FCC Edwardsville Mission Trip to KC

The youth group and adult sponsors from First Christian Church of Edwardsville, IL recently returned from a mission trip to Kansas City Metro.  The thirty-five who went on the trip were graciously hosted by St. Andrews Christian Church in Olathe, KS.  

 

By taking our youth group to another geographical area for these service projects, it gives them an opportunity to escape their routines that can often hinder the ability to expand their view of the world.  Working together as a team helped them to gain an understanding of what it means to come together as a community while helping those who need assistance.

The youth participated in a variety of different service projects at four separate organizations while in KC: Community Linc, Urban Christian Academy, KIPP, and ReStart.  Half of the youth group spent the day cleaning classrooms, painting walls, washing buses and assembling classroom furniture.  The other half spent the day cleaning transitional apartments, tearing down plaster walls, and furnishing them for guests who would soon be accepted into the program.  We were also blessed to prepare and serve dinner for over 200 residents at a transitional homeless shelter.  In addition to serving others, the group went ice skating, sampled some KC BBQ, and visited both the National World War I Museum and the Hallmark Visitor's Center.  

Sunday, February 26 during both worship services, each of the six members of the youth council shared their reflections on the mission trip with the congregation.  It was a joy to hear the similar and the unique ways that we encountered the living God while growing together in our faith community.  

We are grateful to receive support from our congregation as well as all of those who organize and attend our annual Jack H. Enloe youth scholarship golf scramble and our annual youth trivia night fundraiser.  God is great!  

Story and photos courtesy of Rev. Jeff Wrigley, Associate Minister.

Souper Bowl of Caring at FCC Poplar Bluff

The First Christian Church, Poplar Bluff First Sunday Brunch was a Souper Bowl of Caring soup and chili cook off to benefit the local food pantry.

Nine members brought their favorite, soup, chili, stew and chowder for the competition. During the brunch, church members sampled and then voted by placing a dollar or more in a bowl indicating their choice of best soup or chili. The winner was voted Souper Bowl of Caring Champion 2017 and was given a traveling trophy.

This was in conjunction with the national campaign Souper Bowl of Caring which utilizes the Super Bowl weekend in America to mobilize people to fight hunger and poverty in their local community. One hundred percent of the $222 collected was given to the St. Vincent DePaul food pantry in Poplar Bluff.

L-R Jan Duffy, Outreach Chair, Pastor Frank Chlastak,Gail Doss, Kathy Richardson

The first place winner and 2017 Souper Bowl of Caring Champion was Rev. Frank J. Chlastak, with his winning entry of Commonwealth of Virginia  Brunswick Stew. In second place was Gail Doss with her Vegetable and Beef Soup. Coming in third place was Kathy Richardson with her entry of Cajun Crawfish Chowder.

“Awesome soup and chili and a time of fellowship was had by all. The real winner of the Souper Bowl of Caring was our local food pantry and those in need of good quality food.”

Thanks to pastor Frank Chlastak for this story and photos.

 

Congratulations, John Bennett!

Rev. Dr. John Bennett was given a surprise honor at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. service held at Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City on Sunday, January 22.  After John's remarkable sermon that he gave to the crowd, pastor Rev. Cornell C. Sudduth, Sr. gave these remarks: "For his tireless life-long devotion to peace and justice, and most recently for his sacrificial act of civil-disobedience fighting for Medicaid expansion in Missouri as part of the "Medicaid 23" Rev. Dr. John Bennett has been awarded the first ever distinction of being "A Drum Major for Justice" - bestowed by SBC."  

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Bennett said he had nothing to say except that he was about to cry.  Dr. Paul Koch, RMT and Rev. Beau Underwood, pastor of FCC-Jefferson were proud to represent the region to acknowledge John's honor.

Left to right: Rev. Dr. Rodney E. Williams, Rev. Dr. John Bennett, Rev. W. T. Edmondson.

Note: Original caption excluded Rev. Edmondson and included Rev. Sudduth in the photo in error.

Day of Mission and Service in Poplar Bluff

On Sunday, January 15th the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Poplar Bluff hosted our city, county and state police, fire fighters, and Emergency Medical Service Technicians for a “Thank You lunch.”

