- Camp Early Bird Discount Day June 1
- Flood Water Update
- Free Video Resource for your Church Web Site
- Continuing Education Event at General Assembly
- New Resource for Congregations about Domestic Violence
- Holy Land Pilgrimage in October
- You suggested…We’re Listening
- Request from Cutting Edge Forum
- Area Board Gathering Time Question
- Missional Church May Update
- Women’s Mini Retreat
- Invitation to Hear Dr. Fred Craddock
- Request for Beads and Jewelry
- CRY Summer Festival
- Camp Information
- Week of Compassion Update
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EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!!!
To receive the early bird discount of $20.00 per camper the
forms must be post marked June 1, 2007. Make sure to get
your camp forms in so that you do not miss out on this savings.
When sending in the camp forms, please make sure that ALL
areas are completed. This year we also need to be sure
that a copy of the camper's insurance card accompanies the camp
registration form.
*********************************
Flood Water Updates
Our thanks to Beth Warren, pastor of Oakland Christian
Church, for sending on these photos from the Brunswick
area. (see attached photographs)
A quick review of the flood conditions (http://www.crh.noaa.gov/crnews/display_story.php?wfo=eax&storyid=7825&source=0)
Note that Gallatin, Chillicothe, Orrick, Carrollton farm
areas and Brunswick are not out of the woods yet. Your
prayers are appreciated.
As I understand it, emergency service workers are doing a
good job. There are limited needs that the church can
address during the disaster response (1-4 days) or disaster
relief (5-39 days). The real opportunity for the church to
be helpful is during the recovery phase (40-400 days).
So far there is one pastor who has indicated a desire to be
on the conference call Tuesday, May 15, at 3:00 pm. This
call is for pastors who have interest in helping their
congregations to develop strategies and identify resources for
recovery efforts in their communities.
Again, please contact us if there are special needs out there
among your people.
Let's remember to keep in prayer all people affected by the
downpours - including those in communities that will experience
rising floodwaters further downstream this weekend.
We hope these daily emails to pastors have been helpful,
however, let us know if there is something we can do to make
them even more useful to your leadership.
With prayers and deep respect,
Bill & the NW Area Staff
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FREE VIDEO RESOURCE FOR YOUR CHURCH WEBSITE!
To be honest, I prefer to seek solutions in community - face
to face - with people I trust to ask good questions. There
is a growing percentage of the population, however, that starts
their quest for sound, spiritually rich advice in practical
matters. Visit this link:
and consider placing it on your congregation's website as a
service to this silent, seeking community. I have read
Henry Cloud and John Townsend's work and have seen their helpful
presentations via simulcast. Both, in our opinion,
are highly qualified and sufficiently humble Christ-followers to
be helpful but you'll have to judge that for yourself.
Here is the way I will suggest to our area webmaster that we
make this service available on our site:
On the Home page menu: Welcome!
On the Welcome! Page: In addition to the congregational
equipping and mission resources on this site, we'd like to
provide for you links to resources that you might enjoy
individually. We also invite you to contact one of the
area pastors or your local pastor, who will be glad to converse
with you personally about anything important to you.
Although it may not always feel true, God really does know your
situation and cares deeply about you.
On the Resources section of the page: (regarding the video
site above) Click here for Real Life Relationship Advice via
1700 free video clips
If your congregation does not yet have a website, please
consider getting one. The cost is minimal and the return
is incalculable. If your congregation has a website,
consider contacting Brian Bullock, NW Area webmaster, for a free
review of your site. Reach Brian at: brian@lathropmoonline.com
*********************************
Continuing Education Event at General Assembly
Friends,
Find attached a
PDF from the General Assembly Events Booklet that explains
the Continuing Education event. Please register and plan to
participate
www.disciples.org/ga/fromourdoorsteps.
Please help us get out the word to pastors and key leaders of
congregations
with which you are acquainted. Forward this PDF along with your
personal
invitation to participate.
We'll see you in Fort Worth .
Patti Case
Program Coordinator
2007 General Assembly
*********************************
New Resource for Congregations about Domestic Violence:
"Equip your leaders on how to respond and minister to those
who have experienced or are experiencing domestic violence.
These handouts give a succinct and practical overview of the
issues relevant in your situation. All of the authors are
familiar with ministry in the aftermath of domestic violence,
and a certified counselor has reviewed all of this material. Use
the hands-on advice, theological guidance, and careful warnings
of these articles to offer the best ministry possible in the
toughest of situations. "
*********************************
Holy Land Pilgrimage in October.
