WEEKLY UPDATE

September 9, 2024

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Disaster Response Update

As we prepare for hurricane Francine to make landfall in Louisiana on Wednesday, here are a few things to know. I have been meeting with Week of Compassion, LA-VOAD, and GOHSEP as plans are being made to care for anyone impacted by the storm. I will be reaching out and trying to follow up with everyone after the storm, but please let me know if you have any damage to your church building or if church members are in need of assistance as soon as possible. You can reach me at 479-633-7611, call or text, and by email at ronny@grrdisciples.org. If we all work together, we can get the help to those in need as quickly as possible.


The government is working to put things in place and prepare. You can access information on all the local shelters and feeding sites by calling 211. They will have the most up to date information on things in your area. We will be looking for volunteers after the storm to help with phones and do immediate cleanup work with chainsaws and trailers if you can. Later, we will need long-term rebuild efforts. If you want to help, you can always give to Week of Compassion, as that is the best way to get funds to those in need quickly.


Thank you for all you do and for holding the coast of Louisiana in your prayers, as well as our whole region which will experience flooding rains and possible tornadoes over the next few days.


Rev. Ronny Nowell

Disaster Response Coordinator

Great River Region

United and Diverse

United and Diverse: Disciples Women Joined by the Spirit was the theme of the 2024 Fall Retreat, held this past weekend at the beautiful Vines Center in Little Rock. We had 53 women come together from across three states. We had fellowship, food, and fun with puzzles. We saw beauty in the lake, nature, and the women who were with us. We created cards and learned to praise dance with scarves. We raised funds for our service projects on Saturday and held the auction for the Pickering Scholarship. The retreat offering was received on Sunday. The Spirit moved throughout the weekend during our devotions, Bible study, story sharing, prayer vine, angel bags, and our Sunday morning WORSHIP!


We are grateful for the leadership of outgoing President Pernella Shortie and the GRRDW Cabinet in planning the event. During the business meeting, nominations for the 2024-2026 Cabinet were received and approved. Those who answered the call to serve on the cabinet will be installed at the Regional Assembly’s DW Luncheon in Baton Rouge, LA.


We all took a good long look at ourselves in the mirror. We embraced our diversity and celebrated our unity as daughters of the one true God. We have been challenged to bring a woman to next year's retreat who has not previously attended. This is an invitation for the women across the region to join us in Mississippi in September of 2025!


Rev. Palmer celebrates 24th Pastor's Anniversary

On Sunday, September 1st, 2024, Cross Street Christian Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, joyfully celebrated the Pastor’s Anniversary of Rev. Robert Palmer. The congregation came together to honor a leader whose unwavering faith and dedication have profoundly impacted their lives. 

Early Registration for Regional Assembly Now Open!


We are thrilled to announce that registration for the Regional Assembly is now officially open! 🎉


This year’s Assembly promises to be an inspiring and uplifting experience as we come together to worship, connect, and grow in faith. We can't wait to gather with you and share in this special time of fellowship.


Early Bird Registration Details:

  • Adults: $50
  • Children and Youth: $25


Please note, these prices will increase by $15 after October 6, so be sure to register early to take advantage of the savings!


To secure your spot and for more information about the event, click the link below.

Learn more

Recently, a delegate letter was sent to all congregations. This letter serves as an invitation for your participation and includes essential information regarding voting delegates for the business portion of the Assembly. If your congregation has not yet received their delegate letter, please contact the regional office at office@grrdisciples.org.

Regional Assembly Promo Video: Watch Now!

DMF Day 2024, a one day giving event to support Disciples Mission Fund, is coming up on September 12th, the 236th birthday of Alexander Campbell. On DMF Day we will host live events, share stories and resources, and have a worshipful time of prayer in gratitude for the difference that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is making. Stay tuned for the full schedule.

Learn more

Disciples Men's Retreat 2024



September 20-21, 2024


First Christian Church

14411 Taylor Loop Road

Little Rock, AR 72223

It is time to come together as Disciples Men. This event will be a time for connection, fellowship, and service to strengthen our spiritual walk as men of God. The focus this year will be on ways that the Disciples Men's groups from across the region can support the new Disaster Response Coordinator. Rev. Ronny Nowell will Keynote and share ways that each person or group can organize to be prepared in a time of need.

Click here to register

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

SAVE THE DATE

Congregations in Search & Call

Below are the congregations engaged in a search process to call a new pastor:


  • FCC Rogers, AR - Associate Pastor
  • FCC Bossier City, LA
  • FCC Mammoth Spring, AR
  • FCC Stuttgart, AR
  • Grace Point Christian Fellowship, Lake Charles, LA
  • Christian Chapel Christian Church, Port Gibson, MS - Senior Minister & Musician
  • FCC Russellville, AR


* For information regarding church positions, please contact the Regional Office.

AROUND THE REGION

Clergy Fellowship Opportunity

  • Central Arkansas Clergy - Every 4th Monday @ 11:30 a.m.
  • Northwest Arkansas Clergy - Every 3rd Wednesday
  • Brown Bag Clergy Zoom Call - August 28, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.

RESOURCES

We are amid an active hurricane season. Disciples Church Extension Fund can help you prepare your place of worship with its: Green loans – Supports faith communities in replacing or repairing inefficient windows and weatherproofing facilities. Building Disaster Response - Assists in securing damaged facilities, navigating construction and insurance, and more, at no costContact your regional Advisor to learn more.

Learn more

Finding fellowship with peers isn't always easy. That’s why Leadership Academy has tracks for different stages of the church launch process. Whether you’re considering starting a congregation or growing your place of worship, this event will have a cohort for you. Join New Church Ministry in Gainesville, FL, from October 22-25 to find your community! Register

Co-directors of Disciples Men, Greg Alexander and Alex Ruth, are excited to announce the first online men's group for Disciples Men.


"Pathway to Blessing" will be held on Zoom beginning September 10, from 8-9 PM (ET). 


Each week, participants will examine biblical and historical models of masculinity and integrate them into our lives today. 


Space in "Pathway to Blessing" is limited, so sign up today!

Register
Sign Up for the Disciples Newsletters HERE
Association of Disciples Musicians Newsletter
Listen to the Disciples Men Podcast HERE
SAVE THE DATES



  • DM Retreat - September 20-21 FCC, Little Rock, AR
  • Regional Assembly - November 1-3 First Christian Church, Baton Rouge, LA
  • Fall Fandango - November 15-17 Camp Couchdale