Gratitude and Connections

Rev. Josh Patty

Regional Minister & President

In this Month of Ministry, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve with you and grateful for the ways that you each serve in Jesus’ name. This month we’ve had a wonderful Regional Gathering, with an inspiring sermon from Alexander Campbell (via John Bolen), good conversation, and celebration of how our Disciples history and identity shapes our faith practices and ministries today.

Many of us know how isolating ministry can be – this year’s Ministers Institute focused on loneliness and belonging. Looking ahead, we are considering the best ways to support clergy. Ministers in some geographic clusters meet regularly; others do not. Our region hosts a couple of clergy book studies each year, as well as the Ministers Institute.

This year’s standing renewal application will include a required question for the type of collegial support you would appreciate. I hope you’ll provide honest feedback on the types of clergy groups you would engage with (onsite/online; program-focused; serving in similar contexts; frequency of meetings; etc.).

As part of this, we will offer a clergy Epiphany Retreat January 4-6 at the Christian Conference Center. Registration details, including cost will be shared in November, but know that this will be a lightly programmed time of encouragement, sharing, rest, and reflection at the start of the new year. If this can strengthen you and/or your ministry, please protect those days and plan to participate.

Speaking of standing, annual renewal applications will be shared around Thanksgiving. Now is an excellent time to complete your required continuing education, including at least 25% anti-racism/pro-reconciliation experiences. Details here, including ideas of how to complete the requirement.

Christmas Cookie Outreach

Here’s a fun idea for community engagement during the holiday season, sharing cookies in your neighborhood.