The Chalice Bluebonnet Area/LRGVD of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the southwest

September 2018

Bethany Fellows Program Provides Crucial Support for Young Clergy For Rev. Kim Gage Ryan, Director of Bethany Fellows, the more ministry has changed over the last two decades, the more the program’s work matters. Bethany Fellows was founded 19 years ago, through Transition in Ministry grants from the Lilly Endowment, and administered through Higher Education and Leadership Ministries (HELM), to address the unique challenges facing young ministers. “The first five years of ministry continues to be a time of transition and vulnerability,” Ryan says. “That hasn’t changed in 19 years.” Open to newly-ordained young ministers transitioning from seminary to their first congregational call, Bethany Fellows offers eight week-long retreats over the course of four years. At these retreats, groups of 32 Fellows share their challenges and successes with their peers in small groups, learn from experienced pastors and other church leaders, and spend 24 hours in silence. These retreats certainly provide support for the pastoral participants, but Ryan explains that these programs also support and strengthen congregations. “At its heart, Bethany Fellows is about helping young pastors, and consequently their congregations, partner in spiritual practices: sharing in their lives, praying for one another, being accountable, and continuing to be open to creativity and to God’s call for where we are.” Read more

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SWGSM: Match Grant Challenge Ends Tuesday, September 4th Dear Team Leaders, Regions, Areas, Churches, and All Our Partners in Compassion Ministries: We are pleased to announce a Match Grant Challenge is being offered by our long-time ministry partners. Northway Christian Church, Dallas, TX is offering a 1:1 match up to $50,000 “to encourage additional communities of faith to provide financial support of SWGSM’s sustainability into the future”. We have an additional $6,000 match from an extraordinary-ordinary church, First Christian Church, Denton, TX, asking “for average churches with normal, struggling budgets to dig deep and give compassionately.” The Challenge will run from July 15 to noon September 4. For this Challenge, any financial contribution to SWGSM from a congregation of any denomination will be matched by Northway Christian Church, Dallas, TX up to $50,000 and First Christian Church, Denton, TX from $50,000 up to $56,000. This match is for cash donations attained by September 15, not for pledges unreceived. In-kind donations do not match this grant. We are hoping to offer a pledge match and an individual match in the future. Donations may be made through our website donations online (using desktop only) at www.SWGSM.org or by check to our PO Box 273, Los Fresnos , TX 78566. Donations can be directly from a church, or from individuals naming a church. We hold each of you and your churches in prayer as our partners as we continue to serve together to “the least of these” along the Rio Grande Valley. We pledge to continue in prayer with and for you as we make the best use of every dollar you place in our trust. Won’t you join us on the Jericho Journey? In Gratitude, Rev. Feliberto Pereira, Founder and Executive Director [email protected]

Sharmin DeMoss, Program Development Coordinator [email protected]

Click here for complete letter.

Haga clic aquí para la leer la carta en Español.

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Healthy Boundaries for Clergy Training In order to maintain standing in 2019, ministers need to check the status of their boundaries training with the regional office and, if needed, register for a course. Clergy who have not had boundaries training since December 31, 2012, must complete training by February 28, 2019, for renewal of standing next year. Online registration available by clicking on the links provided or register by calling the Regional Office at (817) 926-4687. 

English: Saturday, September 8 at FCC Pasadena

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English: Monday, September 17 at Brite Divinity School

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English: Saturday, September 29 at Northway Christian Church

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English: Saturday, September 29 at FCC Midland

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English: Saturday, October 13 at FCC Canyon

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Spanish: Friday, November 2 at Central Christian Church

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English: Friday, November 2 at Central Christian Church

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English: Monday, February 4 at University Christian Church

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English: Saturday, date to be determined at El Paso-Las Cruces vicinity

Click here to view full details. Haga clic aquí para ver la información en Español.

Sept 8 Luke

Primera IC de Lewisville

Oct 6 Acts

IC Emmanuel

Oct 13 Revelation

Primera Iglesia Cristiana

Update: 2018 CCSW Men’s Retreat This is another reminder note about our men's retreat at Lake Brownwood on September 21-23. Click here for information and two ways to get Registration forms. It is much better for Bonnie Schuler's processing of registrations if you will register ONLINE. You can click on the pdf and print out and mail it in if you prefer, but we absorb the online fee, so there is no increased cost to you. Rev. STEVE RUSSELL has decided to coordinate a Dove Hunt prior to our retreat. Hunters and shooters coming to the Regional Men’s Retreat if you would be interested in dove hunting or shooting clay targets on Thursday evening and/ or Friday morning, contact Rev. Steve Russell, at (903) 530-4338 or [email protected]. Don't forget, Registration fees increase by $10 if you register after August 31st. Haga clic aquí para ver la información en Español.

Call for Ministers to Serve as Mentors Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM) is one of the distinctive aspects of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary experience. Students, alumni and congregations agree that SPM courses are invaluable in preparing women and men for ministry. Students make significant contributions to the lives of the congregations they serve; in turn, congregations help to train interns for a life of fruitful ministry. The philosophy of the SPM program weaves action and reflection into the learning process. Having completed foundational courses in the Seminary curriculum, students are prepared to learn through concrete acts of ministry. This service takes place under the supervision of an experienced pastor and mentor who guides the intern in regular reflection on his or her life, work, and pastoral identity. Finally, the student returns to Seminary, now more ready than ever to integrate theory and practice in the classroom environment. Click here for detailed information on Supervised Practice of Ministry (SPM).

