New Ministry Calling, Boundaries at Brite, Worship and Wonder in Abilene and more
Mission West Newsletter Vol 3 Issue 8        June 14, 2016
If you, or someone you know, would like to help with the newsletter, please let us know.  Those with gifts for technology and knowledge of Constant Contact helpful, but not required.

From May to September the newsletter will come out once a month on the second Tuesday; the deadline for submission will be the first Tuesday of the month. We would love to share your ministry and what you and your congregations are doing. 

Happy Connecting!
NEW MINISTRY CALLING FOR ASSOCIATE AREA MINISTER kk
June 1, 2016
Dear Friends in Ministry,

It is with great excitement and a twinge of sadness that I am writing to inform the boards of Mission West, the Hi Plains Area, the Tres Rios Area, and the Central Area that I have been called as the next senior minister at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fort Thomas, Kentucky.
 
Dan and I are still working out the details of a timeline with FCC Spearman & FCC Fort Thomas. I will keep you posted as the varieties of details required for this transition are beginning to come into focus. Fort Thomas is aware that I am operating on a diminished capacity through workers comp because of the injury on Feb. 6th and that I have not been released for full duty. 
 
Dan is in conversation with several churches in the area; please pray for the right church for him and all churches in search and call.
 
It has been my distinct pleasure to serve the areas and Mission West for the last several years.  Thank you for being on the first part of my vocational ministerial journey.    karakay sig

NOTE FROM LEAD MINISTERcharlotte
Friends in Ministry,
As you read Karakay's letter of resignation, above, I'm sure you have the same feelings as I - sad to see Karakay leave us, grateful for her ground-breaking ministry with us and excited for her new adventures in ministry.

I want you to know, that the Mission West Common Mission Board, in our conference call meeting last Friday, June 3, had a chance to consider next steps in our ministry together as Mission West.  Even though Karakay has not given us a final end date, she told the Mission West Board, she would remain on staff through our summer camping program, to provide leadership and support for that program.

I had already begun a conversation with the Mission West Board concerning ministry/mission evaluation and possible adjustments as we continue into a third formal year with Mission West.  The MW board will be convening in their annual face to face meeting in August to consider Key Result Areas for our Ministry together, objectives and goals to move us toward those Key Results and will be evaluating staffing structure to match our Key Results for Ministry.  

It is our current plan to not immediately seek a replacement for the ministry position that Karakay is leaving.  Since summer camping season will be over, that will give us some time to complete an evaluation of our staffing needs and make recommendations for the best staffing structure to match our needs and resources.  We have confidence in the adult youth ministry team to continue to support our ongoing youth ministry for the short term.  I and our administrative assistant will pick up communication responsibilities for the short term.

Area board moderators have been given two proposed documents concerning Area integration into Mission West and they will be convening Area board meetings and conversations about those matters as we move forward into this next year of ministry together.  As the Areas have those discussions, the Mission West Board will continue the work needed for them to become the best accountability and support board for the ministries we share.

I and our Mission West Board Moderator, Rev. Leslie Dalstra, FCC, El Paso, will keep in touch with you all as we move forward together.  Do not hesitate to be in conversation with us.

On a personal note - I had outpatient surgery on June 7 on an arthritic thumb on my right (dominant) hand.  I will be on some pain meds for a short time, and will have a splint and then a cast on my right hand and arm for six weeks.  Mission West Board approved a two-week sick leave for me and permission not to travel for the six weeks.  I hope I will be back up to some competence for phone and email duties soon!  Please keep me in your prayers.  And if you have any needs over the next couple of weeks, please call Angeline in the office or Karakay on her cell.  Coretha Loughridge, interim regional minister, would also be available if needed.

Angeline - Mission West Office - 806-358-9590
Karakay - Cell - 806-440-1791
Coretha - Office - 817-926-4687

Peace,                                   
Charlotte

FCC ABILENE FIRST A.C.T. IN ODESSAACT
First Christian Church in Abilene group, First ACT,  (Arts Celebration Team), consists of a dozen 1st - 5th graders, presents the original musical, "A Congo Connection Commission!" on tour to FCC Odessa during their June 5, 2016 worship service.

