We want to take this opportunity to thank you for showing up and supporting our 2022 Regional Assembly. God met us at the Vicksburg Convention Center. From the hellos to the smiles, to the gathering together, it was a special presence felt by many. Someone shared with me that there was something different about this assembly – there was love all around – there was a genuine spirit felt by many. These affirmations showed that “nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I want to give a special shout-out to Rev. Orlando Richmond, Rev. Odette Woods, Rev. Dr. Megan Alleman, and Rev. Dr. Don Morrow. Also, to all our worship leaders and workshop facilitators – thank you! Our general unit partners showed up with goodies, gadgets, and a wealth of information for us to use in our toolbox, as we move forward to strengthen our congregations for the future. To our “We Witness the Work of the Church” participants who shared on Saturday morning – Rev. Rena Baker, Linda Hampton, Rev. Percy Terrell, Rev. Dr. Ryan Pfeiffer, and Rev. Mark Garner – all of you shared from your personal and collective experiences on how we can make it through, as we make a commitment to stay connected to each other in covenant. Thank you! Rev. Monique Crain Spells shared that from now on, she will call the Great River Region the “Preaching Region,” because everyone who spoke, had a word to share. Where I come from, they call that “sneak a preach.”
And we certainly want to thank our Regional Assembly Planning Team, Musicians, and our host church First Christian – Kristen, Teonicka, Miles, Pernella, Gina, Jeffrey, David, Logan, Allison, DC, Ann, and a wonderful choir – Wow! I could not have asked for a greater team to exemplify an excellent and memorable Regional Assembly. Thank you!
This is one for the books church!
~Rev. Dr. Nadine Burton
