Regional Assembly

Scroll down to register. If you have trouble with the form, try clicking this link. Contact region@azdisciples.org if you still encounter any issues.

Pre-registration will be open until September 28. All who pre-register before September 28 and attend assembly will receive lunch on Saturday, an Assembly t-shirt, and a professionally printed Report and Docket.

Registration will remain open after September 28, however the t-shirt, Report and Docket, and Saturday lunch may not be available.

REGISTRATION

Hampton Inn, Phoenix/Glendale/Peoria

The Arizona Region has partnered with the Hampton Inn Phoenix/Glendale/Peoria at 8408 W. Paradise Lane Peoria, Arizona 85382 (2 miles from Sun City Christian Church) to offer a group rate for those attending the assembly.

Minutes from Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres spring training at Peoria Sports Complex and Arrowhead Town Center, the Hampton Inn features an outdoor pool, fitness center, and free hot breakfast, parking, and wifi.

The group rate is available until September 25, and the number of available rooms is limited. Please click the link below and reserve your room as soon as possible.

Click here to book your room at our special group rate.

Other Accommodations

Sun City Christian Church is located a few minutes off the west 101 Loop at Bell Road. In addition to the Hampton Inn there are several other hotels in the area near Arrowhead Town Center. Google Maps, Hotels.com, and Expedia.com are all places to search for other nearby accommodations.

The Arizona Region is excited to welcome over 10 special guests and ministry partners to our 2026 Assembly! These guests are all partners in ministry with Arizona congregations and will be present to answer questions about their ministries. Below you will find information about each of our partners. We hope that you take time before, during, or after Regional Assembly to meet them!

You’ll find three sections below:

1. Guest Preacher
2. Guest Musicians
3. Ministry Partners

Guest Preacher

Rev. Dr. Erin Cash

Assembly Guest Preacher and Project Director, Thriving Congregations
Lexington Theological Seminary

Erin Cash is the Project Director for the Thriving Congregations Project at Lexington Theological Seminary.  Prior to this role, Erin served as Director of Admissions at LTS for over 8 years.  She is a graduate of Greenville University in Greenville, IL, Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, and Lexington Theological Seminary in Lexington, KY. Ordained in 2006, Erin enjoys the opportunities she has to serve in pulpit supply, guest lectures, and as a lay leader in her own congregation.
 
Erin has served as Moderator for the Christian Church In Kentucky, as co-chair of the Local Arrangements team for Regional Assembly, and as co-chair for the Local Arrangements Team of the General Assembly. She also serves as Kentucky’s representative to the General Board, chairing the General Assembly Planning Committee there.  Erin is deeply passionate about the work of the local and the Regional church.
 
Erin is part of a clergy couple.  Her husband, Chris, is the Senior Pastor at FCC Georgetown, having formerly served North Middletown Christian Church and Oxford Christian Church.  She is mom to Ella.
 
She is co-author of the book Thriving Church: What You Can Learn from Faithful Congregations now available from Chalice Press.

Guest Musicians

Héctor Soto and Daniel Montoya

Assembly Guest Worship Leaders

Héctor Soto is a songwriter, worship leader, pianist, and professional translator. Daniel Montoya is a professional drummer, songwriter, artist, and psychologist. Together, they founded La Misión in southeastern Costa Rica in 2002.

From his teenage years, Héctor ministered through worship music in evangelical churches. Later, he and Daniel received God’s call to serve as full-time missionaries among local communities and indigenous peoples. Throughout his life, Héctor has maintained a deep passion for writing Christian songs rooted in Scripture—songs that not only honor God but also inspire faith, hope, and trust in the Lord within their community.

Over the years, Héctor has written dozens of worship songs, many of which have become beloved hymns in local churches and communities. As Héctor often says, “Every song was dictated to me by the Lord. They are not new songs; somewhere in heaven they are already being sung.”

Daniel has been a drummer for nearly thirty years and has also written beautiful songs of faith and worship. Beyond music, he is an accomplished artist with a special passion for freehand drawing and doodling, using creativity as another avenue to express God’s gifts.

For nearly twenty-five years, Héctor and Daniel have faithfully served their community by teaching the love of Christ, the power of faith and worship, and the blessing of giving and serving others through the unique talents God has entrusted to them. When they come together to lead worship, their passion becomes tangible and deeply inspiring to those who listen.
In addition to their ministry work, they have helped create meaningful employment opportunities within their community.

