Dear friends, 

Am I the only one who is shocked to look down at my calendar to see “February” staring back at me? With so many of us having been confined to our homes in the last week of January, it is stunning to realize that January 2026 is now in the past.  

So much has already happened this year: the taking of lives by ICE agents in Minnesota and the resulting protests, a crippling ice/snowstorm that stranded motorists and affected millions of lives, a possible government shutdown looming in the background, the escalating Russia/Ukraine conflict, and so much hate and blatant acts of injustice creeping into all corners of life that we are desperate for the reminder that we are NOT alone….God is with us…in every moment…in every situation…in every joy…AND in every conflict!  

In our staff meeting this morning, we were reminded of the apostle Paul’s words: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39) 

As we prepare ourselves to walk through this upcoming season of Lent with open hearts and intentionality, may we be honest in our self-reflections. Are we truly living lives worthy of our calling? Are we faithfully approaching each new day with a sense of purpose and a commitment to share the love of Christ, no matter how inconvenient – or uncomfortable – that may be at times? Are we celebrating and utilizing the God-given gifts others have to share, or are we squelching their opportunities to shine because we, perhaps, don’t share the same level of appreciation for their gifts? Are we remembering that NO MATTER WHAT…nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus…EVEN WHEN we attempt – either through our actions or our inactions – to hinder others from experiencing the fullness of God’s love?  

Whatever truth stares back at us during this upcoming season of Lent, may we each approach the journey with repentant hearts and a longing to forgive others, just as we have been forgiven. May the light we share truly drive out the darkness in others’ lives. And may we hold close the truth that there is absolutely nothing – no, not even the hate in this world – that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. 

As always…be a blessing, Disciples! 

Alison 

On January 22-25, four representatives from the Great River Region attended the Disciples Women Leadership Conference in Orlando, FL. Ruby Howard and Patricia Ball attended, representing the Mississippi Christian Missionary Convention. Stacy Eastwood is the GRRDW President and Min. Kristen Beach attended as Regional Staff. The days were filled with information to be shared with Disciples Women across the region. The rich history was shared with a focus on what the future holds for the women in our denomination. There are three pillars that this ministry is built upon: spiritual formation, leadership development, and justice work. We are living in 'such a time as this'. My prayer is that your life has been and will continue to be impacted by the Disciples Women in your lives as they stand on such a firm foundation, in the name of Jesus. Spring Events will be hosted in each state. Information will be available soon with dates and locations. If you are a woman and you are a Disciple, then you are a Disciples Women and are invited to join!

Prayers for all who will participate are greatly appreciated. 

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



• Christian Chapel CC, Port Gibson, MS - Senior Minister & Musician
• FCC Leesville, LA
• FCC Sulphur, LA

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

Clergy Fellowship Opportunities

• Northwest Arkansas Clergy - Every 3rd Wednesday
• Central Arkansas Clergy - We will meet on Monday, Feb. 23^rd at 11:30 AM - Star of India, 301 N. Shackleford Rd, Unit C-4, Little Rock, AR 72211

Young adult Disciples, pull up a seat at the table! Join our Virtual Young Adult Book Club as we dive into Staying at the Table by Rev. Terri Hord Owens. This peer-led conversation creates space to wrestle with faith, identity, justice, and belonging while connecting with other young adults and exploring what it truly means to live out faith today.

HELM is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship cycle to support students pursuing higher education and leadership development rooted in faith and service. HELM offers a range of merit- and need-based scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and seminary students that help ease financial barriers and empower emerging leaders in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and beyond.

Ministry Week is a three-day conference co-sponsored by Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University and University Christian Church held each year in February.

If you are interested, click the link below to learn more.

• Snoasis - February 20-22, 2026
• Regional Board - March 7, 2026
• Arkansas State Fellowship - March 29, 2026
• Legacy Dinner - April 30, 2026
• Clergy Retreat - May 4-6, 2026 (Tentative Date)
• Mission Trip - May 31-June 6, 2026
• Camp Magnolia - June 22-27, 2026
• Regional Assembly - November 6-8, 2026

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