First Christian Church, Sedalia - Throughout our worship services this past Sunday (2/23/2020) we celebrated Disciples’ history and tradition, while also praying for the future of our movement. With a display of chalices on our communion table, we highlighted the Scottish Presbyterian roots of this denomination in Thomas and Alexander Campbell, as well as with Barton Stone. We also pointed out our three presidents who were members of the Disciples (Lyndon B. Johnson, James A. Garfield, Ronald Regan), our Pentecostal revival at Cane Ridge, and our movement towards wholeness within all of humanity. While those were highlighted, we really emphasized the Chalice with St. Andrew’s Cross, and it represents our calling to welcome all to the Lord’s Table, Week of Compassion and the fruitful ministries that can be seen as far away as Australia and as near as Jefferson City. We also really emphasized our commitment to Christian unity and the role we can play in uniting not only our churches, but our nation. What a day it is to be a Disciple. May we all recognize our diversity as our strength.
First Christian Church, Troy - home of Rev. Darrell Faires, who brought forth the original idea of "Disciple Identity Day", had bulletins stuffed with "Discover the Disciples" brochure, utilized The Affirmation of Faith in both services of worship, and the choir sang "Dare to Be Disciples," penned by Darrell.
Community CC, Camdenton - read our Identity Statement and 12 Principles in worship and printed them, as well as the Preamble to the Design, as a bulletin insert. The congregation was encouraged to keep the insert to remind themselves what being a disciple means, every week!
Rock Bridge CC, Columbia - incorporated into their worship the Preamble to the Design, words of Thomas Campbell, special hymns, laypersons presiding over communion, and reflections by three long time Disciples about how they came to, why they stayed with the Disciples, what being a Disciple means to them, and being involved with the wider church.
Thank you to all who participated!