WEEKLY UPDATE

August 12, 2024

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Ambassadors

2 Corinthians 5.20-21 - So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.


In 1776, Benjamin Franklin and his grandson endured the adventurous and dangerous boat ride from Boston to France. Franklin’s purpose was to get French support for the war against Britain to gain independence and establish a democratic form of government. Franklin went as a delegate of the United States serving in a role similar to what we would give the title of Ambassador for today.


While lifting Franklin’s moral choices as an example would be shortsighted, I find his passionate dedication inspiring. He had great confidence and determination in a greater cause.


What does it mean to be ambassadors for Christ and how seriously do we take that call?


Franklin’s dedication took him on a dangerous trans-Atlantic journey that he might share his voice. We might struggle to invite someone to church simply because it makes us uncomfortable. God’s will is that we would make an appeal to the world so that the world might be reconciled with God. How does our confidence, and belief in God, impact our daily living, interaction with those around us, and our decision-making?

 

I hope a helpful challenge and encouragement comes in asking a question I must routinely ask myself. How well am I serving as God’s ambassador?


Thanks for sharing the journey, 

Rev. Mike Snell, Senior Minister

Park Hill CC, North Little Rock, AR

A youth leadership retreat was held on August 7-9, 2024. We stayed in the Park Hill CC Youth House. The programming focused on leadership skills to plan for and execute a successful youth retreat experience. We also inventoried and organized the supplies currently housed at the storage house at Park Hill CC. This task was completed in a house without air conditioning during August. We are so thankful for their time and dedication.

On Saturday, August 10, a powerful anti-racism/pro-reconciliation training session was held, facilitated by the esteemed Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker. The event was an engaging and transformative experience, aimed at equipping participants with the tools and understanding needed to actively combat racism in their communities. Dr. Baker, known for her deep commitment to social justice and equity, guided attendees through discussions and exercises that challenged their perspectives, encouraged self-reflection, and fostered a deeper understanding of systemic racism. 

Monthly Clergy "Brown Bag" Zoom Check-in

On Wednesday, August 28, at 11:30 a.m., Rev. Dr. Laurie Pound Feille, Senior Pastor of First Christian Church in Minneapolis, MN, will be our guest speaker for the monthly clergy "Brown Bag" Zoom check-in. Dr. Feille will speak about her experience with Disciples Public Presence, a group engaged in justice work that offers opportunities to learn about the issues impacting our communities.

Disciples Men's Retreat 2024



September 20-21, 2024


First Christian Church

14411 Taylor Loop Road

Little Rock, AR 72223

It is time to come together as Disciples Men. This event will be a time for connection, fellowship, and service to strengthen our spiritual walk as men of God. The focus this year will be on ways that the Disciples Men's groups from across the region can support the new Disaster Response Coordinator. Rev. Ronny Nowell will Keynote and share ways that each person or group can organize to be prepared in a time of need.

Click here to register

Disciples Women's Retreat 2024


September 6-8, 2024


Vines Center

1 Four H Way

Little Rock, Arkansas72223

The Registration for the 2024 GRRDW Fall Retreat is OPEN! Please register by August 21 to get a retreat T-Shirt and receive the ‘early bird discount’ of $25.00. If you are in the local area, you can register to attend without having a room. The registration costs cover your meals and the costs of programming, materials, and facility usage. We hope to see you there!

Click here to register

Installation Service of Rev. Laura West

SAVE THE DATE

REGIONAL ASSEMBLY 2024

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REGIONA

Information for congregational delegates and registration coming soon.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

SAVE THE DATE

Unpacking the Core Competencies of DisciplesNEXT: Prophetic Advocacy


What does Prophetic Advocacy look like in our daily lives? Join Rev. Cherisna Jean-Marie, Dean of the Disciples Divinity House at Vanderbilt University, and host Rev. Dr. Jose Martinez, Minister of New Church Strategies, for a New Church Ministry webinar on August 21 at 3:00 PM EST that explores this core competency of DisciplesNEXT, its connections to spiritual formation, and what it has to do with New Church! Register

 

Congregations in Search & Call

Below are the congregations engaged in a search process to call a new pastor:


  • FCC Rogers, AR, Associate Pastor
  • FCC Bossier City, LA
  • FCC Mammoth Spring, AR
  • FCC Stuttgart, AR
  • Grace Point Christian Fellowship, Lake Charles, LA


* For information regarding church positions, please contact the Regional Office.

AROUND THE REGION

Clergy Fellowship Opportunity

  • Central Arkansas Clergy- Every 4th Monday @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Northwest Arkansas Clergy- Every 3rd Wednesday
  • Brown Bag Clergy Zoom Call- August 28, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. - Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. Laurie Pound Feille

RESOURCES

Co-directors of Disciples Men, Greg Alexander and Alex Ruth, are excited to announce the first online men's group for Disciples Men.


"Pathway to Blessing" will be held on Zoom beginning September 10, from 8-9 PM (ET). 


Each week, participants will examine biblical and historical models of masculinity and integrate them into our lives today. 


Space in "Pathway to Blessing" is limited, so sign up today!


Register
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Listen to the Disciples Men Podcast HERE
SAVE THE DATES



  • DW Fall Retreat - September 6-8 The Vine Center, Little Rock, AR
  • DM Retreat- September 20-21 FCC, Little Rock, AR
  • Regional Assembly- November 1-3 First Christian Church, Baton Rouge
  • Fall Fandango- November 15-17 Camp Couchdale