"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>
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:
How do you demonstrate that you love God with your heart, all you are being, and your mind?
How do you love yourself by caring for your spiritual, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs?
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?
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
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>
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.
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>
Includes canoe trip on the Current River, a mission trip, bonfire, exploring, and a steak dinner.
Details including schedule, pricing, and registration can be found on this flyer.. ——->
Please contact Rev. Dr. Paul Koch 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.” 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>
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.
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:
6:00 pm Central
Dial (800) 717-1738
Conference ID: 57969
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:
6:00 pm Central
Dial (800) 717-1738
Conference ID: 57969
10:00 am Central
Dial (800) 717-1738
Conference ID: 79156
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!
Mental Health Sunday, observed every 3rd Sunday during Mental Health Awareness Month, is a wonderful way to eradicate mental health stigma in your congregation.
The National Benevolent Association is offering a free webinar on March 27 to help pastors and church leaders makes plans for recognising this special day in their congregations.
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>
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.
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.
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 May 1 to ensure a minimum attendance threshold is secured.
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
Presented by our Rural Ministry Network.
Details about this event will be posted as they become available.
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)
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>
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.
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.
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.
Great Protector
Mo'n-Sho'n A-ki-Da Tonka (Great Protector of the Land) was a Little Osage warrior, orator, and statesman who lived near present-day Arrow Rock. In 1805, he was part of a delegation that visited President Thomas Jefferson in Washington, D.C. and was given the name Big Soldier by US government officials. When he met Major George C. Sibley, who built the first house in Arrow Rock to establish trade with the Osage people, Big Soldier shared his observations on settlers in the area. In Great Protector, we meet these men and learn of their differing perspectives about life and the future.
This performance by the Voices of Arrow Rock will be the focus of this refresher training session. Coordinator Mike Kateman will provide some pre-reading materials and will host a follow-up Zoom session on Monday, April 7 at noon to discuss the performance and the issues it raises. (Alternative time can be arranged.)
$25. Registration due by Wednesday, April 2 at midnight. Register here>
We ask that all Mid-America congregations report their applicable data into the ALEX database system by midnight tonight. This enables us to keep complete and accurate records for all Disciples throughout the Region and the Church.
The Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Justice Ministry seeks grant proposals for projects to further the work of dismantling racism. Successful projects and funding requests will target the systemic problems of race in our communities and churches. In accordance with Resolution 0731 (2007 General Assembly), entitled Recommendations Concerning Reconciliation Mission, grants under this program are to intended to combat racism and its root, systemic causes and be used for anti-poverty works only if such works contribute directly to the work of racial justice and reconciliation.
Union Avenue Christian Church in St. Louis will be hosting a Justice Conversation on Immigration on Sunday, March 30th and all are most welcome. They plan to begin at 12:30 with lunch and the program will start at 1:00.
We’ll have hearty soups (meat, vegetarian and vegan) with, wholesome bread and dessert. We have a dream team panel for our Justice Conversation on Challenges Facing St Louis Immigrants and How We Can Engage. Nola Proctor will moderate and Marie Kenyon, Director of the Peace and Justice Office in the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, and Jessica Mayo, co-founder, co-director and attorney at the MICA Project on Cherokee Street will share their more than 50 years combined experience. The conversation will focus on identifying what we can do as individuals. a congregation and congregations working together.
If you can let the church know ahead of time that you're coming, that's great, but if not - come anyway!
Mental Health Sunday, observed every 3rd Sunday during Mental Health Awareness Month, falls on May 18th this year, and is a wonderful way to eradicate mental health stigma in your congregation. Join us for this interactive workshop to design your congregation or organizations mental health Sunday. Participants will hear from a panel of clergy who have led Mental Health Sunday or other events for Mental Health Awareness Month. Participants will also be able develop a plan in preparation for including mental health resources and services during the month of May and beyond!
There is no fee for this National Benevolent Association webinar, but registration is required.
Learn more and register>
All Mid-America clergy are welcome to join a few of your Associate Regional Ministers on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (March 4 – April 14) as we pray the Lenten lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
All are welcome to join us for this monthly gathering.
Our next Bible study is found on pages 37 through 40 our author is: Awit Marcelino. Titled: Friendship Like Braided Sweet Grass, Scripture from Ecclesiastes 4:1-12.
