Disciples Together

Regional News of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest

August | 2024

Board Tasks


Rev. Josh Patty

Regional Minister & President



Our revised bylaws identify a Regional Board as the main administrative body of our ministry. This is not merely a name change from Operations Council. The bylaws also give board members explicit responsibilities beyond those of the Operations Council.


For years I and other members were asked, "What's Operations Council?" Usually we responded, "It's basically our regional board." And our Regional Board will continue to oversee regional finances and handle any necessary legal matters.


Additionally, the Board members will now serve on one of five standing committees to better offer strategic leadership:

  • Regional Gatherings: plans an annual large gathering for worship, workshops, business, and fun, as well as additional gatherings that strengthen our congregations and leaders
  • Mission and Ministry: resources our shared regional ministries and new efforts
  • Visioning: imagines our future ministry and recommends actions that build toward that future
  • Finance/Grants: ensures grant requests are ready for the Board’s consideration and oversees finances
  • Communications: ensures that regional communications connect congregations and ministers


Our Board will meet at least four times each year to handle these many responsibilities. (Our Executive Team officers will meet about once a month.) I expect that one Board meeting a year will be held in one location to deepen relationships and strengthen committee work.


In this work, the Regional Board will exemplify our vision of being Disciples Together.  And it should help all of us better serve as Disciples Together.

Where in the Upper Midwest is Josh?


Josh's travels take him across our four-state region to share in worship, support, and celebrate your ministries! Here's where Josh's travels have taken him in the last month:



  • July 18 - Visit to CYF 2 Camp
  • July 21 - Visit First Christian Church, Spencer, IA leaders
  • July 24-27 - Forum of Regional Moderators/College of Regional Ministers, Bethany, WV
  • August 1 - Visit to Junior 3 Camp
  • August 4 - Worship, First Christian Church, Oskaloosa, IA
  • August 9-12 - Prayer/Planning Retreat

Regional Officer Nominations


Our region is accepting nominations for the following positions to be elected at a business session during the regional gathering in October.  We are accepting nominations for: 

  • Officers: Moderator Elect, Vice Moderator, Treasurer, and Secretary
  • Regional Board members
  • Regional Nominating Committee members


All positions have 3-year terms.  Please forward your nominations to our regional office (office@uppermidwestcc.org or 515-255-3168) by August 23.

2024

Regional Calendar

 

For more details go to the Regional website:

uppermidwestcc.org

 

Aug 22 Operations Council

Aug 28-Sept 5 Josh is on vacation

Sept 5 Praying Together - 9:30a

Sept 12 DMF Day

Sept 16-18 Senior Adult Retreat

Sept 26 Operations Council

Sept 27-29 Upper Midwest Women's Retreat

Oct 3 Praying Together - 9:30a

Oct 19 All Congregational Gathering

Oct 24 Operations Council


July 12-15, 2025 Disciples of Christ General Assembly



2024 Regional Prayer Calendar


Regional Video Archives




More Disciples Videos


News Around the Region

UMW Students Awarded Fellowships and Scholarships


Two of the 10 incoming Leadership Fellows for our Higher Education & Leadership Ministries (HELM) are from our region: Cameron Michel and Kalea Seaton.  Also, the Phillips University Legacy Foundation awarded scholarships to both Harry Dalstra and Kalea Seaton.  Congratulations to these students as they begin undergraduate studies this fall!

Cost and Availability of Congregational Insurance


Many congregations in our region face increases in the cost of church property and liability insurance.  A few have been told by insurance companies that their policies will not be renewed.  This recent story explains some reasons for these challenges and how some congregations are responding.  As you explore insurance options, remember that there are resources through Insurance Board, which is a recognized ministry partner of the Christian Church.



You're never too old for camp! Senior Retreat (55+) registration is now open. Lodge rooms are included in the price. Oh, and there will be chocolate! To register for the senior retreat.


For More Information.


Specific questions? Email the office.

Praying Together


Join with Regional Minister Josh Patty for fifteen minutes of prayer on Thursday, September 5 at 9:30 am via YouTube or Facebook. A recording of the prayer time will be available on regional YouTube and Facebook pages.

DMF Day

Sept 12, 2024


Disciples Mission Fund (DMF) makes it possible for us to do more together than we can alone. Because of DMF, lives are transformed and ministry happens across the church and around the world. Congregations are stronger when they participate in DMF because they are part of something much larger than themselves - DMF makes it possible for Disciples to do ministry in places far beyond their own community. For more information. 

Grounded and Grateful: A "Faith Field Day"

Saturday, Sept 21, 10:30a

White Rock Conservancy in Coon Rapids, IA


Dig into the fascinating world of soil and its profound connections both to our spiritual well-being and to the solution to our climate crisis. Designed for both adults and families from diverse religious traditions, this blend of hands-on activities and self-guided exploration offers a unique blend of environmental education and spiritual growth. This special event is hosted by Iowa Interfaith Power and Light, an organization that equips people of faith and conscience to take bold and just climate actions. For more information and to sign up.

Climate-Informed Ministry: What Do We Do Now?

Sunday, Oct 6, 1:30-4:30p

Unitarian Universalist Society in Coralville, IA


“Climate-informed Ministry” is an approach to congregational life and ministry that acknowledges and prioritizes the current impacts of climate change on individuals and local communities and prepares for climate-related events. At this special “Faith Field Day” for clergy & other congregational leaders, you’ll have an opportunity to begin your exploration of Climate-informed Ministry and consider what it means for your contextFor more information and to register.

All Congregational Gathering

October 19, 2024


Join Disciples from around the region at the Christian Conference Center for a day of fellowship and learning. Rev. Melissa St. Clair, the new Minister for Faith and Giving, will be offering the keynote. Rev. David Yonker, pastor at First Christian Church, Burlington, IA, will be preaching. For more information and to register.

Pension Fund Update with Sarah Renfro

Sept 19, 1:30p


For more information and to register.

Implementation of Changes to the Design


The Office of the General Minister and President is hosting town halls to give updates on the changes to the design. The final scheduled town hall is Sept 10. To register.

Disciples of Christ General Assembly

July 12-15, 2025

Memphis, TN


GA 25's theme is BEYOND, based on Ephesians 3:20-21: "Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always. Amen." (CEB)


For more information.

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