The Assembly began at Webster Groves Christian Church where we were hosted in fine fashion on Friday and Saturday.
The first activity was the ministers and spouses luncheon with speaker Rev. Joan Bell-Haynes, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 1st Vice Moderator and pastor of United Christian Parish of Reston in Virginia. After lunch was the opening worship and a Bible study led by Eden Theological Seminary President Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw. We then had our first business session where reports were received, budgets were approved, and new officers were elected and installed (minutes will be posted when they are available). Next was evening worship with Rev. Bell-Haynes preaching. To complete the day, our Bridges Aftersessions featured delicious international food and various activities and discussion groups.
Saturday began with worship led by our youth. We then heard the State of the Region Address by the Regional Ministry Team, and carried on to another business session. Main topics at this session were the continued regional restructure and the decision to sell Rickman Center. Both the Disciples Women and Men hosted lunch gatherings, and then it was off to our workshops for the afternoon. Evening brought the All Assembly Dinner followed by a Musical Celebration of Praise featuring singers and dancers from around the region, as well as the Regional Assembly Praise Singers. The day ended with a celebration of Woodhaven's 50th anniversary.
On Sunday we met at Union Avenue Christian Church for Bible study led by Rev. Dr. Leah Gunning Francis, Associate Dean of Contextual Education at Eden Theological Seminary. Our time together ended with closing worship featuring a sermon by Rev. Dr. Todd Adams, Associate General Minister and Vice President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America.
The three offerings collected included $1,206 for Global Ministries, $1,317 for Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism, and $1,222 for Woodhaven. Thank you to all who contributed to these important ministries and to all who made this Assembly possible.
