April Connection 1
- 4 hours ago
- 11 min read
April 1, 2026
DISCIPLES CONNECTION
AROUND THE REGION
Regional Minister Search Committee Update
The Search Committee for the Regional Minister is very close to announcing a final Regional Minister candidate. Per our Rules of Procedure, upon completion of a Regional Board meeting called to introduce and vote on the candidate, a Special Regional Assembly is called for congregations to meet and then vote on the recommended candidate.
It is anticipated this Special Regional Assembly will be mid-to late May.
Voting members include: All ministers with standing and two (2) lay delegates from each recognized congregation shall be eligible to vote on business items of the Regional Assembly.
All designated voters will receive a 35-day notice prior to the meeting. ALL Designated Voter names must be received at the regional office by Thursday, April 15th.
The meeting will take place at one of the regional churches AND via Zoom - attendance and voting via Zoom is acceptable.
Click this LINK to submit the names of your clergy and Lay voting members.
2026 Summer Camp Shirt Winning Design:
We received 171 votes from our Greater KC Disciples of Christ Community on our 2026 summer camp shirt designs! Our winning design was created by Tristan Jordan a member of Peace Christian Church and an adult sponsor for the Regional Youth Cabinet.
If you are attending a 2026 KC Disciples Camp at Tall Oaks, you will be receiving a shirt and do NOT need to order one! If you are unable to attend a camp this summer, but would still like a shirt we are offering orders through Thursday, May 7th.
Sponsor our Camper Shirts
In an effort to keep our camp registration fees accessible, we are asking for help from our community. With a donation of $100 your church or organization's name will be featured as a summer 2026 camp sponsor on the back of our shirts.
This is a great way to support the youth and children's ministry in our Region!
If you or your church would like to be a sponsor, please mail a check payable to "Greater KC Christian Church" with "2026Shirts" on the memo line to the Regional Office at Merriam Christian Church, 9401 Johnson Dr., Merriam, KS 66203.
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Camp and Conference Coordinator, Kylie Graham.
The sponsorship deadline has been extended to April 15th!
Thank you to our current sponsors:
Longview Chapel
GKC Disciples Women's Ministry
GKC Regional Youth Cabinet
Hillcrest Christian Church
Fairview Christian Church's Disciples Women's Ministry
Tall Oaks Camp & Conference Center
Liberty Christian Church
First Christian Church of Olathe
Countryside Christian Church
Shawnee Community Christian Church
Merriam Christian Church
Fairview Christian Church
Saint Andrew Christian Church
Lee's Summit Christian Church
Hillside Christian Church
Hillside Christian Church Establishes George Warren Campbell Memorial Fund
Kansas City, Missouri — Hillside Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kansas City has announced the creation of the George Warren Campbell Memorial Fund, a new endowment established to honor the life, ministry, and legacy of the late Rev. George Warren Campbell. The fund will support new ministry development and
congregational growth at Hillside Christian Church, continuing the vision Rev. Campbell championed throughout his years of service.
Rev. Campbell was widely known for his deep commitment to congregational leadership, his passion for church music, and his ability to nurture and encourage the faith of others. His ministry left a lasting impact not only on Hillside Christian Church, but also on colleagues and congregations throughout the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
The George Warren Campbell Memorial Fund will provide resources for innovative ministry initiatives and leadership development as the congregation looks toward the future.
Hillside Christian Church has launched a fundraising effort to establish the fund, with a goal of raising $20,000 by May 24, 2026. The congregation plans to celebrate the launch of the fund on Pentecost Sunday, a day that symbolizes the continuing movement of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
Donors who contribute during the initial campaign will be recognized as members of the Founders Circle, with their names included on a commemorative plaque honoring those who helped establish the fund. Contributions to the George Warren Campbell Memorial Fund are being administered through the Christian Church Foundation.
To contribute by mail, please send a check to:
Christian Church Foundation
P.O. Box 1007
Indianapolis, IN 46206-1007
Please include “George Warren Campbell Memorial Fund” in the memo line.
Those interested in learning more about the fund or the campaign may contact:
Rev. Andy Beck, andy@hillsidecc.com
Through the George Warren Campbell Memorial Fund, Hillside Christian Church seeks to honor a beloved minister while ensuring that his passion for faith, leadership, and congregational vitality continues to shape the church for years to come.
Donations Needed - Deaf International
"I pastor a Deaf church, and the majority of our members are Deaf refugees or Deaf individuals living on fixed incomes. One year ago, we had to leave our worship space because we could no longer afford the rent. We are now returning to that same location and are excited to restart our in-person worship services.
If you happen to have any of the items listed below and are willing to share them with us, we would be deeply grateful. We are looking for:
A projector for worship and visual communication
Communion cups (individual/disposable)
A flowering cross to hold flowers for Easter and special services.
These items will help us create a welcoming, accessible space as we return to in‑person worship. Thank you for considering our request and for any support you are able to offer."