The Outreach Committee of the church and volunteers hosted  what was called a Day of Mission and Service. There were over 60 served.

 

        

In addition the church members served each table guest  and were hosts for the tables. Carryouts were provided for those officers and staff  and city employees who were on duty. Members also delivered meals to church members who were at home and could not attend.

The church members wanted to say “Thank you to these often unrecognized heroes of our community for their long hours of work and for their devoted service to our community.” The menu was Spaghetti, Salad, French bread, and Dessert.

Several members and children provided entertainment. Family members and guests were also invited to the lunch. The leftovers from the meal were given to the Haven House of Poplar Bluff. Haven House is a non-profit organization comprised of citizens committed to ending domestic violence in Southeast Missouri.

Thanks to FCC pastor Rev. Frank Chlastak for the story and photos.

Rickman Legacy Lives on in Leadership Development Grants

The Mid-America Region has leadership development funds available and all ministers are invited to apply!

This opportunity is a very positive outcome of the difficult decision to sell Rickman Center back in 2015. After the sale, one million dollars was invested as the Rickman Legacy Fund with the Christian Church Foundation. Twenty-five percent of the annual distribution from that amount is designated for leadership development. ( 75% is designated for outdoor ministries. Find more detail about the sale in the September 23, 2015 letter from then-Moderator Guy Adams here.)

“Leadership Development supports and nurtures Mid-America Disciples leaders by providing and promoting resources, events, grants, training, and retreats to increase congregational identity, connection, and vitality toward fulfilling our mutual mission and ministry.”

Grant applications are are reviewed four times per year with deadlines on December 1, February 1, May 1, and August 1.

The first grants were awarded last fall. Alex Ruth of Marshfield CC received a grant to continue his mentoring in iPEC's Coach Training Program. Kris Milliron of FCC Marshall received a grant to attend the Disciples Youth Ministry Network and Progressive Youth Ministry Conferences in North Carolina in March. In addition to these two grants, several pastors received funds to attend the annual Persons in Ministry Retreat, held with our United Church of Christ partners in ministry. 

Applications are now being accepted for the February 1st review date. For this quarter the committee is especially encouraging endeavors involving Lenten worship and study.

Find more information about leadership development grants and the application here.
Learn more about other grant and scholarship opportunities here. 

One Pastor's Experience at Standing Rock

Rev. Colin Douglas, pastor at Nixa Christian Church, traveled to North Dakota to participate in the protest at Standing Rock last fall. He says, "We were charged with standing against the Doctrine of Discovery, and doing so Prayerfully, Peacefully, Nonviolently, and Lawfully." 

 

One focus during his time there was, "speakers who imparted on us the importance of what we were doing, what it meant as far as the legends of their people, and how important is was for people to learn to forgive one another, that while the world has a lot of hatred we need to learn to love." 

 

Read his whole report here. See more information and photos here.

 

Christmas Tableau at Wyatt Park CC

Wyatt Park Christian Church (St. Joseph) presented its 26th annual Christmas Tableau drive-thru living nativity December 9-10, 6:30-8:30PM. Ten scenes depicted the story of the birth of Jesus beginning with a prophet of old, and ending with two families: a peasant family in Jesus' day and a modern family, both touched by the story of our Savior's birth. In between were scenes depicting visits by angels, Caesar, shepherds, the inn, and of course, the stable.

There were live animals along with dozens of people in costume and many more people working behind the scenes. As cars entered, they were given a CD that features a reading of the Scripture passage depicted in each scene. Hundreds of people came through Tableau each evening, and the living nativity had to be extended almost 30 minutes beyond the advertised closing time both nights to accommodate the crowd.

Story and photos courtesy of pastor Scott Killgore.

New Men's Group in Troy

First Christian Church, 1302 Boone Street in Troy, began a new Men’s Program on Saturday, October 15th. The new group, established for men who have a love of antique/classic cars, trucks, and bikes, met for its first Car Cruise, with a terrific outing to Bowling Green, MO where they stopped an enjoyed lunch and fellowship together. They then returned to Troy down through Clarksville, along Route 79. The group made the decision that their new name will be “Boyz and Toyz” and George Tucker will be drawing up a logo for them. Additionally, they will be meeting at least quarterly, and will plan some field trips, parade/car show outings, and other car cruises, when the weather permits. The group is open to the public, and already there has been interest shown from those in the area. Contact the church at (636) 528-7322 for more information about future meetings.

