All church Disciples Men groups are encouraged to come together for remarkable time of fellowship, food, and important conversation. Lunch is pot luck.
We will be making plans for Awaken 2025 in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia - Nov. 6-9.
Please rsvp to Paul Koch at paul@ccmadisciples.org or 636-221-7065.
This workshop is for pastors, elders, and those who care.
Rev. Robert Green will be sharing insights from his book The Art of Spiritual Care in Education: Gifts of Knowledge, Courage, and Skill. Where Religion, Science, and Education Merge. We will be taking pre-orders for when it is published.
This seminar qualifies as Boundary Training renewal for clergy who attend, read the book, and complete the follow-up document.
Thank you to Rev. Dr. Kim Leon, who serves as Chaplain at Boone Hospital, for planning this event.
Registration is free thanks to our Rickman Legacy Fund for Leadership Development.
Mid-America’s women in ministry are invited to this gathering to get acquainted, or re-acquainted and connect or re-connect with other women in ministry around the Region.
There is no cost but please do RSVP by August 12th by emailing Associate Regional Minister Rev. Jennifer Long.
This training session will be a 1.0 introductory level course with no prerequisites.
We hope to be able to offer it as a hybrid session with accessibility both in person and online.
More details will be posted as they become available.
This sharing group is for men navigating mid-life changes. It will meet on this date for the first time, and then each Tuesday for seven weeks. Regional Minister Paul Koch recommends this program as part of our ongoing Mid-America Men & Friends ministry.
Our hope for this offering is similar to that of the porpoises in Bernard Moitessier’s book ‘The Long Way’.
“For three hours longer they swim like that, each isolated on his own side, without playing, setting their speed by Joshua’s, two or three yards from the boat. I have never seen anything like it. Porpoises have never kept my company that long. I am sure they were given the order to stay with me until Joshua was absolutely out of danger.”
In some small way we hope we can be like the porpoises and show-up at a dangerous time in a man’s life and help them navigate their way through, to safer waters.“
Save the date for Awaken 2025, Illuman’s annual gathering designed for all male-identified persons seeking inspiration, contemplation, and deep connection. This unique event invites participants to engage in transformative inner work, weaving together ritual, teaching, nature exploration, poetry, drumming, song, small group councils, and time for rest and connection.
Learn more on the FB event page here or contact Rev. Dr. Paul Koch here>
Make new friendships, share experiences, and attend to spiritual connection during the retreat.
Youth will hear from a keynote speaker, share in worship and workshops
As a result of a generous grant, this retreat is offered at NO COST to participants.
Registration due by July 14.
Learn more & register here>
The retreat is presented by
The Walter Scott Camp & Learning Center in partnership with The Christian Church in Indiana, The Christian Church in Michigan, The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest, and the Christian Church of Mid-America.
Contact Rev. Jimmy Spear, Lead Minister at First Christian Church in Edwardsville, at jimmy@fccedwardsville.org for more information.
This week at Camp Jo-Ota is for campers completing 6th or 7th grade.
$385 if registered by June 15. $410 after June 15.
Learn more about this and our other summer programs, and register here>
Scholarships are available. Applications are due June 1. Apply here>
This camp experience is for those completing any grade between kindergarten and 2nd, and a parent/guardian. $95/pair until June 30. +$20 after.
Learn all about the program and how to register on their website here>
This camp experience is for those completing grade 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. $230
This week of camp at Camp Galilee includes all age groups.
Third through twelfth graders meet the whole week, while Try-It campers (K-2nd grade) arrive on Thursday the 24th and stay until Friday. These first timers must attend with an adult.
Learn more about the Faith Adventures program and register here>
Learn more about our other summer programs and register here>
$195 until June 30. $215 after.
This camp experience is for those completing grade 3, 4, or 5. $230
This event is geared toward pastors, elders, and caregivers. Attendees will receive tools to help assess the risk of suicide or harm, listen nonjudgmentally, encourage appropriate professional help, and other support strategies. This training is presented by Compass Health. Clergy who stay the duration and submit a reflection paragraph will receive Boundary Training renewal credit and professional development credits. Please register this week to Pastor Jack Daniel or SaMiller@compasshn.org.
This week at Camp Jo-Ota is for campers completing 2nd through 5th grades.
Elementary Camp is for 2nd-3rd graders, and they stay until the 16th. $185 if registered by June 15. $210 after June 15.
Junior Camp is for 4th-5th, and they stay until the 18th. $345 if registered by June 15. $370 after June 15.
Learn more about this and our other summer programs, and register here>
Scholarships are available. Applications are due June 1. Apply here>
This camp experience is for those completing grade K, 1, or 2. $150
The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will gather in person from July 12th to 15th, 2025, in Memphis, TN. This year’s General Assembly theme: “BEYOND” is based on Ephesians 3:20-21.
Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen. (CEB)
This week at Camp Jo-Ota is for campers completing 9th through 12th grade.
$385 if registered by June 15. $410 after June 15.
Learn more about this and our other summer programs, and register here>
Scholarships are available. Applications are due June 1. Apply here>
This camp experience is for those completing grade 9, 10, 11, or 12. $230.
This camp experience is for those completing grade 6, 7, or 8. $230.
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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:
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:
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?
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?
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.
This camp experience is for those finishing any grade between 6 and 12. $280
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
The Rural Ministry Network, Disciples Women, and Disciples Men invite you to a time of deep renewal, lightly structured for 24 hours at the Marianist Retreat & Conference Center in Eureka. There will be ample time for: being in nature, worship time, sharing one on one time, and learning in community. Sponsored by RMN, DW, and DM.
Register online by midnight on May 14.
Lodging will be private rooms and includes 4 meals.
Find more information, including schedule, on the flyer here>
Cost: $150 per person.
Couples or room sharing cost is $136 per person
This week at Camp Jo-Ota is for campers completing preK through 2nd grade. They must attend with an adult. $235 for adult & child pair. $65 for additional person.
Learn more about this and our other summer programs, and register here>
Scholarships are available. Applications are due June 1. Apply 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
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.
We are thrilled to welcome Baptizing America authors Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood to share in a discussion of their book. Everyone is invited to join us! Mid-America clergy will receive ARPRJM renewal training credit for participating in person. The subsidized fee of $25 covers admission, lunch, and a copy of the book. If you can't make it in person, there's an option to audit the session via Zoom at no charge - just register to get the link. Registration is open and must be completed by May 1.
Download, forward, print, and share the event flyer>
Register today!