Her questions to ponder:
Whether you've read this scripture before or it's brand new, what image, verse, feeling, or questions stands out to you in this passage today?
What is a quality or characteristic that you admire in one of your closest friends? Why is that quality or characteristic meaningful or important to you?
Can you share about a time when you were not a good friend to someone? What did you learn from that experience?
How have your friends, sisters, or community shown up for you when you needed them the most? o teach us to simplify, prioritize, and lean on him to do the heavy lifting?
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82023503046?pwd=SpHk95GRhnc0gsSwe7dfbUYztITFzu.1
Meeting ID: 820 2350 3046 Passcode: 615850
Join us online to share about The Voyage of Life.
We’ll gather at 7am for early risers and again at 11am for those who like to sleep a bit later!
There will be a total of four sessions - February 8, February 22, March 8, and March 22.
All are welcome for as many or as few as you can attend.
Zoom link Meeting ID: 972 4596 8342
Please contact Rev. Dr. Paul Koch for more information.
All Mid-America clergy are welcome to join a few of your Associate Regional Ministers on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (March 4 – April 14) as we pray the Lenten lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
All Mid-America clergy are welcome to join a few of your Associate Regional Ministers on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (March 4 – April 14) as we pray the Lenten lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
Our Commission will be meeting together with those working towards ordination or commissioning.
Those attending the gathering should consult their scheduled time and required documentation. Please contact the Springfield office with any questions.
Join us online to share about The Voyage of Life.
We’ll gather at 7am for early risers and again at 11am for those who like to sleep a bit later!
There will be a total of four sessions - February 8, February 22, March 8, and March 22.
All are welcome for as many or as few as you can attend.
Zoom link Meeting ID: 972 4596 8342
Please contact Rev. Dr. Paul Koch for more information.
This seven-week Lenten learning experience will run each week from March 6th to April 17th each Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm.
It is designed by therapists, pastors, and chaplains. Together, we will explore emotional and spiritual responses, and share stories in the face of current ecological and social challenges. Responses like grief and sorrow, anxiety and fear, guilt and shame, anger and despair are normal responses in unprecedented times. This course is designed to offer mutual support, healing, insight, and compassion, not a therapy experience. Registration Fee $20. Scholarships available, Email Shardinnieri@gmail.com
The movement of these seven-weeks together will include the following:
Introductions/Orientation
Sorrow/Grief
Anger
Fear/anxiety
Shame/Guilt
Despair/Hopelessness
Integration and wholeness
Brought to us by our Disciples Green Chalice Ministries. Learn more and register now>
Men Helping Men Be Better Men, Husbands and Dads
This free, nine-week session is for Fathers or soon to be Fathers.
We realize raising children is time consuming and most Fathers if not all, have limited time to try something new. That’s why we are keeping the Gatherings to one hour and utilizing the Zoom app to make access as easy as possible.
Regional Minister Paul Koch will be helping guide this session. Learn more & register>
All Mid-America clergy are welcome to join a few of your Associate Regional Ministers on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (March 4 – April 14) as we pray the Lenten lectionary scriptures together.
Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!
The Mental Health and Wellness Program of the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) prioritizes mental health justice and wellness equity for the upliftment of all people. As a part of this program initiative, during Black History Month, we are providing a culturally relevant space to discuss resources for Black mental health and wellness.
Historically, suicide rates among Black Americans have been perceived as lower compared to other racial groups. However, current trends show an alarming increase in suicidality, challenging outdated perceptions and emphasizing the necessity for a shift in public awareness and intervention strategies to save lives. This vital webinar addresses breaking the stigma, addressing the crisis, and creating effective, compassionate support systems for those in need.
This event is free but registration is required to receive the link. Register now>
A Guide to Contemplation With Older Adults
Join us for this free, four-part webinar series brought to us by our Older Adult Ministries and National Benevolent Association. During the sessions, Rev. Kimberly Weir and Rev. Dr. Paul Koch will share from their experiences leading online and in-person contemplative prayer/meditation groups. They will lead a meditation and prayer to expand and deepen spiritual connections.
February 5, 12, 19, & 26, 11am-12 noon.