FCC Edwardsville Hosts Gathering of Social Service Providers

Seeking to create a collaboration of social service providers, First Christian Church of Edwardsville hosted a gathering of 50 providers from their local area for lunch on Nov. 9.  The local ministerial alliance has been working closely with the township government to close the gaps in care for those in need.  The lunch focused on a common database that would help share resources, deepen understanding of a client’s situation, and secure the handling of a client’s information.  In addition to these gatherings, the ministerial alliance and the local township government have been hosting “Lunch and Learns” that provide panel discussions related to topics such as substance abuse, domestic abuse, homelessness - each lead by front line social service agencies.

These gatherings pull together representatives from churches, township & city & county government officials, law enforcement, public and private schools, non-profits, community colleges and universities in our area.  As Dr. Brooks welcomed the gathering at lunch, he named “the joy of fellowship that we know we are not alone in our service, the diversity of services gathered to meet the needs of our neighbor, and the passion of those gathered to transform our local community.”

Story and photo courtesy of Lead Minister James Brooks.

Trick or Treating with a Twist

The Jacksonville/Cairo Unity youth dressed up in their Halloween costumes (that is the ones who weren't too cool to dress up) and traveled around town collecting canned goods and non- perishable food items to help needy families in Randolph County with their Trick or Treat for Canned Goods. The kids had a great time and collected 4 good size boxes of cans, a few grocery sacks full of boxed food, as well as some pretty good laughs as they were accompanied by Pee Wee Herman on their trip around town!

The food that was collected was donated to the Moberly Christos Center where it will be distributed to families in need in Randolph County. It was a great service project, where the kids got to have a little fun while helping out their neighbors in need, with the help of the generous folks in the Cairo area! 

 

 

 

Story by Youth Pastor Cody DeMint.
Photos courtesy of Pastor Zane Whorton.

A message from our Regional Board & Regional Minister Team

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

The results of Tuesday's elections demonstrate loudly and clearly that we live in a divided and fractured world. There are a diversity of opinions and a diversity of beliefs. Some will rejoice with the new president elect, others will mourn.

In times such as this we, the regional board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), along with our regional team ministers, recognize and applaud the individual's right to vote for his or her candidates. We recognize that some in our congregations will have voted republican, some democrat, some independent, some with write-ins, and some not at all. We also recognize that the One whom we ultimately follow, not a politician or pundit, but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, calls us to work for reconciliation, healing, and unity.

We stand proudly and alongside all individuals - regardless of one's sexual orientation, one's race, one's cultural heritage, one's faith background, one's physical or mental ability, migrant or refugee - recognizing that we are all God's children representative of every walk of life around the world - all made in the image of God. We are all God bearers. We are called to break down walls and build bridges of trust and hope, not the other way around.

And so, as we prepare for worship this Sunday, we want to share with you two specific thoughts: 1) We will be praying for each of you as you join in worship, prayer, and celebration for the presence of the Risen One, our Savior; and 2) We encourage all congregations to consider using, as a source of liturgy and a source of hope, the litany shared at our regional board meeting this past Saturday, "God of the Ever-Present Crosses" (Chalice Hymnal #657) and/or "A Prayer for the Nation" (Chalice Hymnal #723).

Finally, if you have not already, please read yesterday's blog post from our General Minister and President Sharon Watkins, for an additional message of unity and hope.

Prayers and blessings from your Regional Board and Regional Minister Team, Christian Church of Mid-America 

Golf for Mission at FCC Edwardsville

The youth group at First Christian Church of Edwardsville, IL held their Jack H. Enloe, Fifth Annual Youth Scholarship Golf Scramble on October 2nd, 2016.  Our youth, college-aged leaders, and parents served alongside each other setting up the course, registering golfers, selling raffle tickets, and preparing lunch and dinner for the approximately one-hundred people that attended.  Together, we raised nearly ten-thousand dollars, enjoyed a fabulous day of fellowship, and witnessed the grace of God at work.  

