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In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Events

 

February 7 CEA JYF Winter Fun at Brook Hollow CC

 

February 9 Healthy Boundaries for Clergy Training University Christian Church in Ft. Worth

 

February 9-12 - Brite Divinity School Ministers Week  

 

February 13-14 TRA Elementary Retreat FCC Las Cruces & White Sands National Park. Christ & Creation.

 

February 14 - Creating a Culture of Generosity, Bruce Barkhauer - Abilene

 

Feb. 20-22 HPTRA Mid Winter Retreat. Ceta Canyon. Hunger is Not a Game. HPTRA Chi Rho & CYF (6th to 12th) and HPA JYF (3rd to 5th) grade.                      

February 28 -  Reflections of Disciples History and Polity in Church Today,  John Imbler - Albuquerque

 

Feb 27-March 1 CCSW Disciples Women's Ministry Leadership Conference Azle, TX

 

Where in the West is Charlotte? 
To see where Charlotte is traveling over the next few months, see our calendar page

Calendar
The mission west calendar is being added to daily.  Please email if you would like your event added to this calendar. Calendar

February 3, 2015

Did you know you can include much of this information in your churches newsletter too?  If you need images or additional information, please let Karakay know and she would be glad to send you whatever you need. Mission West relies on you, the pastors and congregational leaders to help us spread the word of the ministry we are doing together.  Thank you for your continued support of this cooperative ministry in all three areas.  

We hope you enjoy this month's news!
Healthy Boundaries for Clergy Training 

Healthy Boundaries for Clergy 

Training Across Texas

  • Monday, February 9, 2015 at University Christian Church in Ft. Worth
  • Saturday, April 11 at Memorial Drive Christian Church in Houston
  • Saturday, August 22 at Westmont Christian Church in Lubbock


 
All ordained and commissioned ministers and ordination candidates in the Southwest Region need to complete the Healthy Boundaries for Clergy training.  

 

It is also recommended that those who had a CCSW Clergy Sexual Misconduct/Boundaries Training 5 years ago or earlier take this course.

If you have not taken this training yet, there are three opportunities to take it.  


 
It will be offered Monday, February 9, from 10 am to 4 pm, at University Christian Church before the Ministers Week activities begin later that day. Registration is available online or by completing a PDF and sending in with payment. Cost of $50 includes meal and a workbook. Contact the Southwest Region office at 817-926-4687 or ccsw@ccsw.org if you have any questions. 

 

You may also take this class on Saturday, April 11 at Memorial Drive Christian Church in Houston. Register by emailing or calling the CPA office by telephone at 713.789.8822 or email them at cpa@cpadisciples.org 

 

You can also register for the class on Saturday, August 22 from 9 am to 3pm at Westmont Christian Church (4808 Utica Ave, Lubbock, TX 79414) by calling the Mission West office at 806.358.9590, emailing to missionwest@ccsw.org or registering online.  This course is $75 and theSeminar covers the fundamental principles of healthy boundaries in pastoral and teaching relationships:
  • To increase awareness of the need for healthy boundaries in the clergy-congregant or teacher-student relationship
  • To provide clergy and spiritual teachers with guidelines for appropriate boundaries and self-care strategies
  • To illustrate the impact of appropriate vs. inappropriate boundaries in promoting effective ministry
Youth & Young Adult News
Don't Miss these youth and young adult events.  You can download letters, roster registration, and registration forms in the youth section of our website. 
  • Feb. 7th CEA JYF Winter Fun at Brook Hollow Christian Church.-- Cancelled due to lack of registrations.
  • Feb. 13-14, 2015
    ,
    TRA Elementary Retreat  "Christ and Creation",  FCC Las Cruces, NM & White Sands National Park.  Grades 1st to 5th Parents, Grandparents, and Families Welcome. $20 per person. 


 

  • Feb. 20-22nd HPTRA Mid Winter for Chi Rho (Grades 6th to 8th) & CYF (Grades 9th to 12th) and HPA JYF (Grades 3rd to 5th). Taking place at Ceta Canyon.  Hunger is Not A Game. $130 per person.  The registration deadline was Friday, January 30th.  We are combing this retreat with a food drive to join the theme of the Hunger Games to a mission opportunity. You can do this in conjunction with the Souper Bowl of Caring.  Be on the look out for a letter arriving this week to your congregations.  

 


  • April 10-12 CEA Spring Rally. 3rd to 5th Grade, 6th to 8th Grade, and 9th to 12th Grade. $90 per person. 

