Our Rural Ministry Network invites you to this special gathering to hear speakers on current topics, connect with your fellow Disciples from other congregations, and share in communion.

Topics scheduled for this session are:

• Rural Ministry Network

• Silver Chalice / Older Adult Ministry

• Youth Outdoor Ministry

• Church issues - attendance, membership, building

First Christian Church in El Dorado Springs will host us and provide lunch. A freewill offering will be received for the lunch. Each church is encouraged to bring a dessert to share.

Please RSVP by emailing Sara Compton by Monday, June 16. See the schedule for the day here>

All are welcome to join us for this monthly gathering.

After thought and prayer it has been decided to continue with the Just Women. This month will be the first lesson in the 2025 Bible Study, Come Holy Spirit Come.

The first lesson comes from Rev. Cheryl Russell Kunkel scripture reference: Isaiah 11:1-3 

Her questions to ponder:

1. The word Shekinah is translated dwelling or divine presence. Isaiah uses the image of a new branch to depict this while this presence shows up for the Israelites as a pillar of fire and is described as dwelling in a cloud. What image comes to mind for you when you think about the divine presence of God? 

2. In what ways can exploring God's faithfulness to God's people in the first testament help you identify God's faithfulness in your own life? 

3. Discuss a time when you have experienced or observed the Spirit of God providing the "capacity to do what the world believes is impossible," as Brueggemann describes.

Our next Zoom gathering will be on June 28th at 9:00 a.m. from the comfort of your home, church, wherever you can gather.  If you don't have a Just Women Bible study yet read the scripture and the questions and join in a heartfelt conversation. To order yours go to disciples.org follow the links to the store. 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82023503046?pwd=SpHk95GRhnc0gsSwe7dfbUYztITFzu.1
Meeting ID: 820 2350 3046 Passcode: 615850 

Hear and discuss ideas and resources to best serve the kin-dom of God through the growing number of older adults in our congregations. Learn about the proposed Silver Chalice designation in the Resolution coming before the General Assembly, and what implementation will entail.

Rev. Dr. Paul Koch is Regional Minister of the Mid-America Region and author of the Silver Chalice Resolution.  He introduced and guided the Region to a unanimous vote to become the first Silver Chalice Region. 

Rev. Sandy Messick is Regional Minister of the Florida Region, and shepherded the Region to embrace the Silver Chalice Ministry as the second Region. She has been encouraging Florida congregations to undertake the Silver Chalice Ministry process.

This NBA webinar is free but registration is required. Learn more and register here>

We invite Mid-America clergy to engage in a conversation follow-up from the Baptizing America event. It is not necessary that you've attended. As your ARPRJM team we want to hold space for not only your feedback but to discuss next steps that can be taken, locally and regionally as a team to promote pro-reconciliation anti-racism justice ministry. An overwhelming amount of information was shared without enough time allowed to hold space to how we live into this new information together. What does it look like for us as people of faith and how can we affect change in our ministry settings that speaks to justice ministry.

Join Zoom Meeting

Please give as you are able to support new Disciples congregations. In Mid-America we currently have three congregations in formation:

• Think+Pray+Act in St. Louis

• Oasis Christian Church in Corder

• Faith Christian Church in Buffalo

Learn more here>

Thanks to our SEGA Permanent Fund/Orchard Crest Scholarship Fund, we are able to help families get their kids to summer camp, even if their financial situation makes full payment of the fees impossible. Our scholarship program was set up after the sale of the Orchard Crest Camp facility so that more youth would be able to enjoy the unique and transformative experience that is summer camp!

Families need to complete only one online application form, even if they have several children attending different programs. Applications are due by midnight on June 1.

Please give as you are able to support new Disciples congregations. In Mid-America we currently have three congregations in formation:

• Think+Pray+Act in St. Louis

• Oasis Christian Church in Corder

• Faith Christian Church in Buffalo

Learn more here>

The Bridgeton Christian Church Fund is an endowment created by the former Bridgeton Christian Church when it closed in 1995. 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".

Any Mid-America congregation may apply for a 2025 grant. The committee will review applications to determine whether they meet the fund's requirements.

Find online application form here> Applications due by midnight May 31.

The Christian Ministries Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance for those preparing for Christian Ministries, both in seminary and undergraduate education. This fund supports those persons living in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Mid-America (CCMA) Region who are preparing for the Christian ministries. Women’s Ministry/CWF and the receipts from local congregations establish this fund that provides gifts as grants in aid to the recipients.

Find online application form here> Find online reference form here>
Learn more about our Disciples Women’s Ministries here>

All are welcome to join us for this monthly gathering.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82023503046?pwd=SpHk95GRhnc0gsSwe7dfbUYztITFzu.1
Meeting ID: 820 2350 3046 Passcode: 615850 

Join the NBA Mental Health and Wellness team and guests on Mental Health Sunday for an airing of our inaugural Mental Health Sunday service! After the service, Rev. Joselyn Spence, NBA’s Director of Mental Health and Wellness, will host a talkback with special guests, where you can ask questions and share your thoughts! You are encouraged to watch the service by scheduling a ‘watch party’ with your family, friends, Bible study group, or congregation!

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Learn more & register here>

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE INCURRED AT THE CHURCH ON FRIDAY, MAY 16. MORE INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE.

The congregation of Union Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is delighted to celebrate its new senior minister, Rev. La’Vetta J. Ross, during an official installation celebration service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 in its historic sanctuary, located at 733 Union Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. 

Ross is only the second woman and the first African American to serve as the senior minister of Union Avenue Christian Church (UACC) in the church’s 120-year history.  