Championship Flight winners with a score of  55- (From left to right) Brett Evans, Rick Marteeny, Greg Modiste, and David Herndon

Our youth are faced with more choices today than many of us could ever imagine.  Because of the generosity of our sponsors, donors, parents, and golfers, we are able to offer our youth choices that can make a positive impact on both this community and those to whom we serve. 

This past year, the youth were able to spend four days in Fayetteville, Arkansas serving those who needed their assistance.  They spent much of their time laboring at a Salvation Army cleaning, organizing, and painting.  Some of the youth spent time cleaning a transitional apartment at Seven Hills Homeless Shelter making it ready for the next family.  Neither of these assignments were easy tasks.  They had to rollup their sleeves, get dirty, and often, try not to breath in smells that they have never experienced.  

Flight A winners with a score of 64- (From left to right) Kim Michel, Jake Zambaldi, Eric Michel, and David Smith

It is through experiences like these they not only grow closer to one another, but it helps them to see what others who are less fortunate are faced with on a daily basis.  Teenagers might be more connected than ever with what’s happening around the world, but have they seen what it’s like to live below the poverty line in small-town America?  These trips help pull teenagers from their typical context and help them to understand that the world is larger than their daily lives would have them believe.  Eyes are opened, passions are ignited, and possibilities are exposed.  We are all rewarded as we see their faith in God growing stronger and as we witness God’s work being done through them.

Flight B winners with a score of 69 - (From left to right) Jason Sterling, Jaylon Rolens, Max Rolens, and Danny Rolens

 

 

The funds raised from this event also assists families in sending their youth to Bigstuf Camp in Panama City, Florida.  Each year we attend camp with fifteen hundred youth from various places around the country.  Our youth spend much of the week worshipping together during morning and evening worship sessions.  Following these sessions along with our parent sponsors we spend time together in small groups reflecting on the message that was shared.  We have witnessed youth becoming closer to God and each other as a result of this camp.  

 

We are not only grateful for the generous donations received, but also for the parents, family, friends, and business owners who come together at this event.  Support goes so much deeper than your donations.  It is also found in the love and compassion that you show them and others.  The First Christian Youth Group would like to thank all of those who attended and graciously offer them support throughout their teenage years and beyond. 

Story and photos courtesy of Rev. Jeff Wrigley, Associate Minister
Find even more photos here.

FCC Jefferson City Disciples Men Gather for a Meaningful Spiritual Retreat

On October 1st twenty Disciples Men, including a large number of buddies from other congregations, gathered at a gorgeous private retreat home in a natural setting for a day-long encounter of inner-reflection, deep honest spiritual conversation, food, fellowship and holy communion.  The transforming approaches and subjects presented were remarkable in such a short time.  Pastor Beau Underwood, Rev. David Avery and lay leaders brought the men together for a safe and challenging encounter. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister Team member and Disciples Men coordinator, had an incredible time leading and participating.  He will gladly help your congregation advance a men's ministry such as what is happening at FCC Jefferson City and in many other congregations.  Contact him at paul.ccma@sbcglobal.net.

 

Story courtesy of Paul Koch.
Photos courtesy of David Avery.

Missionaries Visit Mid-America

Pictured left to right are Marsha McGuire, CHCC pastor Jacque Foster, Brenda Booth, Leslie Latham, Anil Henry, and Teresa Henry.

We have had the pleasure of hosting Anil and Teresa Henry throughout the Region as they visit congregations and share about their work in India.

Anil is a surgeon and Teresa is in anesthesiologist, and together they have spent the last 13 years working through Global Ministries at the Christian Hospital in Mungeli. 

They shared their story at Compton Heights Christian Church on Sunday, September 25th, participating in Sunday school, worship, lunch, and then making a presentation.

Thank you to Sandi Mull and Clela Anderson for organizing their visit to Mid-America.
Learn more about their schedule and their work here.

Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism News


Your Mid-America Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism (PRAR) Ministry has many facets.  We met August 20 at FCC in Troy to affirm how we live out our mission on behalf of us through three primary components.  As the name and mission indicates:

 

  1. We conduct authorized anti-racism trainings throughout the region that reveal realities of systemic racism in our communities, government, and churches, and the impact of white privilege - all in an engaging and lively manner. 
  2. Next steps in training inform how to organize and incentivize change.  The PRAR team will be pleased to come to your congregation for a general presentation or one specific to your needs.
  3. Thirdly, Mission & Unity grant requests made possible by the Disciples Reconciliation Offering are reviewed to empower local settings working to make a change. 

The team was well pleased that the Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry has elected to require PRAR training as a condition of standing for all ordained and commissioned ministers beginning January 1, 2017, and to be renewed every three years.  The nature of complicated community life, since the beginning of our nation, but especially through today makes understanding multi-cultural concerns essential for vital ministry in all congregations. 

To this end, three PRAR training opportunities in 2016 will be counted as satisfying the new 2017-19 requirement.  The first was the very well-attended training at Columbia College this past July.  Two more trainings (at low cost) are on the horizon awaiting your participation.  They are the pre-Regional Assembly event at Drury University Oct. 6 and a training at Webster Groves CC in St. Louis, Nov. 5. A special enrichment gathering will also take place at Webster Groves CC on Sept. 24 where participants will get to see and discuss the film Injustice Anywhere by Liberation CC filmmaker Aziza Binti.

Our team continues to be enthusiastic and optimistic about this ministry; we are grateful for those who are interested and support it.  Our ministry ranks among the top in our denomination as we offer a critical voice regarding all national reconciliation endeavors.  We request that all pastors and congregations promote the upcoming Reconciliation Offering on Sept. 25 & Oct. 2 that makes our work possible and much more.  We will be happy to answer questions and provide support for continuing or introducing this special offering in your congregation. 

Story courtesy of Rev. Dr. Paul Koch and the PRAR team.
Photo courtesy of Rev. Dr. Penny Ross-Corona.

Table of Grace - A Welcoming Community

On Saturday, August 13th the Mid-America Regional Board met at Community Christian Church in Jefferson City. Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman, pastor of Table of Grace ('nested' at Community Christian), invited the board members to remain after the meeting for their evening service.

Worship is truly centered around a table of grace welcoming persons of all age, races, and sexual orientation. Many who come each week have either never had a church experience before or have not felt welcome in the churches where they grew up.  Worship began with about 20 present but grew to about 60 by the end. The informal service included time for sharing joys and concerns, prayers for each other and the world. Children were encouraged to participate and were welcome to simply move freely.

At the table, children are invited first and freely accept being given the bread to share. It was a reminder that Jesus invited the children to him first.

Following worship, all are invited to participate in a potluck meal. Again, this was a simple feast and a time of celebration, much as the first century church might have enjoyed. 

Story and photos courtesy of Regional Minister Team Member Rev. Dr. Larry Colvin.

New Franklin CC Concludes 133 Years of Ministry

In a tearful closing worship service that also captured much of the love and laughter in Christian Service, New Franklin Christian Church in Howard County, Missouri claimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ and let go of life in this world.   A full house filled the 114 year-old building to hear once again how God's love lives and never dies through testimonies and a montage of music that was played and sung throughout the years.  Its proud history included Maj. Barton Stone, Jr. forming a Sunday School class in 1879 and receiving a stained glass window from the Katy Railroad after the church was instrumental in helping the town recover from a devastating flood, to recent ministry milestones.

New Franklin CC has been served by the Rev. Paula Ritchie and Greg Robinson who bid farewell along with former pastor, Roger McMurry and church leaders.  Rev. Dr. Paul Koch, Regional Minister Team officially pronounced the final words that as of July 31, 2016 it is "no longer a meeting place of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)."

Plans are for the building to be used by a neighboring Baptist congregation for two months while their sanctuary is being remodeled.  After that, the gorgeous refurbished stained glass windows, crafted communion table, pulpit, pews and other items will be removed and sold, with the building being razed to possibly establish a city peace park in New Franklin.  A trust will support the park with excess proceeds going to the Howard County Pastoral Unity Council of Churches.  Dr. Koch was also presented a check supporting our Mid-America Ministry Support Fund.

