A week ago we stood by with expectant excitement as we said goodbye to 2019 and rang in a new year. Over the last several months several new changes have occurred.
New Vision, New Logo
In 2019, the regional vision team created a new vision statement that would propel us into the future.
Vision Statement: As we live together into the future, the Christian Church in Kansas is a vibrant, diverse, and growing manifestation of God’s realm at work in the here and now of people’s lives.
Mission Statement: As followers of the way of Jesus, the Kansas Region will equip and connect congregations, lay leaders, and pastors to make and grow disciples of Jesus Christ.
The new vision statement focuses on collaboration not just between local churches and the regional church, but also between churches, to better connect with each other and equip our church leaders.
Based on that statement, the Disciples Connect and Equip event planning team and regional vision team revealed the new regional logo.
New vision T-shirts are still available! Contact any regional office about purchasing your shirt for $15.
New Website, New Social Media
In December, after several months of discussions, collaborations, and redesigning, the region launched not one but two new websites – kansasdisciples.org and tawakoni.org.
The newly redesigned kansasdisciples.org website focuses on regional ministries and resources specifically designed to connect churches to other Kansas disciples, regional ministries and programs, and the ministries of the general church. It also, features resources for church leaders to better equip them for ministry.
The new tawakoni.org site is dedicated to the ministries and resources of the Disciples Center at Tawakoni, our regional camp and conference center. Not only can you find information on upcoming camps and conferences, but also how your family, business, school or church group can rent space for your next big event.
Stay up to date on all your regional news and programs by following us on Facebook, Twitter and now Instagram.
New staff, New regional Look
We also saw the retirement for three regional staff members: Kathy Foster, Central/High Plains office administrative assistant, in July, Barb Runge, Kansas Disciples Women Coordinator, in November, and Regional Minister Renee Bridwell in December.
This led to the addition of Krista Donaker as the new Central/High Plains office administrative assistant, and Carla Pearson as the new Kansas Disciples Women Coordinator.
With the retirement of Regional Minister, Renee Bridwell, and the decision of the Regional Board to once again downsize the executive staff, a request was made for executive staff to determine which parts of their portfolios needed to be let go.
This led first to the development of the Camp Manager’s position, which has been filled with the hiring of Sid Rutland. Next, two contract staff positions were created, a Regional Treasurer, filled by Barb Koelling, and a Communications director by Steve Hart.