Thank You & Photos
Thank You to the many Arizona Disciples whose time and talent have contributed to this event
We gratefully acknowledge the hospitality of our Hosts, East Mesa Christian Church – the many members who prepared for our arrival and provided hospitality during this Assembly.
We are especially indebted to
Judy Ford and Donna Hughes – Local Arrangements Chairs
Peggy Pepers – Senior Minister
Carolin Moorman – Office Manager
Skip Pepers -Property & Technology
Assembly Planning & Worship Committees
Pat Barton
Abigail Conley
Brian Frederick-Gray
Bob Howard
Linda Necker
Peggy Pepers
Lori Tapia
Martin Tapia
Lea Nessmith
Denny Williams
Asamblea Liaison Coordinator
Lupita Amaya
Children’s Program
Pat Barton
Yessica Munoz
Office Volunteers
Marty Hollcroft
Carol Tidrow
Musicians & Vocalists
Al Beasley
Kevin and Martha Glenn
William Sawyer
Lori Tapia
Assembly Clergy Band
Photography
Chuck Necker
Media/Tech Crew
Matt Clark
Greg King
Skip Pepers
Translation
Kassandra Ochoa Tapia
Pedro Ramos Goycolea
Claudia Bartlett
Workshop Leaders
Doug Bland
Matt Clark
Julian DeShazier
Mary Alice Do
Marc Gerardis
Brian Frederick Gray
Rosario Ibarra
Linda Necker
Ann Nichols
Regional Staff
Matt Clark
Laurie Cleveland
Lea Nessmith
Lyn Saint-Erne
Linda Sexton
Denny Williams
Assembly News
- Ecclesiastical Kleptomania and Celebration! Celebración!Rev. Brain Frederick-Gray of First Christian Church of Scottsdale responds to what “Celebration, Celebración! Christ Among Us!” means to her, and all of us at our upcoming 2016 Regional Assembly, Asamblea Convención Arizona. I am excited for upcoming Arizona Regional Assembly because, well, I’m an ecclesiastical kleptomaniac. Now, this doesn’t mean that I have a compulsion to rob churches.… Read more: Ecclesiastical Kleptomania and Celebration! Celebración!
- This is what my heart desires, Estar en un espíritu de Celebración!Lori Tapia, of Iglesia Alas de Salvación and serving Pastora Nacional Interina (Intermin National Pastor) of Obra Hispana(Central Pastoral Office for Hispanic Ministries) responds to what “Celebration, Celebración! Christ Among Us!” means to her, and all of us at our upcoming 2016 Regional Assembly, Asamblea Convención Arizona. We have all this talk about creating unity, yet we fail to understand what… Read more: This is what my heart desires, Estar en un espíritu de Celebración!
- In One Place, As One Body, One Church.Linda Necker of Community Christian Church in Tempe, Regional Moderator, responds to what “Celebration, Celebración! Christ Among Us!” means to her, and all of us at our upcoming 2016 Regional Assembly, Asamblea Convención Arizona. What this 2016 Regional Assembly/Asamblea Convención Arizona Means to Me I believe this Assembly/Asamblea is a step forward in our desire as Regional Church to… Read more: In One Place, As One Body, One Church.
- Pumpkins, Neighbors, and Celebration! Celebración!Rev. Abigail Conley of Chalice Christian Church responds to what “Celebration, Celebración! Christ Among Us!” means to her, and all of us at our upcoming 2016 Regional Assembly, Asamblea Convención Arizona. My first year of seminary, I ended up in the unofficial international students apartment building. My roommate was from Germany. The neighbors across the hall were from… Read more: Pumpkins, Neighbors, and Celebration! Celebración!
- Registration & Promotional Materials Now Available!Registration forms, promotional materials (including logo images), hotel, and meal information now available in English. Spanish translations coming soon. Download the entire packet as a zip file, or the files you need individually below.
- Assembly Speakers ConfirmedRegional Assembly speakers are confirmed! On November 4 & 5 we will welcome Rev. Julian DeShazier, Sheila Spencer, and Dr. Michael Kinnamon. Read more about each speaker by clicking on their name, or visiting their page under the Guest and Speakers menu. Come back frequently or visit our Facebook page for information as it is available!
- Regional Assembly ConfirmedRegional Assembly dates & location are confirmed! On November 4 & 5 East Mesa Christian Church will host the 2016 Regional Assembly of the Christian Church in Arizona. Come back frequently or visit our Facebook page for information as it is available!