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Debbie J. Buchholz
If you have any of the supplies mentioned above please connect with the Regional Office by email or call (913) 432 - 1414
Greater Legacy Society - Deadline Extended
So far we have raised $6,255 toward our initial goal of $10,000.
Become a recognized Charter Member by April 30th through a one-time gift, establishing recurring monthly or quarterly contributions, or gifting stock or IRA distributions!
Donate online at kcdisciples.org/donate
Much gratitude to our Task Force members who have developed our Gift Policy and Endowment Policy and are hosting this event: Ashley Cheung, Kirby Hughes, Rick Hughey, Vicky Kumorowski, Ron Routledge, and Lem Whitmer.
UPCOMING REGIONAL EVENTS
DWM April Meeting
The Disciples Women's Ministry will be holding their April evening meeting on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:00 PM at Lee's Summit Christian Church. (800 NE Tudor Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64086)
Kirby Hughes Marks will be presenting on her trip to Greece in May 2025. She serves as the VP of the Christian Church Foundation.
Cost is $8 per person
Please RSVP via call, text, or email to Ashley Fyffe
(913) 703 - 5881
All Clergy Lunch!
Come one! Come all! It has been a while since all the clergy in the Region had an opportunity to gather for lunch, connection, fellowship, and support.
That opportunity has come. All clergy are invited to a lunch on Wednesday April 29 at Noon.
We will be meeting at Milburn Country Club in north Overland Park.
The address is:
7501 W. 69 th St.
Overland Park, KS 66204
The lunch cost will be $20/person. Roger Beason has a membership with Milburn and will pay for the bill. You will either need to bring $20 cash or Venmo Roger the day of the lunch. We are excited to have this chance to connect and fellowship with one another.
Finally, we need you to RSVP for this lunch by no later than April 22. We want to ensure we have the correct seating for all those attending.
Job Opportunity: Children's Ministry Director at Living Water Christian Church
Living Water Christian Church is currently seeking to hire a part-time Children's Ministry Director. Please see the ministry description below.
Send resume to: Pastorfred@livingwaterchristian.org
Children's Director Ministry Description
Primary function: to oversee children’s ministry (birth-5th grade) at LWCC and recruit, train, and develop a growing volunteer children’s ministry team
Reports to: Fred Herron & LWCC Council
Responsibilities:
1. To oversee children’s ministry at LWCC
2. To develop a strategic plan and outreach for children’s ministry which implements the vision, mission, and goals of LWCC
3. To recruit, train, and develop a volunteer team for children’s ministry
4. To implement creative children’s curriculum
5. To partner with families to raise children to love God and follow Jesus
6. To manage children’s ministry budget and facilities
Hours and pay will be negotiated
Nursery Worker - OPCC
Are you a caring and experienced nanny looking for a part-time job? We are seeking a nurturing and reliable nanny to provide exceptional care for children 0-4 years on Sunday Mornings.
About Us:
Overland Park Chrisitan Church is a friendly, mission-oriented community. OPCC strives to provide a nurturing, stimulating, spiritually engaging environment for our children.
Job Responsibilities:
Providing care for the children in a safe and supportive manner.
Engaging the children in age-appropriate activities that promote learning, creativity, and social development.
Assisting with light housekeeping tasks related to the children, such as tidying up the play areas and changing diapers.
Requirements:
Prior experience as a nanny or in a similar role with excellent references.
Ability to create a stimulating and engaging environment for the children.
Be willing to update parents with information about their time in the nursery.
First aid and CPR certification preferred but not required.
OPCC will be doing a back ground check before hiring.
Compensation and Benefits:
We will provide a written work agreement
Pay is $15/hr.
Paid professional development opportunities such as First Aid or CPR certificate.
Schedule: This is a 2-3 hour/week position Sunday’s 10:00-12:00 am.
If interested contact the church office @ 913-677-4646 and Pastor Lisa Engelken will be in contact.
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Community Listening for Church Growth Webinar Series
In this three-session webinar, you will learn how to grow as a connection-rich congregation where everyone can make a friend and no one goes through life's hardest moments alone.
Each webinar includes times for discussion to explore how community listening applies in your specific ministry, and to identify practical next steps you can take.
Led by Ministry Consultants Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruch with KC's Associate Regional Minister for New Church, Rev. Amy Shoemaker. Joy and Heidi team up to help churches make God's love and justice visible through creative ministry, especially in ways that put relationships at the center. They co-authored the book Real Connections: Ministries to Strengthen Church and Community Relationships (Judson Press, 2021). Amy is excited to be joining Joy and Heidi to bring these crucial skills to the KC Disciples.
Leadership Training - KC for Refugees
10:00 am-4:00 pm April 11, 2026, Independence Boulevard Christian Church 606 Gladstone, Kansas City, MO.
Based on KLC’s new bestselling book, When Everyone Leads makes leadership radically accessible and inclusive, and helps unleash capacity for collective leadership in teams,
organizations, coalitions and communities.
