2007 to be a banner year for Disciples Men

Already, 2007 is shaping up to be a banner year for Disciples Men. From pancake breakfasts to General Assembly activities to two one-day conferences, Disciples Men will have a number of opportunities for fellowship, fundraising and learning.

For those congregations with men itching to demonstrate their cooking skills, International Day of Pancakes takes place March 18. Not only do congregations benefit from this type of fundraiser, it brings men together to work on a project that enriches children‘s lives across the country. (See article below about one Illinois congregation that just held their first Pancake Day and discover the benefits experienced by their group.)

General Assembly, which takes place July 21 to 25 in Fort Worth, Texas, will include activities for men such as workshops, a luncheon, and numerous fellowship opportunities.

And if Disciples men don't get enough fellowship at General Assembly, then they only need to look to November 2007, when they can attend one or both of the large gatherings taking place in different parts of the country. The locations have yet to be determined. These one-day conferences will offer fellowship, keynote speakers, Bible study, mission opportunities and more. 

According to Roger Poage, president of General Conference of Disciple Men, the executive committee has been infused with renewed energy. "The executive committee has added some new faces and with them has come some exciting new ideas for doing ministry with Disciples Men," said Poage.

For those planning ahead, Sessions 2008 is already in the works. Sessions is to take place in Oklahoma City, July 17 to 20. Men can find out more about Sessions at www.sessions2008.org or by contacting their regional offices to get the free Sessions promotional DVD. For information on all of the other work done by Disciples Men, visit www.discipleshomemissions.org/men for the latest updates.

Roger Poage, President of the General Conference of Disciple Men, attends First Christian Church, Fort Madison, Iowa where he lives.

Men's Fellowship holds first-ever Pancake Breakfast

"We raised over $400 to benefit children and we did not burn down the kitchen," was the report from the first Men's Fellowship pancake breakfast held at First Christian Church, Princeton, Ill.  The church held their breakfast, as part of the International Day of Pancake event sponsored by the General Conference of Disciples Men.

Like so many churches within the denomination, the congregation has experienced change during its history. However, that was little consolation among some in the church when the men proposed to take over the kitchen and invite the community in for a meal. However, with good humor, the support of the entire church, and the help of an experienced short-order cook, the men were able to provide a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and sausage to a pleasantly surprised congregation and community. 

Turnout for the event, which the congregation publicized throughout the community, was smaller than hoped for but the overall money raised, collected through a free-will offering, surpassed expectation. The generosity of those who attended the breakfast will bring significant value to the lives of children who benefit from the money raised each year as these types of breakfasts are held in congregations throughout the denomination. 

The church also benefited from the event, discovering its ability to take on successfully the challenge of a new type of ministry, a ministry they found to be surprisingly easy and effective. The event allowed men of all ages to pool their talents in creating the meal, while also providing a time of fellowship for the group.  The group prepared for the community-wide breakfast by holding a "trial run" for the congregation itself.

"I was excited to see the church take on this challenge and I really feel that the breakfast brought a benefit to everyone," said Beau Underwood, a member of the congregation who serves on the Executive Committee of the General Conference of Disciples Men.  "The community gets a great meal, the congregation gains a vital ministry, and children are directly impacted in a positive way.  This is something any congregation, regardless of size, can do and we hope many more will contact the Men's Ministry office at Disciples Home Missions about putting on their own pancake breakfast." 

The breakfast was a strong initial run for the church in Princeton and promises to be the building block for future breakfasts and a starting point for the men‘s fellowship group in the congregation.

Rev. Alan Terlep is the pastor and a member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Princeton, Ill.  He began his ministry with the congregation in July.

Pancake funds make a difference in the lives of children

Disciples' Men's groups from around the county have been able to reap the rewards of the International Day of Pancakes. One such group is the General Conference of Disciple Men in Kansas. They submitted a grant request for funds to complete the playground at Camp Tawakoni, Augusta, Kan.

The playground project, which began in 2005, required $7009.05 to complete the work. A grant was made from funds raised by theInternational Day of Pancakes and the playground project was completed.

"The pictured men are convinced that the Pancake Fund is a great opportunity!  The entire region—and the children in particular—are grateful for your support and for helping to fund this important project," said Steve Martin, camp director for Camp Tawakoni.

For more information on how to organize your men's International Day of Pancakes, contact Tod Iseminger at (888) 346-2631 or tiseming@dhm.disciples.org.