July, 2016
THE DISCIPLES DISPATCH
THE NEWS AND HAPPENINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DOC) IN MONTANA
Ruth
The River of God sets our feet a' dancing

The River of God fills our hearts with cheer

The River of God fills our mouths with laughter

We rejoice for the River is here.
-Andy Park


On a day off, Ron and I took our kayaks down to the river and enjoyed paddling for several hours.  Where we put in, we saw a family setting up on the bank for a swim and a picnic lunch.  A man casting his line into the water told us with delight that he'd purchased the rod and reel for just ten dollars, and already he had caught a fish!   Upstream, we saw geese feeding with their bottoms up while a group of teens watched from their interlocked inner-tubes.  Motor boats buzzed past.  A water skier dipped and turned as she rode the wake.

The river was there for everyone-rich and poor, young and old.  In the same way, God's refreshing Spirit is available to each one, regardless of age or economic circumstance.  This summer, children and youth will discover that Spirit as they float, swim, and play in the Blackfoot River which runs by Cane Ridge West Conference and Retreat Center.  They will connect with that Spirit as they learn about a Fearless Faith that can sustain them through all life's ups and downs. 

That River of God is accessible to everyone because of our volunteer directors, cooks, and counselors and because of our churches' generous scholarship help for campers.  The people of the Montana Region know how important it is for everyone to have the opportunity to experience the River of God and for that I am grateful.

Faithfully,

Ruth Fletcher
Regional MInister

Congregation Adopts a New Mission
UPCOMING DATES
July 8-10 - GMPK Camp - CRW

July 10-16 - CYF Camp - CRW

July 17-23 - Chi Rho Camp - CRW

July 24-30 - Junior Camp - CRW

Aug. 19-21 - iCamp - CRW
CONTACT US
Regional Office Phone:
(406) 564-1887




Regional Office Hours

The hours for Regional office are Tuesday - Thursday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. On Friday, the office is open from 8:00am to 2:30pm.
The community service outreach team of Central Christian, Billings, has decided to go in a different direction this summer. They are adopting Burlington Elementary school, Burlington is the neighborhood school for where the church building is located.

Team co-captains Ron May and Ed Riesinger are encouraging all to bring in new or gently worn children's clothing for kids in grades K-6. School starts on August 25 and the clothing will be taken to them early in the school year, so the school personnel can distribute where the need is greatest, teachers, secretaries and principals know where that is. They are also asking for some volunteers to wash the clothing and maybe some easy mending, for example sewing on a button.




iCamp 2016 set for August 19-21

It's hard to get your breath. Your mouth is dry. Your chest tightens. Your stomach churns...We all know what stress feels like, but how do we cope with it in this fast-paced world?

During iCamp, our facilitator, Shirley Cayko from the Great Falls Mental Health Center, will help adults and teens explore how to manage stress. The children's program will give our kids the tools they need to deal with their own anxieties.

Come enjoy intergenerational fun, singing, and campfires in the beautiful setting at Cane Ridge West Conference & Retreat Center.

Also joining us will be Jim & Jayanthi Wilson, Global Ministries missionaries.

Cost for iCamp is: Children 2-12 - $45, 13 and over - $75, Family - $250

Registration forms may be found at your church or download here

Please register no later than August 8th.
At the recent Regional Board meeting new dates were set. Here are some events and meetings coming up in the second half of 2016 and the year 2017:
2016

Sept. 17
Boosting the Immune System of the Body of Christ (A Seminar for Elders and other Congregational leaders) at First Christian, Missoula (see more below)
Nov. 4-5 
Regional Board & Commission Meetings at Central Christian, Great Falls
2017

Mar. 3-5
Older Youth Retreat at Cane Ridge West
Mar. 17-18 Regional Board & Commission Meetings at First Christian, Helena
Mar 24-26 Younger Youth Retreat at CRW
Apr 27 - 29 Work Week at CRW
May 19-20 Regional Assembly at CRW
Sept. 20-23
Regional Board & Commission Meetings, TBD
Nov. 10-11
Regional Board & Commission Meetings at Central Christian, Great Falls
Boosting the Immune System of the Body of Christ
On September 17, Regional Minister Ruth Fletcher will facilitate a seminar for Disciples Elders and other congregational leaders. It will be held from 10:30am to 3:30pm at First Christian Church, 2701 South Russell Street, Missoula. Cost is $7.00 per person which includes lunch. Watch for registration forms at your church and online at on our website.

Kairos in Montana
It is confusing to watch the news from the Middle East. The conflicts are complicated and long-standing. Loyalties and enmities have been forged over generations. Yet, Palestinian Christians believe this is a kairos  moment, an opportunity for peace to be forged in Israel-Palestine. Inspired by the document calling for the end of apartheid in South Africa, they have written their own Kairos document as a cry to the world. It lays out a roadmap to peace based on an end to the occupation and the practice of non-violence.

During the week of October 17-23, our Region along with other ecumenical brothers and sisters will have the opportunity to hear from some guests from Global Ministries to talk about the situation in Israel-Palestine and to suggest how we might participate in the movement for peace. Watch for more information about a gathering near you.
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana | 406-564-1887 
www.montanadisciples.org
1019 Central Ave
Great Falls, MT 59401