Héctor also serves as the Director of Christian Immersion Spanish Academy (CISA), a language school that welcomes students from around the world to learn Spanish through professional instruction and cultural immersion.

Daniel is the Director of Café Misión Costa Rica, a coffee company dedicated to producing high-quality Costa Rican coffee—from the plant to the package—while supporting local families and community development.

Together, Héctor and Daniel continue to use their gifts, creativity, and faith to impact lives, strengthen communities, and bring glory to God.

Ministry Partners

Republic Insurance Group, LLC

Marc and Amy Gerardis, Co-Agency Principals

Marc and Amy Gerardis have served as ministry partners with Disciples in Arizona for nearly a decade. In addition to Disciples in Arizona, Marc and Amy work extensively with UCC, PCUSA, and ELCA congregations and ministries across the southwest.

Republic Insurance Group offers insurance to churches and other non-profit organizations. They are not a one-size-fits-all agency and their strength lies in their ability to design custom insurance programs that reflect the unique needs of each organization.

Disciples Church Extension Fund & New Church Ministries

Rev. Rosario Ibarra, Building and Capital Services Advisor, Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF)

Rev. Rosario Ibarra has been Arizona’s trusted partner with DCEF for many years now, working with many of our congregations on securing loans, investing, and making the most of their building and assets.

Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) is a faith and financial ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) whose goal is to help churches identify how they can better utilize the three essential elements of congregational life: people, property, and finance. Disciples Church Extension Fund provides ministry planning services, building and property loans, and investment opportunities to help individuals, congregations, and ministries thrive. 

Rev. Ibarra will be leading two workshops at our Assembly. Visit the workshops section on this page to read about each of them.

Rev. Ibarra will also be preaching at Iglesia la Cruz on Sunday, October 25.

Christian Church Foundation

Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont, Vice President, Southwest & Northeastern Region

Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont has walked alongside Disciples in Arizona and beyond for many years, helping individuals and congregations determine their passion for ministry and discern together the best ways they can use their gifts to support ministry.

Christian Church Foundation (CCF) partners with individual donors, congregations, regions, and ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) by gathering, stewarding, and distributing dollars for mission. Their ministry includes helping donors make a lasting impact through planned gifts and providing guidance to Disciples ministries, ensuring they are good stewards of their resources with sound policies and faith-based investment services.

Rev. Fiddmont will be preaching at Foothills Christian Church on Sunday, October 25.

Pension Fund of the Christian Church

Rev. Gabriel Lopez, Director of Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Accessibility (DEBA) 

Rev. Gabriel Lopez provides DEBA training and resources to Pension Fund staff, coordinate the work of the DEBA Pro-Reconciliation/Anti-Racism team, and resource departments on cultural awareness. He fosters relationships with Disciples’ racial/ethnic constituencies to ensure Pension Fund serves every cultural context in the Church in the best way possible.

Pension Fund of the Christian Church has served the Stone-Campbell (Restoration) Movement churches and related organizations with integrity, security, and compassion for over 130 years. Whether you are a seminary student, pastor, church employee, missionary, university professor, or work at one of our benevolent care organizations, our retirement benefits support all life stages and budgets. We leverage an experienced team of investment professionals and a solid funding formula to manage and grow your retirement income so you can retire worry-free. In addition our Ministerial Relief and Assistance programs provide critical support during times of financial need, helping to ensure the well-being and stability of those who serve.

Center for Faith and Giving

Rev. Melissa St. Clair, Executive Director

Rev. Melissa R. St. Clair serves as the Minister for Faith & Giving for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Executive Director of the Center for Faith and Giving. She is an ordained United Church of Christ minister with over 16 years of experience in Disciples congregations, including most recently serving as Senior Pastor of Heart of the Rockies Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Fort Collins, CO. She is also a leader with the ecumenical circle of the Bethany Fellows. Melissa and her spouse, Ben, live in south-central PA in the home of their rescue mutts, Bailey and Jasper.

The Center for Faith and Giving exists to create a culture of generosity across the life of the whole church by equipping congregations, faith leaders, and ministry partners. Our mission is to encourage and promote the understanding of stewardship as a faith discipline and life practice in response to a generous God. Learn more about this ministry of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) at centerforfaithandgiving.org.

