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THE DISCIPLES DISPATCH
THE NEWS AND HAPPENINGS OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DOC) IN MONTANA
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"Do not be afraid." The Christmas story in the Bible says it again and again--to Joseph, to Zechariah, to Mary, to the Shepherds. In each case, it's spoken like a command. Cease quivering. Quit worrying. Make your stomach stop doing flip flops. Stop your throat from becoming dry. Keep your muscles from clenching.
But, if you have ever tried to turn out the light and get a toddler to go to sleep when she is sure that there's a monster in the closet that is ready to pounce the moment you leave, you know it's easier to say, "Do not be afraid," than to do it.
Fear seems to come to us unbidden. It is an automatic response to anything, real or imagined, that threatens our well-being. But over time, fear itself can cause us harm. It takes away our ability to listen, to learn, and to make good choices. It distorts our perception. When we're fearful, we place blame, dissolve into either/or thinking, and divide the world up into victims and villains.
To rid ourselves of fear, we often have to find something else to put in its place. Joseph found courage. Zechariah found trust. Mary found wonder. The shepherds found the God who was born in human likeness and came to walk among us full of grace and truth.
In this season, whenever we feel afraid, may we call on the Christ Child give us courage, to give us a trusting spirit, to give us a sense of wonder, and to give us the will to act with compassion and kindness toward all our neighbors.
Faithfully,
Ruth Fletcher, Regional Minister
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The Outdoor Ministries Commission has announced the 2016 camp dates:
- GMPK Camp: July 8-10, Mary Larsen, Director
- CYF Camp: July 10-16, Jeremy Comstock, Director
- Chi Rho Camp: July 17-23, Paul Holland, Director
- Junior Camp: July 24-30, Annette Bratke, Director
The theme for the week long camps is "Fearless Faith".
- iCamp: August 19-21. Camp theme: How to Be OK: Coping Stress at Any Age
The Youth Commission will be holding 2 youth retreats in 2016 at Cane Ridge West Conference and Retreat Center:
- Grades 8-12 Youth Retreat: March 4-6
- Grades 3-7 Kid's Retreat: March 18-20
Camp Director Training will be held on March 5 from 10:00am to 2:00pm during the Youth Retreat. Training will be held in the Fellowship House at Cane Ridge West.
Mark your calendars and make your plans now to attend these fun-filled events!
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Dec 5 - Vision Team Meeting - Central Christian, Great Falls
Jan 19-20 - Vocations Summit - CRW
Mar 4-8 Youth Retreat (Grades 8-12) - CRW
Mar 11-12 - Regional Board Meeting - CRW
Mar 18-20 - Kid's Retreat (Grades 3-7) - CRW
Mar 31 - Apr 2 - Region's Ministers & Spouses Retreat - CRW
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Regional Office Phone:
(406) 564-1887
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New Regional Office Hours
Beginning January 1, 2016, the hours for Regional office will be Tuesday - Thursday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. On Friday, the office will be open from 8:00am to 2:30pm.
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| Church Events and Activities |
Rev. Alan Hilberg, First Christian Church, Missoula was recently featured in the Missoulian giving his opinion on Community of Faith: Find balance between evangelism and social justice. Read Alan's article here.
Rev. Ruth Fletcher, Regional Minister, and Rev. Dan Dixson were among several clergy and clergy leaders throughout Montana who signed a letter written to Sen. Jon Tester, Sen. Steve Daines and Congressman Ryan Zinke concerning global climate change. Please read the entire letter here. |
| In Memoriam: Rev. Steve Moody |
Steve died on November 5th, one day before he completed his 67th year. Steve was the pastor at First Christian Church, Helena from 2001 through May 2006 when he retired.
The family suggests donations in Steve's name may be made to the Cancer Treatment Center C/O St. Peter's Hospital 2475 E. Broadway Street, Helena, MT 59601. Read more...
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Midwinter Theological Conference: Following a Migrant God: Pilgrimages Chosen and Unchosen
Dr. Marty Stortz
Feb. 1-3, 2016 - Izaak Walton Inn (11 credits)
Following a Migrant God: Pilgrimages, Chosen and Unchosen
All over the world people are on the move. This past year 237,000 pilgrims made the journey to Santiago de Compostela in northwestern Spain. At least that number of refugees and asylum seekers sought entry into the European Union. Add to these numbers people in this country who find themselves temporarily or chronically without a permanent address. All over the world people are on the move.
On the surface, pilgrimage, transnational migration, and homelessness seem to have little in common. But these experiences come together in Jesus, who observed to disciples then and now: "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Luke 9:58, Matthew 8:20). What do these experiences tell us about a migrant God?
11 credits
Single Room: Clergy $418/New to Ministry, Retired, LPA $408
Double room: Clergy $299/NTM, Retired, LPA $289/Spouse not attending sessions $219
Commuting (fee includes tuition and coffee only): Clergy $85/NTM, Retired, LPA $75 Supper for commuters is $35 per night.
(you will register directly with NRIT and they will make your room reservations for you.)
2016 Lexington Theological Seminary Webinar Series
Jan. 9, 2016 -
Leading a Missional Church
Feb. 27, 2016 -
Tending Hope: The Church's Mission with Our Aging Population
March 8, 2016 -
Creating Worship for Diverse Congregations
March 19, 2016 -
Hitchhiker's Guide to Evangelism: A Fresh Look
April 23, 2016 -
Transforming Conflict: Dealing with Difficult People in Your Congregation
May 17, 2016 -
Leading an Interesting Private Life (When Your Public Life is Ministry)
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Happy Holidays from the Staff of the Regional office
Ruth Fletcher, Ruth Lindabury, Judy Johnson, and Becky Taylor
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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana | 406-564-1887
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Copyright © 2015. All Rights Reserved.
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