Dear Central Area Churches,

We are excited about our upcoming Spring Rally, April 10-12, for JYF, Chi Rho and CYF.  However, there is some important information that we would like to bring to your attention.  With a recent transition in leadership and a scheduling conflict at LBCR the original rally date is no longer available for Central Area.  After many hours of looking at other dates, we have decided that the best option at this time is to change venues.  This will be a onetime occurrence.  We feel confident with the new leadership at LBCR and an ongoing working relationship we will be able to prevent this type of scheduling conflict in the future.

 

 

Spring Rally will be held the weekend of April 10-12 at Circle Six Ranch in Stanton, TX. You can find more information about this campground at www.circle6ranch.org. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the change of location you may contact KaraKay Kovaly (Mission West Associate Minister) or T.J. York (Central Area Youth Council Chair).

 

We are looking forward to being your partner in children and youth programs through outdoor ministries.

 

Rev. Karakay S. Kovaly
AAYM of Mission West of CCSW
Associate Area Minister for 
Mission West
 
Hi Plains Area & Tres Rios Area & Central Area
of the 
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)  
in the 
Southwest 
806-440-1791 cell
 
kkovaly@ccsw.org
 
 www.missionwestccsw.org 

 

and 


 

Rev T.J. York

First Christian Church

Associate Minister

Office: 432-682-2541

Fax: 432-686-1676

Email: tjyork@fccmidland.org

  • April 18 CYF Day at TCU in conjunction with a good baseball game,  where at least according to the pre-season rankings,  the TCU team is among the top teams in the US.                           
    More info will follow as it comes in. Please let Karakay know if you receive any updates as well.

 

Disciple Summer Mission-Time to send in your RSVP forms
Nashville is full, but there is still time to send in your RSVP for Albuquerque

The buzz around the Disciple Summer Mission trip continues and we wanted to let you know that the Nashville trip is full, but there is still time to RSVP for Albuquerque.  Each site is only accepting 250 people.  You can send in your RSVP form and then send in your down payment of $75 per person by March 1st. 

Visit their web site at:  http://www.disciplesummermission.com

There will be a pre-trip meeting in Albuquerque on Monday, February 16th at 6:30 pm at Monte Vista downstairs with local leaders to work together to make this trip a success.  Please join us if you are available.
Creating a Culture of Generosity In Your Congregation

This seminar is specifically designed and priced for congregational groups to attend together. 


 

Print the flyer out now and share with your congregation.

 

Explore the biblical and theological understandings that define stewardship as a spiritual discipline.  Learn specific tools to help your church grow in generosity and how to develop year-round programming that keeps a holistic view of stewardship as a part of your congregational life.  Electronic giving, narrative budgets, generational issues in generosity, use of social media, and effective financial policies will be featured as a part of this workshop.

 

Bruce A. Barkhauer was called as the first "Minister for Faith and Giving for Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada" in 2010.  For twenty-five years he has led congregations in Ohio and Indiana in achieving high levels of financial support for local and global missions and he now shares his experience across the life of the whole church.

 

Feb 14 - Abilene - FCC

1420 N Third St.

Abilene, TX  79601


 

August 8- Amarillo - Chalice Abbey

2717 Stanley St., Ste. A,  

Amarillo, TX 79109

Living the Vision
Living the Vision

See the above video "Living the Vision" for inspiration.
 

The Creating a Culture of Generosity events are specifically designed and priced for congregation groups to attend together.  The first registration costs $75.  Each participant from the same congregation after that, will pay $15.

Central Area Women's Retreat

Mark your calendars now for the 2015 Central Area Women's Retreat at Lake Brownwood Christian Retreat on April 17-19, 2015.  

 

It promises to be another amazing weekend with plenty of opportunity for rest, fellowship, spiritual renewal, worship and, of course, laughter.

 

The theme for this year's retreat is "Caution: Women at Work".  The scripture reference for the weekend is Philippians 2:13 - "...for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." 

 

We are excited and honored to have Dr. Rev. Dawn Darwin Weaks as our keynoter.

  

Join us for a weekend of discovery and spiritual renewal. $95 Early Registration Discount before March 15, 2015.  $110 Registration Fee after March 15, 2015. Saturday Only:  $65 Early Registration Discount before March 15, 2015.  $75 Registration fee after March 15, 2015. 


 

You can view more detailed information at their website: http://www.centralareawomensretreat.com/

 

We look forward to spending a rewarding weekend with you!  

 

Anita Beal
Central Area Women's Retreat
Committee Chairperson/Coordinator

 


CCSW DWM LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

"Lead the Way" 

Feb. 27, 28, & Mar. 1, 2015

AZLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, AZLE, TEXAS 

 

Download and print the flyer  to share with your congregations! 


