Come be Disciples Together at the Christian Conference Center in Newton for the 2022 All Congregational Gathering. Spend the day with Disciples from across the Upper Midwest in fellowship, worship, and learning as we explore ideas about how to be the church in the world today!

Learning Session

Learning Sessions will take on a completely new form this year with three topics options during each learning block. Presenters will cover innovative solutions that they've employed to deal with some of the problems congregations are facing today. Topics for the sessions include: Christian Education, Worship, Resource Sharing, Church Finance, Leadership/Innovation, and Mission. For each topic, three ministry concepts will be presented with time allowed for discussion at the end. 

Worship

We will open and close our day with worship together. 

• Opening worship will include a processional of banners representing the congregations of the Upper Midwest. 
• Music will be led by musicians from First Christian Church, Coraville/Iowa City. 
• We will celebrate the ministries of the region and offer our struggles in prayer together as we listen to how God is calling us to serve the Upper Midwest.

Food, Fun, and Fellowship Fair

Lunch will be provided free of charge as we enjoy games and activities on the grounds of the CCC. Activities for all ages and interests will be available as well as space for fellowship with your Disciples friends from across the region.

Child Care and Children's Program

Child case will be provided during the opening worship, learning sessions, and business session.  Nursery care for children up to age 6 will be provided as well as a school-age children's program.  Closing worship will include activities for all ages.

Business

A brief business session will take place immediately before the closing worship session.  Business will include announcement of the 2022-2023 Operations Council members and a presentation and vote on the 2023 Regional Budget.  To nominate clergy representatives for the Operations Council elections, submit names here.  To nominate lay leader representatives for the open geographic areas of the region, submit names here.  

Join FCC Minneapolis for our next installment of our VOICES online speaker series as Rev. Dave Bell (Minister for Indigenous Justice, Center for Indigenous Ministries - DOC) presents a brief history from the early development of the Doctrine of Discovery to the early years of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

To learn more about what the Doctrine of Discovery is and why this discussion is relevant, please visit https://www.fccminneapolis.org/home/voices/

DMPCC Fall 2022 Classes

Journaling to Heal

Saturdays, September 10 - October 8 (virtual via Zoom)

Mondays, September 26 - October 24 (in person, DMPCC)

Registration deadline:

Saturday class - September 3

Monday class - September 19

Pastoral Care Specialist

Begins September 2022 and ends June 2024

We are exploring offering our popular Pastoral Care Specialist Program virtually!

If you or someone you know has wanted to this training but the drive to Des Moines has been a barrier, please contact Chris Waddle at cwaddle@dmpcc.org.

Spiritual Experiences in Dreams: Our Dreams & Dreams in the Jewish and Christian Scriptures

Thursdays, October 6, 13, 20, & 27 (virtual)

Registration deadline - September 29

(CEU: .8)

Ministry with the LGBTQ+ Community: What it Really Means to be "Welcoming and Affirming."

Fridays, October 7 & 14 (virtual)

Registration deadline - September 30

(CEU: .6)

A Taste of Sabbath

Friday, October 28 (in person, DMPCC)

Registration deadline - October 22

(CEU: .3)

For more information and a complete list of classes click HERE.

https://dmpcc.org/classes-events/

HELM Calls Interim President

The Board of Directors of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries is excited to announce that the HELM Executive Committee has extended a call to the Rev. Ronald J. Degges to serve as Interim President.  

With great joy and anticipation, the General Board at the February 2022 meeting received Rev. Terri Hord Owens’ desire to serve a second term as General Minister and President (GMP).  Over the past five years Rev. Hord Owens has challenged the denomination to “imagine God’s limitless love” as we seek to be the church we say we are – “a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world.”  She has also challenged us to “imagine” what the church could be like in years to come.  Following the General Board’s enthusiastic acceptance of her intent, a Review/Search and Call Committee of twelve General Board members was formed to lead the review of Rev. Hord Owens.

You can assist the review team by sharing your thoughts in this survey.

DCEF Offers Holy Places Grants

Disciples Church Extension Fund is offering Holy Places Grants to help congregations purchase their first real estate property to use as a place of worship. The grants, which amount to the lower amount of 20% of the acquisition cost or 50% of the annual income distribution of the Holy Place Fund, provide a “boost” to help. For more information, contact your regional Building and Capital Services Advisor.