Coastal Plains Area 713.789.8822 cpa@cpadisciples.org

Newsletter of the Coastal Plains Area | April, 2016

Christian Church in the Southwest Vol 14, Issue 4

Youth Reflections

Imagine. Those were the words of the late John Lennon.

Youth are invited to respond and imagine a world, a country, and a society in which people are treated with dignity, justice, and respect. Reflections on this theme may be developed in any manner that you or your youth group select. It may be art, essay, poetry, prose, and should be ready for display at the Area Assembly, May 1. Certificates and cash awards will be presented to the most outstanding contributions. If you have any questions, please contact the Reconciliation Ministry team at mfiddmon@ccf.disciples.org.

1. What would we be willing to change in order to become an embracing community to people of other ethnicities?

2. What is the benefit to being more precise about our own attitudes and beliefs? How can this ownership of our attitudes move toward reconciliation?

3. What are you willing to risk to model “racial” reconciliation? 4. Can you “imagine” a society in which people live as one?

The greatest gift is not being afraid to question Ruby Dee, activist and actress

wind&waves

Who Is My Neighbor? by Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont Mark Your Calendar

APRIL

2 Avoiding the Slippery Slope II

7 CPA Execs & MPT

8-9 Mission of the Church in the World—Committee On Ministry Event

12 Clergy Circles—Cypress Creek

12 Theology Pub

13 Clergy Circles—First, Houston

15-16 Silent Retreat

17 Who Is My Neighbor

18-21 RCOM & ACOM

25 News Deadline

29-30 Regional Council

30 DCCI Workday

30-1 CYF Service Rally

MAY

1 Area Assembly

2-7 CCSW Disciples Men Mission Project

13 Business Leaders Seminar by Brite

21 DCCI Board

27-29 Family Camp

30 Memorial Day—Office Closed

Find more Area Assembly information on page 3

Coastal Plains Area 713.789.8822 cpa@cpadisciples.org

Views from the EdgeViews from the EdgeViews from the Edge By Rev. Peggy Edge, Coastal Plains Area Minister

Spring is an incredibly busy time of the year for the CPA

Office as Congregational Reports for the

Yearbook are gathered, Ministerial

Renewal of Standing Forms are

submitted, Commissioned Minister

interviews are scheduled, Camp

registration forms begin to come in,

Annual Reports for the upcoming Area

Council meeting are collated into the

docket, and arrangements are made for

the upcoming Area Assembly. The CPA depends upon

Marilyn Duncan to manage all of these special projects!

We are indebted to her for taking care of these special

duties as well as preparing newsletters, handling a myriad

of inquiries, preparing MPT packets, and working in

conjunction with the Area Treasurer to take care of

financial operations. Needless to say, she deserves a

vacation! We wish her well as she will be out of the office

April 6-8th.

And speaking of the Area Assembly, I trust you will all

mark your calendars for May 1st. We will gather at First

Christian Church in Texas City. The Area Council meeting

begins at 3:00 p.m. Each congregation has one voting

delegate per 300 participating members. In addition, one

clergy per congregation, and members of the MPT also

have votes. But everyone is welcome! Assembly

worship will begin at 4:30 p.m. Our theme this year is

Mission: Possible. Our keynote speaker, Rev. Vy

Nguyen, currently serves as Executive Director of Week

of Compassion. His sermon topic is “And Who Is My

Neighbor?” Rev. Rhona Brink and Philip Durham are

planning our music. Margaret Brooks and Lannette

Leining are chairing local arrangements for FCC, Texas

City. Rev. Brenda Warren will prepare our liturgy. We

will make arrangements for child care so bring your

families and come. Registration will be $10 for adults or

$20 for families. Those who wish to register early may

contact the Area Office. We will enjoy fellowship and

good food following worship! I hope each congregation

will accept the challenge to have the largest

representation there!

Perhaps you have heard the CPA Disciple Men’s news.

