Mission Together

Ministry Resources and Ideas for Church Leaders

November | 2022

Bringing the Table to Your Community

What has your church done recently to make your neighbors feel loved and welcome?

What could you do this Advent season to take the table out to the people?

We have heard about several congregations working hard to bring the Table, and the message of Jesus, out into their communities lately. We love to hear about churches that are doing new mission projects or community events that share the love of God. Here are a few highlights.

First Christian Church of Burlington has joined the movement to make sure no child in their community sleeps on the floor. This ministry was started at FCC Newton, then adopted by FCC Keokuk, and now Burlington is joining the fun. Beds a, mattress, and bedding are given to families in need.

FCC Perry is having a seasonal worship out on their lawn (complete with a campfire and s'mores). Runnells Christian Church is also doing an outdoor monthly worship during the fall. Both churches are being a worshipful presence outside their sanctuary doors where others can witness the family of God gathered together.

Highland Park Christian Church has voted to become an Open and Affirming congregation, and invited their neighborhood to a party at the church to celebrate. Also, rainbow color light has been installed that lights of their bell tower. They want their neighbors to know all are welcome, especially those who have felt unwelcome in the past.

We've heard about lots of churches who hosted Trunk or Treats or fall festivals this fall. Events like these welcome new people to our church grounds and give members an opportunity to interact with neighbors. Keep up the good work, everyone!

All Congregational Gathering 2022 Recap

The All Congregational Gathering of the Christian Church in the Upper Midwest was held Saturday, October 15th at Christian Conference Center in Newton, Iowa. This year's education offerings were offered in the style of TED Talks. 6 learning tracks themes were chosen and three talks were provided on each theme, making 18 talks total. Some sessions were pre-recorded, and some were presented live. All of the learning track talks will be available later this week on the region's YouTube channel.

Among the many education offerings that were presented, two tracks were especially geared toward hands on ministry: the Missions track and the Ministry Sharing track. We hope you'll watch the recordings, and if possible, share them in your congregations. Subscribe now to our YouTube channel so that you don't miss the videos when they premiere in a few days.

Thanksgiving Special Offering: Higher Education and Leadership Ministries

This Thanksgiving, you have an opportunity to give to a very special cause. The Higher Education Special Offering benefits Disciples related college, universities and seminaries. These institutions help educate our young adults for ministry and ministry in the church.

On the regional staff alone, we have 4 graduates of Disciples-related higher education institutions. These schools form leaders who will be the future layleaders and pastors of the church. Your gift to the Thanksgiving offering helps build that future.

Click here for more information about how to promote or give to this special offering.

Hurricane Relief Update from Our Partners at Week of Compassion

Week of Compassion, the Disciples disaster response ministry, has just published updates on their responses this hurricane season.

Though funds are raised for one specific week each year, hence the name "Week of Compassion", this ministry works all year long to provide a ministry presence in the most devastating of times. Week of Compassion works around the world to be the hands and feet of Jesus during natural disasters, war, famine, and any other human disaster that comes up.

If you would like to know more about Week of Compassion, or read their updates about hurricane season, click this link.

Regional Youth Ministry Reading Group

Beginning in December, a group of youth workers from around the region will be gathering virtually to learn together. We will be reading Andrew Root's "The End of Youth Ministry?" A monthly meeting time will be established once the group is formed. We will read 1-2 chapters a month and finish by the end of the school year. Email Tiff Williams to be included in the group and receive the Zoom link.

Who is a youth worker? Anyone, layperson or pastor, who works regularly with young people. (Sunday school, youth group, Christian Education chair, etc.)

Email Tiff Williams for more info.

Global Ministries Prayer Calendar

Please hold these missionaries and their mission sites in your prayers.

Nov. 6 – Cindy Moraga, Mexico

Nov. 13 – Leda Zakarison, Lebanon

Nov. 20 – Mark Knowles, Lesotho

Nov. 27 – Sarah Driver, Egypt

Click here for weekly written prayers with an accompanying scripture verse for Global Ministries mission sites.

Regional Calendar of Events

November 4-5 - Chi Rho Retreat (grades 6-8) at the Christian Conference Center

November 11-12 - Committee on Ministry meeting and CCC Vendor Fair

November 18-20 - CYF Retreat (grades 9-12) and Commissioned Ministers Retreat at the Christian Conference Center

November 24-25 - CCC office closed for Thanksgiving

December 1 - Operations Council meets

We Want to Hear about Your Ministry

Is your church doing something new or creative? Are you finding a unique way to serve a need in your community? We want to hear about it and share your story with the rest of the church! Our goal is to share at least one new idea from a congregation each time we publish this newsletter.

Please send your story to Tiff Williams, Associate Regional Minister, and she will get in contact with you about your ministry. Sharing your church's story could spark a new idea in a sister congregation. As Disciples Together, we will be stronger in our ministry to the world when we share what God is doing through us in our communities.

Click to Email Tiff

Support Regional Ministries

Christian Church in the Upper Midwest | www.uppermidwestcc.org