August 2017
THE DISCIPLES DISPATCH
The News and Happenings of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana
Rev. Teresa Hord
General Assembly

The Reverend Teresa "Terri" Hord was elected on July 9th to become the new General Minister and President.  She is the first African-American to hold this post and the second woman to lead the denomination.  You can learn more about her HERE. 

Sojourners' website has a special commentary on Rev. Hord's election. Please read it  HERE.


Montana was well represented at the Assembly. Montana Disciples attending included Regional Minister Ruth Fletcher, Ron Greene, Dana Keener, Alan & Kathy HIlberg, Jean Muir, Micah Hartung, Bob & Karen Frank-Plumlee,  Erika and Kylee Hamper, Kendall Skoog, Ben and Arie Bomgaars, Brenda Johnson, Mary Larsen and Chuck Tooley.


Below are some reflections of the Assembly from Montana attendees. 

General Assembly 2017:  We Are ONE

Rev. Dana L. Keener, First Christian Church, Helena, Montana, voting representative, General Assembly 2017

And Jesus prayed, "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may be all one."  John 17:20-21a

Five thousand people in the convention center in Indianapolis.

Old people and young people, babies and baby boomers, introverts and extraverts.  

Canadian citizens and American citizens and citizens from around the globe.

English. French.  Korean.  More. 

Praise music and guitars and choir music and a grand piano.

Workshops about repurposing buildings and repurposing disciples of Christ-moving from
Brenda Johnson
talking about Christ to doing the work of Christ.

Resolutions for justice, inclusiveness, compassion, mercy, and creation kindness.

People thirsty for the living God, female and male preachers and laity pounding the pulpit and the pavement for action on behalf of the least, the lost, the little, the loveless, and the last.

Courage, compassion, and confession.

The installation of the first African American General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada.
Can you feel the joy?

When did Christ's prayer for unity take root in us, producing the fruit of diversity together, under  one roof; the fruit of ONE?  God has been busy in the garden of the human soul and the soul of the Movement for Wholeness, perhaps while we were sleeping.

Here's the mystery.  We who gathered, dined, prayed, studied, walked, lifted, fed, worshipped and served understood each other.  We all belonged.

Who knew ONE was so beautiful and powerful? Holy Pentecost!
 
Keep us on fire.
More Reflections

Hello my name is Micah Hartung, retired clergy from Metropolitan Community Church and a new member and Elder in Central Christian Church - DOC in Great Falls, MT.

I was able to attend General Assembly this year as a new member to the Disciples of Christ Denomination.  I witnessed the first African American Woman being elected GMP in a mainstream denomination.   I so enjoyed the Worship Services and seeing the diversity that exists in DOC, dancing in the aisles, raising hands, praise music, meaningful sermons and outstanding service to the world.  I felt at home as I realized that the structure of business and the diversity of denominations from conservative to liberal were similar to my former denomination. Disciples are similar in many ways except when it comes to affirming LGBTQ+ peoples to the Body of Christ.  I am transgendered and only found a handful of other transgendered peoples, at least that were out and able to interact as there authentic selves.  In a large room of displays from fair trade, seminary to clergy attire I found the Disciples LGBTQ+ booth.  What a brave and wonderful group of people and I was happy to be with like kind.  I joined the journey and I am planning to attend Rolling The Stone Away in St Louis, MO later this Fall.

I can say that I have found my new church home and I am so impressed with all the good Disciples do for out planet to providing water to people who lack clean water. God has brought me here for such a time as this and my answer to serve is "yes".  Thank you to all the churches who have truly invited all to the table of Christ.

With Honor & Respect, Micah G Hartung  

This General Assembly seemed like one of the least contentious I have attended.  The business items progressed quickly, with few long lines at the microphones.  We have a new General Minister and President-Teresa (Teri) Hord Owens. We voted for her the first night, and installed her during the last session. 

Teri then gave the last message of the Assembly-with no notes or podium. I believe she is an excellent fit for Disciples in the United States and Canada!  I am hoping that she will be available to be with us next April 6-8 in Scottsdale, Arizona for our Interregional Event.

Jean Muir
2017 iCamp - Building Bridges

Join us August 11-13 at Cane Ridge West for the 2017 Intergenerational Camp.

This year we will concentrate on repairing the Walter Scott Footbridge. Brad Lancaster will lead us in the restoration and Barb Lancaster and Mathew Goodrich will lead us in worship and activities. We welcome all adults and youth to participate in this much needed repair. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED! Let's build bridges together!


Walter Scott Footbridge

Other Notables

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH - BILLINGS

Rev. Doug Garner has accepted the call to be the pastor at Central Christian Church in Billings. May you be blessed in your new ministry!  

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY

If you attended the Regional Assembly in May you were fortunate to hear Moderator-Elect: The Reverend Belva Brown Jordan speak to the Assembly delegates. You can see Rev. Jordan's messages to our Assembly here:  Sermon 1,  Sermon 2

SUMMER CAMPS

Thank you to our camp directors, Cathy Evans, Annette Bratke and Jeremy Comstock for making this year's summer camps a great success. Also, thank you to all the counselors and cooks for volunteering your time and energy to help out.

This year we had 16 grandparents, parents and kids attend GMPK camp. Twenty youth attended the Younger Youth Camp and 8 attended CYF camp. Fun was had by all!

As one director expressed:
"I give sincere and profound credit to the wonderful staff that I worked with for the week. They were GREAT!  We focused on the basics of Christianity - God's unconditional love, the nature of forgiveness, the use of the Bible as our guidebook, communicating with God, and the basic tenants of the Christian community, such as the Lord's prayer, the Doxology and The Lord's Supper.  I thought that the camp went well and we had some good experiences for the kids.  I believe that Outdoor Ministries is one of the most valuable experiences that we can provide our children, youth and adults and I sincerely hope that the region will keep OM as a major emphasis in the future."


2017 Younger Youth Camp
Upcoming Events

August 11-13
 iCamp Cane Ridge West CRC
Sept. 22-23 Regional Board Meeting
 First Christian Church, Missoula
Oct 6-9 Quilting in the Pines Cane Ridge West CRC
Oct 12-14 Ministers' and Mates' Retreat
 Cane Ridge West CRC
Oct. 21
 MAC Connect Billings
Nov 10-11 Regional Board Meeting Central Christian Church, Great Falls
April 2018 Wild Women of the West Scottsdale, AZ

Regional Office Hours

We are open on Tuesday to Thursday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. On Friday the office is open from 8:00am to 2:30pm.

Visit Cane Ridge West

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana
1019 Central Ave. Great Falls, MT 59401
 (406) 564-1887 | [email protected]
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