Schedule
Friday
| Title | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:00 pm | All Assembly Kermes A long-time tradition of our Hispanic Disciples, each congregation will offer a “food booth” featuring authentic Mexican Food! $1 Tickets will be sold and participants can move throughout the “festival” eating a variety of food items, typically costing $2, $3, or $4 each. You will have an opportunity to purchase your first tickets with registration at a discount ($5 for 7 tickets= value $7) Additional tickets will be sold on site. Cash and Credit/Debit cards accepted. |
| 6:00 pm 6:45 pm | Clergy Reception/Recepción para Clero |
| 7:30 pm 9:00 pm | Opening Worship – Sheila Spencer (begins outdoors, processional into Sanctuary)/Servicio de Apertura – Sheila Spencer |
| 9:00 pm | Reception with the return “All Clergy Band”/Recepción con el regreso de “Banda del Clero” |
Saturday
Assembly
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:45 – 8:30 am | All Assembly Continental Breakfast – Cerbin Hall |
| 8:45 – 10:00 am | Keynote, Micheal Kinnamon – Sanctuary |
| 10:15 – 10:45 am | Business (pre)Session – Sanctuary |
| 10:45 am – 12:15 pm | All Assembly Regional Business Session – Sanctuary |
| 12:15 – 1:30 pm | All Assembly Boxed Lunch, Rev. Julian DeShazier – Cerbin Hall |
| 1:30 – 2:45 pm | Mini Workshops, 2 Sessions during this time – Various Places |
| 3:00 – 4:30 pm | All Assembly Closing Worship, Michael Kinnamon – Sanctuary |
Convención
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:00 – 7:45 am | Oración – Santuario |
| 7:45 – 8:30 am | Asambleas Unidas Desayuno Continental – Cerbin Hall |
| 8:30 – 9:30 am | Sesión de Negocios – Cerbin Hall |
| 9:30 – 10:30 am | Talleres – Cerbin Hall |
| 10:45 am – 12:15 pm | Sesión de Negocios Regionales Asambleas Unidas – Sanctuary |
| 12:15 – 1:30 pm | Asambleas Unidas Almuerzo, Conferencista – Rev. Julian DeShazier – Cerbin Hall |
| 1:30 – 2:45 pm | Conferencista, Sheila Spencer – Sanctuary |
| 3:00 – 4:30 pm | Clausura Asambleas Unidas, Michael Kinnamon – Sanctuary |
Guests
Rev. Julian DeShazier
Senior minister of University Church in Chicago, Illinois (a United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ congregation)
For nearly a decade, the ministry of Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier has been an exploration in the relationship between music and faith. As an artist, he has used his unique rhythm to tell stories of deep meaning, inside and out of the church. He is a 2007 Holy Hip Hop Award winner while sharing stages at every major gospel music festival. His song, “So Blessed,” was featured on the Grammy-nominated compilation Holy Hip Hop: Taking the Gospel to the Streets.
Sheila Spencer
Assistant to the President and Director of Christian Education and Faith Formation with Disciples Home Missions
She leads missionary journeys and encourages women to see life through a new set of eyes. Sheila also provides leadership and training for the Leadership Apprentice (formerly Enablers) program: a leadership development ministry for women of color.
Sheila’s background includes experience as bilingual educator, teacher trainer and literacy coach. Her education includes undergraduate and graduate degrees in Education.
Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon
Rev. Dr. Kinnamon has been a seminary professor for more than 25 years, serving as Dean of Lexington Theological Seminary from 1988-98. He has lectured and preached on ecumenical themes across the U.S. and in numerous countries.
Rev. Dr. Kinnamon’s Ph.D. is from the University of Chicago Divinity School (1980) in the field of Religion and Literature. He holds ordained ministerial standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and has been active in the mission and ministries of that denomination and a frequent speaker at Disciples events.
Location
East Mesa Christian Church
706 S Greenfield Rd, Mesa, AZ 85206 (Google Maps)
Coming from Southern Arizona?
- On I-10 head West towards Phoenix.
- Once in Phoenix exit the I-10 to US-60 East.
- Exit US-60 at S Greenfield Rd.
- Turn Left on S Greenfield Rd.
- East Mesa Christian Church will be on your left.
Coming from Phoenix Metro?
- East Mesa Christian Church is located on Greenfield Rd between Broadway and Southern (just north of US-60).
Church Office Information
Important Dates
Mid-August: Online registration opens
September 18, 25, & October 2, 9: Assembly promotion in churches:
October 11: Registration closes
October 24: List of Voting Delegates due to the Regional Office
November 4 and 5: Regional Assembly
How to Register
Online Registration (prefered)
Registration link: https://ra.azdisciples.org/register
The online registration form is available to all those attending assembly. The form will allow individuals and families to register on one form gathering all the information needed by the Regional Office.