Mission First is the Cry of the General Church!  "But if we had a REAL connection, we'd actually DO something"..."Yeah, we need a Big Game Plan - let's call it a 'Congo Connection Commission!'" 

These are just a few lines from the 40 minute musical written for First ACT by their director, Carol Joy Wilson. The journey began with a personal challenge to include children in FCC Abilene's Congo awareness initiative - using only resources available -  like the children in Besenge, DRC do on a daily basis. A long piece of pvc pipe discovered in storage quickly became the "equator," dividing Abilene/Besenge students. By the play's end, it unites both sides of the world, serving as framework for the new school actually being built in Besenge today.

Contact Carol if you are interested in having First Act come to your congregation. You can read more in the FCC Abilene newsletter


LIMITED SPOTS REMAIN FOR XPLOR XPLOR

We still have room for one or two NBA XPLOR Residents for the 2016-17 program year. If you know a young adult aged 21-30 who may be interested in this transformative opportunity, please help us spread the word! The 2016-17 application has been re-opened for a limited time until these spots are filled. Learn more and apply.

DISCIPLES WOMEN'S MINISTRY CCSW ASSEMBLY dwm
CCSW DWM WOMEN'S ASSEMBLY JUNE 24 - 26, 2016 

"Global Sisters Caring, Connecting & Celebrating Christ!" 

DALLAS MARRIOTT LAS COLINAS 223 WEST LAS COLINAS, IRVING, TEXAS 75039 

Keynote Speaker: Lori Tapia.  Lori Tapia is the founding pastor of Iglesia Alas de Salvacion, a bilingual church in Gilbert, Arizona. She presently co-pastors alongside her husband, Martin, with a passion for relevantly sharing Jesus and discipleship. Lori presently serves as the Vice Moderator for the Obra Hispana, National Hispanic and Bilingual Ministries (Disciples of Christ) and is the Hispanic Representative to the 2014-2018 IDWM Executive Committee (Disciples Women), where her passion for unity in the church is vital. She is a worshipper at heart and a song writer.

Click on the Learn more tab below to view the pdf to share with your DWM leaders.

 
NATIONAL DISCIPLES MENS SESSIONS JULY 8-10 FT. WORTH
You are a man, active in leadership in a congregation, or you would probably not be reading this far. You may be wondering,  "Is it worth the trip?"

We , the General Conference of Disciples Men,  know that it is .  We all struggle with many of the same problems in our congregations and we know the value of fellowship, Bible study, exploring our calling as leaders, hands-on mission, and having fun while doing all that.
              
SUMMER CAMP  Camp


 
This past weekend Grand Beginnings was held at Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat Center and yesterday, Chi Rho and CYF Camp began at Ceta Glen.  Please be in prayer for our outdoor ministry leaders, sponsors, Ministry Youth Council, and all the campers. Camp breakdowns will be available for the July newsletter


Download the full   letter that includes:  Registration Costs,  Dates,  Locations, and  Directors information.  Visit the youth portion of the Mission West website for all information, to download additional flyers and more.

Please contact the camp directors for all camp questions.

If you as the congregation or any of your campers are of in need of a scholarship, please request one through the website www.missionwestccsw.org/youth Scholarships are given on a first come first served basis.


CYLS REGISTRATION OPENCYLS
Christian Youth Leadership Seminar is at Disciple Oaks (aka Gonzo) this year! We need to know you are coming.  We are offering an online registration for convenience, but have pdf copies to print out if you would rather mail your forms in. Here is a bit of info that will help with the process. Please pass this info on the people I have missed.



Online forms still require a signature page to be printed, completed, and sent to the Regional Office.

For more information and PDF copies of the forms please visit  www.ccsw.org

Completed PDF forms need to be sent to the Southwest Region office. Scans are okay if legible at  ccsw@ccsw.org  or mail hard copies to CCSW, PO Box 1689, Fort Worth TX, 76101-1689.

Cost is $321 if before July 1 and $350 if after that date. No forms will be taken after July 15th. Payment should go to your Area Office.

