The Christian Church in the Upper Midwest
(Disciples of Christ)
Welcome to the Upper Midwest Region from Bill Spangler-Dunning, Regional Minister
Thank you for accepting a call to serve in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the Upper Midwest! I hope that your time here is some of the best in your ministry. We use the term “Disciples Together” in the Region to describe the ministry we do together as churches and individuals. Your gifts and talents will surely enrich these ministries. I know that you will bring with you a deep passion for a particular ministry and I want to encourage you to share those gifts with the whole church. You can send an email directly to me or just give me a call and let me know what you feel called to help make happen (or just go to the website and fill out a volunteer form). As you settle into your new calling I want to offer my prayers for your ministry and your family. I hope that your time here will be full of purpose and great excitement. We have provided in this packet a few things to help you get to know the different practices and operations of this particular Region. I’m sure it does not explain everything or answer all of your questions so if you have any further questions or have some fantastic new ideas for us to try together, do not hesitate to call me or one of the Partner Regional Ministers directly.
Once again welcome to the Upper Midwest!
Blessings,
Bill Spangler-Dunning (BSD)
Read my Pastoral Letter for more information on this Regional website under Clergy Resources
********* THE FOLLOWING IS A MINI-ORIENTATION TO THE UMW REGION**********
Greetings from your Regional Office staff, We are glad to have you in the great Upper Midwest Region! We wanted to let you in on a few things about our region! We really like to be paperless (or as paperless as possible) usually all the information you need is online or sent directly to you via email. We love to help in any way we can and enjoy going the extra mile to make your job more successful! To keep up-to-date with the Region look for the Disciples Together Express Regional Newsletter. This comes out monthly by email. We look forward to meeting you in the future at some of our Regional events. We have a physical office at the Christian Conference Center but usually work out of our virtual office from our homes! We love this Region! We love our jobs! Please fill free to call or email at any time!
Blessings,
Lori Krase-Cayton
Administrative Coordinator of Ministries
Regional Office: 515-255-3168
Address: 5064 Lincoln Street, Newton, IA 50208
COMMON Q&A
Q: What is the Regional Website? A: You are there! The Regional website is your best resource for networking and information!
Q: How do I stay informed about upcoming events and things going on around the Region? A: The DTE (Disciples Together Express) comes out monthly by email and is available on our website.
Q: What is a Clergy Cluster? A: A geographical grouping of clergy who meet together informally.
Q: Where do I find a Clergy Cluster for me? A: On the regional website under ‘Clergy Resources’. You have the choice to meet with your Cluster, or if another cluster fits you better, you are welcome to join that Clergy Cluster. Each Clergy Cluster is unique and decides what they do and when they gather together.
Q: How do I renew my standing each year? A: Fill out the Standing Form in January; they will be available online around December 1st each year. Commission on Ministry will review it. You will be sent a Standing Card in February.
Q: Where do I find the Standing Form? A: On the Regional website in December under ‘Clergy Resources’. You can fill it out online or print and mail it into the Regional Office.
Q: What is the Christian Conference Center? A: It is Holy Ground to around 1,000 campers each summer ages 4-99! The Conference Center also hosts Pastor Retreats, Family Reunions, Weddings, Ministers’ Institute, and much, much more! Come and visit this special place that so many people call their Holy Ground, located at 5064 Lincoln Street, Newton, IA 50208. You can also click on the “Christian Conference Center” tab on the top of this website for more info.
Q: What is the Administrative Structure of the Upper Midwest? A: The Upper Midwest Region is made up of Geographical Areas and an Operations Council. Our Operations Council (Regional Board) is made up of 1 lay person from each Geographical Area and 8 clergy representatives. To find your Geographical Area go to the Regional webpage.
Q: How do the Regional Ministries Arise? A: They arise at anytime and anywhere that God speaks to the people of the church. Some ministries do not need funded and are blessed to work and do ministry. Those that need funds need to apply for a Ministry Grant and the Operation Council will meet and bless and vote on the merits of the funding these ministries need.
Q: Where do I find the structure and administrative documents, as well as CEU requirements? A: All resources can be found on the Regional webpage under the Continuing Education tab.
Q: Are there any special standing requirements I should know about? A: You need 16 credit hours of continuing education per year and Boundary Training every 3 years. See CCUMW Professional Care & Development Policy (Continuing Ed Requirements) and Policy on Boundary Training – UMWCC documents online.
Q: What events are held each year? A: Some of our annual events are: Ministers’ Institute in January, a great way to complete your CEU’S, network with others and hear an outstanding keynote speaker; Regional Gathering in August (our assembly); and many, many more… to learn about these events read your Disciples Together Express Newsletter or visit this website.