Free Breakfast in Troy

A new outreach program has been started by First Christian Church in Troy – a free Community Breakfast that occurs on the second Saturday of each month between 8 am and 11 am. The first breakfast was held in October and drew more than 40 individuals for a hot and tasty breakfast, with plenty of warm fellowship. The November breakfast, held on Saturday the 12th, served more than 65 individuals from the Lincoln County area.

 

The breakfast was the brainchild of Naomi Uy-Moore, wife of Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Jeffrey. T. Moore. There is no cost for those who come, and the meal is prepared by a wide variety of church members who share in the responsibility. The church adds the breakfast to its other outreach emphases including Matthew 25, a monthly feeding program for those in need, and the church’s heavy involvement in the Bread For Life Food Pantry, based in Troy, in which both adult and youth volunteers from the church actively participate. The church is located at 1302 Boone Street, and for any questions, you are asked to call 636-528-7322.

Story by Jeff Moore, photos courtesy of Sherri Stark.

Celebration of Jan Shrewsbury's Ministry

Jan and her husband Ed.

Jan Shrewsbury, Office Manager for the Northwest Office was honored for her many years of service at a reception held at First Christian Church in Cameron on November 6. In addition to Jan's family, many from around the northwest attended. Friends gave testimony to Jan's helpfulness and friendly smile. It was noted that for Jan this was not just a job, but her ministry, and she gave much more than her office hours.

Former Northwest Area Minister, Bill Rose-Heim made a plaque for her. A scrap book and money tree were also presented. 

Jan will continue in the office through the end of the year.

Frankford FCC Celebrates 180 Years

Photo by Ethan Colbert.

Photo by Ethan Colbert.

Last month First Christian Church in Frankford celebrated the 180 years since its founding. More than 100 people joined in the festivities. 

Pastor Gail Aurand delivered an abridged version of a 1839 sermon by Alexander Campbell. His "short sermon on prayer" had originally lasted more than two and a half hours, but she brought it down to just over nineteen minutes. 

Read the whole story by church member Ethan Colbert in the Bowling Green Times.

2016 Regional Assembly

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins sermon video
Rev. Ayanna Johnson Watkins sermon video

The 2016 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America Regional Assembly took place October 7-9 at Central Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri, with nearly 200 people taking part throughout the weekend.

The Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism team facilitated a pre-Assembly event on Thursday, October 6th. Thank you to Drury University for their support in hosting this session. The training provided definitions of key words and concepts, utilized videos to illustrate ideas, encouraged constructive discussion, and promoted next steps for further exploration and action. Find the distributed materials here. Participation fulfilled the new requirement that clergy attend a Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism training session once every three years, which the Commission on the Order of Ministry established earlier this year. The next opportunity for such training is November 5th in St. Louis.

First among the Assembly speakers was Center for Faith & Giving Director Rev. Dr. Bruce Barkhauer who spoke at the clergy/spouse luncheon on the topic of clergy personal finance issues. Later, at the opening worship, several brought greetings to those assembled: Rev. Geoff Weinman on behalf of Central Christian Church, Rev. Dr. Penny Ross-Corona on behalf of the Regional Minister Team, and Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel on behalf of the Missouri Mid-South Conference of the United Church of Christ. 

Next on the schedule was Bible study by Dr. Marco Hofheinz, a Professor of Systematic Theology at the Institute for Theology and the Study of Religion at Leibniz University in Hanover, Germany. He is currently a visiting scholar at Drury University.

Then came some mission work! The Disciples Women put together school and hygiene kits for the Festival of Sharing. The youth went to the Diaper Bank of the Ozarks to pack diapers. Still others went to Crosslines to lend a hand. Good work was done by all!

 

 

General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins preached at the evening worship (view here) and communion was served by the Regional Minister Team (Rev. Drs. Larry Colvin, Paul Koch, Penny Ross-Corona, and Mike Weinman). Special thanks go out to worship planner and music director Rev. Emily Bowen-Marler of Brentwood Christian Church. Approximately $1,000 was received toward the joint Hurricane Matthew relief effort by Week of Compassion, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Global Ministries.

