The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Mid-America held its Assembly at Broadway Christian Church in Columbia on Saturday, October 24th. Nearly 200 people gathered for a day of worship, fellowship, celebrating, learning, and planning.
The opening worship was a wonderful celebration of music brought to life by a host of talented musicians. The service included a prayer litany, lessons of transformation, and a number of selections featuring organ, violin, trumpet, oboe, and Broadway CC's Chancel Choir and Chancel Bells.
There was then a recap of our transformation process as it has taken place over the last three years. Moderator Guy Adams outlined the timeline of activity from the beginning of the team's research through the current resolutions to be voted on today. Rev. Dr. Paul Koch was introduced as the Transitional Regional Minister Team Member in the Northeast. He will begin his duties in this capacity on January 1, 2016.
Individual Areas met and, in the case of the Southeast Gateway Area, finalized their commitment to the merger as one Region.
After a delicious lunch brought to us by Broadway CC's Mission and Outreach Ministry, the business session was called to order. All presented resolutions were passed by those assembled. After some discussion, the proposed budget for 2016 was also passed. These documents can be found in the program book here. The minutes from the business session will also be posted as soon as they are available.
The closing worship featured an inspiring message of transformation and hope from Table of Grace pastor Rev. Michelle Scott-Huffman. The service also included communion, an offering designated for Disciples Mission Fund, and a passing of the mantle by departing Regional Minister Team Members Kris Tenny-Brittian and Bill Rose-Heim to their successors, Paul Koch and Cheryl Sanders/Sandra Mull respectively.
Thank you to Bill Rose-Heim for supplying most
of the photos.
Thank you to the event planning team led by Vickie Sowers, the local arrangements team led by Dixie Fisher, the worship planning groups led by Tim Carson and Brian Kirk, and all of the volunteers who made the day a success.
We celebrate the realization of our new structure and look forward to all the exciting ways that we will continue to minister and serve together in Mid-America. We also look forward to meeting again October 7-9, 2016 in Springfield and resuming the regular biennial Assembly schedule.