Register here>
On February 26, 1885, European powers reached an agreement to divide Africa in an event known as the “Scramble for Africa”? By 1900, these powers had claimed nearly 90 percent of the continent’s territory. This webinar will explore the conference itself, the impacts of colonialism and its mindset, and the ongoing consequences that persist today.
This free webinar is brought to us by Global Ministries.
Learn more and register>
An online conversation about the preaching life
The Proclamation Project is hosting a conversation with three preachers who serve local Disciples congregations about what preaching is like these days. One of the speakers is Brentwood CC’s Rev. Emily Bowen-Marler!
How do we prepare our sermons? What particular challenges are we facing? In what ways are we responding to the world around us? What resources are we finding helpful?
Following the panel discussion, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and join the conversation.
Free, but registration is required. Register now>
Join us to learn about the current landscape of safe church practices and abuse prevention, including new research, ongoing challenges, and best practices to protect our ministries.
This free webinar is brought to us by our Insurance Board.
As the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Week of Compassion works with partners to alleviate suffering throughout the world.
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing,
whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.
Philippians 4:8-9
Our Rural Ministry Network invites the members, leaders, and pastors of Pike County’s six Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregations to join in this “County Rally”. As Disciples in small but vibrant congregations, we hope you will join in a day of uplifting programming that aims to encourage, equip, and connect us with one another as we grow in Christ.
A variety of workshops are planned for the morning, while the afternoon will be filled with discussion time where we will share and learn from one another about the work our congregations do each day to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, witnessing, loving, and serving from our doorsteps “to the ends of the earth” beginning in Pike County.
See event flyer here> RSVPs appreciated by February 15.
All are welcome to join us for this monthly gathering.
Busy Being Busy: Finding Joy in Rest by Sarah Serrano found on pages 34 through 36. The scripture reference comes from Matthew chapter 11:28-30
Questions for discussion:
Examining my rhythm: what have I lost along the way because of the very busy rhythm of life I've chosen to lead? What influenced me to adopt this rhythm? What reward will I receive if I recover what was lost?
Learning from Jesus: where in the Bible can you find examples of Jesus resting, relaxing, sleeping, taking a break, getting away, refreshing, refocusing, or replenishing his strength? As you seek out those passages in the gospels, take note of how often Jesus verbalizes a sense of shame or guilt for doing so.
My role: what rhythms of life am I moving in which feel focused or ill-fitting? What would life look like if it moved within an unforced rhythm of grace?
Finding joy in rest: does it make a difference that Jesus is the one inviting us to rest? Can you experience joy in knowing he is sharing his yoke, to teach us to simplify, prioritize, and lean on him to do the heavy lifting?
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82023503046?pwd=SpHk95GRhnc0gsSwe7dfbUYztITFzu.1
Meeting ID: 820 2350 3046 Passcode: 615850
Join us online to share about The Voyage of Life.
We’ll gather at 7am for early risers and again at 11am for those who like to sleep a bit later!
There will be a total of four sessions - February 8, February 22, March 8, and March 22.
All are welcome for as many or as few as you can attend.
Zoom link Meeting ID: 972 4596 8342
Please contact Rev. Dr. Paul Koch for more information.
This National Benevolent Association webinar aims to engage participants in discernment and understanding of the electoral process and its outcomes. As election results reveal various complexities, challenges, and opportunities for prophetic action related to justice and the well-being of communities, we will focus on identifying signs of both challenge and hope. We believe that, as citizens and people of faith, we can foster positive change in the political landscape over the next four years.
The webinar is free but registration is required to receive the link.
Clergy, lay leaders of established or emerging Green Chalice churches, and people interested in active hope are warmly invited to join us in this informative and spirit-led conversation.
Meet Green Chalice Ambassadors: Apostle Sharyn Cosby with National Convocation and Yoli Barragan with Obra Hispana.
Together we will learn and offer support and prayer for one another as we care for creation and our neighbors in these times.
This free webinar is brought to us by the free continuing education webinar series of Lexington Theological Seminary. Find archived webinars here>
During these divisive and disconnected times in which we live, conversations revolving around race and systemic racism can be difficult and challenging. However, as members of the body of faith (the Church), the stories of our experiences and learned wisdom are valuable in guiding the community towards healing, repair, and wholeness. In a created safe space, join our conversation as we share with one another, learn from each other, and grow together as we face the difficult conversation of racism through the lens of our faith.