 
Registration Deadline: Postmarked by Friday, Feb. 20, 2015.


Must reserve rooms by Feb. 5th for group rate of $100.57 including tax.

The Administrative Committee is planning  for Disciples Women's Leadership Gathering to be held February 27, 28 and March 1, 2015. This meeting is centered on information of the DWM programs, leadership training, sharing of best practices, fellowship and fun.

 

DWM will have a Hands on Mission Project: Food Hub Distribution at Azle Christian Church.

 

Come, hear new information from the Women's Council Meeting,  share what your area and church groups are doing. 

 

Mrs. Marilyn Calhoun will lead and interactive workshop on how to conduct a business meeting, including tips and guidelines for parliamentary procedures. 

 

WORKSHOPS for Consultants, Coordinators and how to start and maintain a DWM group. Guide and use of  JUST Women magazine!

 

Rev. Megan Ammann will bring the closing message. We will also attend Sunday service at Azle Christian Church. We pray you will join us!See the registration form and information flyer. Print, forward and share this information. 

 

Make plans to attend the DWM Regional Assembly June 26, 27 and 28, 2015  Y O Ranch Hotel  Kerrville, Texas.CCSW-DWM 

 

TEAMDisciples Women Administrative Team

Tera Brown-Daniels, President

Tasha York, President-ElectArea Representatives:

Jolie Johnson, Bluebonnet/Lower Rio Grande Valley Area

Maxine Curvey, Coastal Plains Area

Carol Blakely, Hi-Plains Area

Cheryl Smith, Northeast Area

Shannon Karr, North Texas Area

Diane Weger, Trinity-Brazos Area 

(Open), Central Area 

(Open), Tres Rios AreaRegional Constituency:

Sally Green, President, Texas Christian Missionary Fellowship

Maria Elena Martinez, President, Hispanic Convenci�n

 

View the DWM portion of the Mission West website or the Southwest Region's website.

 

Registration Deadline: Postmarked by Friday, Feb. 20, 2015.


Must reserve rooms by Feb. 5th for group rate of $100.57 including tax.

 


XO Marriage Conference Simulcast at Pampa FCC
FIRST CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN PAMPA will be a host site for this simulcast event.  Register online for $20 a couple.  You are free to share this invitation with others ... we have about 300 seating capacity in our sanctuary.  Join us!

Blessings, Jeff Knighton

February 13-14, 2015 LIVE @ Gateway Church in Southlake, TX & 
Host Sites Around the World

Join marriage experts Jimmy & Karen Evans this Valentine's Day Weekend for a special time of marriage-enrichment and romance. This two-day event will feature brand new sessions from Jimmy Evans, a Marriage Q&A panel with Josh & Katie Hamilton, Sean & Catherine Lowe, and special guests Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman. Get an inside look at the lives of these couples - and learn what happened when they put Christ at the center of their marriage.


Has your congregation received it's yearbook postcard in the mail? 


Your Congregation's Year Book report is due by March 16 to maintain your tax exempt status - but it would be really helpful if it could be in by February 28. Begin this as soon as you have completed your year-end financial information and gathered some statistical membership information. If completing it online, the report can be updated until March 16 if you find that you need to make corrections. 

If you prefer to complete a paper copy, contact the Southwest Region office at 817-926-4687 or ccsw@ccsw.org to request either a hard copy mailed or a PDF emailed to you.
 
On this postcard's label with your congregation's address are two numbers at the top. The one on the left is your Church PIN that doesn't change from year to year. The one on the right is your Serial Number for 2015 so that you can log into the report form online to complete the form. Go to disciples.org/yearbook/ to find the link to the online form and begin your reporting, or  ccsw.org/information-and-links for more info.
 
As you complete this report, if you notice you are updating contact information, be sure to also report that to your Area office, too.  You can email us at missionwest@ccsw.org.
 
LET THE REGIONAL OFFICE KNOW TODAY YOUR CONGREGATION HAS RECEIVED THIS CARD! Please email ccsw@ccsw.org right away with 2015 YEAR BOOK in the subject line, and the name of your congregation and its PIN in the body of the message, or call 817-926-4687 right away to let us know you've received this card. Thanks!

New Abuse Reporting Requirements
Expanding Abuse Reporting Requirements:Texas, South Carolina, Colorado, and National Trends
Periodically, the attorneys at MinistrySafe and Abuse Prevention Systems (APS) evaluate changes and trends in law related to abuse reporting requirements and standards of care in children's programs. This analysis allows organizational leaders to better understand and prepare for changes in the law and evolving standards of care. The Abuse Reporting Requirements article (and other writings) may be accessed here, on the MinistrySafe blog: Expanding Abuse Reporting Requirements. 

