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Report
 The
theme of the 2005 Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of
Christ) in Georgia was
"Behold there is a new Creation".
Friday Night
began with a delicious dinner in the Family Life Center of the Ray of Hope
Christian Church. Delicious baked chicken, salad, vegetables and good
fellowship made this a great start to a wonderful assembly. Members
and staff of the Ray of Hope made everyone feel so welcome. The entire
assembly ran like clockwork thanks to the hard work and talents of the staff
and volunteers at the Ray along with the Regional Staff.
At dinner, certificates were presented to
those congregations, by size category, CWF and Youth for top Mission Fund
giving in the previous year. Ray of Hope was presented a special
certificate by General President Dr. Sharon Watkins for being the top congregation
in Mission Fund giving in the denomination. Well done Ray!
Also at dinner Rev. Ralph Smith was presented
a Regional Ministers pin by Rev. Ken Moore, representing the College of
Regional Ministers. The outgoing regional board was also presented
with gifts and our thanks.
After Dinner, the opening session convened
in the sanctuary. After an opening sing, Rev. George Bennett called
the assembly to order. Our host, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale welcomed everyone
and moderator Bennett made announcements.
 Rev.
Dr. Ray Miles, regional minister gave his
State of the
Region address. Miles pointed out that we are a wonderfully
diverse region but at times we feel disconnected from each other and from
the region. He pointed out that in some towns our congregations work
closer with other denominations than they do with other disciples congregations
in their own town. He pointed out that we are a region with needs,
such as the need for ministers in 14 of our congregations. But he
also pointed out that Georgia has 28 seminary students. There are
congregations within the state that need renewal and they need the regions
help.
Miles pointed out that this would be a challenging
year for Regional Finances. The
proposed budget is a
deficit budget. He plans to call a conference early next year to develop
a plan to finance the region from a broad sources of funds. Miles
said that by keeping strong programs like Camp, Conferences and Youth, by
involving congregations in more programming, by building leadership and
developing ministers (including licensed ministers) we will grow the region.
Friday nights worship also included special
music from the First Christian Church of Lawrenceville's choir, 1 Corinthians
5:16-21 read by Rev. Erin Iobst who pointed out that there was no 1 Corinthians
5, jokingly accused Miles of "new minister hazing" and read 2 Corinthians
5 instead.
 Rev.
Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President of the Disciples of Christ
preached an inspiring sermon. Following an introduction by Rev. Michael
Weeks, she began her message with a Hopi Indian saying: "We are the ones
we have been waiting for." Watkins pointed out that "God does not
call the equipped, he equips those he calls" and she asked "so what are
we waiting for - now is the time to move forward!"
Following Dr. Watkins sermon and a wonderful
prayer by Rev. Betty Brewer Calvert, Rev. Dr. Ray Miles was installed as
Regional minister by Watkins with members of the clergy, laity, regional
staff and his wife, Rev. Wendy Miles participating. Rev. Ken Moore
presented him with his regional pin.
Communion was led by Dr. Miles with Dr. Roger
Sizemore and Buddy Ray serving the table. The hymn "Ours the Journey"
formed a fitting close to Friday.
 Saturday
Morning opened with a fascinating
bible study by Dr. Richard (Rick) H. Lowery, Professor of Old Testament,
Phillips Theological Seminary. Lowery continued the theme of the Assembly,
setting the stage for 2 Corinthians by teaching on Isaiah 65:17-25 where
Israel is looking forward to a new Jerusalem.
Following a break, the assembly was presented
with reports describing several mission projects. Danny Gulden,
Sandy Springs Christian Church described the Andros Mission Project in which
Sandy Springs and Winder have participated. Tom Stephenson described
Central Christian Church Columbus' participation in vision Builders.
Ray Miles told the assembly about
Global Mission
Partners Phyllis M. Boyd (who will be in Atlanta in 2006) and Xuyen
T. Dangers. Helen Branch, Minister of Outreach at Ray of Hope described
their mission trip to Nairobi Kenya. Medie Still talked about the
Miracle Day at Hiltonia this year and how much work still needs to be done
- resulting in Rev. Hale pledging the offering from Saturday afternoons
worship to this work. John Novikoff described the work of
Mission for Biblical Literacy
in Russia, Armenia and Nicaragua.
Business Session
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The business session was called to order by
moderator George Bennett. The minutes of the previous Regional Assembly
were approved. The nominating committee
report was presented and officers were elected. The 2005 financial
statements were presented. The
2006 Budget was presented
and discussed. It was pointed out that the Conference center budget
is in the black for the first time since it opened. The Regional budget
is a deficit budget but plans are in place to raise a bridge fund to close
the deficit. The new budget also counts on an increase in the Christmas
offering and donations from individuals. Dr. Miles explained that
$3,500 had already been received for the bridge fund and another $40,000
had been pledged. He said there were expectations of another $5,000
above those amounts. It was also pointed out that the disciples mission
fund is split 60%to the Region and 40% to the global church - and this split
will continue but the bridge fund will not be included in this split.
The budget was adopted.
The new officers and board for 2006 were
installed.
 Worship
- Ray of Hope Style!
Following box lunches by Chik-Fil-A, Rev.
Dr. Hale, Rev. Derrick Hill, other staff and the Ray of Hope Music and choir
and movement arts ministries led us in an inspiring, spirit filled worship
of music, dance, praise, scripture and The Word.
Dr. Hale challenged the region to "Dream
Dreams." Using Isaiah as her text she explained that we can't dwell
on the things past because God is Creating a New Thing!
This Assembly will be remembered for its
energy, its spirit and sense of diversity and fellowship. It was a
wonderful experience for all.
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