The 120th Regional Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in West Virginia has come to a close with the installation of our new Regional Board. So much has happened in the past 3 days, and so many good feelings were a part of the gathering, a play-by-play account would be impossible.
Needless to say, with the presence of so many good people from around the Region, the General Church, and our ecumenical brothers and sisters, Friday night was a mountain-top experience for the many gathered in the Ohio Valley. A new bishop, Thaddaeus Allen, was consecrated and installed as our Regional Minister; his Deputy Regional Minister, David Chafin, was also installed to office; the clergy of the Region renewed their commitment to faithful ministry, as did all of us called into Christ's ministry in their Baptisms.
Music was superb throughout the event. Spirits were high, and much learning and loving took place among people who do both so very well. Hospitality from the Huntington churches was as good or better than we have come to expect through the years, and those 3 great congregations look forward to yet another day together as they plan to celebrate the first joint Sunday communion known of in their common history tomorrow morning.
Our hosts at the Madison Avenue Church deserve a great commendation, and names will not be dropped at the moment, because no one deserves to be left out. Enough to say, "Many thanks from a grateful Regional Church."
Our guests, so numerous and loved, are travelling home with the good taste of a great time in Christ's presence fresh in their mouths. Now we look to gather again in 2 years at the church in Weirton with great anticipation. Mark the month of April, 2010 as "reserved" in your planning calendar. You won't be disappointed!
