 

Ozark Lakes Area Assembly

Disciples participating in the Ozark Lakes Area Assembly at the First Christian Church in Bolivar, MO filled most of the sanctuary Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2014.  Stirring music from Tony Reynolds and a video review of a successful, experimental inter-generational summer church camp with fifty three campers and twenty seven adult sponsors set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Plans are in the works to continue developing the new camp format.  At the business session the current slate of officers was approved to serve through 2015 in hopes of adding stability and experience as conversations begin in clusters and congregations about the proposed regional restructure in 2016. 

RMT member Bill Rose-Heim presented on the Assembly theme:  The Fork in the Road: Which Way God? Using the texts for the Assembly worship (Exodus 13:27-32 and Luke 24:13-16) and examples from Church history assembly participants were reminded that Christians have previously faced changes in the past that have required adaptive change.  Resources for congregational conversations on proposed changes in regional governance structures were shared.

Regional Assembly in Review

The Assembly began at Webster Groves Christian Church where we were hosted in fine fashion on Friday and Saturday. 

The first activity was the ministers and spouses luncheon with speaker Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1st Vice Moderator and pastor of United Christian Parish of Reston in Virginia. After lunch was the opening worship and a Bible study led by Eden Theological Seminary President Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw. We then had our first business session where reports were received, budgets were approved, and new officers were elected and installed (minutes will be posted when they are available). Next was evening worship with Rev. Bell-Haynes preaching. To complete the day, our Bridges Aftersessions featured delicious international food and various activities and discussion groups.

Saturday began with worship led by our youth. We then heard the State of the Region Address by the Regional Ministry Team, and carried on to another business session. Main topics at this session were the continued regional restructure and the decision to sell Rickman Center. Both the Disciples Women and Men hosted lunch gatherings, and then it was off to our workshops for the afternoon. Evening brought the All Assembly Dinner followed by a Musical Celebration of Praise featuring singers and dancers from around the region, as well as the Regional Assembly Praise Singers. The day ended with a celebration of Woodhaven's 50th anniversary.

On Sunday we met at Union Avenue Christian Church for Bible study led by Rev. Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, Associate Dean of Contextual Education at Eden Theological Seminary. Our time together ended with closing worship featuring a sermon by Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, Associate General Minister and Vice President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America.

The three offerings collected included $1,206 for Global Ministries, $1,317 for Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism, and $1,222 for Woodhaven. Thank you to all who contributed to these important ministries and to all who made this Assembly possible.

Photos courtesy of Bill Rose-Heim, Joe Corona, Staci Cripe, and Ray Miles.

Find Assembly documents here:

Complete program book

Table Talk

Vision, Mission, Values, & Strategy for the Ongoing Transformation of the Christian Church of Mid-America

Click here for information about the proposed regional restructure

Minutes from business sessions

Global Ministries Missionary Xuyen Dangers Begins Final Tour in Mid-America

Once a Vietnamese refugee, Xuyen Dangers is concluding her nineteen year service as a Global Ministries social worker in Laos with presentations and conversations in Missouri congregations and schools.  See more about her amazing story here.

For more information about her schedule and itinerary, contact Bill Rose-Heim at br_h@nwareacc.org. 

Xuyen Dangers and new friends web.jpg

Xuyen Dangers (right) poses for a photo with Cameron area social workers and NW Area Volunteer Pastor Sandi Mull

Join Conversations About Regional Restructure

This page was created to store all of the information concerning our Regional Restructure as we prepared for its approval and implementation. It has been approved and implemented since our Assembly in October 2015.

 

 

 

Thank you for wanting to learn more about the proposed Mid-America restructure!

(If you're a returning visitor to this page, please note that the information is now listed with the new additions first. Thanks for coming back and staying informed!)

From now until the summer of 2015 all Mid-America Disciples are invited to engage in conversations about regional restructure.  A proposal to move to one governance structure for the Region and to dissolve the four Area governance structures will be considered at the special October, 2015 Regional Assembly.  

We Disciples make important decisions together and this time is no exception.  Become informed.  Ask questions.  Give prayerful feedback.