During their recent retreat held with the BBA Disciples

Men at the campground near Gonzales, the CPA men

elected Bob Simons, from The Woodlands Christian

Church, as the President. In recognition of Charles

Smith’s eight years of ministry as pastor of First

Christian Church in Alvin and with thanksgiving for his

leadership as the out-going President, the men named

Rev. Charles Smith as Minister of the Year. With

gratitude for the servant leadership of Mike Deaver who

volunteered as Interim Camp Director at Disciple Oaks

last summer, the men named Mike Deaver as CPA

Layman of the Year. Well done, good and faithful

servants!

We rejoice with Memorial Drive Christian Church as

they have called Rev. Matthew Hudman as their new

Senior Minister. Matthew will begin his pastorate on

June 6th. In other CPA Search and Call news, Rev.

June Stoker accepted the call as Student Pastor of

First Christian Church in Alvin effective March 1st.

Rev. Brenda Warren is concluding her six month

Intentional Interim work with First Christian Church of

Texas City. That search committee continues to seek

a new settled pastor. In addition, Rev. Chris Parrott is

concluding his ministry with Canvas Church Houston,

a congregation he helped start nine years ago. We join

the community of faith giving thanks for his servant

leadership and faithful ministry.

Several of our CPA ministers and their families have

been dealing with serious illness. I know you join me in

prayer for their healing of body and soul. Giving thanks

to God for the miracles of modern medicine we

surround these families with love and compassion.

With thanksgiving for the CPA congregations and

ministries, I bid you Easter Blessings,

Peggy Edge, Area Minister

Coastal Plains Area 713.789.8822 cpa@cpadisciples.org

Vy Nguyen Executive Director

Week of Compassion

COASTAL PLAINS AREA

ASSEMBLY 2016

SUNDAY, MAY 1

First Christian Church

Texas City

Council Meeting: 3:00pm

Worship: 4:30pm

Lots of Fellowship!

As our year comes to a close,

we celebrate the success of

three out-standing events

sponsored by the

Congregational Vitality Team.

The Enneagram Workshop,

the Silent Retreat and the Avoiding the

Slippery Slope - Part II Workshop all provided

incredible opportunities for Area churches and

their leaders to come together to learn

valuable leadership skills in today’s church

environment and to share experiences and

information with one another. Congregational

vitality is alive and well as each participant

returned to his or her congregation to share

these experiences.

Sadly, I will be stepping down as Chair of the

Team in May to focus on God’s call to serve as

Executive Director of the Cypress Creek

Christian Community Center. I feel so blessed

to have had this opportunity to serve the Area

and each of the congregations. I hope that

you will continue to support this awesome

team of volunteers as they bring new and

creative ways of encouraging leaders in our

Area.

In His Service, Norma Lowrey

Congregational Vitality Team

Vy holds a Master of Divinity from

the Divinity School at the

University of Chicago, and earned

his B.A. in religious studies with a

minor in environmental sciences

from Texas Christian University.

He joins Week of Compassion

after serving more than 5 years

with Church World Service for the

Southwest Regional Office where

he worked with congregations and

donors to increase their

fundraising portfolio. Prior to his

work with Church World Service,

Vy worked with the Lutheran

Volunteer Corps office in Berkeley,

CA where he strengthened

relationships between volunteers,

congregations, and non-profit

agencies.

Vy and his wife, Linh Bui, live in

Oakland, CA.

by Rev. Norma Lowrey, Chair

Who is the Council? All are welcome, but who can vote?

From the Constitution of the Coastal Plains Area

Article III: Governance | Section A: Area Council

1. The Area Council shall consist of one lay person and one minister per

member congregation.

2. Congregations with memberships reported in the current Yearbook

and Directory in excess of 300 shall be entitled to one additional vote,

lay or clergy, per additional 300 members.