 

The final activity of day one was the Mission & Ministry Council launch party. Council Chairman Rev. William Brown explained the purpose and vision of the council, and introduced members of several congregations who outlined some of their churches' projects. 

Saturday began with a Mission First Gathering. Rev. Dr. Watkins explained the Mission First! program and showed a video to illustrate its vision. Our Mission First host Mike Weinman outlined the process for the gathering, then invited all to separate into small groups and discuss their church's mission(s), identify common themes and specific efforts, and outline their findings for the larger group. 

Speakers for Saturday's lunch were Jim and Jayanthi Wilson, Global Ministries missionaries to South Africa. They are currently traveling around Mid-America speaking in congregations and sharing their experience. After 28 years of ministry, they are retiring. They were presented a recognition for their dedication and service by Larry Colvin. Read a summary here. A Global Ministries fund has been created to support the work of such missionaries into the future. Donations can be made in their honor here.

Moderator Guy Adams called the business session to order. All reports were received, the 2017 budget was presented, and new officers were installed. Several who were completing their service to the Region were applauded for their contributions. Find the the business documents and more in the Assembly program book. Read the minutes of the session by Secretary Rick Rollings.

 

Participants then headed to their Mission Breakout Session of choice, after which they were invited to Pick their Passion. People with similar mission interests got together to share experiences, successes, failures, resources, hopes, and plans. To facilitate more complete and ongoing collaboration, discussion groups have been established for all of the identified topics. All are welcome to get in on the mission conversations here.

 

The All-Assembly dinner was held at Drury University's Findlay Student Center. Saturday evening's worship was a Taize service featuring several talented musicians and speakers. Rev. Dr. Jacque Foster of Compton Heights Christian Church in St. Louis gave an account of some of that congregation's involvement with Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism. Approximately $800 was received toward this continued work. 

 

Saturday evening ended with a Blue Grass concert by Kentucky 31. This entertainment was sponsored by First Christian Church in Bolivar.

 

 

 

Sunday morning worship brought a message by Rev. Aryanna Johnson Watkins, Director of the National Benevolent Association's Incubate Initiative. Her message (video here) was based on Luke 13:6-9(CEB) and challenged all to 'Get Up & Go!' 

 

 

 

Thank you to Vickie Sowers, the whole Assembly Planning Team, and the many others who put so much effort into making this a wonderful experience for all. Watch upcoming Regional newsletters for information about the dates and location of our next Biennial Assembly!

Photos courtesy of Kirby Gould,
Diane Hall, Carole Hughes, Kris Milliron,
Penny Ross-Corona, Mike Weinman,
Mike Williams, and David Woodard.

Congratulations Rev. Matthew Limback

Matt (center) is pictured here with Patrick Overton (left) and Larry Colvin (right).

Matthew David Limback was ordained to the Christian Ministry at Central Christian Church in Higginsville on Sunday, October 2. In attendance were is wife, mother, father, and other family members as well as his best friend from childhood. The local high school choir sang an anthem and The Rev. Rodney Hopper of First Christian Church of Rock Port led the clergy processional by playing the bagpipes. The Rev. Dr. Patrick Overton of Arrow Rock Federated Church preached from Isaiah 49:14-16 and Ephesians 1:3-10 in a message entitled, "Unlikely Leader, Unwilling Servants." The Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin, Regional Ministry Team member officiated the ordination and laying on of hands.

Women's Day at Second CC in Fulton

Second CC in Fulton, was packed on Sunday afternoon, August 28th for their annual Women's Day celebration service.  Disciples from Fifth Street CC in Columbia were honored guests along with many in the community.  Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister Team member, was graciously welcomed to the congregation by Pastor Cedric Harris in a public affirmation of regional support for the vital work carried out in our African-American Convocation churches. 

The Second CC women's choir, shown here, sang rousing inspirational anthems as did the Fifth Street women's choir and special artists to affirm the gathering's theme, "Miracles are Happening Here."  An inspiring message was delivered by Pastor Ciara Hardin of Jefferson City who shared her courageous battle with cancer as a young mother and then almost succumbing to a chemotherapy overdose.  (She is now healthy and cancer free!)  She delicately tied this together Proverbs 31 along with Solomon and the story of David & Bathsheba in her message, "A Woman's Worth."

