News Update for Mid-America Disciples

Update August 20, 2025

News Events Resources Groups Congregations About

View as Webpage

There will be no newsletter published next week.

Upcoming Events

September

8- ARPRJM book study, 7pm, online

15- ARPRJM book study, 7pm, online

20- ARPRJM training, 10am, in St. Louis or online

22- ARPRJM book study, 7pm, online

29- ARPRJM book study, 7pm, online

Opportunities

Green loans available through Church Extension.
Disciples New Church Ministry's Leadership Academy now available as asynchronous course.

Job Opportunities

The Mid-America Region is seeking a pastor/developer in the southwest portion of the region. Find the position information here>

Isaiah 58 Ministries is seeking a part-time, detail-oriented and organized Office Manager to support the daily operations of their ministry. For more information, visit their website or contact their Executive Director Rev. Brenda Booth at 314-776-1410.

Searching for a career that empowers congregations? If so, then join Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF)! It is looking to fill two positions:

President and CEO – Reviews the ministry’s vision, mission, priorities, and strategic plan. The successful candidate will be authentic, courageous, innovative, and curious. Applications due October 1.
Contract Assessors and Facilitator-Coaches - DCEF invites experienced clergy and lay leaders to collaborate with New Beginnings team. To support faith communities, it offers a process of conversations that results in a Future Story — a map for sustainability and relevance. Applications due August 29.

Grief Seminar Recap

Last Thursday The Art of Spiritual Care Surrounding Death & Grief workshop was held at Boone Hospital in Columbia. We are grateful to our speaker Rev. Bob Green, organizer Rev. Dr. Kim Leon, and all who participated.

One enthusiastic attendee shared that the three main takeaways for him were focusing on listening more than speaking, the strategies of reacting to death, and the phases of grief. He went on to say, "Good continuing education enlightens, challenges, and builds community. This seminar did all three. I'm glad that I attended."

September Anti-Racism Events

There will be an ARPRJM training event on Saturday, September 20th from 10am to 4pm. It will be an introductory level session and can be attended either in person at Webster Groves Christian Church in St. Louis or virtually. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN>

There will also be a four-session online book study on Monday evenings. Our ARPRJM team will host Zoom gatherings from 7:00 to 8:00 on September 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th. They will be discussing Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism. All are welcome. Find more information, including an RSVP form and the Zoom link, here>

Season of Creation 2025

Thanks to Global Ministries and the World Council of Churches, we have access to the Pacific Conference of Churches' Season of Creation 2025 Bible Studies. Beginning September 1, the five-week series encourages participant reflection on the relationship between faith, the environment, and Pacific ways of life. Learn more here>

Mission & Ministry Grants

The summer cycle for National Benevolent Association's Mission & Ministry grants is now open. Applications must be received by September 24. Learn more and apply 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.

From the Wider Church

Green Chalice Webinar:

Extreme Heat - Community Need/Faithful Responses

September 3, 1pm

Led by Rev. Katie Sexton, Executive Director of Arizona Faith Network, this timely webinar addresses one of our most pressing climate challenges and provides practical guidance for congregational response.

Oreon E. Scott Clergy Conference

September 16-19, 2025

This retreat at Christmount, North Carolina, focuses on "Resilience and Restoration in the Mountains" and brings together renowned speakers including Rev. Dr. Heber M. Brown III, Rev. Carol Devine, Rev. Dr. Dara Cobb Lewis, and Luke Cannon. Registration is currently open to Disciples clergy with sliding scale options and scholarships available. Registration for a wider audience of ecumenical clergy will be open on August 1.

Learn more & register here>