The Rise of Christian Nationalism

All are invited to Drury University in Springfield on October 4 and 5 for Conversations with Diana Butler Bass on the Rise of Christian Nationalism in America.

The event begins on Friday evening, continues on Saturday, and has several registration options. The lecture sessions are FREE to all (registration required) and there are food options available for purchase on the online registration site. There is also a separate registration option for clergy to receive continuing education credit for Saturday.

Come hear from this well-known author, historian, and public theologian on this important and timely issue. Sponsored in part by Brentwood and National Avenue CCs in Springfield, whose leadership also presented a workshop on the same topic at our recent Regional Assembly. See their slide presentation here>

Faith Adventures

Faith Adventures Camp celebrated another fun filled week at camp the last week of July! We were definitely thankful for the cooler temperatures than we had last year. This year we had the 81 registered campers and 40 all volunteer staff that linked together in LOVE! At one of our keynotes, we each connected our fingers and thumbs in a circle and linked to the person next to us. You could feel the love circulating through the chapel. Certainly God was connected with us! We can't wait for next year and reconnecting with our dear friends!

Commission Meeting

Our Commission on the Order of Ministry met for two days last week at Community Christian Church in Jefferson City. Their purpose was to check in with six of our ordination candidates who are at various stages of the extensive process. That process includes self-assessment, input from references, a psychological evaluation, a background check, and regular contact with their mentor and their Nurture Team. Requirements can vary depending on the situation as some are in seminary, some gain knowledge and experience elsewhere, and some have been previously ordained by another tradition. All of these individuals are not only assessed, but supported throughout, and the Commission works diligently to make sure that they are prepared to serve their ministry settings well. We are grateful to those progressing on their road toward ordained ministry, and to those helping them along the way.

Rock Bridge CC Celebrates Back to School

After a pancake breakfast, Rock Bridge Christian Church held their Back to School celebration on Sunday, August 18th for all teachers, educators, and learners. Everyone was invited to bring their backpacks and bags to be blessed before the new school year began. The festivities continued with an ice cream social on Saturday at Pastor Sarah Klaassen and Liz Lucas' house. 

Congratulations, Mindy!

On Sunday August 25th, the congregation of First Christian Church in Dexter celebrated Rev. Mindy Kiepe's service as their Interim Pastor, and her forty years of ministry. She is pictured here with Associate Regional Minister Rev. David Woodard who presented her with the Honored Minister Pin.

Congratulations to our Mid-America clergy who have celebrated milestone anniversaries of their ordination or original commissioning in August.

Michael Brown, 50 years

Donald Childers, 50 years

Peter Browning, 40 years

Martha Reese, 35 years

Wendy Deering-Poynter, 20 years

Sarah Kingsbery, 10 years

Cody DeMint, 5 years