News From The Assembly

Spirit Walk Raises Funds For New Church Support 
July 22, 2007 - Disciples News Service - Fort Worth, Texas

More than 50 walkers participated in the Fourth Annual Spirit Walk on July 22 at the 2007 General Assembly.

Spirit Walk 2007 started the Sunday morning activities at General Assembly and this year was a little different.  Rather than being a walk/run, it occurred inside the Fort Worth Convention Center at 7 a.m. and walkers passed through prayer stations that were aimed at several New Church goals. 

The more than 50 walkers met and received their bright orange t-shirts before having a group prayer about the goals for the walk.  Jim Powell, President of Church Extension, said that he hoped Spirit Walk would “be a reflection of what the church will look like in 2020” and that “its not about money or donations, it’s about reaching for diversity, and the walk symbolizes that journey.”
 
The trip around the convention center was estimated to last about 30 minutes including the stops at “stations” that discussed justice, unity, diversity, and outreach among many other topics.

The time ended with words of encouragement from General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins.

 “Dr. Watkins jumped right in, put on her T-shirt and affirmed the unity and prayers that went forth in the convention center,”  said Nadine Burton of New Church Ministry. After the prayer walk, the group processed together into the youth-led worship service singing, ”We are Standing on Holy Ground.”

“The walk is a wonderful time for meditation and prayer for the vision of the Church,” said one participant. “I would encourage everyone to take this journey.” 

About $5,000 was raised from both the walkers and sponsors at Spirit Walk, 10 percent of which will be tithed to Week of Compassion.

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By: Elizabeth Medlin, freelance writer in conjunction with Communication Ministries