"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." - Statement of Identity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Dear Friends,

What a tremendous privilege it is for us to gather as the widest expression of Disciples community; to come together this summer as the 2009 General Assembly for one massive, focused prayer: "...for the Healing of the Nations..." What an opportunity to be the church!

I am especially excited about a new experience this year: the Wholeness Café.

For the entire afternoon on the second day of Assembly (Thursday, July 30), all 6,000+ of us will engage in a Spirit-filled exchange about the things we care deeply about as a faith community: God's mission for us in a hurting world.

Together, we will participate in face-to-face conversation that can lead to transformational change - meaningful conversation that can lead to wise action. Together, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will turn "just talking" into "Just Talking."

The practices that will guide our Café conversation are being used all over the world to help large groups really hear each other. Your voice matters in this conversation. You will be heard. And you'll get the opportunity to listen deeply to others who share in this mission with you. As we harvest what we learn from the conversation, your observations and those of your fellow Disciples will become part of the collective wisdom that will shape our work as a "Movement for Wholeness in a Fragmented World."

After the Café, we'll help groups convene spontaneously around issues that they wish to explore more deeply. Others may choose from a variety of prepared sessions in our Learning Tracks or Resource Groups, which are detailed in these pages. Expect a rich experience that can guide you, your congregation, and all Disciples on our journey ahead.

Right behind worship, the Wholeness Café is THE REASON to be part of 2009 General Assembly, July 29 to August 2 in Indianapolis. Please be there! I want to hear from YOU!

Traveling mercies,

Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins
General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Read more about Sharon E. Watkins