2009 General Assembly Theme/Overview "We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord's Table as God has welcomed us." This assembly is designed to help us embody that self-understanding. Through our theme, "for the Healing of the Nations" (Rev. 22:1-5), we address our hope to participate in God's healing, and ultimate redemption of the world. In worship we focus on our journey back to God's created wholeness. In an Assembly-wide conversation we focus on our future together as "a movement for wholeness." Then, through our closing All-Assembly Festival and communion service we extend our witness. Inviting guests from the "fragmented world" -- in Indianapolis and beyond -- who seek companionship for their faith journey, we will make it clear that Christ invites all to the Table of Blessing and Hope. Pray Now and Without CeasingIn preparation for the Assembly, General Minister and President Sharon Watkins invites Disciples to "pray now and without ceasing" for God's leading in this momentous gathering of Disciples. In events and planning sessions leading up to Assembly, hand-written prayers have been shared on hand-shaped papers, and delivered back to the Disciples Center. There they will become part of the website, posted in random fashion on the opening General Assembly web page. Look for this feature to be available on or before November 3, 2008.
To share your prayers, write to: generalassembly@ogmp.disciples.org with "Prayers" in the subject line. From the Christian Church Disciples of Christ Web Site.
Before I was a MomBefore I was a Mom -
I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday. Before I was a Mom - I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby. I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations. Before I was a Mom - I had never been puked on - Pooped on - Spit on - Chewed on, or Peed on. I had complete control of my mind and My thoughts. I slept all night. Before I was a Mom - I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests...or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep. Before I was a Mom - I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom. Before I was a Mom - I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important. Before I was a Mom - I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known The warmth, The joy, The love, The heartache, The wonderment or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom. Happy Mother's Day! Please join us this Sunday, May 10, as we honor the women of the Vine Street congregation! |
|
|
The Visitor - May 6, 2009 |
 |