Why I Love the Church

Why do I love the church? For all kinds of reasons. But most importantly, I love the church because it’s the site where we can offer a resounding “No!” to the death-dealing structures of this world, and say “Yes!” to the new things God in Christ is calling into being, to which we are invited to participate and experience, here and now.

The forms and structures of institutional church may come and go, but the liberating love of God on which the church is founded is like a rock, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).

That's why I love the church.

Phil Read Phil's complete message here>

The board and staff of Mid-America are grateful to Rev. Dr. Phil Snider for his two years of service as Associate Regional Minister. They have accepted his resignation effective February 28, 2025, and understand his need to focus more completely on his local ministry at Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield.

Phil has often mentioned that his time working in regional ministry opened his eyes as a parish pastor to the wealth of what congregations in covenant together are and provide to each other. We are eternally grateful for Phil and his continuing presence and support at Brentwood CC.

Scholarships/Grants Available

We are so blessed to have funds available to distribute for a variety of purposes this year. The application period is now open for the following opportunities:

• Reconciliation Grants - to fund anti-racism programs. Applications due March 31.
• Orchard Crest Scholarships - to help campers with financial need attend camp. Applications due May 15
• Bridgeton Fund Grants - to help congregations with temporary expenses. Applications due May 31.
• Christian Ministry Scholarships - to help undergrad/seminary students planning to serve in ministry. Applications due May 31.

Lent Lectio

Wouldn’t it be great if ministers from around our region could gather weekly for a time of prayer and renewal? We think the answer is a resounding, “YES!”

Join a few of your Associate Regional Ministers on ZOOM each Tuesday at 11am (March 4 – April 14) as we pray the Lenten lectionary scriptures together.

Come and connect with colleagues! Come and connect with the fresh winds of God’s Spirit!

Rural Ministry Network Gathering this Saturday

We are looking forward to this Saturday's Rural Ministry Network gathering at FCC in Bowling Green. The event includes workshops, discussion time, and lunch. Learn more and RSVP here>

Phillips Worship Series

Phillips Theological Seminary has made available all the sermons presented in its Black History & African American Heritage Month Worship Series. Find the messages on their YouTube channel here>

Also from Phillips is the latest newsletter from their Center for Ministry & Lay Training.

Women Empowering Women in Ministry

At their first gathering in January, participants and leaders all agreed that such events are essential to nurture, support, and encourage one another in ministry. The next one will be on May 5 at First Christian Church in Cameron. Learn more and register>

New ALEX Resources

We've got a new page on our Mid-America website that will have updates on this year's Yearbook reporting progress in ALEX. It also links to a video about how to access the new system when it goes live. Check it out>

Petition for Mobile Consular Unit

Rock Bridge Christian Church in Columbia invites and encourages everyone to sign this petition to bring a mobile consular unit to Missouri/Kansas so more than half a million Mexican nationals would have greater access to vital consular services. To add your name to the list of signatories, email Christy Moreno of Revolucion Educativa.