Rev. Bob Eichenberger has served in this region for over 20
years in congregational ministry and in clinical and private
practice as a professional psychologist. The attached
brochure describes
what looks like a great trip. If you've ever considered a
trip to Israel , this might be a good option
*********************************
You suggested . . . We're listening.
At the last NW Area Board meeting, your congregational
representatives engaged in an exercise called Appreciative
Inquiry in which they gave us feedback about what was working in
the area and what might be improved. Their comments are
available in a PDF document which we will send upon request to
anyone who wants one. (Just hit "Reply" and paste "AI" in
the subject line.)
One of the most common suggestions for improvement was to get
people from two or three congregations together (at one of those
churches) and have one of the area staff meet with them for
conversation about what is going well in area congregations, new
resources, and any topic of interest to those attending.
Some years back, congregations used to get together at one of
six or seven congregations in their part of the NW Area, on
Fifth Sundays. Congregations would share their good news.
Local musicians would lead us in praise and the "District
Minister" would lead a conversation Those events often occurred
during the late afternoon and concluded with a basket supper.
We'd like to ask if there are congregations who might be willing
to work with us to host such an event on a fifth Sunday.
If you are interested, please contact us and we'll explore
options that work best for you, and make the invitations and
other necessary arrangements.
*********************************
We've had a request on the Cutting Edge forum
(
)
- a tool often used early by congregations discerning what God
is doing among them. The circle of those participating is
expanding and now includes the pastors of Fairfax and Cameron.
The purpose of this trans-denominational group is to explore
whether "going missional" is a good way to focus energy and
resources to carry out the Great Commission in northwest
Missouri . We meet once a month for prayer, learning
activities, scripture study, conversation and communion.
To request a free DVD with introductory video about Missional
Church and Appreciative Inquiry or to participate in the next
gathering, email br_h@nwareacc.org or call 816-632-2237.
Blogs and Chats - May Update
We invite you to take part in conversations on the area website
about very practical and important equipping and mission issues.
We are serious about building a "wisdom community" in which we
mutually encourage one another to excellence. In these
conversations, we pose questions, ask for help, recommend
resources and processes, and offer prayer - all among lay
leaders and clergy serving in local communities. Check
them out on Mission Resources at www.nwareacc.org and ask not
what you can immediately GET from this but what leadership gifts
you can immediately GIVE for the building up of the Body and for
doing better mission. Blogs and chats are fairly easy to
use but if you get stuck, call Bill at the area office and we'll
gladly assist you.
Call for Pictures
We'd like to ask for digital photos of mission or equipping work
from your congregation to begin using in a monthly e-zine.
By missions we mean the work of Christ in your local community
in which you share. By equipping we refer to those
activities that prepare younger and older disciples for mission
and spiritual growth. Our hope is to celebrate the work of
God within, among, and through you. Send photos of any
size and a brief description (along with any names that we ought
to include) to br_h@nwareacc.org.
*********************************
WOMEN’S MINI RETREAT
SPONSORED BY:
WOODSON CHAPEL CHRISTIAN CHURCH
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GRANT CITY
July 13, 14 and 15, 2007 starting at 5:30 P.M. (After your
evening meal on your own). The retreat is held at Missouri
Western State University in Student Residence Hall Complex and
Nelle Blum Student Union in St. Joseph , Missouri .
The retreat is for spiritual enrichment, renewal, fun and
fellowship. The theme this year is Are You on Fire to
Serve the Lord?. The cost is only $70.00 ($35.00 if you
commute) for two nights lodging including bedding, towels, soap
and four meals (three Saturday and one Sunday).
Registration deadline is June 30, 2007 for form and fee.
Cancellation Refunds until July 6, 2007. Bring a snack to
share, comfortable clothing, personal items and your Bible.
For a registration form contact: Mary Lynn Breit
1-816-324-5214
Beverly Cadle 1-660-564-3577
Dixie Burks
1-816-539-3574
Helen Hodkins 1-816-232-2927
Rose Findley
1-816-324-1227
Linda Long
1-816-324-6176
Alice Miller
1-660-786-2234
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INVITATION FROM LEXINGTON CHURCH
Dear Christian Friends,
This is a letter of Invitation!
First Christian Church invites your congregation to worship
with us at 10:40 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. on Sunday, June 3, 2007.
We have secured Dr. Fred Craddock the foremost Preacher in the
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to preach at both the
above services.