Changes in the Law
The most significant change in reporting requirements (seen in Texas, South Carolina and Colorado) requires a possible report if an adult learns that another adult was a victim of abuse or neglect as a child. Most adults serving in organizations providing services to children are familiar with reporting requirements related to abuse or neglect of a child. Reporting requirements related to adult reports of abuse or neglect (occurring as a child) creates new legal territory for many. In Texas, South Carolina and Colorado, a report is now required when an adult reports abuse or neglect as a child:
-when 'disclosure of the abuse is necessary to protect another child' (TX);
-if the alleged abuser holds a position of trust or authority related to children (CO); or
-'another child has been or may be abused' (SC).

Texas
 
Texas Family Code Section 261.101(b-1) provides: A person must make a report to the authorities when a person has cause to believe that an adult was a victim of abuse or neglect as a child and the person believes that disclosure of the abuse is necessary to protect another child.

 

Like most legislation designed to protect children, this code section is extremely broad. Two events seem to trigger a required report under this Texas code section:
(1) Adult One comes to believe that Adult Two was a victim of abuse or neglect; and
(2) Adult One believes that another child is at risk, and reporting is necessary to protect that child.

Though �261.101(b-1) creates the basis of a mandatory report, the construction of the new code is unclear concerning penalties associated with failure to report in this context.


Please see Ministry Safe's Blog:   Expanding Abuse Reporting Requirements. 
Prayer Request
praying.jpg
Please pray for our dear Jim Rousseau, who began hospice care on Sunday, Jan 25. Jim is a retired minister and member at West Mesa Christian Church in Albuquerque.

Your continued prayers are appreciated for John Givens, pastor of Community Christian Church in Lubbock.  He welcomes your calls at 806.775.8200, ask for room 314.

Dancing Standing Still: Healing the World From a Stance of Prayer
An Invitation to Study and Conversation
Richard Rohr's
"Dancing Standing Still: Healing the World From a Stance of Prayer"

 

In "Dancing Standing Still" Fr. Richard Rohr describes 
much of today's popular religion as a system that creates an alternative pious world without really challenging 
oppression, materialism, and sectarianism in our modern world. Indeed, Religion, without a contemplative stance is often part of the problem. Drawing from Jesus parable of the rich man, Rohr argues that 

religion can only rediscover itself as a transformational system if it overcomes its own temptation to power, wealth, and fundamentalism. A true contemplative stance crosses boundaries and is not concerned with who is in and who is out. It is not a worthiness competition. In fact, the accessibility of the contemplative awareness to all is the key to the Gospel message. The kingdom of heaven is hidden in plain sight.

 

The format involves a brief review of the evening's topic, followed by conversation and a worship experience led by Dr. Nossaman. Participants are expected to read each week's chapters prior the meeting.

 

Facilitators:  Dr. Neal Nossaman and Dr. Chuck Fisher

 

We meet on Mondays of February 23 and March 2, 9, and 16  from 7:00-8:30P.M. in the Parlor of the First Christian Church, 3001 Wolflin Ave.

 

The book is available through Amazon or Barnes and Noble.  The Chalice Abbey, 2717 Stanley Street, will also have copies for $15.   A syllabus will be available at the Abbey and the First Christian Church office.

 

Let us know you are coming by calling the office of the First Christian Church, 355-6526 or emailing: firstamarillo@sbcglobal.net  To prepare for the first class, read pages 1-27.

 

"Information is not the same as transformation.  Even good and correct thinking is always trapped inside my little mind, my particular culture, my form of education, my parental conditioning...That places all great mysteries inside my little world, and so we should rightfully be much more humble about our own opinions and thoughts. After all, how could the Infinite ever be fully or rightly received by the finite?"
Richard Rohr


Future Newsletter
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Churches seeking pastoral leadership
Pastor, Brook Hollow CC, Abilene TX

Pastor, FCC, Plainview TX

Associate Minister of Youth and Small Group Development
First Christian Church, Perryton, TX

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First Christian Church, Miami, TX

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Bethany Christian Church, El Paso, TX

Pastor
First Christian Church, Alamogordo, NM

Youth Minister
First Christian Church,
San Angelo, TX

Inquiries for more information should be directed to:
Lead Minister, Mission West
Tell us about your ministry
Please submit your ministry stories and experiences by the 25th of each month to be included in future newsletters. 
Office Email

Mission West | missionwest@ccsw.org | www.missionwestccsw.org
2717 Stanley St. Ste A
Amarillo, TX 79109