April 24-25, 2026
Theme: LIVING HOPE
Scripture: Romans 15:13a
Location: First Christian Church
705 S. 14th Street
Haines City, FL 33844
Cost: In-person Attendance (Adults) - $50
Online Attendance - $25 (includes online workshop and zoom access
for Saturday morning presentations. Worship Service will be free and
streamed online.)
Clergy lunch on Friday: $20
Program for children and youth: Pre-registration is required.
Cost: $25 for youth, grades 6 and up
Free for Children, grades 5 and below
Click on the play button above (arrow) to learn more about the
"Living Hope" for the 2026 Florida Regional Assembly.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Denise Bell
Professor at Lexington Theological Seminary
Donald and Lillian Nunnelly Chair and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Leadership. Dr. Bell served as the Regional Minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia from 2014-2023. For 35 years, she served churches as pastor, associate, senior associate, satellite pastor, interim pastor, and executive pastor. As a church leader, her enthusiasm in ministry comes from her excitement in seeing lives and churches transformed by fresh ideas and boldness. She engages with others in seeking God for a way that bridges traditional and contemporary paths to meet today's changes and opportunities. CLICK HERE to read full bio.
regional Assembly workshops: In-Person and Online
Multiple workshops options will be offered: 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. (approximately 50-minutes per session).
These are the confirmed In-Person Workshops for Assembly. More are coming and will be listed soon.
This is an introduction to Silver Chalice that includes the
purpose and goals, the Resolution that was passed at GA, what has happened
since GA, and how the Silver Chalice ministry lives into the hope, witness, and
legacy of our seniors.
Healthy churches need to develop multiple streams of income. In this workshop, you will learn how to invite, encourage and mentor church members to join you in offering generous end-of-life gifts to support the ministries you all love. You will learn how so many other congregations are doing this successfully and how non-threatening, fun and rewarding the process will be!
This workshop offers practical guidance for congregations
seeking to plan faithfully and strategically for the future. Rev. Richard
Williams will introduce accessible tools for assessing ministry needs, setting
clear priorities, and aligning resources with mission. Participants will gain a
hopeful, realistic framework for shaping ministries that are sustainable,
responsive, and grounded in the life of their congregation.
This workshop explores how strong policies and safe
procedures create a foundation of hope for congregations. Participants will
receive practical guidance for reducing risk, strengthening accountability, and
protecting the people and ministries they serve. Thoughtful safety practices
not only prevent harm but also foster trust, stability, and a hopeful future
for the whole church community.
Drawing on research from the Thriving Congregations Project at Lexington Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Erin Cash will offer practical insights, real stories, and usable tools to help congregations clarify their calling to live with hope during tumultuous times. This workshop aims to leave you with hope that your church can thrive in your context. Whether you are on the cusp of thriving or already flourishing, come learn about how to increase your hope by living as a thriving church.
A gentle 50‑minute gathering to rest,
reconnect, and remember the hope that awakens within us, unites us with one
another, and moves with us back into our ministries. Through reflection,
conversation, and simple practices, we’ll make space
for the kind of hope that steadies the soul and strengthens community.
Do you need a break from the world around you? Do you
want to know more about that same world? Chalice Press, the publishing house of
your Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), provides books and resources that
can lift your spirits, educate your mind and soul, and equip you to make a
different in the world. Chalice Press’ Brad Lyons will share a shelf of books
to help you find hope for the world.
In the last year solidarity with the immigrant and refugee
community has become more important than ever. While many immigrants and
refugees live in fear of unlawful detention and deportation, churches continue
to respond with compassion. In this workshop, we will explore how our holy
scripture and faith tradition can help us respond with compassion even when it
feels risky. I will also share examples of concrete ways we can all show up in
solidarity and take steps to protect ourselves and each other
Request your display table
Display Tables are available in two sizes: Full and Half tables
Tables are 6 ft long. Feel free to bring your own table top covering.
Reservations are filled on a first come, first available basis.
HOTEL REGISTRATION DETAILS
Cost is $129 per night.
Must reserve before March 23rd to get this rate.
Cancellation with no penalty up to 72 hours in advance.
Registration QR for Holiday Inn Express (Lake Wales)
Hotel Registration Details
Cost: $200 per night plus tax. Rates are good for April 23, 24, and 25.
Must reserve before March 24, 2026 to get this rate.
Cancellation with no penalty up to 48 hours ahead.
Hotel is located approximately 11 miles from the church and is a 25 minute drive.
Hotel Registration Details
Cost: $200 per night plus tax.
Must reserve before March 23, 2026 to get this rate.
Cancellation with no penalty up to 72 hours in advance.
Questions about the hotel?
Please email sales@bwpwh.com
10:00am - Registration Opens
12:00pm - Clergy Luncheon: Sponsored by the
Pension Fund
2:00pm - Workshop presented by the Pension Fund
4:00pm - Registration open for new arrivals
Displays open
6:00pm - Regional Assembly opens with dinner
7:15pm - Pre-worship celebration: A celebration of
Regional Ministries
7:30pm - Opening Worship
8:50pm - After Sessions (to be announced)
Note: Breakfast on your own.
8:00am - Displays open
Registration open
9:00am - Morning Devotions
9:30am - State of the Region: Rev. Sandy Messick
10:00am - Comprehensive Campaign Launch
10:45am - Break
11:00am - Morning Workshops
12:00am - Lunch (sponsored by TBA)
1:30pm - Afternoon Workshops
2:30pm - Pre-worship celebration: A celebration of
Regional Ministries
2:45pm - Closing Worship with communion