Dear Friends,
Even though the calendar may say we are nearing the end of August and closely moving to the month of September, it still feels like summer with the hot weather we are experiencing this week. I am sure that many of you are anticipating some hopeful cooler weather as we look to the month of September when we begin to think about fall weather of cooler evenings and being able to open our windows in the evening.
I am sure that in the midst of making plans for fall activities for your congregations, each of you are making individual plans for the fall around your homes, (anxiously awaiting to put out fall decorations). I was in Hobby Lobby the other day and the Christmas trees are already out.
With our calendars continually filling up with church activities, family plans, etc., don’t forget about some regional events that need to be on your calendars. There is a Men’s retreat coming up on Sept. 22nd & 23rd at Disciples Center at Tawakoni. Registrations are due to the regional office by Sept. 15th. You can find the registration forms on the region’s website.
The women’s retreats are also planned for October to be held as well at the Disciples Center at Tawakoni. The Midweek retreat will be from Oct. 4th thru. 6th and the weekend retreat will be from Oct. 6 thru. 8th. Registrations are due to the regional office by Sept. 15th. I hear that our General Minister and President – Terri Hord Owens will be present for the women’s retreats. You can find registration forms on the region’s website.
For those who attended the regional Equip/Connect event at FCC McPherson on August 12th, we had a great time reconnecting with one another. Thanks to FCC McPherson for being such great hosts for the event. It was great to have Ed O’Malley from Kansas Health Foundation, formally CEO of Kansas Leadership Center (via. video) as well as Julia Fabris McBride – Chief Civic Leadership Development Officer from Kansas Leadership Center. The words that we heard from Ed & Julia were both inspirational and encouraging as we think about the future of our congregations and the region.
The keynote speaker for the day, led by Josh Leu – pastor from First Christian Church Great Bend was a reality check for us as well as inspirational. All in all, it was a great event.
For those of you who have attended the training opportunities that the Kansas Leadership Center offers, you can attest to the fact that KLC’s trainings truly assist individuals in preparing to deal with technical and adaptive challenges within our congregations and even in our own personal lives. If you are interested in attending their programs, our region currently has received a transformational grant for this year. There are opportunities available to attend either in person or online. Please reach out to me if you are interested. I will help you get set up with the trainings that remain for the remainder of the current grant cycle.
During the regional Equip & Connect event, I hope you were able to attend the workshop led by our Co-Regional Minister, Rev. Tom Stanley. During the workshop, Tom gave us a taste of what the Church Narrative Project experience looks like that is taking place across our denomination. I hope that each of you plan to attend the event in Manhattan on September 29th & 30th.
You will find more information on the region’s website about the event and how to register as well.
I encourage you to mark your calendars as well for a leadership event to be held on September 16 in the High Plains District at FCC Scott City, and October 21 in the Central District to be held at Park Place Christian Church. The theme for both events is, “Vital Signs of a Thriving Congregation,” and will be led by Rev. Dale Matherly, Rev. Etienna Mertel and Rev. David Dubovich. A flyer is available through the regional offices as well as the region’s website which explains more about the cost and how to register for the High Plains Leadership event. A flyer for the Central District Leadership event will be available soon.
There is so much going on in the life of the region over the next several months. I hope that each of you are able to attend many of the events I have mentioned. I look forward to seeing you soon as we continue to seek ways to stay connected and equip one another for the journey ahead that God has in store for us as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas.
Blessed to share the journey with each of you.
Rev. David Dubovich
Pastor, Park Place Christian Church