Paper Form
Individual Registration Form Download link: English | Español
Church Registration Form Down: English | Español
Church pastors/offices may also collect paper registration forms and fees from individuals and submit those to the regional office. It is preferred with this menthod that individuals pay the church and the church write one check to the Region.
If the church is paying part of the registration cost
If your church would like to pay part (or all) of the registration cost for some (or all) attendees from your church, here is what you do:
-
- Contact the Regional Office with the details of how you want to subsize costs (see example)
- The Regional Office will give the church office or pastor a coupon code
- The church office or pastor will give that code to the appropriate people in your church
- Individuals will use that code on the online registration form and their cost will be reduced
- After registration closes (October 11) the Regional Office and church office will determine the amount of the check that the church office will send to the region based on registrations
Example: your church would like to the full cost of registration ($40) for your minister and seven voting representatives and pay for half the cost of registration ($20) for anyone else from the church who registers. In this case the Regional Office would provide you with two different coupon codes, one for your minister and voting delegates, and one for everyone else, which you would pass along to those who need it. In this example, lets say that in addition to the minister and representatives you have three additional registrations. Your church office would send a check for $380.
We have a lot of flexibility in how this works, including the ability to limit the number coupons that can be used. Contact Matt at the Regional Office if you have any questions.
Voting Representatives
What are voting representatives?
At Regional Assembly a portion of our time will be to conduct business, including: electing nominations for the Offices, and At-Large members of the Administrative Council and Mission Focus Team; as well as decide on resolutions or by-law changes. While all are welcome to participate the business session, and when appropriate comment, only voting representatives will participate in voting.
All Arizona Disciples clergy with standing and All Officers and current members of the Administrative Council and Mission Focus Team are automatically voting representatives in addition to the allowed representatives (see below.)
How many voting representatives does our church have?
All congregations receive a minimum of 7 voting representatives for Regional Assembly, and additional representatives based off of number of participating members as reported to the Yearbook office. To see your congregation’s total number view the list at https://ra.azdisciples.org/#nominationsetc.
How do we identify our voting participants?
After registration closes on October 11 the Regional Office will send your church office and pastor a listing of all registrants from your congregation. Church offices and pastors will then return to the Regional Office (region@azdisciples.or) a listing of voting participants no later than October 24.
Promotional Materials
Promotional Materials
While the Regional Office will promote Assembly via email, Facebook, and our website, churches remain the most important part of Assembly promotion. As Arizona Disciples, your promotion and participation in Assembly are what make it meaningful for our communities, our region, and our wider church. If you have any questions about promotion, please contact Matt (mclark@azdisciples.org or 602-468-3815).
Promoting Regional Assembly
Start today and set aside special time each Sunday from Sept. 18 – Oct. 9.
Regional Assembly promotion at your church can begin the day you receive these materials. On the four Sundays prior to registration closing we are asking all our congregations to take extra time during each worship service to encourage registration. We will provide special materials to help, but your pastor and leadership’s encouragement and endorsement will be most effective.
Before September 18
The Regional Office has begun promoting Regional Assembly on our websites (azdisciples.org and ra.azdisciples.org) as well as on Facebook and via our regular email EAZ Newsletter. Your congregation is welcome to share any of these promotions via your social media and electronic correspondence. We have several graphics you can download and use in any publications or during worship services at https://ra.azdisciples.org/#promotional.
On September 18
On Sunday, September 18 please help us kick off Assembly promotion in every Arizona Disciples congregation. Setting aside a few moments during your announcements and promotion in your bulletin/newsletter will be greatly appreciated. You might use an announcement like this:
“Every two years we gather together with all Arizona Discples at Regional Assembly. It is a time where we worship together, learn together, and grow together as one church. Our theme this year calls us to Prophetic Unity, or Unidad Profética! Unity has been a central theme throughout Disciples history. True unity requires mutual respect and affirmation, shared power and resources, and the freedom to maintain and celebrate our own uniqueness while being in relationship with one another. As a member or friend of ____________ church you are invited and welcome to join in this bilingual and multicultural experiance. Learn more about the assembly or register at ra.azdisciples.org, and ask ____________ if you would like to be a voting representative from ______________ church.”
Please also have a few flyers on bulletin boards and available to take home.
September 19 through October 9
In the coming weeks each church office will receive an email with promotional materials that can be used each Sunday from September 18 through October 9. Additionally, materials for social media and email will be available below. All materials will also be available at ra.azdisciples.org/#promotional Feel free to use these however best fits your congregation. Registration closes on October 11, so each of these four Sundays will be important.
Promotional Materials
Registration Forms
Logo Graphics
- Main Logo
- Document Header Logo
- Round Theme Logo (with transparent background)
Flyers
Social Media Graphics