3. The Area Council shall meet in conjunction with the annual Area

Assembly for the purpose of:

a. Receiving the report of the nominating committee

b. Receiving an annual financial report from the Treasurer

c. Conducting any other business matters related to the ministry of

the CPA such as, but not limited to:

i. Changes or additions to permanent fund policies

ii. Approval of new churches or affiliating churches iii. Approval of the Report of the Search and Call Committee

iv. Approval of sale of property

**CPA MPT Chairs are also voting members

Coastal Plains Area 713.789.8822 cpa@cpadisciples.org

Hello Friends in the CPA,

Those of us who have worked on the Funding Plan for the Coastal Plains Area have been blessed and moved by the way nearly every church has stepped up to commit to the ministry of the Coastal Plains. In addition, there have been a number of individual commitments made. All of which says to - ALL of US - that we value what the Area Ministry does and the nurture it provides.

The Funding Plan was always thought of as a necessary first step to deal with an immediate financial need. That need has been met, both by the commitments I noted above and an Area Council decision to pull from the 2014 gains of the New Church Development Permanent Fund.

We celebrate together our shared significant win!

Now that we have completed that necessary first step, a step that has involved a three year commitment, the Coastal Plains Area Ministry is now free to engage more fundamental (and in my opinion more interesting) questions about the Area Ministry's purpose, vision, focus and needs.

Thank you all so much for rising to the occasion and being good stewards of the ministry Jesus has entrusted to us.

Peace, Michael Dunn

Funding Plan Report

by Rev. Dr. Michael Dunn

REMEMBER THE WORKDAY AT DISCIPLE OAKSREMEMBER THE WORKDAY AT DISCIPLE OAKSREMEMBER THE WORKDAY AT DISCIPLE OAKS APRIL 30 APRIL 30 APRIL 30 (Preparing for SUMMER!)

Get the flyer here:

http://www.cpadisciples.org/youth-news-events/

Workday starts at 8:00 am and wraps up around 3:00 pm.

Lunch provided.

Arrangements can be made for overnight stay if needed, but in the

dorm only. (Call Scott) Dinner and breakfast are on your own.

Sanding & sealing picnic tables, clearing brush, trimming hedges,

painting/ sealing fences, removing vines. Bring sanders, weed eaters,

chainsaws, gloves, tree cutters, hedge clippers, and lowboy trailers!

Let Scott know you’re coming—830.437.2900 or

discipleoaks@gmail.com

FAMILY CAMP MAY 27-29 This camp is for families of all ages as long as one child attending

is under the age of 18 and one adult is over the age of 21. The goal of Family Camp is Sabbath! Families come to rest, play and worship together. What a great way to kick off the summer!

FEES: 12 & up 145 ea, 4-12 110 ea, 3 & under Free, MAX PER FAMILY: 399 Deadline: May 2

CYF Conference June 12-18 Completed Grades 9-12 FEES: 375 by May 11

8’ers Camp June 19-25 Completed Grade 8 FEES: 440 by May 18

JUNIOR CAMP June 7-11 Completed 4-5 FEES: 315 by May 6

BEGINNERS June 7-11 Completed 2-3 FEES: 315 by May 6

CHI RHO CAMP July 10-16 Completed 6-7 FEES: 339 by Apr 11 375 by June 10

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Camp Scholarships may be available. If you need assistance, please have your pastor contact the Coastal Plains Area office.

Junior and Beginners Camps will be held concurrently with activities separated to appropriate age groups.

If you have more camp questions, contact Heather Tolleson at youth@cpadisciples.org, or the Coastal Plains Area Office at cpa@cpadisciples.org

Coastal Plains Area 713.789.8822 cpa@cpadisciples.org

Outreach | Reconciliation by Rev. Peggy Trott

A friend recently said to me, "I like to do things with people I know, so I need to know more

people." He was speaking about crossing racial color-lines so that we could get to know each other and be empowered to establish new relationships and friend-ships. That is what we have been doing over the last several months as our Coastal Plains Area has hosted several reconciliation gatherings with Dr. Alex Byrd, Associate Professor of History at Rice University, as our keynote speaker. Our final gathering for "Who Is My Neighbor? The ________in the Room" will be held on April 17 at First Christian Church, 1601 Sunset, Houston, at 4:00pm. This session will focus on the reconciliation aspects of the racial/ethnic divide.

