January 6, 2026

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Happy Epiphany, friends! 

 

As we begin a New Year, let us pause to remember the moment of Epiphany when the wise men were guided to Christ by a star. They needed something tangible to focus upon…to guide them to the Christ child.

   

In our regional staff meeting this morning, we chose star words to guide us throughout 2026. The word I picked is “Presence”. It is my prayer that as I continue living into this new call as your Executive Regional Minister, I will not only exude the light and love of the Living Christ in my life, but that I will also be 100% present in every conversation and interaction.


That might sound elementary and unnecessary, but there are times when I catch myself, while reading an email or chatting on the phone, thinking about that next thing on my “to do” list. But maybe “presence” is something you’ve already mastered. Perhaps a better star word for you might be found among these: Imagination, Humility, Openness, Tranquility, Playfulness, Persistence, Prayer, Humor, Flexibility or Simplicity. I would encourage you to Google “Star Words” to find a list of possible words to guide you throughout this New Year!


Tuck that word into the pages of your Bible. Write it on a bright yellow star and tape it to your bathroom mirror. Keep it a secret or tell the world…it’s your word to do with what you’d like! In my personal life of faith, I have found that star words have provided more insight, intentionality and transformation in my life than any New Year’s resolution ever has!   



2026 is filled with possibility, potential and practical ways in which we can embrace our communities with the unconditional love of Christ…ways in which we can guide others to the gift of Christ!  So…choose a star word…or don’t…but let us ALL approach this New Year with intentionality, hope, purpose and love!   


As always…be a blessing, Disciples! 

 

Alison 


Celebrating the Life of Dr. Rose Marie Bryant Jones


It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Rose Marie Bryant Jones. Dr. Jones faithfully served as President of the Pea Ridge Church and Cemetery Association, Inc. since 1978, demonstrating decades of dedication and leadership. The Pea Ridge Cemetery is the final resting place of Sara Lou Bostick, one of the first African American women ordained to the Christian ministry in the late 19th century.


Dr. Jones also served her community as the Lonoke County Justice of the Peace for District 10 in Arkansas. She was a devoted public servant, leaving a lasting legacy of service.


Please keep her family and loved ones in your prayers during this difficult time.

We can receive donations in honor of Dr. Jones for Pea Ridge Cemetery. The donor should put "Pea Ridge Cemetery" on the memo line of a check and mail it to Great River Region, 2803 E Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, AR. 72120.


Online donations can be made by using the link below. Please select "Pea Ridge Cemetery" in the drop-down.

It is time for GRR Clergy to complete Standing Forms for 2026. The Regional Committee on Ministry will review them at the February Meeting. Standing Cards will be mailed by the end of February.

ALEX Yearbook Reporting is now open, and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has begun collecting 2025 congregational data.


The annual Yearbook is an important way we share information about our organizational life and care for one another across the church.


To submit your Yearbook data, you will need to sign in to your Alex account as the Yearbook Reporter for your congregation. If you have not yet created an Alex account, please click here for step-by-step instructions on how to sign in.


If you prefer for the Regional Office to enter the data on your behalf, please complete the Yearbook Form and return it by mail to:


2803 East Kiehl Avenue

Sherwood, AR 72120


You may also call the Regional Office, and we will be happy to enter the information for you over the phone. Our number is 501-562-6053.

Snoasis 2026


Your Youth Commission is excited to announce the opening of registration for Snoasis. We will gather at Camp Couchdale on February 20th at 9:00 PM to kick off our weekend. Parents can register their youth by going to https://grrdisciples.regfox.com/snoasis-2026. Please register by midnight of February 8th for the EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT. Prices will increase by $25 on February 9th. Payment arrangements may be made with your local congregation's youth group. We will have Managerrie Winston from Disciples Home Mission as our Keynote Speaker.

Prayers for all who will participate are greatly appreciated. 

Congregations in Search & Call

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



  • Grace Point Christian Fellowship, Lake Charles, LA
  • 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.

AROUND THE REGION

Clergy Fellowship Opportunities

  • Northwest Arkansas Clergy - Every 3rd Wednesday
  • Central Arkansas Clergy - January 26 at 11:30 AM -

Heights Taco & Tamale Co. - 5805 Kavanaugh Blvd, Little Rock, AR 72207

RESOURCES

NBA is now accepting Incubate Partner applications! Incubate Partners are Disciples-related health and social service organizations that enter into a multi-year partnership providing a specialized menu of resources and support from NBA's Social Entrepreneurship team. Applications will be accepted through January 15, 2026.

Remind & Renew

Jan. 14–15, 2026

Phillips Theological Seminary

Join us for our annual Remind & Renew event as we explore what it means to create truly welcoming and accessible faith communities.


This multi-day event features inspiring lectures, panel discussions, worship, meals, and a thought-provoking art exhibition, all designed to remind us of our calling and renew our commitment to hospitality for all people.

Brite Divinity School

Ministry Week 2026 - Incarnating Love

February 9-11, 2026

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.

Scholarships for

Seminary Students


SAVE THE DATE! Disciples Home Missions (DHM) awards up to $2,000 in financial scholarships to qualified seminary students preparing for ministry in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).


The application period begins on January 2 and ends on March 15, 2026, for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Click the link below to view additional information and application forms.

SAVE THE DATES


  • 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
  • Mission Trip - May 31-June 6, 2026
  • Camp Magnolia - June 22-27, 2026
  • Regional Assembly - November 6-8, 2026

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