Delegates to the annual gathering of Disciples of Christ in Montana approved a resolution dealing with the future of the Region and also one dealing with Cane Ridge West, the church's campground located in central Montana.
The first resolution authorized a team from the region to begin conversations with a team from the Northwest Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) about merger between the two regions. The teams will work on topics such as staffing, finances, structure, and programming for a new region resulting from the merger. The teams will bring proposals to the two Regional Boards and then to the two Regional Assemblies in 2018.
The second resolution authorized a team of persons from the Montana Region to create a comprehensive proposal to bring in 2018 to the regional board and assembly concerning the ongoing ministry of Cane Ridge West.
Subsequent to the votes, the teams for both resolutions were announced. On the team to work with the Northwest Region are Ruth Fletcher, John Keener and Mary Larsen and on the team to work on the Cane Ridge West matter are Brad Lancaster, Brett Fagenstrom, Amber Richardson, Becky Taylor, Jeremy Comstock, Rick Bischoff and Ruth Lindabury.
Nominations for the 2017-2019 Regional leadership group were submitted to the Assembly and approved. Don Beal will be serving as the Moderator for the Region during the two year period. Others elected were John Keener, Vice-Moderator, Kathy Hilberg, Secretary, Stephanie Skaer, Treasurer, Dana Keener, Past Moderator, Alan Hilberg, Chair for the Ministry Commission, Barbara Lancaster, Youth Ministries Chair, Ron Greene, Outdoor Ministries Chair, Brad Lancaster, Real Property Chair, Mary Larsen, Mission Commission Chair, Members-at-large Ed Combs, Chris Hunter, Fred Lumsden, and Mathew Goodrich, Mary Larsen, General Board Representative and Jean Muir, Volunteer Women's Ministries Staff.
The Assembly was attended by 39 persons representing ten congregations in the Region. Dana Keener, moderator, provided leadership for the various sessions of the Assembly which began on Friday evening and concluded Saturday afternoon.
Another highlight of the Assembly was recognition of Seekers Harbor in Billings as newly chartered congregation in the region. Seekers Harbor has been a "Congregation in Formation" for several years and was recently chartered by the Regional Board. Representing the new congregation were Becky and Doug Taylor, Jane Collins and Karen Eddy.
The Assembly also set aside time to celebrate the 40 year relationship between the Montana Region and the Disciples Seminary Foundation in California. Assembly-goers were moved and inspired by the presence of and two sermons by Rev. Dr. Belva Brown Jordan, Associate Dean for Curriculum and Assessment and associate professor of the practice of ministry at Claremont School of Theology as well as Dean of the Disciples Seminary Foundation.
Dr. Jordan spoke and sang with deep and sincere conviction about the inevitability of change in our world and in the church and encouraged those attending to embrace the future with hope and confidence that God will always provide a way for his people to carry out significant ministry whatever situation they might face.
Meaningful worship services opened and closed the Assembly, featuring the leadership of Dr. Ruth Fletcher, Regional Minister for Montana. Meals for the Assembly were provided by Judy Johnson, on-site manager and caretaker for Cane Ridge West.
