February 2017
THE DISCIPLES DISPATCH
The News and Happenings of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana
Ruth
Regional Minister's Message

 
I offer these words to you by Dr. Martin Luther King as we strive to be Christ's church in this time.
 
"The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state. It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority. If the church does not participate actively in the struggle for peace and for economic and racial justice, it will forfeit the loyalty of millions and cause men everywhere to say that it has atrophied its will. But if the church will free itself from the shackles of a deadening status quo, and, recovering its great historic mission, will speak and act fearlessly and insistently in terms of justice and peace, it will enkindle the imagination of mankind and fire the souls of men, imbuing them with a glowing and ardent love for truth, justice, and peace. Men far and near will know the church as a great fellowship of love that provides light and bread for lonely travelers at midnight."
 - Strength to Love, 1963
 
Faithfully,
Ruth Fletcher, Regional Minister


Preliminary Report from Mission First! Goes to General Board

Disciples are on the move toward new ways of being God's hands and feet in the world through our work on Mission First! The Mission Council met late last year to identify common themes arising from the mission gatherings. Data gathered in Montana's Mission First was right there in the mix. We found many Disciples hear a call to mission with and for children, youth and young adults through efforts at inclusion, speaking up for the vulnerable and addressing racism. The Council welcomed and accompaniment as hallmarks of our participation in God's mission.





This year's spring retreat will be held at Cane Ridge West Conference & Retreat Center on March 3-5. Your Future - God's Goal, God's Goal - Your Future is the focus of the retreat.

Rev. Alan Hilberg will be the keynote speaker for Youth - grades 8-12 and Rev. Amber Richardson is keynoting for the Kid's - grades 3-7. 

Cost is $68.00 for either retreat and registration deadline is February 15th. Drop off at 7:00 pm Friday and pickup on Sunday at 11:00am.  Download your registration form here!

For more information contact the retreat director,  Barb Lancaster at 431-8713.
News From Around the Region

Rev. Dana Keener has been called as the pastor of First Christian Church, Helena. Dana will begin her new ministry on February 15th. 

Regional Minister, Ruth Fletcher and Mary Larsen will represent Montana at the General Board in Indianapolis where they will review General Assembly resolutions and vote on the candidate for General Minister and President.

Congratulations to Grand Avenue Christian, Bozeman, Central Christian, Great Falls, and First Christian, Helena, for being in the top 100  in per capita giving to the Disciples Mission Fund.

Regional Assembly

Make plans now to attend the 2017 Regional Assembly! The Assembly will be held on May 19-20 at Cane Ridge West Conference & Retreat Center. The theme for the event will be "Leaning into the Future". 

Belva Brown Jordan, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Assessment, associate professor of the practice of ministry at Claremont School of Theology; and Dean of Disciples Seminary Foundation will join us as the keynote speaker. We will also be celebrating a 40 year relationship with Disciples Seminary Foundation.

Look for registration forms soon at your church or on the website.


Upcoming Events

March 3-5 Youth Retreat Cane Ridge West CRC
March 24-25 Regional Board & Commission Meetings First Christian, Helena
April 27-29 Work Weekend Cane Ridge West CRC
June 23-25 GMPK Camp Cane Ridge West CRC
July 9-15 Younger Youth Camp Cane Ridge West CRC
July 16-22 CYF Camp Cane Ridge West CRC

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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