CROP Season

We believe in ending hunger. This is the simple idea behind Church World Service's CROP Hunger Walk, a movement that has touched countless lives over the last 55 years. Truly remarkable this year is that Don Harter of Broadway CC in Columbia participated in the unique Cross Missouri CROP Hike and Bike event. Over two weeks' time he biked 310 miles and walked 150 miles, participating in the Columbia, St. Louis, and Kansas City walks. At the walks he was joined by members of Olivet, Rock Bridge, & 5th St. CCs (Columbia), Webster Groves CC (St. Louis), and ended at Country Club CC in KC (pictured). His goal was to raise $3,600, enough to provide wells in two different villages in Cambodia, and he's very nearly there! Read more about his adventure and help him reach this heroic goal>

Pathways to Wholeness

Join a group of fellow travelers on a pathway to wholeness this fall. This Circle of Trust retreat, open to everyone, is an opportunity for deep listening, exploration, and connection with one’s own inner teacher. Take a moment, just before the busyness of the holiday season to breathe deeply and to head into your next season with intention and hope. Taking place in St. Louis November 21-23, this event has both residential and commuter registration options. It will be led by Mid-America's Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman and Winston Boyd, UCC pastor out of MN. Registration due by Oct. 31. Learn more>

Why I Love the Church

I love the Church because it strives to see the marginalized and bridge the gaps that divide. The Woodhaven ministry in Columbia began in 1961 and serves people with developmental disabilities. Embracing all abilities, they believe that everyone has the ability to add value and make an impact in their community and the lives of others, that everyone deserves to live with dignity and independence in a home anyone would be proud to call their own. Last week they published an educational piece on neurodivergence. The more you know, the more you can help!

Susan Moore, Ministry Associate

Tell us why you love the Church!

Banners Available

Affton Christian Church has a variety of banners available to anyone who could use them. See photos on their Facebook page. Contact the church for more information.

Webinar Recording Available

On October 2 Older Adult Ministries Coordinator Jan Aerie hosted an NBA webinar on Older Adult Ministries Models that Work. Speakers shared about their creative and successful programs that can serve as guides and inspiration for your setting. See the recording here>

WoC Hard at Work

As Hurricane Milton follows Helene, Week of Compassion is helping as much as they can and they need all of us to:

*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.

They also published a story this week noting the one year mark since violence erupted, and WoC's support began, in the Middle East. Read it here>

Week of Ministry

This year, as we focus on truly understanding what it means to find well-being, we are offering pastors a chance to be prayed with and for, a chance to focus on their mental health, and a chance to improve their financial wellness. All-encompassing wellness is hard to accomplish on your own, and it is our hope that we can offer support and guidance on your journey during Week of Ministry. Throughout the week of October 6 - 12, we will be offering some tangible ways that you can begin focusing on your wellness as well as a chance for our pastors to take a wellness pledge. Learn more from Pension Fund>