Story and photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Paul Koch.

Hands Around the World Grand Mission Festival

The Grand Mission Festival was a cooperative effort of Global Ministries, the Mid-America and Greater Kansas City Regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Missouri Mid-South, Kansas-Oklahoma, and Illinois South Conferences of the United Church of Christ. The August 20th event was held at Colonial UCC in Prairie Village, Kansas and live-streamed to several sites including Community Christian Church in Camdenton and Webster Groves Christian Church in St. Louis. Over 150 persons took part.

Pictured from left to right are Minerva Halteh, Rachel Shomali, and Dr. Peter Makari.

Pictured from left to right are Minerva Halteh, Rachel Shomali, and Dr. Peter Makari.

 

 

Dr. Peter Makari, Executive for Middle East and Europe with the Common Global Ministries was the keynoter. He shared a history of the Middle East, along with present day religious and political issues. He also talked about the ministries taking place through our Global Ministry partners in Israel and Palestine.

Minerva Haleth and Rachel Shomali, both Palestinian Christians and Disciples Peace Fellowship Peace Interns, shared very moving personal stories about their families and everyday life as lived in Palestine.

The gathering was part of a larger 10 day event featuring 7 missionaries visiting over 30 congregations in America's heartland.

Story and photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin.

Rev. Barbara Gulick's Retirement Celebration

Millersburg Christian Church bid a fond farewell to Rev. Barbara Gulick who retired as their pastor on July 31, 2016.  A moving "last service" began with her baptizing three adults! Tributes for Barbara and her husband Rev. John Gulick started the evening before with a concert sing-along with the Millersburg Gloryland Band featuring Rev. Larry Brown, Patty Eggleston, Jeff & Barbara Moran, followed by steak and chicken supper, and concluding with fireworks provided by the Millersburg Christian Church community preschool.

Barbara is a commissioned minister who was installed at Millersburg CC on Dec. 7, 2008.  Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister team was present for both days and was happy to represent the wider church by presenting her the Honored Minister Pin.  Revs. Larry Veatch and John Bennett shared their blessings as well.  Brenda Rose, church council president created a moving liturgy for Barbara and the congregation with powerful words and symbols of "letting go."  We wish the congregation all the best as they move forward in their search for a transitional minister.

Story courtesy of Paul Koch.

FCC Ash Grove Celebrates 135 Years

On July 24, 2016, First Christian Church of Ash Grove, Missouri celebrated its 135th anniversary.  Larry R. Colvin, Regional Ministry Team member brought greetings from the national and regional church and Wanda Hendenberg, retired board member of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society presented a certificate to the church commemorating the occasion.  We were also joined by our Disciples Care Team Member, Sara Compton.  The worship/celebration was followed by a fellowship luncheon.  It was a great day of reunion, remembrance, as well as anticipation of where God is leading us in the future.

In the months prior to the celebration, the church was involved with several service projects involving the number “135.”  These included: collecting 135 packages of newborn diapers for Newborns in Need; collecting 135 bars of soap for the local food pantry; participating in the 135 “Miles of Motion” (walking, jogging, exercising, etc.), collecting 135 boxes of quality tissues for the residents of the local health care facility; encouraging our children to perform 135 eggs-tra acts of kindness, submitting 135 prayer requests for personal, local, national,  and global issues, and sharing 135 favorite Bible verses.  Also, a book of members’ and former members’ memoirs was compiled and distributed on the day.  It’s been a great year of service and celebration for First Christian Church of Ash Grove.

Story & photo courtesy of Tom Geer.

St. Charles CC Hosts Singing Group

New Generation Singers is a Christian singing group with members ranging in age from second semester 8th graders through high school and college-aged youth from Ashland United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, MO.

