19 I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth,
do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert. – Isaiah 43:19 (NRSV)
Alaska, Washington State, North Idaho, and Montana soon may be part of one big region. On April 28 and May 19 respectively, the Montana Regional Assembly and the Northwest Regional Assembly unanimously approved its formation. God is doing a new thing in the upper left-hand corner of the United States!
Sandy Messick, regional minister of the Northwest Regional Christian Church and Ruth Fletcher, regional minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Montana agree: the new plan will require us to do effective regional ministry differently. The two regions hope technology will allow them to change the tools they use without losing the personal, pastoral touch they want to offer.
Between now and Dec. 31, 2019, the two regions will enter into transition phase. They will gather in Rathdrum, ID on Sept. 7-8 to consider the structure, staffing, and name of the new region. A resolution regarding the new configuration will go to the 2019 General Board and General Assembly for a vote. If the resolution is affirmed, the new region will begin its ministry in January of 2020.