General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins talks about her hopes for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 2012. The video presentation is based on her letter to the church.

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The planning process for the 2013 General Assembly is ramping up, which got me thinking . . . Our Disciples mission is to be and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. We’re a pragmatic, active people who partner easily with others to make life better for our neighbors. As a movement for wholeness, we extend God’s welcome to all at the Lord’s Table. We’re people who like to “do” as we extend welcome and seek wholeness.

O God of infinite creativity . . .

At the beginning of this New Year – winter for so many – the rich brown earth is even now preparing to burst forth with a spring of possibilities and new life.

Though the human eye cannot see it, you continue to bless the earth with new beginnings.

We praise you!

Bless us with new beginnings, we pray.

Where we have lost sight of your Reign breaking in – even now at hand –       Renew our vision.

Where we have faltered in reaching out to our neighbor in love, missing the moment to extend a hand of wholeness,      Renew our courage.

Where we have allowed cynicism to dry our bones and sinews,      Renew our hope.

At this beginning of a New Year, dear God, our arms are still warm from cradling the Babe of Bethlehem.

Help us to keep that memory strong.

Strengthen our arms to welcome your many children into communities of love.

Prepare our hearts to burst forth with a spring of...

Through the Division of Overseas Ministries/Global Ministries, we Disciples partner with churches and church leaders around the world. One of those partners is Bishop Munib A. Younan, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land. He lives in Jerusalem and currently serves as President of the Lutheran World Federation.

US military involvement in Iraq has quietly come to an end, but the impact of this engagement will continue long in the lives of many. We are especially mindful of US military personnel who have served and those who are just returning home and their families. May we commit ourselves to their care.

Our Church has been present with our service personnel in combat, on military bases, and in hospitals through our military chaplains. These Disciples ministers volunteer to go unarmed even into the heat of combat, to offer ministry in the most extreme and dangerous circumstances imaginable. I pray for these servants who are among the most courageous and compassionate men and women on the face of the earth.