At the heart of the "Nineteenth Century Reformation" led by Stone and the Campbells was the call to form congregations modeled after the simple essentials of the church of the apostles. State Evangelists were charged with the responsibility of forming numerous congregations and preaching points. But early Disciples soon discovered that cooperation was necessary for congregations to get their start, to survive in times of need, and to minister effectively. As mission societies developed, the position of State Secretary was created to coordinate the mission of the church. With the adoption of the Design for the Christian Church, Disciples affirmed the covenant relationship between "Regions" and the other institutional expressions of the church. 

Each Region is led by a Regional Minister who not only serves as a programmatic leader and as an administrator for the many and varied ministries of the church, but gives general pastoral oversight of all members of the church in a given Region. Each Region is charged with the responsibility for working to fulfill the mission of the church and providing for the continuing renewal of the life of congregations, members, and ministers.

With the gifts they receive, Regional Ministries support congregations through:

• Planning, visioning, pastoral care and conflict management
• Empowering leaders through workshops, resources and networking
• Strengthening ministry through calling new ministers
• Licensing, ordaining and maintaining current ministers
• Growing faithful disciples through camps, conferences, youth ministries and ministries to men and women
• Providing outreach through establishing new congregations, eradicating racism, sharing in mission with projects  and trips, and ecumenical partnerships

With your Christmas Offering, you support the ministries offered by the Region that serve your church. This offering will be received on December 14 and 21, 2008.

Room in the Inn – The Gift

We’re involved in something noble. Something that inspires grace, hospitality and lights a path toward a meaningful Christmas. Beds are laid out and a safe, warm place to sleep is created. The table is set, the food is prepared, and a place is provided to wash off the day’s struggle and nourish souls in preparation for the next day.

I’m not sure if our Room in the Inn guests realize the gift they carry to our Vine Street family. They bless us with their reality – hope for a better tomorrow. They bless us with their spirit – love for those we come in contact with makes us whole. They bless us with their peace – trust in our Creator who provides what is needed.

Join the Room in the Inn experience Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning and celebrate the joy in the gift of self.

Something to Eat Program

• 18 oz jars of peanut butter 
• 8 oz pop-top cans of fruit and beanee weenies
• cans of vienna sausage