Rev. St. Clair will be leading a workshop at our Assembly. Visit the workshops section on this page to read her workshop.

Rev. St. Clair will also be preaching at Desert Dove Christian Church on Sunday, October 25.

Disciples Home Missions

Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, Director for Justice and Advocacy Ministries

Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray

Rev. Frederick-Gray will be leading a workshop during both sessions at our Assembly. Visit the workshops section on this page to read his workshop.

Rev. Frederick-Gray will be preaching at Saguaro Christian Church on Sunday, October 25.

Bethany Fellows

Rev. Aneesah Ettress Veatch, Co-Director/Pastor

Rev. Aneesah Ettress Veatch serves as Co-Director of Bethany Fellows, leading recruitment, marketing, and program formation for the fellowship. She works closely with young clergy as they engage in vocational discernment, spiritual formation, and leadership development. Be sure to connect with Aneesah during the assembly to learn more about Bethany Fellows and how the program supports emerging leaders cultivating lives of purpose, service, and faith.

Bethany Fellows is a thriving spiritual community of support, inspiration, resilience, and renewal for young clergy serving congregations and local communities of faith. Through contemplative practices, vocational discernment, and intentional community, participants are equipped to deepen their faith, sustain their ministry, discover their gifts, and discern meaningful pathways for leadership and service.

Rev. Ettress Veatch will be preaching at First Christian Church in Mesa on Sunday, October 25.

Chapman University

Rev. Jack Veatch, Director of Church Relations

Rev. Jack Veatch is the campus chaplain at Chapman University, a Disciples of Christ affiliated university in Southern California. There is a way for every Disciples of Christ student to earn a 50% tuition scholarship, plus additional scholarships from the Office of Church Relations to attend Chapman University! In addition to great scholarships, Chapman University has a vibrant Disciples of Christ campus ministry that prays together, worships together, plays together, and supports one another. Our students grow in faith, thrive in leadership, and learn to be authentic community when they’re at Chapman.

Jack offers pastoral care to all of Chapman’s students and would love to talk to you about college readiness. Is there a person in your life that might want to become a Chapman Panther? Let’s connect. Do you want to support Disciples of Christ students? Jack would love to make that happen.

Rev. Veatch will be preaching at Community Christian Church in Tempe on Sunday, October 25.

Friday, October 23

6:45-7:15pm | Check in and Registration

At check in you will receive your name tag, and if you registered before September 28, your t-shirt and printed docket and report. Check in will close at 7:15pm sharp to allow volunteers to join our Opening Worship Service

7:30-9:00pm | Celebrating our Gifts with Music and Storytelling

9:00 – 10:00pm | Reception
Sponsored by Republic Insurance Group

Saturday, October 24

8:15-8:45am | Check-in and Registration

At check in you will receive your name tag, and if you registered before September 28, your t-shirt and printed docket and report. Check in will close at 8:45am sharp to allow volunteers to join our Morning Session.

7:30-8:45am | Clergy Breakfast (registration required)
Sponsored by Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) and New Church Ministry (NCM)

9:00 – 10:00am | Morning Session

10:15 – 11:15am | Workshop Session 1
(view workshops on this page, or as part of your registration.)

11:15am – 12:45pm | All Assembly Lunch onsite
Sponsored by Christian Church Foundation (CCF)

12:45 – 1:45pm | Workshop Session 2
(view workshops on this page, or as part of your registration.)

2:00 – 2:45pm | Business and State of the Church

3:00 – 4:30pm | Closing Worship Service 
with Guest Preacher Rev. Dr. Erin Cash

Our 2026 Assembly will have two workshop sessions: one before lunch, and one after. We are thrilled to have a fantastic group of workshop leaders lined up. Below you can read a little about each workshop and their leader.

The Gift of Faithful Songwriting
El don de componer canciones con fe

SESSION/SESIÓN 1: BILIGUAL WORKSHOP | TALLER BILINGÜE
SESSION/SESIÓN 2: TALLER EN ESPAÑOL

Héctor Soto and Daniel Montoya
Assembly Guest Worship Leaders
Líderes de Adoración Invitados de la Asamblea

Together we will explore the creative process, from the first spark of inspiration to crafting lyrics, melodies, harmonies, and biblical theology that work together to communicate truth with beauty. We will also reflect on the importance of writing songs that are authentic, spiritually rooted, and artistically meaningful in a culture that often rewards repetition and commercial trends.

