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We are a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one Body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God has welcomed us.
-Disciples Identity Statement
October 10, 2025
Dear Prairie Avenue Family,
Last Friday and Saturday, Amanda and I attended the joint regional assembly called by the Christian Church in Illinois and Wisconsin & Michigan Region to approve both governance documents and the next Regional Minister and President, Rev. Dr. William J. Crowder, Jr. Over the next twelve months, the two regions will complete the necessary legal work to complete a new merged region called the Living Waters Region.
I completed my required Church ethics training while attending the assembly at Tinley Park, IL, and was spiritually encouraged by the work ahead and the message of Rev. Dr. Crowder, Jr. Your regional church is in great hands and has a bright future.
We continue our journey into the message of Paul's letter to the church in Corinth. It is about leadership, as well as claiming authority. I hope you will join us as we discover that we are not to be split between leaders, but rather united in Christ alone.
THIS WEEK IN WORSHIP: Do you remember the game "Follow the Leader?" Perhaps it was an old playground or recess game. Someone had to be the leader, and others had to follow. If there were only leaders, there would be no followers. If there were no leaders, where would the followers go?
It seems word has arrived to Paul from "Chloe's people," likely her household slaves, that the church in Corinth is getting divided among "leaders," that is Apollos, Paul, Cephas/Peter, and even Christ. The differences seem less about theological differences, but rather rich and poor, and those of either high or low social status. As we discovered last week, Corinth was a competitive place; indeed, it even hosts its own version of the Olympics!
It is a poor habit as a Christ follower to be loyal to a congregation only because of a particular leader, even if it is the minister! Yet it is routine for that number of attendees to shift whenever there is a pastoral leadership change. Some still leave with the previous pastor.
Even when perhaps complimented by having a group of his own, Paul says such divisions are destructive to the body of Christ; return to the same mind and the same purpose. It is far too easy to get trapped in follow-the-leader games. Pay attention to the message, rather than the type of messenger.
RECONCILIATION OFFERING: We are still tallying our contributions to this important offering. If you would like to add your contribution, please click on the button at the end of the e-mail.
DOVE, INC. OUTREACH PROJECT: Our current collection drive is diaper rash cream, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, and Vaseline (TM)
DOVE CHRISTMAS CARE & SHARE TEEN/PRE-TEEN GIFT DRIVE: We continue to collect these items: Throw pillows, Back support pillows, Blankets, Makeup, Skin care and pimple stickers, Tumblers, Strip or string lights, Journals and fun pens, Games (Jenga, cards), Belt bags, Soccer balls, Slime, Nail polish and press on nails, Bead and friendship bracelet (could also be tween).
WEEKLY PRAYER LIST: Week of Ministry. Health: Dane Hodges, Virginia Johnson, Paul Kater, Sondra Lehew, Charlotte Sutman, Debbie Volle.Sympathy: The family of Donald Humphries. Community: Decatur Public Schools, Galloway, Nelson, and Clokey Park neighborhoods. Global Ministries: Japan
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