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_4.png?width=536) If you have any requests that you would like us to prayer over, please let us know.
* Pray for all the changes happening in leadership and churches among our denomination.
* State of the Church
We are praying for each of you, your families, and your congregations.
Friends please take note that as we begin yet another transition one that will take effect as of December 1, 2023 the Southwest District Office located in Joplin, MO will no longer be staffed as we are going full remote. You can still reach us at 417-623-2382 and our emails will remain the same. We still own the building and will utilize it for meetings as Rev. Mary sees fit. With that please also take note of a new mailing address
Southwest District Office
PO Box 529
Brookline, MO 65619
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to ask.
Charge Conference Paperwork was due in the District Office by November 28, 2023. Once all the forms have been fully completed with signatures you will receive a link to sign up for either an in person charge conference (January 21, 2024) or a zoom charge conference (January 28, 2024).
Please find the Charge Conference paperwork at the link below
Consultations, with signatures, are due in the District Office on December 1, 2023. Please make sure that both the pastor and the PPRC consultations are submitted together. Please reach out to the district office if you have any questions.
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Free “What We Don’t Think We Think” Online Course
The Missouri Conference has partnered with the UMC General Commission on Race and Religion to create a Missouri-specific version of the course “What We Don't Think We Think.” Any Missouri Conference member – clergy or lay – is invited to take the training for free to learn about the unconscious bias we all experience. Learn more and enroll:
Safe Gatherings Application Discount Ending
Are you Safe Gatherings certified? Sadly, local churches can be a dangerous place for vulnerable people. Do your part to protect others by becoming Safe Gatherings certified and helping those you serve with to get certified, too. Until the end of the year, we’re offering half-off the application fee. Learn more at
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 Get Discounts on NextGen Curriculum
Missouri Conference NextGen Ministries is offering a reduced rate on curriculum produced by top kids and youth ministry providers. This resource is available for any ministry leader working with kids and youth. Currently the discount covers Celebrate Wonder by Cokesbury, Grow, Orange and Sparkhouse curriculums. Read more about each of these providers and request your discount at:
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Free Resource: Local Church Disaster Response Plan
Does your local church know what to do in the event of a disaster? Thinking through all situations, making a plan and communicating it are important elements of being prepared when disaster strikes. Even if you church already has a plan, it’s best practice to revisit it annually. Use our new local church disaster response plan resource to make or update your plan this summer:
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Have a ministry idea that needs an extra boost? There’s a grant for that! Funds are available through the Missouri Conference and its related entities for your new or existing ministry idea. Missouri United Methodist Churches can apply for funds through several grant programs supporting local ministry projects. We encourage you to apply for multiple grant opportunities. Each program has a different focus and requires a different application. Learn more about each, and their spring application deadline
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If you are interested in information on Lay Leadership please contact:
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Nancy Corley
District Lay Education Coordinator
[email protected]
Janice Greene
District Lay Leader
[email protected]
Kent Kiester
District Lay Leader
[email protected]
Free Implicit Bias Course Available
The Missouri Conference has partnered with the UMC General Commission on Race and Religion to create a Missouri-specific version of the course “Implicit Bias: What We Don't Think We Think.” Any Missouri Conference member – clergy or lay – is invited to take the training for free to learn about the unconscious bias we all experience. Learn more and enroll at https://gcorr.teachable.com/courses/moacimplicitbias
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