 

 

New G has been in St. Joe since 1970, bringing God’s message to each member, the community and surrounding areas.  Each summer they take a two-week tour, traveling across the United States spreading that Word.  During their 2016 tour, St. Charles Christian Church hosted the New Generation Singers on Friday evening, July 24.  They performed at the finale for SCCC's Cave Quest Vacation Bible School program.

Community Recess in Perry

Placing extreme value on community and fellowship, on Saturday, June 25, Perry Christian Church hosted the second annual Community Recess at the Bill Trower Memorial Park.  One may inquire, “What is a Community Recess?”  That is a great question and now for the answer. 

Recess as most of us know it is a break from doing something, like work or school. Almost everyone looks forward to taking a recess!! But recess comes from the Latin word recessus, meaning "a going back, retreat.” Ahhh retreat. Now you've got it! Community Recess is a time for the community to come together with their families for a day of fellowship and a special retreat for the children. By offering food, drinks, special games and willing workers, Perry Christian Church puts the emphasis on fellowship.

Of course, there is NO COST to attend!  However, any child who registered on-line was issued a ticket.  If they brought that ticket to Community Recess they received a free t-shirt.  Registering on-line helped determine how much food to prepare and the number of supplies needed for those who attended.  One did not have to register to attend Community Recess. 

As one might suspect everyone who attended knows that Community Recess was a great success.  It was an incredible day of fun, fellowship and food.  Even though an official count was never taken, it is estimated that at least 50 children and 20 adults attended this free event. Only ten (10) hot dogs were left from the one hundred (100) hot dogs prepared.  Approximately forty (40) games and activities were offered in which the children were allowed choose whether or not to participate.  Several found out how good they were at finding marbles in sand and putting them in a bucket…using only their toes.  Others found out how fast they could throw a baseball because they were able to have the speed of their fastball check by a radar gun!  Ever stacked nuts using a chopstick?  Those who attended had a chance to try their skills with the sticks!  Need a new tattoo to show off this summer? Young and old alike waited in line to get a temporary tattoo at Community Recess!  Summer is the perfect time to go fishing and those who attended had a chance to practice their casting skills.  Their reward was brightly colored plastic fish on their hooks, thanks to the Missouri Department of Conservation.  Everyone was welcome to play games and pick up give-aways at the Corp of Engineer Water Safety Display.  One would be remiss if the bounce house and inflatable slide that was added to this year’s event were not at least mentioned.  There was always a line at each of these with children waiting patiently for their turns.  No one threw a fuss when some of the younger children didn’t understand the waiting-in-line rule and jumped to the head of the line! 

Enough can’t be said for all of those who answered the call and showed up to volunteer. Without dedicated volunteers none of these activities could be possible.  It would be thoughtless if a thank you were not extended to all the people that could not make it but supported the event with their thoughts, donations and prayers.

Saturday morning started with the sound of thunder and the flashes of lightening.  Prayers were offered to God, “Moisture is needed and one would not want to sound ungrateful, but something good is trying to be done, could You hold off with the rain until 1:00?”  Comments were overheard where several volunteers had offered up similar prayers.  About 9:00 the clouds cleared, the sunshine came through and a slight breeze started blowing.  This continued for the remainder of the event.  At 1:00 when the cleaning up had started, several people noticed that the clouds were gathering overhead.  As individuals were driving away from the park, it started to rain.  Our God is such an awesome God!  And then some people say that God doesn’t answer prayers!  The following email was sent Saturday afternoon, “Unbelievable!!! Rain and storms all around us this morning and the sun shines with a light breeze. Exactly at 1:00PM the clouds roll in and the rains come down to bless the farmers. Praise God!! Is that a sign or what?”

We, the members of Perry Christian Church, are continually thankful for God's goodness.  Community Recess is our way of sharing our love for the Lord with the community and we appreciate the way this annual event has been accepted.

 Thanks to Transitional Minister Nancy Kellstrom for sending the story and photos as prepared by event organizers.

Disciple Summer Mission in St. Louis

Tuesday evening worship at WGCC where Jeff Moore spoke and showed the BBC's Delmar Divide video.

Over 200 Disciples youth and their adult sponsors representing 19 Disciples congregations from 9 states are in St. Louis participating in the Disciple Summer Mission trip.

