Highlights from Saturday, July 29

After four years, the 2023 General Assembly gathered in Louisville, Kentucky, for day one of this historic four-day event. The assembly kicked off with a Regional roll call, with each of the 31 regions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada processing into opening ceremony. The Regional Minister for the Christian Church in Kentucky, Rev. Don Gillett and the Governor of the state of Kentucky and Beargrass Christian Church member, Gov. Andy Beshear, brought greetings to the Assembly, reflecting the hospitality of the state, region and Local Arrangements. Gov. Beshear welcomed the Assembly saying, “I have faith in God. I have faith in us. In this most divisive time, I believe that love will win.”

After a robust day of business, the General Assembly gathered for the first night of worship. Opening worship of the 2023 General Assembly gave attendees a chance to reflect on the time that has passed since we last gathered, welcomed joyous worship music led by C. Anthony Bryant, scriptural reflection from Dr. Eric Smith and dynamic preaching from Cha. Maj. Owen Chandler. In his reflection on Luke 6:27-36, Cha. Maj. Chandler encouraged worshipers, “Love first. Love always. We’ll figure the rest out as we go.” Worshipers also reflected on those who have passed since we last gathered and celebrate the work of the Pension Fund's 13th Check.

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Business at the General Assembly

On the first day of the 2023 General Assembly, the assembly met in two business sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. During this time the assembly received reports from General Ministry units and discussed resolutions for consideration. Each day of the General Assembly, reports and resolutions can be reviewed as they are considered or received by the General Assembly by visiting the General Assembly website.

One highlight of the business session was the adoption of GA-2343 Proposed Changes to the Design. The resolution, developed out of the Covenant Project, features three key elements: a move to in person general assembly gathering every three years following the 2025 General Assembly with at least one digital gathering in between, a smaller General Board and congregations moving to 3 representatives. The full details can be reviewed by reading GA-2343 or you can understand an overview of the details by viewing a short video. An implementation team will be appointed by the Moderator of the Christian Church and will bring their work and recommendations to the 2025 General Assembly, in Memphis, Tennessee.

In addition to GA-2343 being adopted by the General Assembly, the assembly also adopted the following resolutions:

GA-2336 Christian Church Health Care Benefit Trust Closure and Distribution of Assets

GA-2338 Concerning Food Waste, Food Insecurity, and Environmental Justice

GA-2339 Compelled to Witness: Answering the Cry of our Palestinian Siblings

GA-2342 Dissolution of the Pastoral Commission of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada

GA-2346 Ratify Actions of the General Board

Business for the 2023 General Assembly is updated through out the General Assembly on the website.

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