Thoughts from your Regional Minister
By: Ken Marston, Regional Minister
Published in February 2018 Kansas Messenger
In 2018, as we continue the Vision Process in our region, new things are happening. Our biennial regional assembly will be anything but traditional—see 2018 Congregational Escape article. Through a new ministry initiative Congregational Enhancement Grants, the region will partner with congregations for new ministries. With a grant from the Kansas Leadership Center, we will send 40 people, ministers and church leaders, for intensive leadership training.
Kansas Disciples Men are dreaming new dreams and seeking to do new things with a focus on mission in 2018. Instead of the traditional men’s retreat, normally held in September, the cabinet will do three things:
- Forge new relationships with local congregations by going to them instead of planning an “y’all come” event
- Partner with local men’s groups to host Pancake Breakfasts/Cooking for Mission, to raise money to combat hunger
- Sponsor two mission trips beyond Kansas, where men can put their faith into action.
The first Pancake Breakfast/Cooking for Mission will be from 9 am to noon on Saturday, April 28, at Belmont Blvd. Christian Church in Salina. Proceeds will be split between a local hunger ministry and the General Conference of Disciples Men, for childhood hunger programs in the US and Canada.
Mission trip plans aren’t ready for publication yet; watch for news of work trips to the Gulf Coast to help with Hurricane Harvey relief and another trip, perhaps to Missouri.
This is only the beginning! As we live into a new future, some things we try will work and some won’t; in all of them we are seeking God’s path for our congregations together—that is, for our regional church. What is God calling us to be and do as the Christian Church in Kansas (Disciples of Christ)? Let’s find out!