The group from FCC in Jefferson City sets out on their adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-America groups include Rev. Geoff Weinman and six youth from Central Christian Church in Springfield, Rev. Sarah Kingsbery and nine youth from First Christian Church in Jefferson City, and Rev. Dr. Jeff Moore and two youth from Webster Groves Christian Church in St. Louis.

 

 

The Collierville cooks brought their home made grill-trailer on the road and even supplied hot dog buns for communion at worship!

 

They are lodging in dorms at Washington University and worshiping and eating at various locations including Union Avenue Christian Church and Webster Groves Christian Church. The meal service is being provided by Collierville Christian Church from Tennessee.

Two Webster Groves CC youth painting at Memorial Boulevard CC.

 

 

While in St. Louis the groups are doing service projects at Memorial Boulevard CC, Webster-Rock Hill Ministries, and Doorways  - an interfaith housing ministry serving people living with HIV in Missouri and Illinois. 

Injustice Anywhere Film Screening

On Friday, April 29th Union Avenue Christian Church hosted a screening of the film Injustice Anywhere. This documentary was commissioned by the National Benevolent Association to gather and share the stories of local Disciples following the death of Michael Brown, and the resulting activity in and around Ferguson.

 

Rev. Dietra Wise Baker, pastor of Liberation Christian Church, served as the discussion leader after the film. Those gathered were given the opportunity to pose questions to the three separate panels of involved individuals - local activists, Disciples pastors, and community organizers.

 

 

 

The message to all when the question, "What can I do?" was asked: Follow the Jesus who pushed tables - not the one that makes you feel good, but the one that challenges. 

The 50 minute video by local filmmaker Aziza Binti is now available for online streaming. More information, including the coordinating study guide, is also available here.

Willow Street Christian Church Celebrates 142 Years

Congratulations to Willow Street Christian Church in Hannibal as they celebrated their 142 years of service on March 13th. The gathering was blessed with a message from guest preacher Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker of St. Louis' Liberation Christian Church, and music by the Second Christian Church choir. Regional Minister Team Member Rev. Dr. Paul Koch attended the special worship service and said this of the event:

Willow Street Christian Church in Hannibal rolls out the red carpet every year to celebrate its ministry to the community and those whose selfless dedication made it possible. Most of all, God is glorified through exciting proclamation, music, and dance. Thank you WSCC for reminding us all to take time and thank God for a wonderful year in mission and ministry.

Find more photos and videos on the WSCC facebook page.

Congregational Governance Presentations by Rev. Dr. Todd Adams

Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, Associate General Minister & Vice-President of the Christian Church and newly called President of the Pension Fund of the Christian Church, led pastors and congregational board members in two separate workshops at First Christian Church in Neosho on January 23 and First Christian Church in Columbia on January 24.  Dr. Adams is a Certified Governance Trainer, through Board Source, a national organization which helps non-profit boards to fulfill their obligations.

Dr. Adams detailed important legal, ethical, and practical considerations for faithful governance by local congregations.  He noted the importance of congregations filling out yearbook reports to continue IRS Code non-profit tax exemptions though their group exemption within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).   Dr. Adams also highlighted how many churches quickly become bogged down in board operations over against ministry due to the constant work of filling Board slots and positions.   The church is no longer living in the 1950’s.   The church has to be prepared for a new generation that does not have time for committee and Board meetings, but still wants to fulfill the different missional needs of congregations in their local community.   The words of Dr. Adams were refreshing and encouraging!  

For those who could not attend the workshop, the Regional Ministry of Leadership Development through the support of the Rickman Legacy Fund provided for this video of the presentation (taken by Antornette Allison).

 

Story  and photos courtesy of Paul Koch, Transitional Regional Minister, RMT
and Mike Weinman, Regional Minister Team.