Over 100 folks have participated in these gatherings. New relationships have been formed, new understandings have developed and it has been an incredibly valuable time for all of the participants. We do hope you will join us once again for this enlightening conversation.

Rev. Peggy Trott, Chair Christian Action and Outreach Ministry

Disciple Oaks Challenge Course Update

In January of this year construction of the eight high course elements was completed. A four day training was held during which nine people learned how to set up and guide participants through these elements. This was the final step in a multi-year project to construct a professional quality challenge course for the camp.

2010 – The first proposal for building a course at the camp is presented 2013 – Low course construction complete & groups taken through the program 2015 – Board approval for the high course 2016 – High course construction completed

Disciples Participation The construction of a course of this quality is great accomplishment but the value of the course is gained when groups are guided though the course by trained facilitators. The facilitator team that built the low course and has been the strong core for the project is a wonderful, dedicated and professional group. But this team is missing something, participation from the CPA and BBA. In order for the Areas to fully utilize the great blessing that this course brings, we must have Disciples trained as facilitators.

Role of the facilitator Challenge Course facilitation is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Some people will be very good at it and some not. The director of the current team has many years and hundreds of hours of experience on courses. A team of facilitators works with each group as they spend a weekend solving the challenges of the course. The facilitator guides the group as they develop and enhance their skills in leadership, communication, trust, problem solving and confidence. God has gifted each of us with skills and abilities that are often not used to the fullest. The facilitator helps uncover and strengthen these gifts.

Training Facilitator training is scheduled for May 13 – 15 and June 3 – 5. During the first weekend the group will go through the course as a participant and follow up learning the process, philosophy and techniques of facilitation. During the second weekend, you will learn the equipment, safety procedures, and technical aspects used in a challenge course. You will also learn history, tips, techniques, and approaches to the art of facilitation. Please consider the importance of having Disciples trained to operate the course. Are you being called to help others grow through this program? Here are some links to give you more information about this opportunity.

Challenge Course Program - http://www.discipleoaksretreat.net/Challenge_Course.html

Training Flyer - https://issuu.com/dan162/docs/2016_t3_flyer

Online Registration - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-2016-new-facilitator-training-for-

challenge-course-program-tickets-23075978874

Bob Simons, Treasurer Disciple Oaks, Bsimons48@gmail.com

Coastal Plains Area 713.789.8822 cpa@cpadisciples.org

Disciples Men by Bob Simons, Disciple Men Coordinator

First, I want to thank all of the men who have taken the time to be my mentors during my twenty years in the CPA. Through my many years at Oaks CC and my past year at The Woodlands CC, there have always been patient men providing wisdom, encouragement and spiritual guidance as I grew as God’s servant. Now I have been called to provide leadership and support to all men of the Area. There are three areas that I want us to focus on in the coming year:

Strength in Community - We are stronger as a group than as individuals. The relationships that are built and nurtured at area, regional and national gatherings provide us with the energy, wisdom and ideas to grow in our service to God. I will strongly encourage all of you to attend and support all men’s events such as Sessions 2016 which is discussed below.

Servanthood in Action – There are so many ways that we are called to serve God, do his work and care for this people. The men of the Southwest region have been very active in projects for many years. I hope you will consider joining the CCSW work project in Kaufman or participating in the Disciple Oaks work day on April, 30. When you or your group take action, let me know so that we can share the news.

Communication – Being aware of what others are doing to grow and serve God helps us to keep our personal momentum going. I plan to have regular updates to keep men’s work visible in the Area. With the technology available today there is no reason that information should not be getting to you. Information does flow both ways so please send me highlights of your activities, announcements and questions. During the next year, I would like to meet in person with as many of you as possible. Let me know when and where.