Juntos exploraremos el proceso creativo, desde la primera chispa de inspiración hasta la creación de letras, melodías, armonías y teología bíblica que, en conjunto, comunican la verdad con belleza. También reflexionaremos sobre la importancia de escribir canciones auténticas, con raíces espirituales y significado artístico en una cultura que a menudo premia la repetición y las tendencias comerciales.

The Gift of Thriving: How Congregations Can Use their Gifts to Thrive in their Local Context

SESSION 1: WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH
SESSION/SESIÓN 2: BILIGUAL WORKSHOP | TALLER BILINGÜE

Rev. Dr. Erin Cash, Assembly Guest Preacher and Project Director, Thriving Congregations at Lexington Theological Seminary

This workshop will teach congregations the four basic principles of thriving and how to discover their gifts for meeting the needs of their neighbors.

Este taller enseñará a las congregaciones los cuatro principios básicos para prosperar y cómo descubrir sus dones para satisfacer las necesidades de sus vecinos.

Merit Badges for Disciples Churches | Insignias de mérito para las iglesias de discípulos

SESSION/SESIÓN 1: BILIGUAL WORKSHOP | TALLER BILINGÜE
SESSION 2: WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH

Rev. Brian Frederick-Gray, Director for Justice and Advocacy Ministries at Disciples Home Missions

Green Chalice, Silver Chalice, Open & Affirming, Polar Star, and Global Mission Church — learn what these distinctions mean, and how to connect your church to any one (or all!) of these ministries.

Cáliz Verde, Cáliz Plateado, Abierta e Inclusiva, Estrella Polar e Iglesia de la Misión Global: aprenda qué significan estas distinciones y cómo conectar su iglesia con cualquiera (¡o con todos!) de estos ministerios.

Joy in the Work: Appreciating what energizes each of us

SESSION 1 ONLY: WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH

Alison Westerlind, Founder and Principle Consultant of Ascent Counseling Group

In this session you will be introduced to The Six Types of WorkingGenius – an effective model for building greater self-awareness, appreciating the gifts and energy of others, and finding more joy in the work we do together. It is a helpful tool in church settings, work, and your personal life.

Wise Church Financial Practice at Any Size

SESSION 1 ONLY: WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH

Rev. Melissa St. Clair, Executive Director at Center for Faith and Giving

Small congregations are often asked to do a lot with a little. Explore right-sized practices for clearer reporting, realistic budgeting, healthy internal controls, and sustainable giving—and identify at least one practical shift to make now.

Estudio bíblico: El propósito de mis dones espirituales

SESIÓN 1: SOLO EN ESPAÑOL

La reverenda Rosario Ibarra, asesora de servicios de construcción e infraestructura en el Fondo de Extensión de la Iglesia Discípulos.

Descubramos y reflexionemos sobre los dones que Dios nos ha dado y cómo podemos usarlos para servir a nuestra iglesia y comunidad.

How to Have Safe and Brave Conversations with Youth and Children around the Topic of Christian Nationalism

SESSION 2 ONLY: WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH

Rev. Trish Winters, Arizona Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Co-Chair and Senior Minister at Community Christian Church in Tempe

Where is the line between appreciation and idolatry? What does it mean, when you hear someone say, “we are a Christian nation”? How do we define patriotism? What does the Bible teach about exceptionalism? If you’re a parent or a leader of youth/children, how do you approach this conversation? And why does it matter?

Hope in Solidarity – How Disciples in Arizona and across the United States are showing up with their immigrant neighbors

SESSION 2 ONLY: WORKSHOP IN ENGLISH

Rev. Grace Kozak, Associate Director for Immigrant & Refugee Response at Week of Compassion

We will explore how to answer God’s call to welcome the sojourner with compassion even when it’s risky. We will also learn about how Disciples in Arizona and across the US are answering that call.

Compartiendo nuestra misión y valores a la comunidad

SESIÓN 2: SOLO EN ESPAÑOL

La reverenda Rosario Ibarra, asesora de servicios de construcción e infraestructura en el Fondo de Extensión de la Iglesia Discípulos.

