Rev. Andrea Brownlee

Associate Regional Minister of Camp Programming and Vocations

Andrea started her new position on January 1, having previously served as the Interim Associate Regional Minister of Vocations. She will continue with these responsibilities and will also offer direction for our summer church camps and related activities. She brings a wealth of experience, including counseling and directing camps of all ages and serving on our Regional Committee on Ministry. Read the full announcement here.

Eric Lahart

Executive Director of the Christian Conference Center

We are delighted to announce that Eric Lahart will serve as the Executive Director of the Christian Conference Center.

Eric has a deep and long involvement with the Christian Conference Center and our regional church camps. He was a church camper at the CCC, a member of the Upper Midwest Youth Council (UMwYC), and a two-time summer intern. He has counseled and directed multiple camps.

Eric has served in management in Hy-Vee stores for over 20 years and brings a wealth of experience in daily management, staff leadership, and marking. Read the full announcement here.

We celebrated the ministry of three pastors who retired in the beginning of January. May God bless your future adventures.

Joel Aurand

Elkhart Christian Church

Elkhart, IA

Donna Murphy-Ceradsky

Humeston Christian UMC

Humeston, IA

Doug Burton

First Christian Church

Estherville, IA

This beautiful organ is for sale. It is 44.5" high; 42.5" wide; and 29.5" deep. Contact Crystal for more information.

Praying Together

Join with Regional Minister Josh Patty for fifteen minutes of prayer on Thursday, February 6 at 9:30 am via YouTube or Facebook. A recording of the prayer time will be available on regional YouTube and Facebook pages.

Week of Compassion Special Offering

Feb 16 & 23

The Week of Compassion special offering goes to support all that Week of Compassion does, both nationally and internationally. They respond to natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes, and to humanitarian crises in war-torn countries. Resources for the offering can be found here. These resources include videos, such as one on the history of Week of Compassion, which can be found here.

Mid-year Youth Retreats

Feb 28-Mar 2

Registration is now open for the midyear youth retreats! Both the Chi Rho (current grades 6-8) and CYF (current grades 9-12) will be held at the Christian Conference Center on Feb. 28-Mar 2. To register.

2025 Summer Camp

The 2025 camp schedule is now available! This year's theme is Another Way. "Jesus often confronted the world around him with another way of being and by his example, we are reminded that God always invites us to reimagine who we are and how we do things. In the peace of the space at camp, we will explore what would change if we lived as our authentic selves and respected the truths of others. In this humility, we will imagine how growing changes the way live." Promotional material can be found here.

Summer Internships

Calling all young adults! Applications for summer interns are now open. Are you ready to spend your summer on Holy Ground? Are you ready for an adventure? There's no life like camp life, and summer interns get to be a part of it. To apply, follow this link! Applications are due February 14. More information coming soon. Questions? Email Andrea.

ALEX yearbook reporting opens February 3. The delay is so that resources to help congregations report can be made.

Disciples Peace Fellowship Intern

Disciples Peace Fellowship is overjoyed to announce that they are now accepting applications for the 2025 DPF Peace Intern program! Applications are due by Jan. 31, 2025.  To learn more.

Supporting Disciples Young Adults in Education and Leadership

National Benevolent Association Grants

NBA offers grants to young adults aged 18-30 to support current and future leaders in identifying their leadership qualities, building leadership capacity, and allowing young adults to explore new possibilities in the areas of service and justice. The grants come in two categories: development and exploration/ingenuity. Applications are due Feb. 4. To learn more and apply.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Higher Education & Leadership Ministries

HELM offers a variety of scholarships for undergraduate students who have the potential for or are currently leaders in the church. Applications are due March 15. To learn more and to apply.

General Board Nominations

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

One of the primary goals of GA-2343 is to foster a more connected church. We want congregations to be more connected with one another and with the General Board, and to have more of a voice in the present and future of the church. In pursuit of this goal, the nomination process for General Board Delegates is being broadened. Now, every Disciple has the exciting opportunity to nominate delegates to the General Board. For more information and the link to nominate.

Disciples of Christ General Assembly

July 12-15, 2025

Memphis, TN

The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will gather in person from July 12-15, 2025, in Nashville, TN. The theme: "Beyond" based on Ephesians 3:20-21. Registration is open!