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“I give you thanks, O God with my whole heart;

    before the gods I sing your praise;

 I bow down toward your holy temple

    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,

    for you have exalted your name and your word

    above everything. On the day I called, you answered me . . . ” 

Psalm 138:1-7 (NRSVUE Paraphrased)

Happy Summer, God’s Beloveds! I imagine you are ready for summer getaways to beaches, mountains, other countries, and cultures with beloved family and friends. I have discovered spending time together with family reminds us of who we are. My mom would often to say to us when we would leave home, “You’d better act like you belong to us.” This leads me to ask us: What does it look like for the church to act like we belong to God? Acting like we belong to God requires constant steady prayer. Prayer that is more about relationship than obligation. Prayer that is more about trust than performance. In Psalm 138, King David wrote a Psalm of praise and thanksgiving, where he remembered with a glad heart God’s steadfast love and faithfulness to him. He says to God, “On the day I called, you answered me.” On the day David prayed to God, God answered. What a witness to who God is! David wasn’t perfect but he had a relationship with God. The scriptures say, “David was a man after God’s own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). I am taking David at his word today, this week, this month, and this year, that when I call on God, he will answer. I am sure you have heard it said: God always answers with yes, no, or wait. 

I have some things to call God on this month. Most I will keep to myself, because, well, they are deeply personal. However, there are some I hope you will join me in this month. They include: 

July 4^th, the 249^th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – This week, as we begin a year of events celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation's birth, I pray God will remind us that ALL peoples come from God, and as such, are part of God’s sacred diversity. I pray God will remind us that we came to a nation of people who were already diverse in religion, culture, language, and land, and we are still a nation that is diverse in religion, culture, language, and land. All people are created by the Creator, known to us by many names and manifest through many religions or no religion. Whether we acknowledge God or not, God is still God who created and is always creating. I pray that God will, by the teachings of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, call to our remembrance and practice the Great Commandments of our faith: 

 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him,

‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul

and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment.  

And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  

On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” 

(Matthew 22:36-40).

July 12-15, the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) – As we gather in person in Memphis, TN, I pray for God’s spirit to be poured in and on all who are attending and working to bring worship, education, holy encounters, and worshipful work of the gathering. We, the Christian Church In Georgia, will be in the house with 48 persons attending. This year’s General Assembly theme, “BEYOND,” is based on Ephesians 3:20-21. We invite the whole church to join together for seven days of prayer leading up to the General Assembly. As we prepare to gather, let us center ourselves in prayer — for the church, for our regional clusters, and for the world around us. May these days of prayer draw us closer to God and to one another, creating space for unity, renewal, and wholeness in our shared ministry. Join us in prayer here. And for those who are not attending in person, the Assembly will provide online worship and lectures on the denomination’s YouTube Channel. Please subscribe to their channel here. 

July 26, 1 pm, A Special Called Georgia Regional Assembly to Vote On Candidate For Regional Minister - First Christian Church of Macon, 2306 Vineville Ave Macon, Georgia, will be the location of this in-person meeting (with Zoom options available for certain voting members). Be sure to read the important details of this meeting in the “Message from the Moderator” in this newsletter.  A letter has been sent to all clergy and congregations in the Region about voting members which included the following:  “Each congregation of under 150 members is allowed 3 voting representatives.  For every 100 additional members the congregation is entitled to an additional vote.  The number of members that are listed in the most recent yearbook is what is used.  If your congregation does not appear in the yearbook, we will allow 3 voting representatives.” I pray for God’s Spirit to continue to be present among us in this important work.

What does acting like we belong to God look like? One sure way is actively praying and participating in the life of your Congregation, Region, and Denomination in ways that make us more faithful followers of Jesus, the Christ. 

Beloveds, God is waiting to hear from us!

Grace and peace,

Rev. Joan 

Special Called Regional Assembly July 26

Greetings Christian Church in Georgia,

A called Regional Assembly has been scheduled for Saturday, July 26, at 1 pm, at First Christian Church of Macon, 2306 Vineville Ave Macon, GA. This special gathering has been convened in accordance with our regional constitution and bylaws, which require an Assembly vote to call a Regional Minister. On June 7, the Regional Board met with the candidate recommended by the Regional Minister Search Committee and voted unanimously to approve the candidate for consideration by the wider church.

All members of the Christian Church in Georgia are invited to attend the Assembly. Participants will have the opportunity to meet the candidate, and then the voting members will proceed to vote on extending a call. We have communicated with each congregation, inviting each to send the appropriate number of voting representatives.  Additionally, all clergy with current standing and residing in the region are recognized as voting members. All names of voting members – whether clergy or sent by congregations – must be submitted by Saturday, July 19 to the credentialing committee to be eligible to vote. Please submit names to archiejenkins721@gmail.com. There will be a check-in table at the Assembly to pick up your voting card.

