- Camp Early Bird Discount Day June 1
- Additional Blankets needed for Camp Quality
- New Ecumenical Initiative
- Free Video Resource for your Church Web Site
- 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
*********************************
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!!!
To receive the early bird discount of $20.00 per camper the
forms must be post marked June 1, 2007(NEXT FRIDAY!!!).
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 insurance card accompanies the camp
registration form.
*********************************
BLANKETS NEEDED FOR CAMP QUALITY
Jennie Moore has asked that we let the CWF women know that 55
more blankets are needed to take to Camp Quality so that each
camper and their helper can take a blanket home with them. These
additional blankets need to be given to Jennie by June 5 so they
can also have labels put on them before taken to Camp Quality .
The blankets that were taken to the Spring Assembly have had a
label sewn on them telling that the blankets were given by the
women of the Northwest Area.
If you have questions or need additional help please contact
Jennie Moore at the King Hill Christian Church (816)238-2318 or
her home (816)279-5793. Thank you for your help.
*********************************
New Ecumenical Initiative
A new ecumenical Initiative will be headed by Dick Hamm,
former Disciples General Minister.
http://www.christianchurchestogether.org
Dick Hamm is hopeful about an effort to get churches of all
denominations - including those previously not participating in
CUIC - to work together to improve evangelism and eliminate
poverty.
What do you think? Let us know what you think on the
area's on-line chat room, Cutting Edge Ministries,
http://www.nwareacc.org/new/new_v2/mission_resources/chat_rooms/cutting_edge.html
*********************************
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 on-line. Visit this link:
http://www.cloudtownsend.com/
and judge for yourself whether this could be a helpful to the
on-line seekers in your community.
*********************************
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. "
http://buildingchurchleaders.stores.yahoo.net/doviurca.html
*********************************
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
( http://www.nwareacc.org/new/new_v2/mission_resources/chat_rooms/cutting_edge.html) One
of the frequent visitors has asked for a meeting with other
worship planning teams. If you are interested, please hit
"Reply" and let us know. We'll arrange for that to happen
*********************************
Area Board Gathering
At the Area Board gathering it was discussed to possibly
change the day for the next gathering. One possibility was
to have it on Saturday morning with an optional meal at noon
following the meeting. We would like to hear from those in
the Northwest Area if a change in the day for the meeting would
make it easier for more to attend. Also we would like
comments on the new format for the last gathering. Your
comments and suggestions would really help us plan for the next
Area Board gathering in October.
*********************************
Missional Church Exploration - May Update
The energy and interest have not diminished! Most of the
group who met at Conception Abbey with Alan Roxburgh in March
met at First Christian Church on May 1. They included lay
leaders, pastors, area staff, and the area executive team.
Time was spent "Dwelling in the Word" (
http://www.churchinnovations.org/06_about/dwelling.html),
and engaging in Appreciative Inquiry (http://appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/intro/whatisai.cfm)
- 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
*********************************
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
**************************
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.
*******************
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
Kansas Mission Station Established
Utilizing the model Disciples so successfully developed
across the Gulf South in response to the 2005 hurricane season,
the Office of Disciples Volunteering (ODV) in Disciples Home
Missions and Week of Compassion (WOC) have joined to establish a
"mission station" in the aftermath of the Greensburg tornado and
other weather-related disasters in Kansas. The station is being
established in partnership with the Christian Church in Kansas ,
First Christian Church of Pratt, KS, and First Christian Church
of Kinsley, KS. ODV Director Carl Zerweck is working with Church
World Service disaster staff and local responders to facilitate
a coordinated Disciples response to current debris removal and
long-term recovery following the severe weather system that
swept across the Sunflower State two weeks ago. Indeed, First
CC, Lyons , KS , has an urgent need for volunteers over the next
few weeks to help with repairs at its flood-damaged Camp WaJaTo
. Please call Tod Iseminger at 317.713.2649 for more information
and scheduling.
Designated gifts are needed to support ongoing tornado
recovery work and can be made online by clicking the link below
or by sending a check to WOC, attn: Elaine Cleveland, PO Box
1986 , Indianapolis , IN 46206 .
Make an Online Donation
DHRI Halfway Point Surpassed
And speaking of mission stations, more than 420 Disciples
groups have either gone, or are scheduled to go, to the Gulf
South to participate in recovery and rebuilding efforts in
response to the two-year Disciples Hurricane Recovery Initiative
(DHRI) that began September 1, 2006 and ends August 31, 2008.
With a goal of sending at least 750 groups, we are now well over
halfway there. In addition to mission stations in Gulfport , MS
; Slidell/Covington/Metairie, LA; Algiers , LA ; Lake Charles ,
LA ; and Beaumont/Port Arthur, TX, a new station is opening at
Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Los Fresnos , TX . SWGSM
has developed "Las Casitas Proyecto" (Little Houses project) to
build small but durable homes for impoverished families who lost
their homes during Hurricane Emily. While most of the weeks at
our other stations are filled for the summer of '07, a number of
weeks at SWGSM are still open. And there are plenty of open
dates throughout the fall of '07 and through the summer of '08.
The Office of Disciples Volunteering has details.
With meteorologists calling for an active 2007 hurricane
season, Disciples are well placed to respond along the Gulf
Coast , but have also begun preliminary plans for a more
coordinated response along the Atlantic Coast .
Disciples Hurricane Recovery
Initiative
Church Responds to Ongoing Needs in Solomon Islands
In early April, a series of earthquakes and an ensuing
tsunami struck the western part of the Pacific Solomon Islands.
More than 11,000 people were affected and nearly 1000 homes were
destroyed. Working with its local partner, Solomon Islands
Christian Association (SICA), Action by Churches Together (ACT)
provided emergency food and non-food relief items in the days
immediately following the disaster. ACT has now issued an appeal
to its members to support long-term recovery through SICA and
the World Council of Churches Office in the Pacific (WCCOP), as
the National Management Disaster Office has asked SICA to take
the lead for much needed trauma counseling. SICA has member
churches that cover more than 90% of the population and will be
able to reach communities in every village on every island. On
behalf of the Disciples, Week of Compassion has provided an
emergency grant to support the ACT appeal.
Solomon Islands: Tsunami
WOC Map/Poster
Click below for the latest additions to the WOC interactive
map/poster. For a complimentary copy of the WOC map/poster for
your congregation, call the office at 317.713.2442 or send an
e-mail to ecleveland@woc.disciples.org.
Map for Congregations
Have a Blessed Day, Jan Shrewsbury Northwest Area
Administrative Assistant 816-632-2237
www.nwareacc.org |