Full press release. To learn more, visit union-avenue.org or contact UACC at 314-361-8844.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Mid-America and Liberty Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) cordially invite your presence and prayers for the commissioning to Christian Ministry of Joyce E. Burns on May 18, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. at Liberty Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)  Highway E, Thompson, Missouri 65285.

Fellow clergy in attendance are invited to robe and wear a red stole.

A meal  will be served at the church following the ceremony.

Save the date and join Pension Fund President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, for the 2025 Member Conference Calls on May 7. Following his presentation, participating members will have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session. You can dial in up to 15 minutes before the start time. Choose from two convenient session times to participate:

10:00 am Central
Dial (800) 717-1738
Conference ID: 79156

Save the date and join Pension Fund President and CEO, Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, for the 2025 Member Conference Calls on May 7. Following his presentation, participating members will have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session. You can dial in up to 15 minutes before the start time. Choose from two convenient session times to participate:

10:00 am Central
Dial (800) 717-1738
Conference ID: 79156

At our first gathering in January, it was unanimously decided to continue this much needed ministry, to nurture, support, and encourage one another through the challenges of women in ministry settings. This time we will be hosted by Russ and Theresa Hamilton at First Christian Church in Cameron.

We are again extending an invitation to all women in ministry the region has provided emails for. If you know of someone who could benefit from this opportunity, please share this information. Or if you know women who would be great spiritual partners for women in ministry like pastor’s spouses, wise matriarchs, and women you have leaned on and have provided support please share this information.

You are welcome and encouraged to join women across the region for our second gathering in Cameron.  There will be three gatherings each year for this much-needed ministry.

What is Women Empowering Women?
Read what some participants had to say about the initial gathering.
View event flyer>

Please RSVP by April 25, 2025, for the May gathering by emailing jennifer.ccma@sbcglobal.net.

Boonville First Christian Church and Phillips Theological Seminary would like to invite you to join them for Phillips Theological Seminary Weekend. Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, will be presenting.

On Friday, there’s a Clergy Conversation Circle on “The Massacre of the Innocents: Studies in the Cultural Afterlife of a Gospel Scene.” Learn more and register here>

On Saturday, the Community Event is “Seven Events that Shape the New Testament.”
Please note that the time frame for this presentation is 9-11:30 and then 1-3. Register here>

See event flyer for more information>

Boonville First Christian Church and Phillips Theological Seminary would like to invite you to join them for Phillips Theological Seminary Weekend. Dr. Warren Carter, Professor of New Testament, will be presenting.

On Friday, there’s a Clergy Conversation Circle on “The Massacre of the Innocents: Studies in the Cultural Afterlife of a Gospel Scene.” Register here>

On Saturday, the Community Event is “Seven Events that Shape the New Testament.” Learn more and register here>

See event flyer for more information>

The leaders and trainers of Worship and Wonder Bible storytelling will share ways this multi-sensory approach brings life experiences into dialogue with all ages and with God. 

A free webinar presented by Older Adult Ministries

Rev. Kaye Edwards, served as Director of Family and Children's Ministry for Disciples Home Missions for 17 years. There, she created the Children Worship & Wonder Program and continues to volunteer with Worship and Wonder.

Rev. Elaine Austin, has served as a storyteller and trainer for the denomination over 23 years. She is President of the nonprofit, Worship & Wonder, enriching the faith formation of all ages, by encouraging sharing our stories to strengthen our communities.

Register now>

This Insurance Board webinar will be led by Director of Loss Control Chad Cunningham.

Join us to equip your ministry for effective response and recovery during any emergency. Enhance your knowledge and boost confidence in planning efforts to safeguard your community.

The webinar is free, but prior registration is required. Learn more & register today>

All are welcome to join us for this monthly gathering.

we will be sharing from the Just Women a study by Rev. Dr. Beth Rupe who is also the editor! 

Loving God, Self, and Others.  Matthew 22:34-40

Her questions for discussion: 

1. How do you demonstrate that you love God with your heart, all you are being, and your mind?

2. How do you love yourself by caring for your spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs? 

3. As Christians, we talk about the importance of serving and of sacrificial love. How does loving the neighbor as self help us establish good boundaries in caring for and serving others? 

4. How are you, the DW ministries of your region, fulfilling these commandments in ways that lead through the looking-glass into the king/kin - dom of God.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82023503046?pwd=SpHk95GRhnc0gsSwe7dfbUYztITFzu.1
Meeting ID: 820 2350 3046 Passcode: 615850 

"Transformation: Journey Towards Unity and Hope"

Scripture text: Romans 12:2.

All are welcome to this special day of worship, workshops, and keynote speaker Jacqua Brown-Williams. Registration due by April 14.

Adults - $40, Youth - $10. Registration includes continental breakfast and lunch.
Full schedule and registration form here>

The Easter Offering provides vital support for the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Your generous gift helps equip college students for leadership, strengthens global mission partnerships, sustains health and social service ministries, supports the formation of new congregations, cares for pastors and chaplains, and so much more.

Learn more>

The Easter Offering provides vital support for the general ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Your generous gift helps equip college students for leadership, strengthens global mission partnerships, sustains health and social service ministries, supports the formation of new congregations, cares for pastors and chaplains, and so much more.

Learn more>

Everyone can be an activist with the guidance of Omkari Williams, a former political consultant turned activism coach who helps people identify their “activist archetype” and map a personal action plan for engaging in small, change-making activities with potentially big impacts.

Join Minister of New Church Strategies Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez for New Church Ministry’s latest IMPACT webinar episode where he will interview Omkari about her work and book Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World without a Bullhorn.

 Learn more and register>