This will be an in-person gathering, and we strongly encourage every church and active clergy to participate. For voting members who will be out of state or who are more than 3 hours away and unable to travel, we are working on a Zoom option; please request the Zoom link from Archie Jenkins at the above email.      

Thank you for your assistance and participation in this very important Assembly.

Sincerely,

Paula Robin

Moderator, Christian Church in Georgia

Young Adult Disciples Meet at Camp Christian

The YADA (Young Adult Disciples Association) annual retreat will be July 25-27 at Camp Christian. Young adults, ages one year post high school to 30, will fellowship and grow closer to God as we gather around the theme of "Time After Time" to discuss all the phases of life and how Christ guides us through all of them. The event begins on Friday evening at 6:30 pm (eat dinner before arrival), and concludes Sunday morning at 10 am. All meals are included on Saturday, as well as breakfast on Sunday. Accommodations will be in Woodland Lodge. Registration is $125; register no later than July 23 using the link below. For more information contact Georgia YADA.

Georgia Region Hosts Virtual Book Study

Following a virtual session on June 16 featuring co-author of Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism, the Georgia Region is hosting a virtual summer book study on the 2^nd and 4^th Tuesdays from 7-8 pm. Discussion will be led by several Georgia Disciples clergy-scholars including Rev. Dr. Jerry Gladson, Rev. Dr. Jarrod Longbons, Rev. Dr. Stan Saunders, and Rev. Dr. Darryl Trimiew. Upcoming meeting dates are on Tuesdays: July 8, 2025, July 22, 2025, August 12, 2025, August 26, 2025, and September 9, 2025.

You're invited to mark the discussion dates on your calendar, invite a friend, and join with us on July 8 as we continue the discussion. The Zoom link for the virtual book discussion is: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82762366692?pwd=74RjsogV7UQECUVaqslwo360GSbdCR.1

ARPR Training September 12 and 13

The Reconciliation Commission of the Christian Church in Virginia returns to Georgia this year for another ARPR training on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 9 am to 3 pm, after a successful Georgia training led by the team in 2024. This workshop, which will be held at Brookhaven Christian Church, 4500 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta, GA 30319, is open to lay leaders, clergy, regional staff, volunteers, and Regional Board members, and any interested members of Georgia Disciples congregations. This training also meets the Commission on Ministry Clergy PRAR requirement. In conjunction with this ARPR workshop, those who attend the September 12 workshop may elect to participate in a ARPR Training for Trainers. This will be led by the Virginia Region on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9 am to 3 pm. Participants in this training must also attend the Friday workshop on September 12. If you have been wondering how you can get more involved with this important work, this training is for you. More information and registration is available here. 

Registration Open for Fall Retreat

Disciples Women are invited to register for the Fall Retreat, where we are heading back to Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons, GA, September 26-28, 2025, to explore “Spiritual Gifts: What is Your Fragrance?” 

With 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 as our focus scripture, we are planning a weekend of relaxation, fellowship, and spiritual growth as we return to the beautiful coastal setting of Epworth by the Sea. The retreat will feature some new opportunities, including vespers, expanded workshops, and hands-on service, as well as favorites like crafting, Bible study, Sunday worship, fellowship, a silent auction, and opportunities to explore St. Simons, GA. Learn more and register using the link below. 

There are nearly 50 Georgia Disciples heading to the General Assembly in Memphis, TN, July 12-15, 2025. For those attending, you may be interested in several opportunities including serving as a hospitality champion with youth, serving as a business session usher, or ordering a commemorative chalice. Learn more here. Hilton Memphis is still accepting hotel reservations through the GA Housing Page and remains a great option with free parking, full Hilton amenities, and shuttle service provided to and from the Renasant Convention Center.

Even if you’re not attending in person, there are ways to participate in the Assembly, all guided by the theme, “BEYOND,” from Ephesians 3:20-21. Digital access options for individuals or congregations are available, enabling participants to enjoy all the recorded worship services, Bible lectures, and four keynote workshop sessions at your convenience. Congregational resources including Bible study and a sermon series, are also available. 

