UACC To Host SEGA Assembly

Union Avenue Christian Church will host the Southeast Gateway Area (SEGA) Area Assembly on Saturday, September 19, 2009. The theme of this year’s Assembly celebrates the concept of “radical hospitality.” We will be exploring the concept and reality of radical hospitality throughout the day as we gather with Disciples from throughout SEGA.

Hospitality is a cornerstone of every congregation. We believe we offer hospitality and welcome to every one who comes into our midst. Whether our hospitality is received as such is always open to interpretation.

Radical hospitality is more than greeting people with a smile and making sure they are comfortable. Radical hospitality is creating the space in which someone else may contribute freely, express themselves openly, and be received as fully as if they were the most respected and honored person imaginable. This kind of hospitality sets the stage for an interchange that is holy. Abraham scurried around to make angelic visitors welcome. His radical hospitality allowed for the gift of prophecy to be told: that he and Sarah would conceive a child. Offering space and openness for others is just the beginning of the unknown gifts that will flow in the interchange of sharing in depth.

The SEGA Assembly will provide participants the opportunity to attend two (from a list of 15) workshops demonstrating ways in which congregations can and are demonstrating radical hospitality. The day will culminate in worship with great music and the Reverend Dr. Alvin O. Jackson (Senior Pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church, NYC) preaching. Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by one of America’s most outstanding preachers and a leader in the Disciples of Christ movement.

The offering collected during the Assembly's worship service will support the ministry of Kimberly and Patrick Bentrott, who are serving as Global Ministries missionaries in Haiti.