Quick Links:
- Ready for some CCIW/ CCMR Disciples-style March Madness? Let’s Name the New Region together!
- This Sunday Feb. 16 and Sunday Feb. 23 many congregations will take Week of Compassion offerings. Find resources here.
- The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is among the 27 faith communities joining a lawsuitopposing the rescission of the Sensitive Locations policy. Sign the petition here.
- Regional staff are offering support gatherings for clergy in these difficult times
- Resources for congregations and ministries dealing with recent policy changes are available
See links to More Events of Interest at the end of this newsletter
March Madness CCIW/ CCMR-style
The Christian Church in Illinois-Wisconsin and The Christian Church Michigan Region is on the way to becoming one, and we need your help to name our new region! We’re kicking off March Madness: Name the New Region, a bracket-style contest where your name ideas compete for the top spot.
We’re looking for 16 great names to fill the bracket—so send in your best suggestions along with your reasoning as to why your name suggestion is the best. Reply to this email or commenting on our blog post or the CCIW Facebook page or the Michigan Disciples Facebook page. Submissions are open now through February 23. Then, the real fun begins as we vote each week in March, leading to the big reveal in a special edition of The Common Cup on April 3! Submit your name ideas today!
Week of Compassion Special Offering: What We Have Heard & Seen
The Week of Compassion Special Offering will be received in many congregations on Feb. 16 and Feb. 23, supporting disaster response, refugee relief, and sustainable development worldwide. This year, inspired by Philippians 4:8-9, we focus on what we have heard and seen—stories of resilience, justice, and hope in communities facing crisis. Our gifts make a lasting impact, ensuring vulnerable voices are heard and the church responds with love. Explore worship materials, videos, and other resources at WeekofCompassion and join Disciples across the country in this vital ministry. Together, we embody Christ’s love in action.
Disciples Join Multifaith Lawsuit
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has joined a multifaith coalition in a lawsuit challenging the federal government’s recent policy change that permits immigration enforcement actions in places previously deemed sensitive, such as houses of worship. General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens emphasizes that this policy infringes upon religious freedoms and hinders the church’s mission to serve all congregants with dignity. The lawsuit asserts that the policy violates the First Amendment and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Disciples are encouraged to read Rev. Hord Owens’ full statement, review the filed complaint, and consider signing the “Sensitive Locations, Sacred Spaces” petition to support this cause.
You Are Not Alone: Monday Clergy Gatherings
Ministry can feel isolating—so many voices, emotions, and challenges, all carried alongside your congregation. In times like these, the weight of it all can be overwhelming.
You are not alone.
Our Regional Ministry Staff is creating space for clergy to gather online—a place to breathe, to be heard, and to connect with others who understand the journey. These Monday Morning Gatherings offer support and community for those who need it.
If you’re looking for connection, reach out to your Regional Ministry Staff person for details. Let’s care for one another as we care for others
Policy Change Resources Available
In response to recent policy changes, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) offers several resources to support congregations in emphasizing the church’s commitment to justice and mercy. Week of Compassion provides tools to assist churches in supporting immigrant and refugee neighbors. Justice and Advocacy Ministries of Disciples Home Missions has compiled an Executive Orders Resource List to guide congregations through these transitions. Additionally, the Justice and Advocacy Ministries offers a Sensitive Locations FAQ for Houses of Worship detailing rights and protections for congregations. These resources aim to equip Disciples to navigate policy changes faithfully.
On the emerging Region combined calendars:
Click here to access the events calendar
17 Feb Monday Morning Clergy Gathering on Google Meet
24 Feb Monday Morning Clergy Gathering on Google Meet
1 Mar Camp Walter Scott Director’s Meeting
3 Mar Monday Morning Clergy Gathering on Google Meet
10 Mar Monday Morning Clergy Gathering on Google Meet
11 Mar DW Book Club
15 Mar CCIW Regional Church Council/ CCMR Regional Board
17 Mar Monday Morning Clergy Gathering on Google Meet
24 Mar Monday Morning Clergy Gathering on Google Meet
31 Mar Monday Morning Clergy Gathering on Google Meet
Download our Prayer Calendar here
Download our February Prayer Guide here
More Events of Interest
Around CCIW/ CCMR…
- Dr. Mark De Zwaan will present a piano recital open to the public at Eureka College McCallister Hall in the Chapel Feb. 20 at 5p.
- Camp registrations are open for Camp Walter Scott and Camp Crystal!
- Walter Scott Camp and Learning Center offers FREE self-directed retreats for clergy in IL/WI and MI
- Learn more about and register for Camp Walter Scott’s Sabbath of the Stovetop
DOC News and Offerings…
- General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens has a new Lenten devotional, Facing Jerusalem: A Lenten Journey with Jesus available from Chalice Press.
- Week of Compassion began 80 years ago! Learn more about this extraordinary ministry here.
- Be The Neighbor is booking summer mission trips now.
- New Church Ministry is offering a virtual Leadership Academy course where you can explore workshops from experts across the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on social media marketing, building and leading communities with creation and neighbors in mind, starting a congregation on a dime, financial essentials, and LGBTQ+ affirmation.
- Applications for National Benevolent Association’s Spring Mission and Ministry Grants are now being accepted.
- Nominations for the General Board are due on Feb. 15. Learn more here.
- Voices of Democracy after 2024 Elections: A Path to Discernment and Prophetic Action is offered by National Benevolent Association on Feb. 20 at 6:30C/7:30E.
- Global Ministries will host Africa 140 Years After the Berlin Conference: A Faith-Based Perspective on the Colonization of People, Resources, and Land on Feb. 26 at 11a. Register here.
- The Proclamation Project will host Preaching These Days: An Online Conversation about the Preaching Life on Feb 25 at 1p CST/ 2p EST.
- National Benevolent Association presents Faithful Voices: Breaking the Silence on Suicide on Feb. 26 at 1p CST/2p EST.
- Green Chalice will host Eco Story Circle Series: Exploring Gratitude and Grief in These Times on seven Thursdays from March 6 – April 17 Thursdays 11 CST/12p EST. Cost is $20 and scholarships are available.
- Disciples Black Ministers Retreat is March 11-13 in Charleston, SC. Registration is open now!
- Applications to be an NBA Incubate Partner are due by Mar 15.
- Disciples Interims will offer Interim Ministry Basics on Mondays from April 28 – June 16, 2025.
- Beyond: General Assembly will be held July 12-15, 2025 in Memphis, TN. Registrations are now open.
.Beyond…
- Church World Service has compiled a comprehensive guide called Refugees, Asylum Seekers and Migrants: What’s The Difference? to educate and inform and combat misinformation and myths.
- What’s Next Rooted in Faith and Justice: A Vision of Liberation with Jonathan Kuttab will be presented on Feb. 24 at 2:30p CST/ 3:30p EST as part of the United Church of Christ’s Nurture the Soul series
- The United Church of Christ invites you to Christ in the Rubble: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac on Mar. 5 at 12p CT/ 1p ET.
- Rooted in Faith and Justice: Palestinian Women in the Struggle with Mira Rizeq, President of the World YWCA will be presented by the UCC’s Nurture the Soul series on Mar. 13 at 11a CT/ 12p ET.
- The National Faith + Climate Forum will be held at locations nationwide on March 27, 2025. Sign up now to host a gathering.