• Moral Mondays: Repairers of the Breach, led by Rev. Dr. William Barber, continues to engage in a series of non-violent protests in the nation’s capital, calling on elected officials to respond to the urgent needs of the poor and marginalized. In a protest on Monday, June 30, 38 persons were arrested as they held a "funeral" for the lives of persons who will be negatively impacted by budget cuts. Dr. Barber, a long-time Disciples minister, is also the Prophetic Preacher In-Residence in the Disciples Office of Prophetic Witness. In his words: "This is moral work, holy work. We would be doing less than our calling if we didn't demonstrate and stand up there," he said. "We are supposed to be in the public square speaking up for the poor and the least of these. We are supposed to say to the nation: 'how you treat the least of these is how you are going to be judged.'" The next event is on Monday, August 4; learn more here. 
• Monthly Virtual Meetings for Clergy: Regional Director of New Church and Church Development, Rev. Kyle Ermoian, invites you to “Thrive in 2025” every 3^rd Thursday at 4 pm (July 17 this month) for a conversation about church growth. This month’s topic is “Autopsy of a Deceased Church.” Contact Pastor Kyle for Zoom link. “Clergy Connect” virtual meetings with Interim Regional Minister Rev. Joan Bell- Haynes will be taking a summer break in July and August. 

• Healthy Boundaries for Clergy: Two options will be offered for Georgia DOC clergy in 2025 – Healthy Boundaries 101: Fundamentals on August 15-16, and Healthy Boundaries 201: Beyond Fundamentals and Into the Digital World on November 14-15. Learn more here. Download a flier to share here.
• Save the Date for 2025 Craddock Lecture in Atlanta: Peachtree Christian Church invites you to mark September 15, 2025, from 9:30 am-12 pm on your calendar for the 2025 Craddock Lecture featuring speaker Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee, noted preacher, writer, and professor. More information and registration coming soon here.
• SENT Conference Hosted by NBA: Calling all social entrepreneurs and those seeking to strengthen their skills in social enterprise projects, the 2025 SENT Seminar, “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: Building Impactful Futures” will be held September 8-19, 2025. There is no cost to attend this series which includes pre-recorded videos and livestream sessions, but pre-registration is required. Learn more here. 
• NBA 2025 Mental Health Professionals Conference: National Benevolent Association will host this conference October 2-4, 2025, in Denver, CO. If you are affiliated with the DOC, and also are a mental health professional or chaplain working in the field of mental health or completing a graduate course degree in a mental health-related area, you are invited to join us in this opportunity for care, rest, education and connection with those who understand your work at the intersection of faith and mental health! Learn more here and stay tuned for registration coming soon.
• Disciples Preaching Retreat: The Proclamation Project of the Christian Church (DOC) announces a Disciples Preaching Retreat November 10-12, in Scottsdale, AZ. Rev. Dr. Casey T. Sigmon, PhD is the keynote speaker for “Preaching in the Desert.” Learn more here. 

Resources

• Refugee & Immigration Ministry Tools: With the Disciples long history of ministry to refugees, several Disciples organizations are working to provide resources to congregations and ministries involved with refugees. Disciples Home Missions has a searchable list of resources here. Week of Compassion, the Disciples relief, refugee, and development ministry, also has numerous resources available here for those involved with refugee support. Note in particular the Congregational Safety Planning Guide created by Disciples Immigration Attorney Jonelle Ocloo which is available in English and Spanish.

Prayers 

• Prayers for Pam VanDusen, Regional Co-Director of Camping Programs, whose mother, Rosemary Tolliver, passed away in Warner Robins, GA, on June 26 at the age of 87. A private family service will be held at a future date. The obituary may be viewed here. Condolences may be mailed to Pam VanDusen at Christian Church (DOC) in Georgia, 2306 Vineville Ave., Ste B., Macon, GA 31204.
• Prayers for Marilyn Parks, Regional Co-Director of Camping Programs, on the death of her brother-in-law, Larry Roberts, who passed away June 29, 2025. A memorial service was held on July 2. The obituary may be viewed here. Larry and Marilyn’s late sister, Andrea, and many members of their extended family, had been active at and supportive of Camp Christian for many years. Condolences may be mailed to Marilyn Parks at Christian Church (DOC) in Georgia, 2306 Vineville Ave., Ste B., Macon, GA 31204.
• Prayers for the called Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (DOC) in Georgia as they meet July 26 to vote to extend a call to a Regional Minister. 
• Will you pray with us? Join the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) beginning July 6 for 7 days of prayer leading up to the General Assembly. Learn more and join in prayers each day here or on the Georgia Disciples Facebook page here.
• Prayers for Downey Memorial Christian Church, Los Angeles, and their response to law enforcement agents’ removal of a pedestrian from their property on June 11. Read a pastoral letter from Disciples GMP Rev. Terri Hord Owens and Pacific Southwest Regional Minister Rev. Richie Sanchez here. 

Celebrations

• Prayers of gratitude for faith and friendships formed at Camp Christian this June (See photos). Those attending camp this summer included: 112 children and youth, 42 adult volunteers, 5 CIT's, and 1 Peace Intern from Disciples Peace Fellowship (Ruthie Weeks, daughter of former Associate Regional Minister Rev. Michael and Michelle Weeks). Continued prayers for Camp Oasis and the Disciples young people serving children of Wilkinson County in a day camp July 14-18 at Camp Christian.