March 2017
THE DISCIPLES DISPATCH
Ruth
Regional Minister's Message

 
I am the vine, you are the branches.
Those who abide in me, and I in them
bear much fruit,
because apart from me,
you can do nothing.
(John 15:5)
 
The theme for camp this year is Branching Out.  It's about connecting to Cane Ridge West, a place that has been loved down through the generations.  It's about connecting to Christ through communion.  It's about connecting to one another in community.  It's about connecting to God in prayer.  The daily scripture readings help campers remember that they have been chosen, forgiven, and empowered by God to make a difference through Christ in the world.
 
Did you know that our camp staff is already preparing to receive campers this summer?  We have sent the camp curriculum to the directors and on April 8th, the camp staffs will gather for training in Helena.  There is a lot of work that goes into camp in order to provide a quality, fun, safe environment where children and youth can learn and grow.  We ask our adults to meet together three times before camp starts in order to be ready to serve. 
 
Did you know that you can play a big part in helping our camp staffs prepare for camp?  The brochures and registration forms already have been mailed to past campers and to churches.  They are also available on the Region's website:  Montanadisciples.org. You can help us be ready for each individual who will come to Cane Ridge West by signing up EARLY (by MAY 15 to receive $20 off your registration fee). 
 
To help you see how serious we are about making preparation, this year NO FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER JUNE 15 unless the director gives special permission.  (In that case, there will be an additional $40 late fee tacked onto the registration cost.)  
 
We know our youth have lots of choices about how they spend their summer vacation.  This year, we hope they will make it a priority to come to camp at Cane Ridge West.  We'll do what we can to make sure we will provide a quality learning experience.  We'd like you to do what you can to give us the time we will need to prepare.  If you want your child, your child's friend, a neighbor, or grandchild to have a place at camp, CHOOSE TO ACT NOW to make sure that happens!
 
Thanks for all you do to support our camping program.

 
Faithfully,
Ruth Fletcher, Regional Minister

Regional Assembly

Make plans now to attend the 2017 Regional
 Assemb ly! 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, new Moderator-Elect for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 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. 


2017 Summer Camps

Make your plans now to attend camp at Cane Ridge West Conference & Retreat Center!

GMPK CAMP - June 23-25
Grandparents-Moms-Pops-Kids Camp for those who have completed grade K, 1, or 2 and one or both parents or a grandparent.
Cathy Evans - Director
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YOUNGER YOUTH CAMP
July 9-15
F or those who have completed grades 3-7.
Annette Bratke - Director

CYF CAMP  - July 16-22
For those who have completed grades 8-12.
Jeremy Comstock - Director

Register before May 15 for Early Bird Discount! 

 
Get more info & registration form!

News From Around the Region

FIRST CHRISTIAN - HELENA

Rev. Dana Keener will be installed at First Christian Church on April 2nd at 10:00am.  Rev. Dr. Ruth Fletcher will preside over the installation. All are welcome to join in the celebration.

UNITED CHRISTIAN - MILES CITY

On May 8, United Christian Church, in conjunction with the Miles City affiliate of the American Association of University Women, is pleased to sponsor a Humanities Montana Program: Cultural Diversity and Muslims in America. The presenter, Dr Ambrin F. Masood, is an Assistant Professor of Counseling and Rehabilitation at MSU-Billings. Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Masood is an American, a mother, a wife, a professor, and a practicing Muslim. Quoting from the program descriptor, "To Dr. Masood, Islam is not supposed to be difficult or rigid, it is not guilt, it is not fear, it is definitely not war - it's peace - internal and external peace. It's a life style. Prayer gives her solace when she feels distressed or conflicted. That is her Islam, not the one many hear about from Taliban or ISIS."

Presented May 8 at 7:00pm, Dr. Masood's program will take place at Miles Community College in room 106. 

Upcoming Events

March 24 Minister's Meeting Plymouth Congregational UCC, Helena
March 24-25 Regional Board & Commission Meetings First Christian, Helena
April 27-29 Work Weekend Cane Ridge West CRC
May 19-20 Regional Assembly 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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