Around the District: August 2020
EVENTS
Steve Walters Memorial Bike Ride: August 29, 2020
Hillside is sponsoring two bike rides (61 miles or 2.5 miles) in memory of Pastor Steve Walters on Saturday, August 29. Cyclists will begin at The Seed Coffeehouse in Centerville and ride approximately 61 miles (in memory of what would have been Steve's 61st birthday on Aug. 26) to a city park in Vermillion. A 2.5 mile ride from the park to Hillside is another option for those less interested in such a long ride, where we will be serving lunch and have a time of sharing before concluding this event. All proceeds will be used for church planting. More details can be found on the registration page.
District & Prayer Conference: October 5-7, 2020
Although we are continuing to monitor COVID-19 regulations in Minnesota, we are looking forward to seeing everyone in-person for this year’s District and Prayer Conference in the fall!
Location: Hmong American Alliance Church (2515 Maplewood Dr W, St Paul, MN 55109)
Price: $25/person for official workers and lay delegates; free for retired workers and corresponding delegates
Registration: click here
Hotel Options: click here
REGIONAL NEWS
3 Churches Videocast
As coronavirus restrictions continue to be lifted, we are continuing to have conversations every other week discussing how 3 churches of 3 different sizes in 3 different settings are dealing with the pandemic. Tune in to our North Central C&MA YouTube channel on Wednesdays at 9:00 AM. We would love for you to watch and comment about how you are dealing with these topics as a church. We know that God is up to something good in this time and that we are better together. Let’s learn from one another and spur each other on! We will be sending these videos out via email as well as posting them on our Facebook page.
Dream Incentive Grant (DIG)
What is your dream for your church’s impact for Jesus Christ on your community? Is there something that you believe may result in people coming to know Jesus, but you simply don’t have the resources? The National Office of the C&MA is once again providing grants of up to $30,000 to churches with a 300 average weekend worship attendance and under. All applications will go to our District Superintendent and the National Office for review and approval. We can’t wait to hear the dreams that the Lord is stirring in your hearts!
For: Churches with a 300 average weekend worship attendance and under
Due: September 15, 2020
Awarded: December 15, 2020 Apply Now!
Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS)
While on-campus courses have been taught for more than 60 years, within the last decade we have been building a robust roster of online classes as well. Considering the restrictions on travel, online courses at Alliance Theological Seminary (ATS) offer a convenient solution to earning a degree—whether prospective seminarians live across our nation or around the world. In addition to being convenient and undisruptive to the demands of other obligations, ATS degree programs are affordable. Think of the countless needs in society that extend beyond the current medical crisis. I’m sure you’ll agree that a holistic seminary education that combines faith and learning with spiritual formation is needed in our leaders now more than ever! We make that kind of experience accessible by offering a 50 percent tuition discount to all licensed Alliance workers and members of good standing in a C&MA church. This means that both your staff members and congregants are eligible to receive this financial support while completing an accredited degree at the ATS online campus. Are you ready to take the next step to fulfill God’s call on their lives? We would love to share how being a part of the ATS community can be a life-changing experience with benefits to our students personally as well as for those they will serve. To begin the application process, click here. For further information, please email Jessica Mitchell in the C&MA’s Admissions Office at jessica.mitchell@nyack.edu or call (845) 376-2898. We look forward to supporting all who are eager to advance God’s Kingdom. Be safe and steadfast in the work of the Lord!
International Workers
To view a prayer update for the International Workers in the North Central District, click here.
Bible Quizzing
For more information, please visit the NCD Bible Quizzing website here.
CHANGES IN THE DISTRICT
Richard Ellis Bush
Richard departed this world on June 25, 2020 at the age of 81. Acute Myeloid Leukemia finally won the battle over his physical body where he died at his home in Mansfield, Massachusetts. He now resides in the presence of his Heavenly Father.