Celebrating National City Christian Church and Foundation’s Presence at General Assembly

The General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) gathered in Memphis, Tennessee, July 11-15, to worship, learn, connect and do the business of the church. National City Christian Church and Foundation, as the national church of the denomination, celebrates the many ways we were able to connect with people across the United States and Canada. We were delighted to see leaders from our congregation and foundation board who were engaged in leading the church at General Assembly with joy, creativity, and a sense of connection. Our team greeted and connected with people for whom National City has played a crucial role in their faith formation as they have passed through our doors and worshiped in our sanctuary. 

Some highlights from the event include: 

Foundation board member Rev. Steven Gower’s election by the General Assembly to serve as Moderator Elect of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Foundation board member Rev. Dr. Jonathan R. Fisher’s installation as the new Director of Chaplaincy and Specialized Ministries for Disciples Home Ministries. Rev. Stephanie Kendell was elected to serve in the first class of the new General Board, whose term will be from 2025-2028. Rev. Tori Wick was elected to serve on the Alumni Council of Disciples Divinity House at the University of Chicago for a term from 2027-2030. 

Congregation member Rev. Dr. Tamara Nichols Rodenberg, who serves the church as the President of Higher Education and Leadership Ministries, reported on the state of HELM and their vision for the support available for Disciples in higher education. Foundation board member Dr. Joel Brown reported on the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, hosting a wonderful dinner for all to celebrate who we have been and who we are becoming. Board members Rev. Dr. LaMarco Cable and Krista Johnson Weicksel, reported on the work of the Division of Overseas Ministries and shared the faithful and much needed work DOM is doing to support our global siblings. 

Ex-officio Foundation board member General Minister and President Rev. Terri Hord Owens, hosted a meaningful conversation with past General Ministers and Presidents and Foundation members, Sharon Watkins and Dick Hamm during the closing night of worship. Rev. Marcus Leathers, another ex-officio Foundation board member, was present with the College of Regional Ministers to share about the current state of our region. 

We also extend a warm thank you to members of both the Foundation board and congregation who join Rev. Tori Wick and Rev. Stephanie Kendell to help staff our booth and share the exciting ministry happening at National City. We thank Rick Reisinger and Lorraine Magnussen who used their skills to help us reach out to new neighbors both here in the US and around the world. Teresa and Grace Swihart, continued their family legacy of building connections across the denomination. Following preaching in the pulpit of National City Christian Church the Sunday of General Assembly, Rev. KCM Campbell-Morrison attended the General Assembly to share the good work we are doing at National City through her networks and creating a warm welcome at our booth. 

The work of National City Christian Church and Foundation is pivotal in this moment, and Disciples from around the world have offered thanks and support for the ways we are living out our founders’ call to speak boldly and prophetically about the work of Jesus in our nation’s capital. We are so grateful for all who continue to make this work possible.