Rural Ministry Network News

It was a great Rural Ministry gathering in Sikeston last Wednesday, October 8. Rev. Jason Williams and First Christian Church hosted Connecting Disciples with the Rural Ministry Network. The day saw great conversations and demonstrations of true Rural Genius. Rev Randy Robb and Rev Jennifer Long facilitated this much appreciated time together. See more photos from the event here>

The next RMN event is Real Talk with the Rural Ministry Network, scheduled for Saturday, November 15 at First Christian Church in Eldon. All are welcome. Learn more and register here by November 12>

Pension Fund Prepared to Help Pastors

Pension Fund of the Christian Church is creating a one-time Emergency Aid Program under the “Unforeseen Circumstances” rules of Ministerial Relief and Assistance to fill the gap created by H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. As a result of the act, pastors who purchase a health care plan through the Affordable Care Act (Health Insurance Marketplace) are facing premium increases of up to 114% year over year should Congress fail to reach an agreement to extend the premium subsidies.

While Ministerial Relief and Assistance does not pay for health insurance premiums, Pension Fund leadership recognizes that absorbing these costs is beyond the reach of many congregations and will inflict economic hardship on pastoral families. Rev. Julie Richardson, Vice President of Programs and Development shared, “The anxiety in the system is palpable. These are the moments for which our generous donors have made resources available to support pastors, and we are working hard to step into the gap.”

Read the full press release here>

RCOM Meeting Continues

Our Regional Commission on the Order of Ministry has been meeting this week at Community Christian Church in Jefferson City. The fourteen-person commission will have interviewed twenty-one candidates over their three days together. As they conclude their gathering today, let us thank all involved for their tireless work and pray for everyone's safe travels home. We will report next week regarding the decisions made and other outcomes of the meeting.

Already scheduled are two ordinations for this weekend!

October 18th - John DeLaporte will be ordained at Millersburg Christian Church in Fulton at 11:00 am with a lunch to follow.

October 19th - Cody DeMint will be ordained at Jacksonville/Cairo Unity Church at 10:30 am during Sunday worship

Heart of the Community

Congratulations to the Rev. Ross Mutrux who was awarded the Heart of the Community award at the Woodhaven Gala luncheon on October 9. Ross took care of their fleet of vehicles and expanded their service for years. He is the retired pastor of Boonesboro Christian Church and the congregation is so proud. He is pictured here holding his certificate with CCF's Kirby Gould, CMLT's Leslie LeSieur, and Regional Minister Paul Koch. We are blessed to be partners in ministry with Woodhaven.