Mission Together

Ministry Resources and Ideas for Church Leaders

July| 2022

Norwalk Christian Church Answers Community Need

Back in 2018, the Norwalk High School ELL teacher brought the lack of an adult ELL program in Norwalk to the attention of the Norwalk Ministerial Association. Members at Norwalk Christian Church responded to the need and started a program from scratch. Four years (and a pandemic) later, the program is thriving and now includes curriculum for both beginning and intermediate English speakers.

The purpose of NCC's English Language Learner program is "to give our refugee/immigrant community in Norwalk a sense of welcome and belonging." They also strive to "give them the language/reading tools they need to successfully raise a family, work, attend their children's school activities, and truly become a part of [the Norwalk] community." Their program has even led one student to become a US citizen!

While the congregation has raised funds to support this ministry themselves, a portion of the costs for the curriculum, supplies, and child care for attendees during class comes from a Reconciliation Grant from the region. The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest partners with local congregations to create and expand a wide variety of ministries. Applications are considered monthly at the Regional Operations Council meeting. Our hope is that all of our congregations will listen for the needs of their community as Norwalk Christian Church has and will bravely say "yes!" knowing that the region partners with and supports each faithful response to God's call!

Learn More about Regional Grants

Money for Missions

The National Benevolent Association's Mission and Ministry Grants program provides funding for projects serving older adults and educating youth and young adults. The grant application period will be from Aug. 9-Sept. 28, 2022. Start dreaming now about the ministries your congregation could accomplish with the NBA's support.

Learn More

Global Ministries Mission Dash 5K: Climate Justice

Join Global Ministries for a 5K for climate justice!

The theme for the Mission Dash 5K is climate justice. Creation care efforts by international partners evolve with each natural disaster and shift in weather patterns. Partners cope with the negative impacts of climate change by protecting and nurturing the natural world, preserving resources, and seeking to ensure food security.

You are encouraged to walk, roll, run, jog, or spiritually sprint wherever you are! You may choose to do the 5K with neighbors, friends, family, church, or on your own. The cost is $25 per person, and each registrant will receive a collapsible water bottle and magnet.

Check It Out Today!

Global Ministries Prayer Calendar

Please hold these missionaries and their mission sites in your prayers.

July 3 - Wally Burman, Costa Rice

July 10 –Miriam Chimhungwe, Botswana

July 17 –G. Lou, China

July 24 – Carlos Sediles, Mexico

July 31 - Erinn Miller, United Kingdom

Click here for weekly written prayers with an accompanying scripture verse for Global Ministries mission sites.

Regional Calendar of Events

June 1 Summer Camp Season Began!!

October 14-15

All Congregational Gathering of the Region

Global Mission Intern Applications Due June 15

The Global Mission Intern (GMI) program is an opportunity for young adults in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ to serve internationally with global partners for one to three years. Applications are due by June 15.

Learn More

Support Regional Ministries

We Want to Hear about Your Ministry

Is your church doing something new or creative? Are you finding a unique way to serve a need in your community? We want to hear about it and share your story with the rest of the church! Our goal is to share at least one new idea from a congregation each time we publish this newsletter.

Please send your story to Tiff Williams, Associate Regional Minister, and she will get in contact with you about your ministry. Sharing your church's story could spark a new idea in a sister congregation. As Disciples Together, we will be stronger in our ministry to the world when we share what God is doing through us in our communities.

Click to Email Tiff

Christian Church in the Upper Midwest | www.uppermidwestcc.org