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One of over 150 youth and adults who enjoyed a neighborhood party at Concourse Park co-sponsored by Independence Boulevard Christian Church, Micah Ministry, Children's Mercy Hospital, KCPD, and Ryogoku Soccer Academy.  These quarterly events bring together neighbors for safer, stronger, supportive community - an interfaith movement known as Ripples for Change.

Dear Disciples,

On May 19, Donna and I will begin vacation. Thanks, in part, to a generous sabbatical gift from you – through our Regional Board - we will start out on a week-long hiking retreat with the Center for Courage and Renewal in Ireland. We will meet up with friends and make our way to the county in Northern Ireland where from 1798-1807 Disciples of Christ co-founder Thomas Campbell preached and taught school. It was during this period of his youth that Alexander Campbell was tutored by his father and was well prepared to study for six months at the University of Glasgow before the Campbell family was reunited in Pennsylvania.

While we are in Scotland, I plan to conduct research into the worldviews supported by the educational systems in the late 18^th century British Isles. What role did the Bible play in public education there? How was the Bible interpreted and by whom? What did people think about individuals and cultures outside of Europe? How well developed was the myth of white superiority, of colonialism, and the “divine right” of kings? The culture of the time, centuries old traditions and mindsets influenced the founding of a movement that we have inherited. What should we keep? What needs to be reconsidered as we prayerfully work out how to be a culture-influencing, disciple-making Church with Christ in this time?

Before flying back home, we will visit the Iona Abbey which has drawn thousands of visitors who come to pray in a place known as the “Cradle of Christianity” in Scotland. It stands as a reminder that we have the gift of faith in Jesus Christ because so many others before us made sure that the Church would be here for us. Now it is our turn to make sure that future generations know and experience, practice and share the very real love of God in Christ Jesus.

I am deeply indebted to the members of our Regional staff who are providing care and support while I am away - Ms. Jessica Lopez, Regional Office Manager, Rev. Dr. Delesslyn Kennebrew, Regional Minister for Ministry Innovation, and Mrs. Gwen Brown, Finance Manager. 

May God bless your summer vaccation plans and may this be a season of spiritual growth for all of us.

Gratefully,

Bill Rose-Heim

Bill Rose-Heim

Regional Minister and President

Please lift up in prayer

Allison Bright who will be ordained on May 28 at Community Christian Church

On the day of her final visit with the Ordination Committee, a team of leaders from Community Christian and clergy peers came to pray for her before, during, and after her affirmation for ordination. 

Thank you, Allison and Community Christian Church! 

Our summer church camp is in very capable hands and more campers are registering daily. We owe a lot to Rev. Dr. Lara Blackwood Pickrel, Rev. Laura Phillips, and Mrs. Jenna Beck for agreeing to offer administrative support to scores of great directors and counselors. Thanks to Rev. Laura Phillips, our Region was given a Pension Fund parental leave grant to help cover expenses while Rev. Shandra Yost-Soltani gets to enjoy bonding time with baby Roxana..