Story and photos courtesy of Paul Koch.

Pilgrimage to Italy

For the second time since 2013, a group of pilgrims left Springfield, Missouri, to explore and respond to sites in Italy. The resulting goal: deepening their knowledge of western religious traditions and the influences of political situations upon them. In turn, the travelers’ personal spiritual journeys were enriched.

Eighteen members and friends of National Avenue Christian Church arrived in Rome on May 26, with stopovers in La Verna, Ravenna and Venice prior to a return on June 4. The group, focused on the theme of “syncretism,” or the blending of religious traditions, was led by Dr. John White, Professor Emeritus of Loyola University, Chicago, and Dr. Etta Madden, Professor at Missouri State University. Their expertise in early Christianity and American travelers to Italy, along with the groups’ collective knowledge, enhanced visits to Rome’s earliest sacred sites, Ravenna’s numerous mosaics, and Venice’s eastern-influenced architecture.

Lodging in monastic guest houses, such as the Sanctuary La Verna, associated with St. Francis of Assisi, and traveling a uniquely-organized itinerary distinguished the days from a typical vacation tour. 

Responses during the trip varied: awe at the layers of now-underground worship sites at Rome’s 12th century Basilica of San Clemente, including the 3rd-century altar to Mithras and 4th-century Christian frescoes; awakening to the mystical elements of apse mosaics at Sant’Apollinare in Classe, near Ravenna; surprise at the serenity of the Sanctuary La Verna. As one traveler said, “I could have stayed there all week. Just the beauty, the history, experiencing the places that St. Francis prayed and meditated so long ago.” The striking contrast from Rome’s urban filth, poverty and noise to the Umbrian mountaintop and silence of all but the birds moved many to reflect on nature’s place in spirituality, our own privileges, and what some like Francis have done in their attempts to shift political powers to the ends of social justice.  

Of course, breaks from the group routine to cycle in a pine forest reserve, enjoy sand and sun on a beach, attend an opera, or savor food and drink contributed to the pilgrimage experience.     

Interested in arranging or participating in a trip? Contact ettamadden@mchsi.com.    

Story written by Etta Madden,
submitted by Wanda Hedenberg.

HELM Fellows Named - Two from Mid-America!

The Disciples Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM) has named its Leadership Fellows for the 2016-2017 academic year. Among the nine are Mid-America's own Ainsley Anderson of First Christian Church in Jefferson City and Quinlan Pulleyking of Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield.

 

The Leadership Fellow Program responds to rapidly changing contexts for Christian Leadership. With guidance from expert coaches and mentors, Leadership Fellows directly engage the ministry of emerging and renewing local Christian communities across North America.

Ainsley Anderson will be attending Carthage College in Kenosha, WI this Fall where she plans to major in Japanese. Ainsley graduated from Jefferson City High School in Jefferson City, Missouri where she served in the Student Council, as President of the National Honors Society, and has held many other chairs and leadership positions. In the classroom, Ainsley not only masters the material presented but is entrusted with leading review sessions to help other students succeed as well. Ainsley has planned mission trips and is currently working towards creating an interfaith community of high school students. Rev. Beau Underwood from First Christian Church in Jefferson City, Ainsley’s home congregation, writes that “she is not afraid of responsibility and understands that good leaders do more ‘walking’ than ‘talking.’”

Quinlan Anderson has accepted an admissions offer to Missouri State University. Her at school, church, and community clearly indicates her abilities as a leader. She’s served as Music Director, Cabinet, and Vice President of the Christian Regional Youth in Missouri; has provided leadership in several mission trips across the United States and abroad; coordinates blood drives for Central High School; and, has provided her musical gifts at weddings, funerals, churches, and coffee houses. Quinlan’s pastor, Rev. Phil Snider of Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri, speaks highly of her, particularly highlighting Quinlan’s musical talents and welcoming and inclusive nature: Quinlan is someone who “is always interested in persevering the dignity of others,” someone who is “naturally pastoral,” and whose “guitar is always near her.”

Meet the other new HELM Leadership Fellows.