Awards – During the joint CPA/BBA men’s retreat at Gonzales in February, the Area men selected the recipients for the following awards.

Minister of the Year – Charles Smith – retired pastor of First Christian Church Alvin and outgoing president of the CPA Disciples Men.

Layman of the Year – Mike Deaver – past treasurer for TWCC and Memorial Drive CC and a passionate supporter of Disciples Oaks Camp and Retreat.

Region Mission Project – Grace Christian Church – Kaufman, TX May 2 – May 7 For information on this project check the Disciples Men’s page on the Area website or contact one of the men below.

Website - http://www.cpadisciples.org/disciples-men/

Jimmie Muckleroy: (H) 903-759-8104, (O) 903-845-4066 or Cell – 903-918-0157, Email – jmuckleroy@aol.com Nathan Higginbotham at 281-537-1754 Email – nathan@ccsw.org

Sessions 2016 @ TCU – Fort Worth, July 8 – July 10 Website - http://sessions2016.org/ As I mentioned above, I am confident that we are strengthened and motivated when we gather together as a faith community. Here are just a few more reasons to attend this event.

You can drive so the cost is greatly reduced Fort Worth is a really nice city The TCU campus is fresh and exciting It is only three days long so you will not need to miss much work The cost is reasonable: only $299 for 2 nights lodging, 5 meals & the conference Great speakers and worship If you need transportation, call me and we will get you there

Bob Simons, Disciple Men Coordinator Bsimons48@gmail.com 713-824-2015

Coastal Plains Area 713.789.8822 cpa@cpadisciples.org

CPA Chi Rho MidCPA Chi Rho MidCPA Chi Rho Mid---Winter RetreatWinter RetreatWinter Retreat

9am Saturday (April 30) 9am Saturday (April 30) 9am Saturday (April 30) to to to 10 am Sunday (May 1) 10 am Sunday (May 1) 10 am Sunday (May 1)

At Gonzo!At Gonzo!At Gonzo! We will be participating in the camp work day.We will be participating in the camp work day.We will be participating in the camp work day.

Fee is $55.Fee is $55.Fee is $55.

Get Registration Forms Here: Get Registration Forms Here: Get Registration Forms Here: http://www.cpadisciples.org/youthhttp://www.cpadisciples.org/youthhttp://www.cpadisciples.org/youth---newsnewsnews---events/events/events/

Summer camp is almost here! Have you registered yet? Forms are available online and deadlines are quickly approaching! Do not hesitate. We are also

working on getting all our camps staffed with the volunteers that make camp possible. Fill out your form today! Did you know that all of these forms are available online at cpadisciples.org

We hope that you will join us for our CYF Spring or Chi-Rho Mid-Winter Rallies this April. Both will be taking part in the work day at the camp grounds. We are encouraging everyone to travel from the camp to the Area Assembly following the Rallies!

Please see page 4 of this newsletter for a reminder of all the Camp dates. We want to see you there!

CHILDREN AND YOUTH by Rev. Heather Tolleson CPA Ministry Coordinator

CPA CYF SERVICE RALLYCPA CYF SERVICE RALLYCPA CYF SERVICE RALLY

9am Saturday (April 30) 9am Saturday (April 30) 9am Saturday (April 30) to to to

10 am Sunday (May 1) 10 am Sunday (May 1) 10 am Sunday (May 1)

At Gonzo!At Gonzo!At Gonzo! We will be participatingWe will be participatingWe will be participating

in the camp work day.in the camp work day.in the camp work day.

Fee is $55.Fee is $55.Fee is $55.

Get Registration Forms Here: Get Registration Forms Here: Get Registration Forms Here: http://www.cpadisciples.org/youthhttp://www.cpadisciples.org/youthhttp://www.cpadisciples.org/youth---newsnewsnews---events/events/events/