July 30 - Currents

July 30, 2026

FEATURED ARTICLE

Every Day – A New Beginning!

Dr. Nearline Anderson, Associate Regional Minister - MS

Friends, Family, Best Friends Forever! Each of these had to begin somewhere. We never know how or when they may develop, but the blessing of it all is that each of them, with the Lord's help, has blessed effects that linger for a lifetime. This past week, on Tuesday, I had a visit from an unexpected tourist, if we can call it that. A Regional Elder friend reached out to me the week prior to let me know she was coming through the MS Delta on her way to the Mississippi Christian Missionary Convention's Healthy Boundaries Pre-Event Training taking place on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. That Regional Elder friend I got a chance to meet as a more personal acquaintance is Laura DeMann. I say that because, for those who may not be aware, each month the Great River Region's Regional Elder ministers meet to pray for our various Disciples ministers and their families as well as churches in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Laura and I are on that wonderful team! That team has helped me experience a more fulfilling life as a disciple of Christ. I appreciate Laura for reaching out to me to let me know she was cruising through. We had a tasty lunch with the best waitress in the world, and we had great conversation! We look forward to another time when we can hit "repeat" to do it all again!

I can better understand the words of Paul from Philippians 1:3-8 (NKJV) when he says…

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

AROUND THE REGION

Mississippi Christian Missionary Convention

Office staff from the Great River Region had the opportunity to attend this year's Mississippi Christian Missionary Convention (MCMC), held July 23–25. It was a wonderful weekend of worship, learning, fellowship, and reconnecting with friends from around the region.

The convention theme, "Stronger Together: United in Faith and Purpose," was evident throughout the weekend. From inspiring sermons and worship to helpful training sessions and time spent together, the convention reminded us of the strength we find in serving alongside one another.

A special thank you to Rev. Dr. Rena Baker and the congregation of East Percy Street Christian Church for their warm hospitality. We are grateful for the welcome we received and for the opportunity to be part of this year's convention.

Website Update

We are currently updating the Great River Region website to improve its organization and make information easier to find. Thank you for your patience during this process. If you have any questions, notice any issues, or have suggestions, please contact the Regional Office by phone or email.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

DW Fall Retreat

Be sure to register today. You can register and send your payment to the regional office. The last day to cancel a registration will be August 10. Grab your women friends and have them join you for a weekend full of worship, fellowship, and renewal as we look forward to seeing how God will use women to create future milestones of power in justice and faith.

Click here to register

SAVE THE DATE

Fall Fandango

Date: November 6-8, 2026

Location: Camp Couchdale, 301 Catherine Park Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913

FCC Harrison -

Part-Time Youth Director

Needed: A part-time Youth Director and full-time member of our family at First Christian Church in Harrison, Arkansas. We are 150 years strong! Contact the First Christian Church office if interested at 870-741-5757.

Click here to learn more

General Assembly Survey 2026

General Assembly was held July 10–11, bringing Disciples together for worship, learning, fellowship, and the business of the church. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the gathering meaningful.

If you registered for General Assembly, you should have received a feedback survey by email. If you haven't already, please take a few minutes to complete it. Your feedback is important and will help as plans are made for future General Assemblies.

Celebrations and Prayer Concerns

Celebrations:

Congratulations to Rev. Sara Rudolph-Pollard on becoming a commissioned notary public! We celebrate this accomplishment and wish her all the best.

Let us hold in prayer:

Please remember Rev. Ellis Robinson and his family in your prayers as they mourn the tragic loss of his grandson. May they find comfort and peace in God's love and in the care of those around them.

Congregations in Search & Call

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 - August 19 at 12:00 PM - Chuy’s, 4889 W. Pauline Whitaker Parkway, Rogers, AR 72758
Central Arkansas Clergy - Every 4th Monday - TBD

RESOURCES

New Ministry Hands and Feet: Connect with Your Advisor Today

Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF)’s Building and Capital Services Advisors are the hands and feet of its ministry. Not only do they provide congregations with financial support and planning services, but they also partner with them in challenging times. For DCEF, a strong Advisor team means it's better prepared to help. So, it is pleased to announce that Minister Rick Branch Jr. is your new Advisor. Read more

First Tuesday Podcast

Take a listen! A new episode of the First Tuesday Podcast, founded by Rev. DC Sills, is now available. In Episode 4, April and DC talk with Lyndon Marcotte about why we stay where we are morally injured.

Click here to listen