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THE DISCIPLES DISPATCH
The News and Happenings of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana
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Ruth Fletcher |
Regional Minister's Message
O for a world where everyone
Respects each other's ways
Where love is lived and all is done
With justice and with praise.
--Miriam Therese Winter, Chalice Hymnal #683
In light of allegations in the news these days, I'd like you to know that the Montana Region requires Disciples ministers to take a course every three years about How to Maintain Healthy Boundaries. That course reminds them of some theological principles that ground our life together:
- All people are created in the image of God and have equal value.
- As human beings we own our bodies and are responsible for them.
- God commands us to live in right relationship with each other.
- We are called to create trustworthy communities that are places of safety for all.
Boundaries Training teaches ministers that exploitation, domination, favoritism, sexualized behavior, or interfering in the ministry of another pastor have no place in the church. It is the intent of our Regional Commission on Ministry to hold accountable any minister who engages in misconduct. If your minister has misused his or her power by crossing boundaries, we want to know about it.
Faithfully,
Ruth Fletcher
Regional Minister
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Coats for Christmas
The Mission Commission would like to thank everyone who participated in the Coats for Christmas outreach.
Thanks to your generosity, 73 coats and 45 sets of hats and mittens were collected. They will be distributed to elementary schools in Lame Deer, Box Elder and the Crow Agency.
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Mission Commission members
Nancy Lumsden, Mary Larsen and Jean Muir |
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The Special Christmas Offering will be taken on December 17 which supports the ministry of our region.
The Regional Church
Knit Together Through...
- Camps and Conferences at Cane Ridge West
- Mission projects, service and giving
- Clergy support and collegiality
- Regional Assemblies and leader training events
- Disciples Women network
- Support for search and call, conflict management, and times of transition in congregations
- Ordinations, installations, commissioning services
Please give generously to the Christmas Offering.
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On April 6-8, 2018, Disciples Women from Arizona, California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah and New Mexico will be gathering in Scottsdale, Arizona for the Wild Women of the West Conference.
Featured Speakers include Vinnetta Golphin-Wilderson, Daphne Gascot Arias and Cathy Nicols.
Registration Costs
Before February 1, 2018: $150
Before March 15, 2018: $180
Between March 15 and April 6: $200
Young adults age 18-30: $100
Children under 5 free.
Online registration coming soon!
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Women's Retreat
Thirteen women from across Montana enjoyed a refreshing weekend at Cane Ridge West Conference & Retreat Center. At the retreat, which was based on the book, "The Cup of Our Life" by Joyce Rupp, women explored the cup as a symbol of our spiritual life, while experiencing nature, community, and much fun and laughter!
The group shared sessions on emptying & filling, giving & receiving, accepting & letting go, around main themes of compassion...for self and others.
Opportunities for chair massage, Mani-pedi's and an aroma therapy presentation, provided much-appreciated relaxation time and we let creativity flow through art.
Watch for details about upcoming retreats!
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Other Notables
HOPE PARTNERSHIP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Becky Taylor, Pastor at Seeker's Harbor Faith Community, Billings reflects on her recent trip to Indianapolis where she attended the Hope Partnership Leadership Academy:
What is abundance? How could we practice the spirituality of abundance? How much do we influence those around us?
The week was filled with -
- Learning - sessions on a myriad of subjects, including: the spirituality of abundance, leadership styles, sustainability, technology, missional church, and navigating change.
- Connecting - with Disciples from around the US and Canada, from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds and church experiences.
- Inspiration - including: wonderful music, great presentations and a moving talk by our new General Minister & President, Teresa Hord Owens.
Based on my learnings, Seeker's Harbor Faith Community will be using "Holy Currencies" to become aware of our influence and develop a spirituality of abundance.
MISSION TRIP TO HOUSTON
A mission trip to Houston to help with hurricane recovery is being planned for June 10-15. Adults 18 and older will be welcomed to join in this trip. Watch for more details as they become available.
REFLECTIONS ON CANE RIDGE WEST
Recently, a pastor from one of our rental groups shared a poem that helped to define what being at Cane Ridge West has meant to him:
"Grace"
- by Wendell Berry
The woods is shining this morning.
Red, gold and green, the leaves
lie on the ground, or fall,
or hang full of light in the air still.
Perfect in its rise and in its fall, it takes
the place it has been coming to forever.
It has not hastened here, or lagged.
See how surely it has sought itself,
its roots passing lordly through the earth.
See how without confusion it is
all that it is, and how flawless
its
grace
is. Running or walking, the way
is the same. Be still. Be still.
"He moves your bones, and the way is clear."
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Upcoming Events
| March 2-4 |
Youth Retreat |
Cane Ridge West CRC |
| March 16-17 |
Regional Board & Commission Meeting |
Grand Ave. Christian, Bozeman |
| April 6-8 |
Wild Women of the West |
Scottsdale, AZ |
| April 27-29 |
Montana Regional Assembly |
Central Christian Church, Great Falls |
| May 18-20 |
NW Regional Assembly |
First Christian Church of Sumner, WA
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| July 6-8 |
GMPK Camp |
Cane Ridge West CRC |
| July 8-14 |
CYF Camp |
Cane Ridge West CRC |
| July 15-21 |
Younger Youth Camp |
Cane Ridge West CRC |
| Sept 7-8 |
Common Table |
Rathdrum, ID |
| Aug 24-26 |
iCamp |
Cane Ridge West CRC |
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Upcoming Holiday Hours
We will be closed on November 23 & 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all!
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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.
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Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana
1019 Central Ave. Great Falls, MT 59401
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