Regional Minister Ron Routledge Announces Retirement

Dear Mid-America Disciples,              

Sensitive to the leading of Holy Spirit, I am retiring from my position as Regional Minister and President of CCMA effective January 31, 2025. These past six years have been the most enjoyable of my ministry spanning 30 years. I have told many that through Regional Ministry I have found my ‘sweet spot’ and for that I’m most grateful. What a blessed privilege it has been to work with an excellent Staff and Board and many excellent Commissioned and Ordained Ministers. Such collegiality renews my faith in the future of the Church, which I believe is bright! As you probably are aware, The Code of Ministerial Ethics Covenant requires that upon retirement I will not participate in any regional ministries in Mid-America. Over the next 90 days, I will continue in my role and work to help with a smooth transition however the Board decides to move forward. Thank you for the privilege of serving Jesus with you in this sacred trust. With deep gratitude and thanksgiving,

Rev. Ron Routledge

Show Down, Hoedown, Chow Down

FCC in Maryville celebrated it’s second annual Show Down, Hoedown, Chow Down event on 10/6 with a “bring your best (or worst!) chili” contest and a talent show with a variety of acts from ukulele playing to jokes to dancing, piano and violin playing, and a storyteller. One special act celebrated the 33rd wedding anniversary of Pat and Terry Immel, long-time members of FCC and part of the tech team (pictured).

The winner for the chili contest was Chili #5 Vegan Chili and a total of $121.38 was raised for for the continued building revitalization program.

Thank you to everyone who cooked, cleaned, shared your talent or worked behind the scenes! And special thanks to the audience. If you missed the opportunity to participate this year, either to throw down your best chili recipe or to show off your talent, be sure to be on the look out for the 3rd Annual Show Down next year. See you then!

Commissioning of Stephanie Himmel November 10

All are invited to come celebrate and affirm Stephanie Himmel’s commissioning in a special service on Sunday, November 10 at 4 pm at First Christian Church in Hannibal. A reception with meal will follow. Congratulations!

On that same day, Rev. Sharae Kelley will be installed at First Christian Church in Fayette during their morning 10:15 service. Best to both pastors and congregations!

Ekklesia Annual Dinner

Friends, supporters, and students celebrated Ekklesia and its Deep & Wide campus ministry at their 24th annual dinner and fund raising event last week in Springfield. Several Disciples were present, including Campus Minister Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman (pictured). Find a recording of the program here>

An Election Prayer

God, we come to you in the final days of this election season from a multitude of perspectives. Some of us are confident and working diligently for the candidates we support. Some of us are confused about various issues and who or what to believe. Some are excited and hopeful about what the future may hold based on the outcomes. Some are fearful of what may transpire post-election. Some just want the whole process to be over.

Please help us all to cling to you throughout. We ask that the remaining public events and polling locations be safe. We ask that all voters treat each other and election officials as they would like to be treated. We ask that the results be calculated correctly, communicated accurately, and accepted peacefully. We ask that the elected leaders fulfil their duties with integrity, transparency, and equity. We ask these things as we trust and hope in your unfailing love for all of us.

Amen.

Baby Dolls for Seniors

Last Sunday Faith Christian Church showered the Disciple's Women's Outreach Ministry with a wagon full of babies. Inspired by FCC Harrisonville's Patricia Project shared at a Disciples Women function in Warrensburg earlier this year. Faith's congregation provided 15 baby dolls, blankets, and outfits to support their local nursing home, Colonial Springs. This was such an outpouring of love for such a worthwhile service. Thank you, Faith.

How to Get to Joy

Sometimes sadness and grief can overtake the joy of the holiday season. The bustle and craziness of preparations turn into a feeling of just going through the motions in order to survive. Naming the sadness and loneliness and finding ways to honor it can bring joy back to life. Ideas for how to find joy in sadness will be shared and invited. Join us Wednesday, November 20 at 11:00 am.

This free webinar is brought to us by NBA Older Adult Ministries. Learn more and register here>