BOUNDARY TRAINING AT BRITEBriteBoundaries
Brite will offer boundary training (required for ministers in the Christian Church in the Southwest) on Friday, August 26 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The workshop will be held in the Bass Conference Center at Brite. A certificate will be given at the end of the workshop for six contact hours of continuing education in boundary training. The workshop will be led by Rev. Dr. Joretta Marshall and Rev. Dr. Tim Robinson. Registration is $25 for the day and does not include lunch. Online registration opens in July at  www.brite.edu/boundary . For more information, call 817-257-7582 or e-mail e.theilig@tcu.edu.

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY DETAILSRegionalAssembly
SAVE THE DATE
"Faith WITH Works Is ALIVE!"
Southwest Regional Assembly  
October 29-30, 2016

Subscribe to the CCSW Email list to get information as it come out.

The Southwest Regional Assembly will be held this Fall on Saturday and Sunday, October 29-30, at Northway Christian Church in Dallas. Men's and Women's luncheons are still in the planning stages but are scheduled at 11 am on Saturday, with the Assembly beginning with a Mission First! Conversation on Saturday afternoon at 1 pm. Workshops will be held both afternoons, and the Assembly will conclude with the business meeting and final words at 3 pm on Sunday afternoon. A pre-assembly fellowship on Friday evening is scheduled at Midway Hills Christian Church on behalf of Texas Impact with the Young Clergy group holding a deep theological discussion afterward at the Flying Saucer Restaurant nearby. Keynote speaker Wil Gafney, Associate Professor of Old Testament at Brite, will speak at Saturday evening's worship.

The Mission First session on Saturday will require leaders for each discussion group; if you are willing to assist with this (training provided via conference call before the Assembly), contact the Regional Office at
  ccsw@ccsw.org  or 817-926-4687 with your name and contact information.

Workshops are in formation, and additional suggestions are still being accepted. If you'd like to provide input, contact the North Texas Area office at 
nta@ccsw.org  or 972-272-2900 with ideas for topics, leaders or how you'd like to help with the remaining Assembly task planning. 

Churches may like to feature their musical entertainers during Saturday supper or Sunday lunch as there will be up to three hours total to share the variety of talent in our Region; email Larry Ross at 
lross@ccsw.org   or call 972-272-2900 to volunteer or for more information. 

More details and registration options will be provided in the coming weeks and months, but include this weekend on your calendar as an event to attend so that your congregation can take part in this biennial gathering of the Southwest Region. 
Highlighting profiles for any new board members or staff members is a good way to put real faces behind the cause.

More from this months CCSW newsletter...

REGIONAL MINISTER & PRESIDENT SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATERegionalMinister

The search committee is looking forward to visiting with members of congregations throughout the region in order to help gather needed information to build a regional profile. This information will be used to help qualify a current job description for our search process. Please keep the search team in your prayers: Jeff Billings (chair), Sue Cobb, Dottie Cook, Olin Fregia, Evangelina Perez, Arthur Stewart, Hector Velasquez, Bob Williams and Tasha York.
SAVE THE DATESavethedate
More information is coming soon for these important events, Save the Date or contact the folks listed.

July 19 (Tuesday) - Documentation deadline for candidates wishing to be considered for a September interview with Regional Committee on Ministry 

July 24 (Sun) - Regional Youth Ministry Council (RYMC) at Disciple Oaks Camp and Retreat in Gonzales

July 25-30 (Mon-Sat) - Christian Youth Leadership Seminar (CYLS) at Disciple Oaks Camp and Retreat in Gonzales

August 6, 2016
Training for Youth Sponsors/Adults & Ministers
Westmont Christian Church, Lubbock, TX Contact Alex Smith for more details

August 26 (Fri) - Healthy Boundaries for Clergy, Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth

September 16-18 (Fri-Sun) - Disciples Men Retreat at Lake Brownwood

S eptember 19-21 (Mon-Wed) - Regional Committee on Ministry at University Christian Church in Fort Worth

Sept 20-22, 2016
Disciples Camp Summit to build relationship, share resources and have time for conversation and visioning around the major issues camp ministry in Disciples are facing in today's times. 
Chrisitain Conference Center, 5064 Lincoln St, Newton, IA 50208

October 17-20, 2016
Fall Clergy retreat
Norbertine Retreat Center, Albuquerque, NM. Contact Charlotte Hoppe for more details.

