And, the rest is still unwritten…

I had the pleasure of representing this congregation in attendance to the 2014 Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Hopkinsville, KY. Many faithful disciples gathered at First Christian Church in Hopkinsville to celebrate the vibrant ministries of the DOC denomination and to do the regional work of the church in Kentucky. They shared stories, music, praise, worship and prayer while making new friends and reuniting with old. They celebrated the past and the roots of our denomination and looked to the future with excitement and expectation for God to do great things in our ministries and denomination.The theme for this year’s event was, “And the rest is still unwritten…” As we gathered, we shared stories of how God is actively at work in the ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

Rev. Anne Bruce and Rev. Michael Swartzentruber introduced YMYAC (Youth Ministry, Young Adult & Children’s Cabinet) and their role in answering the need to resource, support and grow Children, Youth and Young Adult ministries in the region. As the region faced difficult staffing decisions and changes in many areas of ministry, individuals and congregations recognized the need to continue these ministries and develop new ways to serve and reach every congregation in the state and their needs to serve this particular demographic. YMYAC grew out of our needs for ministry. It is a new way of doing regional ministry and continues to grow in participation across the state while adapting to the ever-changing needs in this ever-changing world.

Rev. Julie Richardson Brown and Dr. Emily Askew of Lexington Theological Seminary shared the exciting stories of our seminary, the pastors and leaders they train for an uncertain future. We learned of struggles related to letting go of the past and ties to space and place while embracing an unknown future and the excitement of living into a vision for tomorrow where God continues to mold and shape lives for service in a hurting and fractured world. As our world changes our seminary changes to meet the needs of future leaders. The seminary currently has 120 students from 29 states enrolled in studies.

Rev. Carol Devine and Rev. Greg Guy contributed to our regional stories, as well. They reminded us that serving congregations is often lonely work which requires a great deal from pastors and their families. The world in which we serve is forever moving and changing at a rapid pace and the needs of God’s people continues to grow, matching pace with this chaotic world. Keeping up with this world and the ministries of our churches continues to stretch our clergy beyond their abilities. Pastors seek refuge and support with one another in Pastor Peer Learning Communities. Live, Love, Laugh comprises 12-1 5 clergy serving a variety of congregations in Central Kentucky who gather to share stories of call and ministry, the joys and frustrations of serving and to study together ways to better serve our congregations. Our region is actively working to create Pastor Peer Learning groups for every minister serving in KY.

Business items brought to the assembly:

• Greetings from KY Council of Churches and Ecumenical Partners
• Report of the Camp Mission Action Team: A report was submitted to the assembly detailing difficulties fulfilling their charge from the 2012 Assembly to find land for a centralized camp. The process to procure land for a centralized camp ministry takes too long. By the time the Camp MAT finishes the process, the land is sold and they have to start all over.  A resolution passed for the Camp MAT to recommend to the board the property to be purchased and for the board to have the authority to secure the funds and purchase the property. If the property is deemed unacceptable by the next Assembly, it will be placed back on the market to be sold. The following criteria will be considered in this search for property: 100+ acres located on a corridor from Rough River to Springfield, access to interstates I-65, BG Parkway, WK Parkway, some woods, some type of water feature (lake, river, pond, creek), city electric, gas, water, sewer and adaptable for handicap accessibility. Emphasis to maintain a Green Outdoor Ministry program will also be a priority.
• Institutional Reports: Cane Ridge Preservation Project, Christian Care Communities, KY Council of Churches, Lexington Theological Seminary, Midway College, Transylvania University
• Resolution on the Time and Place of 2016 Regional Assembly: Crestwood Christian Church, Lexington, KY.
• Resolution on Payday Lending: Encourage state and local units of government to restrain exorbitant interest by establishing a cap of thirty-six (36) percent for all small loans and any other protections necessary to protect individuals from lending abuse. Education about this issue to take place in our churches, and that our Regional Minister communicate our stand to the leaders of the state House and Senate chambers, and the Kentucky’s Disciples contact our own elected officials when this issue is before them.
• Resolution Concerning Older Adults: Disciple congregations across KY are encouraged to place a renewed emphasis on older adult ministries and affirm their 130 year old partnership in caring for older adults with CC(DOC) in KY and Christian Care Communities. Our churches, in partnership with CC(DOC) in KY and CCC establish and Older Adult Affinity Group to study the issues around the rapidly increasing older adult population and bring recommendations to the 2016 KY Assembly. And, accept the new challenges and celebrate the new opportunities this rapidly increasing older adult population will bring to our ministries.
• CCinKY Board Report: Report of Ministries, Audited Financial Report, Proposed Budgets for 2015 and 2016 and Report on Giving.
• Nominations for CCK Moderators, Members at Large and Ecumenical Representative.
• Installation of Officers

Additionally, Diana Butler Bass, well known author of greats such as: Christianity for the Rest of Us, A People’s History of Christianity and Christianity After Religion, brought messages of hope and inspiration in this changing world which terrifies so many. Using a graphic from Public Religion Research Institute’s American Values Poll in the 2012 political election season as a jumping off point for conversations regarding the changing demographics in our nation, the variety of religious affiliation in a pluralistic society, the growing polarities in our culture and what this means for the church today. She argues that all these issues, while creating a landscape that is uncertain to our established institutions, are the breeding ground for the latest Great Awakening… we are in the midst of evangelistic opportunities.

I argue that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is uniquely qualified to be the answer to so much uncertainty in a world we continually seek to navigate and find meaning.  Our world today is quite different than yesterday…but that is good news. While the change which surrounds us generates feelings of uncertainty and fear, it also signifies progress and opportunity. We have always known nothing is static. Change is inevitable. The rate of change is what currently triggers our feelings of misgivings. But, for our children and grandchildren, this is the world they know. They don’t necessarily fear the future. Their world is made up of tremendous diversity…diversity in how their peers look, act, dress, eat, speak and worship. Our neighbors no longer look and act just like us. But, they are still our neighbors. Our world is no longer huge and unreachable. It lies at our fingertips, as does knowledge about ‘other.’ Our denomination has, from its inception, sought to unify God’s people. We have always worked to build up and celebrate the body of Christ…and we continue this work today. While the world around us shrinks and we get up close and personal with other religions and cultures, we are poised to be voices of healing and wholeness. We are equipped to join with brothers and sisters of many faiths to work for peace and justice in our communities and to become instruments of love and grace in this crazy, chaotic, and, yes, uncertain world.

We have much to celebrate with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky and throughout the world. Mostly the incredible possibilities God places before us. Just imagine all that we can do together!

Blessings,
Tracy