Report from the
151^st Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia

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Outstanding! That is the least that can be said for the 151^st Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia that was held November 17, 18 and 19 at Epworth By The Sea at St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The weather may have been a bit cold and dreary, but the spirit was moving inside the Assembly. The Assembly began Friday night with Linda Whitmire, Moderator, leading us in Worship. During Worship, Tom Neal, Regional Minister began his State of the Church in Georgia presentation which he called "Celebrating Our Faithfulness." Tom spread this report across each session of the Assembly, informing us on the state of the Church and recognizing leaders. Suzanne Cole Wages, Deborah Acree and the entire Miracle Day committee performed a skit to explain how they recruited into serving while explaining to each of us the plans and importance of the next Miracle day coming up on February 3, 2001 at United Christian Church in Dublin Ga. After a Video presentation on the "Sowing Seeds for Christ’s Church" proposal and some wonderful special music from El Aposento Alto, Alfred Dotson, Associate Regional Minister, preached on "A Place for God." After services, the first of several small group bible study sessions were held, focusing on 1 Corinthians 3.

Saturday Morning began with CWF and Disciple Men’s Breakfasts and another Small Group Bible Study session.

Dean Phelps and Bill Chaney started us off with Praise Music. Tom Neal continued his report by awarding certificates to the congregations with the greatest growth. Then Fred Craddock delivered the first of three wonderful Bible Lectures on 1 Corinthians 3. Fred did a wonderful job to help us understand how Paul viewed evangelism and the creation of new congregations. NOBODY can do a bible study like Dr. Craddock!

Following a short break Linda Whitmire convened the business session of the Assembly. Tom Neal continued his report by recognizing the Officers, Board and Commission Chair’s of the Region. The report of the Nominating Committee was accepted and the members of the Board and committees were elected unanimously. Click to EnlargeThe Assembly unanimously voted to accept God’s City of Refuge Christian Center into the Region as a full congregation, now to be known as God’s City of Refuge Christian Church! Bill Thompson, Treasurer, presented the Budget for 2001 and it was approved. Bill has done a huge job restructuring and forming the budget since taking over the job of treasurer.

Gordon Hamlin and Fred Craddock presented the "Sowing Seeds for Christ’s Church" proposal for a Capitol Campaign within the Region to raise funds to start new churches, improve Camp Christian and support the National Church capitol needs. Follow the link to learn more about this exciting new program. The Campaign was approved after discussion that was mostly centered around the need to do more!

After lunch, four Breakout sessions were held with several sessions available during each session:

Pastor Ketty Santos of El Aposento Alto led a session on "Celebrating our Diversity." Buddy Ray helped us understand how the Internet can be used to help the Church meet its mission. Richard Woodard filled us in on all Campbell-Stone’s new Heartland Living Center. Betsy Doty taught story telling in Opening up the Story. Russell Peterman talked about Mission Trips to Tijuana Mexico in Building Homes-Building Lives. Ken Russell filled us in on the plans for Camp Christian and asked for our input in Your Camp Christian. Debi Acree talked about Broken Vows – A Religious Perspective on Domestic Violence. Dean Phelps talked about what a vital faith community looks like in Transformed Congregations for the 21^st Century.  Cliff and Pat Pepper covered aging in Life is Goodbye, Life is Hello. Derrick Hill delivered a workshop on overcoming the fear of evangelism in You Can’t Fail. Jim Caton explained the importance and process of developing Trusts, Will and Endowments. And Dick Hamm, General Minster and Tom Neal held open discussions.

Following Dinner and another chance to loosen our voices for God with Praise Music, Alfred Dotson presented Ministerial Licenses and recognized new Ordinations in the Region. He then recognized the regional staff. Fred Craddock delivered part two of his Bible study which was followed by a fellowship time sponsored by Campbell-Stone Christian Centers and Christian College of Georgia.  During Fellowship time and all throughout the Assembly the book store and a range of exhibits were available.

Sunday Morning’s session began with more Praise Music to get us moving followed by Tom Neal’s recognition of the top 25 congregations in giving to Basic Mission Finance within their size categories. Tom also recognized CWF and Youth groups for their giving to BMF. Fred Craddock then concluded his Bible study that few present will soon forget. After a short break we began Sunday Worship.

It was wonderful to Worship together to conclude so successful an Assembly! Kim Peeples offered an inspiring story of Moses in song. Richard Hamm, the President and General Minister delivered the sermon. But a real highlight of the service was the installation of Alfred Dotson as Associate Regional Minister followed by Alfred and Tom presiding with our Youth over Communion.