2009 GeneraL Assembly Will Explore Wholeness for All

Disciples from all walks of life will gather in Indianapolis from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2009 for the church’s biennial Assembly. Attendees will come from across the United States and Canada – and in many cases from around the world – to worship, learn, fellowship and discuss the future of our Church.

The 2009 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will center its work around Revelation 22:2: ……“And the leaves of the trees shall be for the healing of the nations.” In choosing this verse as the centerpiece and guiding scriptural reference, organizers seek to complement the Disciples’ new identity statement (We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world) with a theme of relevance, energy, conviction – and healing.

The theme and logo for the Assembly select several key words from the Revelation text, which is expressed simply as ….For the healing of the nations….The logo was designed by a Disciples layperson and depicts dozens of hands representing the many leaves of the tree. Organizers stress the hands are intentional, to represent hands raised in prayer, hands poised for work, and hands used for healing.

During the five-day event, Assembly participants are invited to examine what it means to strive to be whole and to bring healing – not only for ourselves but for all God’s creation. The theme of healing will infuse the entire General Assembly, and will be explored through worship, learning track sessions, resource groups, and mission work. Well informed theologians, clergy, scholars and lay leaders will share their insights on the General Assembly theme and its implications for our work, our witness and our future. In addition, people of all ages will engage in discussions on the Church’s future and what it means to be a mission-driven and priority focused church in the 21st Century.

The theme of the Assembly also underscores the Church’s desire to create church-wide events that are “green” and ecologically responsible. The emphasis on “greening” the Assembly, means the event will serve as a model for the ways Disciples and other people of faith can create meetings and moments of worship that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Practices learned and shared at the ’09 Assembly will assist congregations, regions and individuals in becoming better stewards of the Earth.

As always, the thousands of Disciples who will gather in Indianapolis for the Assembly will seek to affirm and declare the gospel with faith, energy, and commitment. Attendees will learn spiritual and practical skills that allow each of us to become part of the movement for wholeness in the world.

Hotel space will be in ample supply at the upcoming event. Attendees will be able to pick from a variety of quality, yet affordable downtown hotel properties, all within easy walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center.

The presence of children, youth and young adults will be well-integrated into all aspects of the ’09 Assembly, with a host of activities and learning options for people of all ages.

To register and to learn more about the Assembly schedule, speakers, guidelines for greening, and the sights and sounds of Indianapolis visit www.disciples.org