Update September 24, 2025

News Events Resources Groups Congregations About

Upcoming Events

September

24 - Applications due for NBA's Mission & Ministry grants

27 - Disciples Women Gathering, 9am, via Zoom

28 - Reconciliation Special Offering

29- ARPRJM book study, 7pm, online

October

1 - Capturing Life Stories webinar, 11am, online

1 - The Power of Proximity for Social Impact webinar, 2pm, online

5 - Reconciliation Special Offering

8 - Connecting Disciples with RMN, 10am-2pm, Sikeston

Prayer Requests

Please join us in praying for the family of retired Rev. Albert "Al" Graves who passed away recently. Al served at the Christian Board of Education, helped create the Chalice Hymnal, and played the piano at Memorial Blvd. CC in St. Louis for over thirty years.

Please hold in prayer the family of retired Rev. Clement "Clem" Graham who passed away on the 16th. He had served First Christian church in Neosho. Memorials can be directed to Phillips Theological Seminary or any church or school music program.

Don't Miss Capturing Life Stories Next Wednesday

Mental Health First Aid Training October 18

Rev. Edvonia Scott is offering a Mental Health First Aid course which is open to all. Particularly important for first responders, hospital staff, and employers, this information can benefit all caring individuals. It will take place at Union Avenue CC in St. Louis and the agenda includes applying the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan. Registration due by October 1. Learn more here>

FCC Maryville Becomes Green Chalice Church

First Christian Church in Maryville is now a Green Chalice Church! They recently received the designation from our Green Chalice Ministry through Disciples Home Missions.

One of their qualifying projects was the creation of a garden. Twenty-four people joined to help install thirty-one sustainable plants on the east side of the church building on Buchanan Street. In addition to putting in the new plants, four healthy plants were moved to the north side of the building.

Groups who participated in the event were FCC members and family, Girl Scout Troop 5720, Girl Scout Troop 4220, Northwest Horticulturist Club, and the Nodaway Chorale. These and several other groups have agreed to help maintain the plants into 2026. Read more>

Farewell, Rebekah

For more than three years, Rebekah Routledge has faithfully served as our Ministry Associate in the Springfield Office. Rebekah has been the primary support member for clergy and congregations in the western part of our region and has worked tirelessly with ministers seeking commissioning and ordination. She is the rudder for ministers, the Ministry Discernment Team, and the Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry - keeping us all on the straight and narrow! She brings with every engagement a spirit of joy and welcome and a servant's heart, full of love and cheer; and we will deeply miss her as leaves to pursue other opportunities.

Her last day with our region will be Wednesday October 8. Please join us all in thanking Rebekah and wishing her well on the next part of her journey by sending well-wishes to sgf@ccmadisciples.org or Rebekah Routledge, Ministry Associate 900 North Benton Ave. Bay Hall Room 126, Springfield, MO 65802.

Rural Ministry Network Events

Last Saturday our Rural Ministry Network of the Heartland met with twenty folks from two Disciples Regions at the lovely Gower Christian Church. Associate Regional Minister Rev. Jennifer Long is pictured addressing the group.

Their next gathering is on Wednesday, October 8 at FCC in Sikeston. The focus is on staying connected and nurturing congregations. The event is free and lunch is included. Learn more and register here>

Rev. Walter Wellborn Installed at Fredericktown CC

Rev. Walter Wellborn (pictured on right) was installed as pastor of Fredericktown CC this past Sunday. Associate Regional Minister Rev. David Woodard (left) was present for the celebration. Congratulations to both pastor and congregation!

FCC California Celebrates 175 Years

This past Sunday First Christian Church in California had a special service to celebrate their 175 years of ministry. Regional Minister Rev. Dr. Paul Koch was present for the event. Many photos were on hand to document their years of activity.

From the Wider Church

This coming week's Global Ministries prayer request is for Indonesia.

This week's College of Regional Ministers prayer request is for

the Reconciliation Ministry Special Offering.

September 28 & October 5

For more than 40 years, Disciples have had a visible ministry to address racism in society. Gifts to Reconciliation Ministry, through its offering or throughout the year, support programs and initiatives aimed at dismantling racism. Reconciliation Ministry is not supported by Disciples Mission Fund. Learn more>

There's a lot happening at the Center for Ministry and Lay Training at Phillips Theological Seminary these days!

Rev. Teresa Spear, who is very active with our Rural Ministry Network, is now working with the CMLT to help support students as they navigate through the certificate program and help ensure that continuing education offerings run smoothly as students continue their ministry journey.

They are also offering a new Continuing Education Learning Series!

Center for Lived Faith & Organizing

is presenting three seminars this fall.

As a partner supporter, Mid-America has free seats available for each.

Narratives & Storytelling in Faith Organizing

Saturday, September 27

Organizing Directly Impacted Communities

Friday, October 10

White Moral Injury: Organizing White People in the Face of Christian Fascism

Friday, November 21

All can be attended either in person in St. Louis or online.

Learn more here>

As your congregation gets its facilities ready for fall, make sure that they don't let in the cold. If they do, they could be leaking heat, costing you money, and increasing your carbon emissions.

Improve operations that contribute to a more energy-efficient place of worship with Disciples Church Extension Fund’s renovation loans. Receive up to $150,000 to:

- upgrade heaters

- replace or repair inefficient windows

- insulate or weatherproof your sanctuary, fellowship hall, and more

To learn how you can "go green,” contact your regional Building and Capital Services Advisor Jim Michel.