August 5, 2009

Dear Central Family,
     What comes to your mind when you think about family gatherings? Warm thoughts? Fond memories? Something…less positive? I have been blessed with a wonderful family. But on the outside chance that this article could find its way into one of their hands—and for a host of other good reasons—I will refrain from offering my personal observations and reflections on the dynamics of my family gatherings. You know well enough what I’m talking about. I have family gatherings on my mind for two reasons. First, this week Diana and I will be traveling to Maryland and Pennsylvania for a family wedding and to visit sorely missed friends and relatives. It will be our first trip back east since last November, so we’re excited.
     The other reason is a bit more relevant to you. I, along with several other staff persons and church members, spent the better part of last week at a family gathering of sorts. We were at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, IN. It was my first trip to the city that stole the Colts and my first General Assembly. It was a wonderful experience. We began each day with a time of worship and ended with a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. In between, we debated significant issues with a spirit of generosity, voted on resolutions, attended workshops, renewed old friendships, and forged new ones. Central was well represented, as was Lexington Theological Seminary and the Kentucky region of our denomination. If you have a chance in the next few days, follow the links to the General Assembly website in this issue of Central Life to learn more about the decisions that were made, see some photos, and listen to a sermon or two.
     The General Assembly taught me a lot about our denomination—much more than I could write in this space. First of all, any group willing to offer an open microphone for debate at a gathering of over five thousand people is a brave group. Anyone could speak, and to my surprise, the comments were mostly tame and intelligent. Second, great measures were taken to have a diversity (in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity) of worship leaders, speakers, and visible administrative leadership. This is a good practice, not just because it reflects the Disciples commitment to inclusivity, but also because it acknowledges the reality of the changing face of Christianity as a growing percentage of the church is rooted in Asian, African, and Latin American cultures. Finally, with so many Disciples together in one place, it was especially apparent to me that we are a vibrant people, full of life, and excited to be engaged in God’s work in the world. Despite the fact that I was kept out well past my bedtime for after session meetings and fellowship/networking opportunities (a.k.a., parties!), being at the assembly energized me. It also encouraged me and reminded me that what we do here at Central is just one small part of something much larger. Thanks for sending me. I was proud to represent you in Indianapolis. And again, please visit the General Assembly website and see what happened when the whole family gathered together.

Rev. Jake Caldwell, Minister in Residence