Sons & Fathers Retreat Oct. 11-13

The Sons & Fathers Retreat begins a week from Friday at Shannondale in Salem, MO and there is still space available. This is a wonderful opportunity for sons and fathers of all ages to have a special experience of spirituality and bonging together, in the beauty of God's creation. The fee for the weekend is $190 per pair but scholarships are available. Contact Regional Minister Paul Koch with questions. Learn more and register here>

Rev. Alan Bailey Installed

Congratulations to the Rev. Alan Bailey upon his installation as pastor of Community Christian Church in Jefferson City this past Sunday. The Open Circle extends extravagant welcome! He is pictured here (on right) with Regional Minister Paul Koch (left) who was honored to preach and worship with the congregation.

Fun Times in Mt. Vernon

On Saturday, September 21st, the Outreach Committee of First Christian Church in Mt. Vernon hosted a Foam Party for the community. There were lots of bubbles and foam along with food and blue drinks topped with whipped cream and a little rubber duck. Hot dogs, chips, and drinks were available for purchase to benefit the Youth Fund.

Then on Sunday, September 22nd, there was an Organ Dedication Concert. Hayden Vaughn was the featured organist. He demonstrated the different sounds of the organ from bagpipes to tubas. There were 57 in attendance at this astounding concert. Cookies and apple cider were served following the concert.

Diana Butler Bass in Springfield This Weekend!

If you haven't already, it's time to get registered to hear Diana Butler Bass lead conversations on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in America at Drury University. She will be speaking on Friday, October 4th beginning at 7:30 pm and Saturday, October 5th beginning at 9:30 am. The event was featured last week in the Springfield News-Leader. The program is free thanks to a number of sponsors. Learn more and register>

DM in Lathrop

Last week nineteen men gathered at FCC in Lathrop to discuss Disciples Men's Ministries. (One of the lucky attendees even became a grandfather while he was there!) Regional Minister Paul Koch (pictured) shared about how men's ministries can impact not just the church, but the individual, and referred to his book When the Gym is a Man's Church. The group will gather again in January with a different guest speaker.

Sabbatical Stories 10/3

On Thursday, October 3 (tomorrow), Rev. Dr. Jeff Moore will be presenting stories and photos from his recent Lilly Grant-supported sabbatical. He traveled over twenty-two countries on three continents on his motorcycle, visiting many ancient and biblical sites. Bring your own brown bag lunch begins at noon at Webster Groves CC. Drinks and special Italian and Greek desserts will be provided. Also streaming on Zoom. Learn more>

Learn about Project 2025

NAACP Partners with Missouri Faith Voices and Concerned Clergy Statewide for "Project 2025: What it Means to You".

All are invited to join this discussion on October 10 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in Jefferson City's Lincoln University Martin Luther King Hall – Pawley Theater. Lean more>

WoC Helene Response

Here is the plea from Week of Compassion as they help as much as they can those impacted by Helene.

Be part of the Hurricane Helene response -

*PRAY* for those impacted and all who respond.

*GIVE* to Week of Compassion, designating 'Hurricane 2024'.

*STAY* until plans are in place for you to safely volunteer in person.

Virtual volunteers are urgently needed right now through our partner Crisis CleanUp. Help respond to survivor help lines, serving from home, with simple training and phone/computer access. Contact volunteer@weekofcompassion.org.

We remain grateful for our Disciples community and hold those impacted and those responding close in our prayers.