Disciples Together

Regional News of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

September | 2023

Don't Go Alone

Rev. Joshua Patty

Regional Minister and President

As I visit with congregational leaders around our region, I have noticed similar comments from different congregations. Their church is not like it used to be. In general there are fewer people – fewer attending worship and other activities, fewer able and willing to lead, and fewer who don’t have gray hair.

Of course, this isn’t true for all congregations. But there are concerns and questions in many of our congregations. Maybe you’ve thought about it too.

If so, the workshop tracks at our All Congregational Gathering might offer some answers and ideas for where to go from here. One track will help us focus on what we have, instead of what we don’t. Another will provide insights on when and how to let go of previous ministry efforts. A third will suggest ways to focus more explicitly on mission and discipleship. Then in the afternoon there will be some practical sessions to discuss and begin to test out these ideas.

Not only will we have a chance to learn together, but also to worship together and just be together. Just gathering can remind us that we are not alone in our efforts to share the love of Jesus. Whatever questions or doubts we bring, our presenters and our worship will celebrate the hope that we have looking to the future. Frankly, just being together is a reminder of the hope we have as disciples of Christ.

You should join the learning and worshiping on Saturday, October 21 at the Christian Conference Center. And don’t come alone – invite others to come with you too.

Where in the Upper Midwest is Josh?

Josh's travels take him across our four-state region to share in worship, support, and celebrate your ministries! Here's where Josh's travels have taken him in the last month.

August 20 - Worship with Davis Street Christian Church, Ottumwa, IA
August 27 - Worship with Broadway Christian Church, Council Bluffs, IA
August 28-29 - General Commission on Ministry (online)
September 8-9 - Regional Committee on Ministry, CCC
September 17 - Marion Christian Church, Marion, IA
September 18-20 - Disciples Executive Leadership School, Indianapolis, IN

2023

Regional Calendar

For more details go to the Regional website:

uppermidwestcc.org

Sept. 18-20 Senior Adult Retreat @ CCC

Sept. 22-24 Fall Women's Retreat @ Lake Koronis Assembly Grounds

Sept. 28 Regional Operations Council Online

Oct. 13 Property Committee Meeting Online

Oct. 21 All Congregational Gathering

Oct. 23 CCC Closed

Oct. 26 Regional Operations Council Online

Nov. 3-4 Committee on Ministry @ CCC

Nov. 11 Holiday Vendor Fair @ CCC

Nov. 17-18 CMEP Retreat @ CCC

Nov. 23-24 Regional Holiday/Office Closed

Regional Prayer Calendar

Video Archives

Where Are We Going?, sermon by Rev. Joshua Patty
Prayers for General Assembly, including one by Rev. Joshua Patty
Playlist of all videos from 2022 All Congregational Gathering

More Disciples videos

News Around the Region

2023

All Congregational

Gathering

Join us at the Christian Conference Center for this annual event! Be inspired by worship with our guest preacher and guest musicians. Explore valuable topics in the learning sessions, and connect with fellow Disciples from across the region during our Food, Fun, and Fellowship Fair.

All activities are provided free of charge. Feel free to arrive Friday night and enjoy our Holy Ground before the event begins on Saturday (lodging in the cabins, Chi Rho huts, or tents/campers is free of charge; Lodge Rooms are available for a housekeeping fee).

What: 2023 All Congregational Gathering

When: Saturday, October 21, 2023 check-in begins at 9 a.m.

Where: Christian Conference Center in Newton, IA

Who: Disciples (pastors, lay leaders, and other congregants of any age) from across Iowa, Minnesota, and North and South Dakota are encouraged to attend.

Guest Preacher: Ashley Dargai

Guest Musicians: The Guitarras

Join the Upper Midwest Region's Anti-Racism/Pro Reconciliation Team as we welcome a conversation with Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel, author of "Tired of Apologizing for a Church I Don't Belong To."

As we work to further the Kin-dom of God, here and now, many people of faith are getting tired because the institution of the Church has caused so much pain to so many. Join us and Lillian for a time to learn and renew ourselves as we work to be a Church we are proud of.

Advent Devotion

Abide With Us is a daily devotional spanning the four weeks of Advent that helps us remember that our God is always with us every time, even in the most unlikely of places.

Abide With Us is written by the regional ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), including our own, Rev. Josh Patty.

Preorder Now for delivery in October.

Reconciliation Offering

Reconciliation Ministry is an invaluable part of our church as we strive to faithfully follow Jesus Christ. When we encounter the perils of systemic racism, we sound the trumpet. In every expression of the Church, we sound the alarms so that we may be the hands and feet of Christ in the face of racial inequity and injustice.

Check out our region's response to sounding the trumpet in the video below and give generously to the Reconciliation Special Offering, received in most congregations on Sept. 24 and Oct. 1.

News Around the Denomination

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support Disciples Together and other publications from the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest.

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Christian Church in the Upper Midwest | http://uppermidwestcc.org