Oct 20 Ruth, Esther, Daniel, Jonas IC Alfa y Omega Oct 27 Mark

Iglesia Maná de Coronado

An SPM Orientation will be held September 26, 2018. If you are interested please contact Christal Fisher, Interim Regional Connection Minister at (214) 244-3665 or [email protected].

Click here for flyer in English. Haga clic aquí para ver la información en Español. Haga clic aquí para el volante en Español.

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Fall Craft Bazaar Saturday, September 29, 2018 Western Hills Christian Church Click here for more information & registration form. Haga clic aquí para mas información y formulario de registro.

Disciple Oaks News Challenge Course Weekend: October 12-14 Ever wanted to try the Disciple Oaks challenge course but didn't have a group to attend with? This course is designed so that now you can attend individually as part of an open enrollment group. New Facilitator Training Weekend: October 26 -28 Attending the challenge course weekend is a prerequisite for this training. During this weekend, you will build on your experience in the first weekend and learn the equipment, safety procedures and technical aspects used in a challenge course. Click here for detailed information. Haga clic aquí para ver esta información en Español.

2018 CCSW Regional Assembly Registration Now Open We encourage all congregations to make plans to be represented at this event for educational opportunities and to be a part of making decisions about the restructure of the Southwest Region. Each member congregation shall be entitled to two voting delegates at the business session on Saturday afternoon. Each congregation of more than 100 participating members shall be entitled to one additional voting delegate for each additional one hundred participating members or major fraction thereof. These voting delegates shall be in addition to persons holding the office of ordained or commissioned minister. Ordained and commissioned ministers residing in the region who have ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) shall be voting delegates. Click here for schedule, workshop description, training opportunities for clergy and lodging options. Haga clic aquí para ver la información en Español.

One of the ways Disciples have been engaged in the community and effected change is through the CROP Hunger Walk, a community project of Church World Service. San Antonio CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, November 4, 2018 We have a new, family-friendly venue for the event: Walker Ranch Historic Park. You are also invited to hear Mary Catherine Hinds, CROP National Events Strategist, at our Recruiter Rally -Saturday, September 8, at Bethel AME Church. Ms. Hinds is a fun, engaging speaker. Come learn more about the impact you and your congregation make through CROP Hunger Walk. Packets of materials with our walk theme, “Veggies, Eggs and a Side of Hope” will be available for pickup. Questions? Call (512) 5531671 or email [email protected] Austin CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, February 24, 2019 Celebrate the hard work, energy and commitment to end hunger of our participating congregations, recruiters and walkers on Sunday, September 9, 2018. The second annual Celebration event will be held at the Central Texas Food Bank. Featured Speaker: Mary Catherine Hinds, CROP National Strategist. This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the work and mission of Church World Service. Please RSVP to [email protected]. Haga clic aquí para ver esta información en Español.

Mission South: 2018 & 2019 Dates CYF Fall Rally............................................... November 9-11, 2018 Chi Rho Midwinter Retreat ...........................January 18-20, 2019 CYF Spring Rally ...................................................March 1-3, 2019 Family Camp ....................................................... May 24-26, 2019 CYF Conference ....................................................June 9-15, 2019 Eighter’s Camp ...................................................June 16-22, 2019 Beginner/Junior Camp .......................................June 25-29, 2019 Chi Rho Camp ........................................................ July 7-13, 2019 Check out discipleoaksretreat.net and facebook.com/ discipleoaks for more information Click here for flyer.

Haga clic aquí para el volante.

September 2018

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BBA/LRGVD Office Closed in Observance of Labor Day Holiday 9a Lilies of the Valley

9a Lilies of the Valley 5p Loaves and Fishes

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9a Lilies of the Valley 11:30a Alamo Cluster Meeting

9a Lilies of the Valley 12p Capital Cluster Meeting 5p Loaves and Fishes

1p Free Webinar for Your Church: Trending Risk Management Concerns for Churches

5p Loaves and Fishes

7p DCCI Meeting

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Healthy Boundaries for Clergy Training 9a Lilies of the Valley

9a Lilies of the Valley 5p Loaves and Fishes

11a Coastal Cluster Meeting

5p Loaves and Fishes

2018 CCSW Men's Retreat Southwest Hispanic Convention: Leadership Workshop

2018 CCSW Men's Retreat Southwest Hispanic Convention: Leadership Workshop 4p The Open Table

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2018 CCSW Men's Retreat

9a Lilies of the Valley 5:30p Inman Board Meeting

9a Lilies of the Valley 5p Loaves and Fishes

5p Loaves and Fishes

Southwest Hispanic Convention: Board Meeting 6p Children Worship and Wonder Training

Southwest Hispanic Convention: Board Meeting 9a Children Worship and Wonder Training 9a Fall Craft Bazaar 9a Healthy Boundaries for Clergy Training

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9a Community in Action 5p Loaves and Fishes

The Chalice A monthly publication of BBA/LRGVD Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

1214 Colima St San Antonio, Texas 78207

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Office: (210) 822-4345 Fax: (866) 602-2789 Email: [email protected]

Bible Olympics: Luke 9a Healthy Boundaries for Clergy Training 4p The Open Table

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8a DCCI Board Meeting 10a LRGVD Meeting