Prior to the General Assembly, The Green Chalice team was with clergy and faith leaders in Des Moines leading a retreat about the compassion practice. Encouraging difficult conversations about internal awareness, creation care, climate solutions, self care, racism and a just transition.

Disciples Home Missions continued the tradition of selecting a recipient for the Distinguished Leadership Award.  This year it was awarded to Rev. Kaye Edwards, former director of Family and Children’s Ministries for Disciples Home Missions.  Lisa Engelken, the Children Worship & Wonder Coordinator, shared about Rev. Edwards’s passion for her ministry and her advocacy for the voices of children being heard.  The reception also featured the gifts and music of the General Youth Council.

Disciples Home Missions offered Ministry Spotlights in the booth.  President Sotello Long wanted this experience to give attendees the opportunity to hear about the multiple ministries connected with Disciples Home Missions and Disciples Women.  Ministry Spotlights included presentations from Disciples Chaplains, Blue Theology (a new DHM connected Mission Station), Urban Spirit, Disciples Men Refugee and Immigration Ministries, Ministries Across Generations and more.  The Ministry Spotlights also offered the opportunity for discussion and follow up to Resolutions presented at the General Assembly.  Rev. Yvonne D McCoy ,  spoke on GA -1928 – A Call to See and Respond to the Crisis of Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence.  Disciples Peace Fellowship proudly awarded the Will Wittkamper Peace Award to Rita Nakishima Brock and Minta Colburn in recognition of their lifetime commitments to peace and justice.

Disciples Home Missions and Disciples Women Staff were connected to 18 workshops that offered support to all of the ministries.  The workshops ranged from” Bringing all Ages Together in Worship and at Home” to “Mission as Gifted Relationships”.  Elders Training was offered by Leadership Initiative Team (LIT) and Disciples Women offered leadership insights through their “Bridle, Baton and Building Blocks” workshop.  We also partnered with other Disciples justice ministry partnersat the “Post Assembly Rally at the Iowa Capitol” which took place immediately following the conclusion of the General Assembly in Des Moines.