Aunque la misión de predicar el evangelio permanece, la iglesia siempre se ha adaptado a su contexto para cumplirla. Descubramos juntos cómo nuestra misión y valores pueden fortalecer a nuestra comunidad.

Nursery 

We plan to have nursery available for children pre-k or younger. More details will be available before assembly. Please add all children to your registration form, including their age, and t-shirt sizes.* 

Children & Youth    

We are planning a fun day of activities for children and youth (grades K-12). As we approach Regional Assembly our leaders will reach out to parents with any additional information. Please add all children to your registration form, including their age, and t-shirt sizes.* 

*We will do our best to make t-shirts available for children and youth, however we might be limited on sizing.

If you are a partner looking for information about attending our assembly, please click here.

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Arizona is thankful for our many dedicated partners in ministry. The covenantal relationship that we share with our partners both enriches our ministry here in Arizona, but also extends that ministry out in to the wider world.

If you are a ministry partner and looking for ways to engage with Arizona Disciples at our upcoming Assembly, please click here to see opportunities and additional information.

Sponsoring Partners

Friday Reception

We are excited to welcome Republic Insurance Group, LLC, partner of Insurance Board, as the sponsoring partner of our Friday Reception. Republic Insurance Group’s Marc and Amy Gerardis have served Arizona Disciples Congregations for almost a decade. They understand insurance as a ministry partnership, critical to the health and wellbeing of our congregations. We hope that while at Assembly you find time to visit with Marc and Amy to catch up on your current policies under their care, or discuss future opportunities to partner with their ministry.

Saturday Clergy and Guest Breakfast

Our Saturday morning Clergy and Guest breakfast sponsor is our beloved Disciples Church Extension Fund (DCEF) and New Church Ministry. Over the years DCEF and New Church Ministry have been instrumental in the ministry each and every Arizona Disciples Congregation. Working in coordination they ensure that congregations have access to loans and investments, as well as tools for growth and vitality. We hope that while at Assembly you visit with our partner of many years, Rev. Rosario Ibarra, Building and Capital Services Advisor.

Saturday All Assembly Lunch

Our Saturday All Assembly Lunch sponsor is the Christian Church Foundation (CCF) who has been helping the Region, Arizona congregations, and individuals move money to mission since 1961. The Foundation helps congregations and individuals support and expand the ability of all Disciples ministries to worship, witness and serve through permanent endowment funds and other charitable giving. Through this partnership and faithful generosity of many Arizona Disciples our Region and congregations benefit from over two dozen permanent endowment funds managed by CCF. We hope that while you are at Assembly you visit with Rev. Marilyn Fiddmont, Vice President, Southwest Zone & Northeastern Region Representative.

Booklet Partners

Once again we will have a printed Report and Docket at our 2026 Regional Assembly. This is made possible by they ministry partners below. Please see their ad in the booklet, visit their booth while at the assembly, and click their logo below to visit their website.

Sun City Christian Church at
9745 W Palmeras Dr, Sun City, AZ 85373 (map below)

Our host church for 2026 Regional Assembly is Sun City Christian Church. Founded in 1974, Sun City Christian Church was established by Arizona New Church Development (now New Church Ministry) as part of the Inter-Church Coalition on Mission in the Southwest (ICOMS).

Rev. Brett Winters currently serves as Pastor, and Sun City Christian Church is engaged in exciting ministry within its community, including becoming Arizona’s first Silver Chalice Congregation.

With the help of a Regional Congregational Vitality Grant, Sun City Christian Church is revitalizing their Wellness Ministry, bringing opportunities to their community for education, exercise, and health screenings. They are also gathering for social events (like game nights) to reduce isolation that can be so common in retirement. Read more about their Wellness Ministry here.

Sun City Christian Church is also beginning a storytelling ministry and will be sharing those skills with us at Assembly.

While on-site at Assembly, we hope that you take some time to visit with our host congregation members and ask them about their mission and ministry in the community. Also, ask a Sun City member about the beautiful carvings on their doors around campus!

We have created a new page just for our church offices and pastors. Visit https://azdisciples.org/assembly-for-churches/ for all the information you will need to prepare for and promote Regional Assembly!

Para ver todo el sitio en español, haga clic en el menú desplegable “Seleccionar idioma” en la esquina superior derecha y elija “Español”.