March 2016 Newsletter - Disciples of Christ

March, 2016

I've heard this speech many times: "Indianapolis doesn't know and doesn't care what goes on around here." Well, "Indianapolis"- aka the General Church of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada-cares about what is going on in your local church. They want to know how your congregation is involved in mission. They want to know what your church cares about. And they want you to be part of shaping the priorities of our whole church.

On March 12, participants from all Disciples congregations in Montana are invited to participate in Mission First, a gathering taking place at Cane Ridge West from 9 a.m. to 12 noon (followed by a free lunch for those who make reservations.)

The purpose of Mission First is:

To tell stories about how God is already at work in and through your congregation
To listen to God's call to the church for the 21st Century
To join with others across the US and Canada to set the missional priorities for the work of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Now's your chance. Registration forms have been sent to your church and they can be found on the Region's website. Let your voice be heard!

Faithfully,

Ruth Fletcher

Regional Minister

2016 Regional Assembly

Mark your calendars and make your plans to attend the 2016 Regional Assembly. This year the Assembly will take place on April 29-May 1 at Central Christian Church in Billings.

Assembly planners have been working hard to bring you an exceptional event. The theme for the Assembly is P.O.P: Igniting Your Passion.

Guest speakers include Chuck Tooley, former mayor of Billings, who currently serves as a Director of Disciples Home Missions, and Ed Kemmick, retired reporter from The Billings Gazette, and author of the book, "The Big Sky, Bye and Bye".

Register by April 2nd to receive the Early Bird Registration Fees. Registration forms can be found at your church or online at www.montanadisciples.org.

UPCOMING DATES

Mar 11-12 - Regional Board Meeting - CRW

March 12 - Mission First Gathering - CRW

Mar 18-20 - Kid's Retreat (Grades 3-7) - CRW

Mar 31 - Apr 2 - Region's Ministers & Mates Retreat - CRW

April 29-May 1 - Regional Assembly - Billings

May 11-15 - Dream Work Week - CRW

June 24-25 - Regional Board Meeting - TBA

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

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.

2016 Kid's Spring Retreat

On March 18-20 the kid's (grades 3-7) will hold their retreat at Cane Ridge West. This year's theme is "Picture a Prayer." Registration deadline is March 4, 2016.

Don't miss out! Get your registration form here!

March 31-April 2, 2016 at Cane Ridge West Conference & Retreat Center. Cost is $125 per person by March 15 or $145 per person after March 15. John Payne will facilitate "The Church of the Future". Open to Ministers of the Montana Region of the Disciples of Christ and their mates. To register online, please follow this link.

Theology/Men's Fishing Retreat

Rev. Doug Goodwin from First Christian Church (DOC) in Sheridan, Wyoming, extends an

invitation to all Montana Disciples men (clergy and laity) to join in the annual Theology/Men's Fishing Retreat on August 1-5, 2016. The event will take place at Bear Lodge Resort, Bighorn Mountains in Northern Wyoming.

This year's guest leader will be Dr. D. Newell Williams, President of Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University and Professor of Modern and American Religious History.

To learn more about the retreat please click this link.

Have more questions? Contact Doug Goodwin at [email protected].

Educational Events

Spiritual But Not Religious: What Can We Learn From Them? How Can We Welcome Them?

Led by Dr. Melinda Quivik

Monday, April 25 - American Lutheran, Billings

Time: 9:30am to 3:30pm

Friday, April 29 - St. John's Lutheran, Billings

Time 9:30am to 3:30pm

Cost: $75 - Clergy, $50 - New to Ministry/LPA, $20 - Lay - No continuing education credits

CEU - 5

Who are the people who call themselves "Spiritual But Not Religious" (SBNR)? What do they see in the church that church people may need to know? How might the church respond to SBNRs, to perceptions of what outsiders might be seeking, and to what the body of Christ offers to the people who "don't like organized religion"? Where should the church set its priorities? These questions will enlist lively discussion.

Dr. Quivik edited an issue of the journal Liturgy that focused on these issues, bringing together research that has been done on SBNRs. The new PEW Foundation study on church decline and growth has revealed detailed information on SBNRs and others. It is time to become more aware of our neighbors who stay away on Sunday. Let us learn from this research and each other how best to shape our churches' next steps in welcoming new people.

Learn more or register here.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana | 406-564-1887

www.montanadisciples.org
1019 Central Ave
Great Falls, MT 59401