Rev. Bill Rose-Heim Installed as Greater Kansas City Regional Minister & President

Over 300 people gathered at New Vision Christian Church in Kansas City on January 24 in a celebration of consecration as the Rev. Bill Rose-Heim was installed as Regional Minister of the Greater Kansas City Region. Rev. Rose-Heim served as Area Minister of the former Northwest Area. CCMA was represented by Regional Minister Team members Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin, who brought greetings, and Rev. Dr. G. Mike Weinman who brought a warning to the Region, 'do not think they could sit back now that they had a new Regional Minister.  Bill will not accept that response.'

Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, in her address reminded that we are a denomination that takes seriously the "ministry of all believers." We understand ministry is never done in a vacuum. In accepting his call, Rev. Rose-Heim, reiterated this as he sought the hands and prayers from all. 

 

 

 

 

Story and photos courtesy of
Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin and Rev. Dr. G. Mike Weinman.

 

Webster Groves Christian Church Presents A Jazz & Choral Christmas

On Saturday, December 19th Webster Groves Christian Church presented A Jazz & Choral Christmas, telling the story of Christmas through sights and sounds. 

Scripture was read by renowned local actor Joneal Joplin. A number of selections were performed by the choir, which included the WGCC Chancel Choir and additional singers who lent their talents for the evening. Congregation members took on the roles of Mary, Joseph, and wise ones, and the youth were angels, shepherds, and animals. Jazz quartet Two Times True played several jazz arrangements of traditional carols and accompanied the choir in the Hallelujah Chorus from Quincy Jones' Soulful Celebration.

Though the congregation has held such a service in years past, the scheduling of the event on Saturday afternoon instead of Sunday morning this year was done to enable more people from the community to participate and attend.

 

 

The Christmas story was told. Joy was proclaimed. Much cheer and many cookies were shared. It was a wonderful evening for all!

Find more photos and a recording of the service on the
WGCC facebook page.

25th Anniversary of Wyatt Park CC Christmas Tableau

As they have done annually for the past 25 years, Wyatt Park Christian Church in St. Joseph presented its drive-thru living nativity on the evenings of December 11th and 12th. 

For more than two hours each night nearly 100 people in costume, and dozens more behind the production, presented 10 different scenes.

Over 400 cars went through the tableau. Each was given a CD that included an audio recording of the biblical passage associated with each scene, and then 4 songs of the season recorded by the Wyatt Park music teams.

CCMA Regional Assembly in Columbia

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America held its Assembly at Broadway Christian Church in Columbia on Saturday, October 24th. Nearly 200 people gathered for a day of worship, fellowship, celebrating, learning, and planning.

The opening worship was a wonderful celebration of music brought to life by a host of talented musicians. The service included a prayer litany, lessons of transformation, and a number of selections featuring organ, violin, trumpet, oboe, and Broadway CC's Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells.

 

There was then a recap of our transformation process as it has taken place over the last three years. Moderator Guy Adams outlined the timeline of activity from the beginning of the team's research through the current resolutions to be voted on today. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch was introduced as the Transitional Regional Minister Team Member in the Northeast. He will begin his duties in this capacity on January 1, 2016.

Individual Areas met and, in the case of the Southeast Gateway Area, finalized their commitment to the merger as one Region. 

After a delicious lunch brought to us by Broadway CC's Mission and Outreach Ministry, the business session was called to order. All presented resolutions were passed by those assembled. After some discussion, the proposed budget for 2016 was also passed. These documents can be found in the program book here. The minutes from the business session will also be posted as soon as they are available.

The closing worship featured an inspiring message of transformation and hope from Table of Grace pastor Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman. The service also included communion, an offering designated for Disciples Mission Fund, and a passing of the mantle by departing Regional Minister Team Members Kris Tenny-Brittian and Bill Rose-Heim to their successors, Paul Koch and Cheryl Sanders/Sandra Mull respectively. 

Thank you to Bill Rose-Heim for supplying most
of the photos.

Thank you to the event planning team led by Vickie Sowers, the local arrangements team led by Dixie Fisher, the worship planning groups led by Tim Carson and Brian Kirk, and all of the volunteers who made the day a success.

We celebrate the realization of our new structure and look forward to all the exciting ways that we will continue to minister and serve together in Mid-America. We also look forward to meeting again October 7-9, 2016 in Springfield and resuming the regular biennial Assembly schedule.