October 28-30, 2016
Christian Church (DoC) Southwest Regional Assembly
Northway Christian Church, 7202 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225
More information Coming in May from www.ccsw.org

November 23 (Wed) -  Documentation deadline for candidates wishing to be considered for a January interview with Regional Committee on Ministry

April 28-29, 2017
Worship and Wonder Training
First Christian Church Abilene, TX Contact Brazos Condra for more details.

July 8 -12, 2017
General Assembly
Indianapolis Convention Center, Registration Opens July 2016
more information

GA Promo
GA Promo Video
RESOURCES Resources
A full day workshop, July 5 at Richland Hills CC near Dallas, TX with teachers and leaders from AdminIsMinistry.com and Pension Fund. 
This workshop is being customized around your needs and questions, so topics could include:  Designated Funds,  Bookkeeping Basics,  Human Resources in the Church,  Managing Volunteers,  Job Descriptions,  Managing Staff,  Benefit Basics - including retirement benefits,  Clergy Financial Literacy,  Church Communications.
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Training Webinars
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Ahlan Wa Sahlan! 
Welcome - Exploring the Holy Land
Ahlan wa Sahlan: Welcome! is a FREE 10-session children's curriculum designed to help children connect the stories in the Bible to real children who live in those places today. 
Also explore other options at the DoC Family and Children's Ministry Web Page
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Young Adults



The Young Adult Commission represents Disciples young adults in congregations, regions, and the whole church in building effective communication networks, providing advocacy opportunities, and enabling young adults to lead our church.
Applications Are Being Accepted
If you are between the ages of 18 and 33 and are interested in connecting and empowering Young Adults to engage in the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), you can fill out a PDF application or a  Word application to serve on the Young Adult Commission. The next term of service begins now through December of 2017.  Go  here to see details &  the expectations for those who serve on the committee. Come serve with us!
September 19-23, 2016
Leadership Academy

Registration for Hope Partnership's annual Leadership Academy is now open! This year's Academy has been redesigned to be an even more effective and inspirational weeklong learning experience for clergy and lay leaders in both new congregations and transforming congregations.
For more information and to register, visit  www.hopepmt.org/transform/leadership-academy.  Call 800.274.1883 with questions.
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Come Take A Class At Brite Divinity School!
Brite's Fall 2016 schedule offers a variety of classes on diverse topics taught by our permanent faculty. Those interested in enrolling in a specific class without pursuing a degree may be eligible to enroll as a Special Student. Tuition grants at 50% are available to Brite graduates and others with need.
 
To view available classes, learn more, and request an application, visit the Take A Class page on Brite's website (https://brite.edu/class)

Spaces are filling quickly, and the deadline to receive applications is Friday, July 8, 2016!






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Prayer Needed and CelebrationsPrayerCelebration
Charlotte Hoppe, Lead Minister of Mission West, as she recovers from surgery on her hand.

Karakay & Dan Kovaly as they transition in their new ministry callings.

Karakay Kovaly as she continues to heal from the knee injury, progress is slow and steady.

Congregations in search and Call.

Campers, Directors, Sponsors, and parents during the camping season.
SCHOOL FOR MINISTRY REGISTER NOW schoolForMinistry
Christian Ethics: Living at the Crossroads
Sept 10  - Chalice Abbey Amarillo
Taught by - Rev. Dr. David Halleen, bi-vocational minister at Bethany Christian Church and teacher of religion classes at Richland College, Dallas

Workshop on Inter-generational Christian Education & Worship
Sept 17 - FCC Ruidoso
Oct 15 - FCC Abilene
Taught by Rev. Karakay Kovaly, Minister for Youth and Young Adults, Mission West CCSW

Register no later than one week prior to each class. 

Contact Rev. Charlotte J. Hoppe 
Lead Minister
915-525-1209

Contact Rev. Karakay S. Kovaly 
Associate Minister


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