Congratulations, LeWanda!

During the Fulton City Council meeting in July, the Fulton Human Rights Commission presented its 2025 Jane Bierdeman-Fike Award to LeWanda Jackson. Winners are chosen based on their contributions to social or environmental justice, economic equality, community building, education, or embracing diversity. The award is named for Jane Bierdeman-Fike who was the Director of Psychiatric Social Work at Fulton State Hospital, and served on the National Association of Social Workers board of directors.

LeWanda is one of our Mid-America Region's African American Convocation Coordinators. Photo by Fulton Sun.

Threads of Joy 9/20

Our Rural Ministry Network is hosting another Threads of Joy session on Saturday, September 20 at Gower Christian Church. This gathering is intended to help stitch together rural and small churches. As Disciples, we are all at the same table and together we want to encourage, equip, and connect Disciples of Christ churches in Mid-America as we grow in Christ.

This is a free event and lunch will be provided. Learn more and register by September 18 here>

FCC Kirksville Celebrates 180 Years

On August 24 First Christian Church in Kirksville held a very special worship service to celebrate their 180 years of ministry. Our General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens attended and preached. She is pictured here with their pastor Rev. Timothy Polley (on left) and Regional Minister Rev. Dr. Paul Koch (on right). The service was recorded and is available to view here>

Webinar Wednesday! October 1

At 11:00am plan to join in Capturing Life Stories brought to us by NBA and our Older Adult Ministries. Co-leaders Jan Aerie and Rev. Maudine Wordlaw will discuss how individuals and congregations can draw out and share stories, to enrich church life and advance personal longevity.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Learn more and register here>

At 2:00 learn how a place of worship can move beyond activism into true community organizing. The Power of Proximity for Social Impact will explore the difference between organizing and activism, and why proximity has the power to transform both congregations and their neighborhoods. Mid-America's own Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker will be the guest speaker.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Learn more and register here>

CDS Volunteer Training

Week of Compassion partner Children's Disaster Services (CDS) is providing volunteer training for those who would like to learn how to provide trauma-sensitive, respite childcare for disaster survivors.

The training will begin at 4:30 on Friday, September 26 and end at 5:30 on Saturday, September 27, and will take place at Warrensburg First United Methodist Church. See flyer here>

Week of Compassion has a limited number of scholarships available to offset the registration fee for Disciples who are interested in being trained as CDS volunteers – email volunteer@weekofcompassion.org to request a scholarship.