Fred Craddock was selected by the Newsweek Magazine as one of
the twelve most effective preachers in the English speaking
world.
Fred has been my friend since 1962 when I attended his first
one-week workshop on preaching in Colorado . You will note
that on retirement he founded the Cherry Log Christian Church in
Georgia and the Craddock Center meeting the needs of people in
Southern Appalachia .
The schedule for the day is:
10:40 A.M. – Morning worship
12:00 P.M. – Pot Lunch Dinner (bring
a cover dish)
4:00 P.M. – Preaching workshop
– led by Fred Craddock
6:00 P.M. – Evening worship
We expect many more folks from area churches to attend that
evening service.
Please advise me as soon as possible as to your intentions on
June 3rd. We hope that you and your congregation will be
here with us.
On behalf of First Christian Church
1515 South Street
Lexington , MO 64067
Phone: 660-259-3324
Fax:
660-259-6509
Dr. Monte Gravenstein
Pastor
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Camp Request for Old Jewelry and Beads
At camp this summer some of the groups will be using old
jewelry with beads or pieces to make a prayer chain. If
you have beads or jewelry you would like to donate to camp,
please contact your pastor or the Area office. The beads
must be able to be restrung.
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CRY SUMMER FESTIVAL
Our keynote speakers will be Zane Whorton and Nathan Brooks
who will share our theme of “Disciple Spirit” with the youth who
attend. We will also have Barb Jones, Executive Regional
Minister for the Great River Region attending to share with our
campers about the destruction of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina and
how the DOC churches pulled together to assist the communities
and congregations impacted by these storms. As always
there will be workshops, family groups, singing, worship and
lots of fun as we build relationships with other youth in the
Mid-America Region.
Any questions e-mail me or give me a call, 573-442-0336.
See Attached Flyer
**************************
123 Go #1
July 2 – July 4 (must have completed Grades K-2)
123 G0 #2
July 11 – July 13 (must have completed Grades K-2)
Junior Camp I
July 6 – July 10 (must have completed Grades 3-5)
Junior Camp II
July 14 – July 18 (must have completed Grades 3-5)
Chi Rho I
July 19 – July 23 (must have completed Grades 6-8)
Chi Rho I
July 24 – July 28 (must have completed Grades 6-8)
CYF
June 26 – July 1 (must have completed grades 9-12)
Plan to register early as we are expecting full camps again
this year.
*******************
WEEK OF COMPASSION UPDATE
Tornado Recovery Begins in Kansas While Flooding Threatens
Less than a week after an EF-5 tornado devastated the small
Kansas town of Greensburg , recovery efforts have gotten
underway. The tornado killed nine people in the town of 1600 and
destroyed about 95% of its structures. Even though local pastors
have lost their homes and their congregational facilities, the
local ministerial association has been able to meet and is now
working to form a long-term recovery/unmet needs committee. Week
of Compassion is working with Church World Service and partner
U.S. communions to support the development and efforts of that
group for the critical long-term rebuilding work ahead.
Local officials are urging groups not to show up to help as
unaffiliated volunteer work groups. WOC is also working with the
Office of Disciples Volunteering, the Christian Church in Kansas
and nearby Disciples congregations to use the "Disciples Mission
Station" model developed along the Gulf Coast after the 2005
hurricane season to insure a coordinated Disciples response.
Organized work groups may well be needed to help farmers clear
their fields of debris and rebuild homes in Greensburg .
While Disciples no longer have a congregation in Greensburg ,
we do know that Disciples families have been affected; for
example, both the parents and sister of Angela McGraw, youth
director at First Christian Church, Pratt , KS , lost their
Greensburg homes. WOC will be working with those individual
Disciples affected to see if we can offer assistance.
The same severe weather system that spawned the Greensburg
tornado has also brought heavy rains and flooding to communities
throughout the Midwest, especially along the Missouri River
system. WOC is in contact with regional/area offices in Kansas ,
Missouri , Greater Kansas City, Oklahoma and the Upper Midwest .
Earlier this week WOC issued an emergency grant to First
Christian Church, Great Bend , KS , to assist flood-affected
families there and anticipates numerous other responses in the
weeks ahead.
Designated contributions are needed and welcomed and can be
made to Week of Compassion, attn: Elaine Cleveland, PO Box 1986
, Indianapolis , IN , 46206 . Online giving is also available on
the website - click on the link below. Gifts should be marked
"Response Fund" or "Tornado."
