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"Here is another thought for you that is very controversial: I don't see any point in making anything but controversial statements. There is no other way of getting any attention at all. I mean, you cannot get people thinking until you say something that really shocks them, dislocates them." Marshall McLuhan

Marshall McLuhan was known as the "media Prophet". In the '70s, he coined the famous "global village" and the often misunderstood "the medium is the message". He was called a prophet because he saw a world that was to come more than most of his contemporaries of his time could possibly imagine. He was mocked and called a fool for his predictions…and yet, here we are. We are almost desensitized by so-called "controversial" statements in the media. We hear our politicians say one controversial thing after another, and it works! It gets people's attention. It may not be good attention, but as it is said, "bad publicity is better than no publicity". I think the Teacher in Ecclesiastes did an excellent job with these kinds of controversial statements. I also think it is clear that Jesus was very good at this as well. 

However, why do controversial statements matter if they are not truthful? The truth hurts; we all have received some truth that shook us to our core. The term "gaslighting" has come into vogue thanks to non-truthful/bad faith actors. They say something controversial, but we know it is not the truth. Yet, they will stick to it regardless. It's the same when Levi, my argumentative middle child, will tell me the sky is green when I mention what a beautiful blue sky it is! We can see the obvious truth, yet…

Jesus was the best at this. When people had an expectation that he would say what the other Rabbi's were saying, Jesus would flip it on its head. When asked about the Greatest Commandment, Jesus answers rightly for the Scribe. However, when he was tested with, "And who is my neighbor?", Jesus' response was very controversial. They expected the Priest and Levite to be the "good guys"; the only true neighbors. However, Jesus subverted their expectations and gave them the so-called bad guy: the Samaritan. 

What if preachers and pastors spent more time saying the truth rather than maintaining the status quo? Many would be fired on the spot for sure, but we must ask ourselves, if we really want to be good neighbors, we must be willing to face the truth. The truth hurts, but it is the truth that sets us free. We follow the Truth, my friends, and in this fragmented world of bad actors, we know the Truth will lead us into God's green pastures.

Rev. Zac Ritchie

Just Love - Northshore

Even if it’s been a while since you sang in a choir, we’d like to invite you to join us Nov 1 in Baton Rouge! We are looking for choral singers for Friday evening worship (Nov 1) AND solos/duets for Saturday morning (Nov 2) to enhance our worship and gathering times. Please email office@grrdisciples.org to sign up today and we’ll follow up and get the music to you. 

The choir will be singing two anthems: “Shout for Joy” (an upbeat Psalm-based anthem by Stan Pethel) and “Be Not Afraid”(an enduring song of comfort by Bob Dufford) as well as singing backup on “This is My Story” (a newish contemporary Christian song by Big Daddy Weave). We would love to add your voice to our three-state choir! 

The music is fairly easy and can be learned quickly but it will

be helpful to get the music in your hands before you arrive on Friday. If you have any questions, please reach out to me at ganthon985@gmail.com

Looking forward to making music together!

All my best,

Gina Anthon 

RA Choir Details

Rehearsals: Nov 1 at 4:15 PM-5:30 PM, 6:15 PM-6:45 PM at FCC in Baton Rouge, LA.

Worship Service: Nov 1 at 7PM

Attire: black/white and optional red

Supplies: Bring a black folder/binder if possible (and a pencil 😊)

We are thrilled to announce a key event at this year’s Regional Assembly: the Pre-Assembly Seminar for Clergy, featuring facilitator Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian.

Event Details:

• Title: The Magnetic Church: Strategies for the Post-Pandemic Church
• Facilitator: Dr. Bill Tenny-Brittian
• Date: Friday, November 1
• Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Sponsored by: Pinnacle Outreach Ministry

This seminar promises to offer valuable insights and strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities in our post-pandemic church environment. Dr. Tenny-Brittian’s expertise will provide us with practical tools and inspiration to enhance our ministry.

We encourage all clergy members to attend, engage, and fellowship with peers as we explore these important topics together.

Several members of the Great River Region recently attended The Gathering: A Retreat for Clergy, hosted by Pension Fund from September 3-5, 2024. This biennial conference brought together clergy from across the nation for a time of learning, connection, and renewal. 

Early Registration for Regional Assembly Now Open!

We are thrilled to announce that registration for the Regional Assembly is now officially open! 🎉

This year’s Assembly promises to be an inspiring and uplifting experience as we come together to worship, connect, and grow in faith. We can't wait to gather with you and share in this special time of fellowship.

Early Bird Registration Details:

• Adults: $50
• Children and Youth: $25

Please note, these prices will increase by $15 after October 6, so be sure to register early to take advantage of the savings!

To secure your spot and for more information about the event, click the link below.

Recently, a delegate letter was sent to all congregations. This letter serves as an invitation for your participation and includes essential information regarding voting delegates for the business portion of the Assembly. If your congregation has not yet received their delegate letter, please contact the regional office at office@grrdisciples.org.

Regional Assembly Promo Video: Watch Now!

Disciples Men's Retreat 2024



September 20-21, 2024

First Christian Church

14411 Taylor Loop Road

Little Rock, AR 72223

It is time to come together as Disciples Men. This event will be a time for connection, fellowship, and service to strengthen our spiritual walk as men of God. The focus this year will be on ways that the Disciples Men's groups from across the region can support the new Disaster Response Coordinator. Rev. Ronny Nowell will Keynote and share ways that each person or group can organize to be prepared in a time of need.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2025

SAVE THE DATE

Below are the congregations engaged in a search process to call a new pastor:

• FCC Rogers, AR - Associate Pastor
• FCC Bossier City, LA
• FCC Mammoth Spring, AR
• FCC Stuttgart, AR
• Grace Point Christian Fellowship, Lake Charles, LA
• Christian Chapel Christian Church, Port Gibson, MS - Senior Minister & Musician
• FCC Russellville, AR

* For information regarding church positions, please contact the Regional Office.

Clergy Fellowship Opportunity

• Central Arkansas Clergy - Every 4th Monday @ 11:30 a.m.
• Northwest Arkansas Clergy - Every 3rd Wednesday
• Brown Bag Clergy Zoom Call - August 28, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.

We are amid an active hurricane season. Disciples Church Extension Fund can help you prepare your place of worship with its: Green loans – Supports faith communities in replacing or repairing inefficient windows and weatherproofing facilities. Building Disaster Response - Assists in securing damaged facilities, navigating construction and insurance, and more, at no cost. Contact your regional Advisor to learn more.

Finding fellowship with peers isn't always easy. That’s why Leadership Academy has tracks for different stages of the church launch process. Whether you’re considering starting a congregation or growing your place of worship, this event will have a cohort for you. Join New Church Ministry in Gainesville, FL, from October 22-25 to find your community! Register

Co-directors of Disciples Men, Greg Alexander and Alex Ruth, are excited to announce the first online men's group for Disciples Men.

"Pathway to Blessing" will be held on Zoom beginning September 10, from 8-9 PM (ET). 

Each week, participants will examine biblical and historical models of masculinity and integrate them into our lives today. 

Space in "Pathway to Blessing" is limited, so sign up today!

• DM Retreat - September 20-21 FCC, Little Rock, AR
• Regional Assembly - November 1-3 First Christian Church, Baton Rouge, LA
• Fall Fandango - November 15-17 Camp Couchdale