We Are Stronger Together
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
For if they fall, one will lift up the other…. And though one might prevail against another,
two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Dear Ministry & Mission Partner,
From my earliest childhood days growing up in my home church I was aware there was a larger church beyond the people and the building I knew and loved on South Main Street in Roswell, New Mexico. What made me aware of this were the many times the broader church connected with my local church in positive and helpful ways. Whether it was in the study materials prepared for the women’s group, the assistance and insight given when the congregation was looking for a new pastor, the education, worship, and fellowship activities with other Disciples of Christ congregations around our area and region, or the summer camp program that was so formative for my own Christian faith and leadership skills: the Regional Church was supporting us!
Throughout my life I have become convinced that in most things, but certainly in the church, we are stronger together. In fact, I believe we are not simply stronger together, we are better together, we are healthier together, and we are more effective in living the good news of God’s love and justice and the mission & ministry of Jesus Christ when we are working together. Truly the power of the Holy Spirit binds us together in love.
The Christian Church in Ohio – your Regional Church – seeks to help all of our congregations, clergy, lay leaders, and members be stronger together. Some of the ways in which the Regional Church has sought to strengthen individuals and communities in the past year include:
- Working with Woodland Christian Church in Columbus and Northwest United Methodist Church in Upper Arlington our Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism Commission funded a day-long training to bring these two congregations closer together across the chasms of denomination, race, and culture.
- Led by leaders from both Central Christian Church of Newark and Bethany Christian Church of Cleveland, over 100 elders, deacons, and pastors came together for a one day workshop to not only enhance their ministries in their local congregations, but network with other congregational leaders.
- Recognizing the urgent concern many of our congregations have about financial viability and energy for future ministry, Regional Elder Rev. Cynthia Klingemier and Rev. Marc Runyon, Pastor of Central Christian Church of Warren, hosted 60 leaders from 11 congregations for a conversation with our Regional Minister about “Possibilities for Congregations In Transition” to nurture perspective and hope.
These are only a few examples out of so many that illustrate how we are stronger together. Follow our social media in the coming days to learn about more such instances.
Your gift to the 2023 Renewal Initiative will help the Christian Church in Ohio be present for more and more congregations, clergy, and lay leaders. Last year we received $90,536.94 which surpassed of our goal of $85,000. Our goal this year is a bit more daring, $90,000. You can give to the Regional Church Operating Expenses, the Camp Christian Operating Expenses, to “Wherever Most Needed,” or a combination of these three options. In any case, any gift you give will be gratefully received and used well for helping build up the Body of Christ.
And one of the very easiest ways to amplify your gift, and therefore reinforce the ministry of the Christian Church in Ohio into the life of congregations and leaders is to make your gift a recurring gift. Whether weekly, monthly, or quarterly, making the gift you give regular and predictable helps the Regional Church Office and Staff expand ministry in real and tangible ways. We have a goal of adding at least 20 new recurring supporters between now and the end of the year. You can easily do this on our secure online donation page.
Please consider giving to this year’s Renewal Initiative so that the Christian Church in Ohio can help connect and strengthen our clergy, lay leaders, congregations, and faith partners so that the work of Jesus Christ may be strengthened and furthered. And may we be able to sing the familiar hymn with confidence, “Blest be the tie that binds!”
Faithfully Yours,
Rev. Allen V. Harris
Regional Pastor & President, Christian Church in Ohio
For the up to date information about the Renewal Initiative donations,
as well as to download the brochure and the above letter as PDFs, go to our Renewal Initiative page at /other-pages/renewal-initiative.aspx