This program is packed with interactive group discussions and provides ample time for you to reflect on application to the challenges that matter most in your context.
You will explore all 5 sections of the book in which authors Ed O’Malley and Julia Fabris McBride present a revolutionary approach to leadership. Neither position nor authority, it’s an activity open to anyone who can see and seize their moments to lead and engage differently. In a culture where everyone leads, individuals, organizations and communities make more progress. Full of specific examples of challenges and solutions from nonprofits, school boards, the healthcare industry and the corporate world, When Everyone Leads offers a proven, actionable approach to navigate the world’s most pressing challenges.
Join When Everyone Leads Certified Facilitator Bill Rose-Heim and take your first step on the KLC Path!
Complete the online form no later than April 7th!
Supporting Campers Beyond the Campfire: Mental Health 101
Camp is more than games and cabin chats, it’s a place where kids bring their full selves, including their emotions. This training will help camp counselors recognize common mental health warning signs, understand what behaviors may really be communicating, and respond in ways that build safety and connection.
Join us for a FREE children/youth mental health training Saturday, April 25th from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Tall Oaks Camp and Conference Center.
DCEF’s maintenance guide to preparing your property for spring
We’re enjoying the longer days and warmer weather, but winter’s departure brings a new host of maintenance issues that need to be addressed before welcoming spring. To aid in their work, Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) has compiled this printable checklist.
Roof
Shingles
Caulking
Gutters and down spouts
Yard
Plants
Seating
Playground equipment and fencing
Lawnmowers
Parking Lot
Curbs
Signs
Drains
General Facilities
HVACs
Doors
Lights
Carpet
Find the full guide here.
Need to fix up your place of worship? If so, DCEF’s Green Loans and Building Evaluation service can help. Contact your regional Building and Capital Services Advisor.
Undergirding Our Congregation's Dreams: How Money Impacts Our Ministry
Join us Saturday, May 2nd 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
at Merriam Christian Church
$20 Registration fee
Setting the Stage for Healthy Dreaming
Key Foundation Words for Stewardship/Finance
Stewardship Theological Foundation
Potential Areas of Conversation with the Group
Building a Team Approach to Stewardship/Finances
Annual Budget/Campaign Efforts
Campaign approaches
Alternative income streams
Grants with the Denomination or Local Community
Staff support around compensation, planning, and creative encouragement
Capital Campaign Programs
Seminar Leader
Rev. Dr. Chris Wilson will lead this seminar. He is the Senior Pastor of Saint Andrew Christian Church in Olathe, KS and has thirty plus years of ministry shared in the local church. He is on the Bethany Fellows Board and has served in this role since 2012. He also serves and has served in several capacities in the wider Disciples denomination and in ecumenical/interfaith non-profits. His undergraduate degree was in Business Administration, and he has a certification as a national Financial Educator.
Register by calling the Regional office at (913) 432 - 1414
SAVE THE DATES
General Assembly Livestream
July 10-11
Registration is now open for the 2026 General Assembly! T
he whole church across the United States and Canada is invited to join this meaningful online gathering July 10-11, 2026.
Rooted in Ephesians 3:14-21, our theme, BEYOND: Love Surpassing, calls us to be grounded in the limitless love of God, a love that reaches beyond barriers, deepens our relationships, and expands our shared ministry. Together, we are invited to set a bigger table, one that reflects the fullness of who we are called to be as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
More than a series of meetings, General Assembly is a covenantal space for worship, learning, discussion, business, fellowship, and action. Gathering online allows more of us to participate, connect, and faithfully live into our call to be the church we say we are.
If you have never joined a General Assembly before, we extend a special invitation. There is a place for you at the table.
Registration is $30 per person. Plan to join us for this powerful time of connection, worship, and shared purpose.
Be there. Be part of what's Beyond.
While this summer's General Assembly is virtual we invite all of the Greater Kansas City Disciples to gather at Country Club Christian Church to participate together.
2026 Racial Justice Summit
Save the date for the Becoming Beloved Community's fourth annual Racial Justice Summit Saturday, November 7th.
ONE month left for Early Bird Summer Camp Prices!
ALL of our 2026 KC Disciples Summer Camp registrations are OPEN! Be sure to register by Friday, May 1st to receive the early-bird discount price. Beginning on May 2nd all camp prices increase by $50.
This summer we will be using InsideOut's "Into the Wilderness" curriculum.
"Wilderness is a time or place where we encounter what is new, strange, scary, lonely, unknown or mysterious. The wilderness is a wild and beautiful time and place where we can discover the sacred within each person and all creation. The wilderness can inspire us and guide us, assuring us of God’s constant presence. As the Spirit guides us through the wilderness, we find what we need to face our fears and the very real challenges that impact our world. The wilderness teaches us the importance of community and the ways we navigate challenges together. The wilderness reveals our strengths, growing edges, and potential as God equips us for the unknown still to come. The wilderness awaits us all, and God meets us there."
