Greetings to you in the name of Christ Jesus, our Savior.
Regional Assembly is fast approaching, and I urge you to make plans to be there. Registration deadline is Tuesday, May 15 (today), if you want to avoid a late fee. Remember you can now register online with a credit card through the Region’s website, www.ccinva.org. You can also find a pdf of the registration form (http://www.ccinva.org/regional-assembly-va-disciples-of-christ/registration-2/) to download and print out, if you’d prefer to mail your registration.
Something to be aware of is that, if you are able to attend only one day of the Regional Assembly, there is a one-day program fee ($32 for Friday, $48 for Saturday).
This gathering of the Virginia Disciples family is going to be a great time of connecting and reconnecting with our friends from around the Region. Highlights will include keynotes by Associate General Minister Todd Adams and Disciples historian Rick Harrison. Music by Nashville Disciples musician Andra Moran will be uplifting and fun. We’ll enjoy opportunities of fellowship with Christian brothers and sisters from Colombia, South American, along with missionary Michael Joseph.
Worship on Friday evening, led by the Piedmont District and the male chorus of Mount Olive East Christian Church, with Reverend Joel Saucedo preaching, is sure to inspire. The youth will be joined by Andra Moran in leading the Saturday evening worship, after which Andra will give a coffeehouse concert for all to enjoy. Sunday morning worship will be an “alternative worship experience,” with Todd Adams preaching.
The men’s luncheon on Saturday will feature Archie Jenkins, president for the General Conference of Disciples Men for the U.S. and Canada. The women’s luncheon speaker is Reverend Cynthia Stratton, pastor of Bon Air Christian Church, Richmond, for the past 25 years.
On Saturday afternoon, there will be one session of interest groups (listed below), followed by a time for small groups to gather for discussion and learning around focus topics. For example, Jim Perry of First Christian Shenandoah will be leading a small group about “Thinking Globally” where participants can share and learn from each other on being a global mission-minded church. Kathy Reinger from Ashland Christian Church will share their experience of reaching out to their community and invite others to share and learn in that small group. Fred Dant, member of Phillippi Christian is passionate about nursing home ministry and will welcome talking to others about this. Do you have a passion for a particular kind of ministry that you would like to share and learn more about? Contact Amy Moore, Regional Assembly Coordinator, [moore.amy.g@gmail.com] about leading one of these small focus groups.
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY INTEREST GROUPS
offered Saturday, June 2, 2:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Keynote Follow-up by Todd Adams
Continuing with themes shared in keynotes earlier in the weekend, Todd will share the story of one young family and their search for a Disciples congregation.
Disciples Of Christ: dinosaurs or changelings? by Dennis Martin
This workshop will be a snapshot of the rich history of the movement known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and how changes have happened.
Lessons from The Bridge by Andra Moran Practical ways to incorporate contemporary and emergent elements into worship.
Elders Workshop by Rick Harrison
This workshop will begin with an overview of the responsibilities of elders, through history and the present day, and then look at typical leadership expectations, including how to make a hospital call and share communion, how to formulate prayers for the Lord’s Table, and ways of being a spiritual leader in the congregation.
DARE to Lead Transformation by Rick Morse
Most transformational processes break down in a church because they fail to give attention to developing transformational leadership. Learn how your church can join the Hope Partnership in developing transformational leadership for both your lay and clergy leaders. See what it would look like to join a Cohort that is now being formed in the Virginia Region.
The Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council of Colombia represented by Michael Joseph, Pablo Moreno, Pedro Acosta, Mary Luz Correa and Jenny Neme
The Peace Commission of the Evangelical Council of Colombia works to support ministers and lay leaders all across Colombia as they seek to be salt and light in the midst of Colombia’s internal armed conflict that has raged for over forty years.
Children at the Lord’s Supper led by Elaine Austin
How do you handle the children during the Lord’s Supper? John Hinant, a DOC minister, has written a book about this subject, Children at the Lord’s Supper. During this workshop, we will take a brief look at John’s work and the results from a survey he sent out to all of the Disciples of Christ churches. We will also look at the study guide that has been written to go along with the book. This is an issue that each congregation should consider.
Conflict in the Church: Preventing, Understanding and Resolving by Carolyn Rodenberg & Lee Parker
This interactive workshop challenges and helps participants develop strategies for identifying the “red flags” of conflict and how to collaboratively prevent their escalation. Resolution and the restoration of relationships will be a main focus. The causes of conflict and solving existing conflict will also be addressed.
Compassion Fatigue: Developing Resiliency by Tommy Willcockson
We will look at how our ancient physiology is at odds with the stressors of the modern world—especially for those of us in helping professions. We will also look at ways to minimize our response to general and job-related stress, with an eye toward becoming more resilient and resisting burnout.
Grace and peace,
Lee
May 15, 2012
