October 17 – 19, 2024
Bethany Beach, Delaware 19930
The 2024 Regional Retreat & Assembly will be held over two nights at Bethany Beach, Delaware, Thursday – Saturday, October 17 - 19, 2024. The theme of the assembly is from the Book of Esther, 4:14 – For Times Such as These, speaking to our role as Christians in a fractured world. One goal for the gathering is to strengthen the covenant among individuals, congregations, and the Region.
The planning committee is developing a program of educational, service, worship, business, and fellowship events for all ages. The preliminary schedule includes free time for personal reflection and walks on the beach. (Parents should know Maryland public schools are closed for a professional development day on Friday, October 18.) Your ideas and participation in planning the assembly are welcome. Contact Barbara Bice, Planning Committee Coordinator, at bbice1@verizon.net.
The Town of Bethany Beach was founded in 1901 by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of the Washington DC area and Pennsylvania to be a permanent, seaside location for Christian Church assemblies. It is known as the “Quiet Resort” and is prized as a small, family-friendly beach town. This will be the first Christian Church Capital Area (CCCA) assembly to be held in Bethany Beach.
Breakout sessions will be at the Bethany Beach Center (The Christian Church Conference Center.) The business session, lunch, and dinners will be at the Bethany Beach Ocean Suites. Overnight accommodation will be at Hotel Bethany Beach and at The Bethany Beach Center.
Assembly Background
The Regional Assembly is held every two years to transact the business of the Region and provide programs for worship and education. Depending on size, each congregation is entitled to four or more voting representatives, at least one of whom shall be under 21 years of age. In addition, all ministers with standing in the Region, all members of the CCCA Board of Directors, and the chair of the Nominating Committee have full voting rights.
For details see the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Capital Area, Inc. Constitution and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Capital Area, Inc. Plan of Procedure of Regional Assembly.
Registration for 2024 Regional Retreat & Assembly
Attendees will pay a Regional Retreat & Assembly registration fee plus individual lodging expenses. The registration fee for adults is $100. There is no charge for children under 18. Thanks to a generous donor, the first 15 young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 who register are eligible for full scholarships. Click the link below to register for the assembly.
LODGING OPTIONS AND RESERVATIONS
Hotel Bethany Beach - The Region has reserved a limited number of rooms at Hotel Bethany Beach, 39642 Jefferson Bridge Road, Bethany Beach, Delaware 19930, for $189 per night, plus tax and parking fee. A continental breakfast is included. All guests must make their own reservations. The cutoff date to receive this room rate is September 17, 2024. The hotel is less than a mile south of the conference center, approximately a 20 minute walk.
TO RESERVE A ROOM AT HOTEL BETHANY BEACH, CALL 302-541-9200 AND IDENTIFY YOURSELF AS A MEMBER OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH CAPITAL AREA GROUP. DO NOT USE THE HOTEL ONLINE RESERVATION SERVICE. YOU MUST TELEPHONE THE HOTEL.
All reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card or accompanied by a first night room deposit. All sleeping rooms are subject to an Early Departure Fee equal to one night’s room rate, plus applicable fees, taxes, and assessments. If a guest does not cancel a reservation 7 days prior to their check-in date, the Hotel may charge the credit card for one night’s room fee plus any taxes.
The Bethany Beach Center (The Christian Church Conference Center) – Lodging is also available at the Bethany Beach Center at varying rates from $120 - $175 per night with discounts available for two and three-night packages. Breakfast is included. Linen service is available at an extra charge. Rooms can accommodate from 2 to 8 people. All rooms have twin beds, some have bunk beds, some share bathrooms. To register the lodging link below.
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
All artwork should be submitted digitally to ABELCHER@CCCADISCIPLES.ORG by or before September 1, 2024. Artwork should be submitted as a high-resolution JPEG, TIFF, PNG or PDF file. These formats will retain the quality and detail of your work for best printing. Please ensure that the resolution of your image is at least 300 pixels per inch.
REGIONAL ASSEMBLY REPORTS
CCCA New Church Start Meeting Report
Regional Minister Search Committee Report
Treasurer and Finance Committee Report
Commission for the Ministry Report
CCCA Personnel Committee Report
Proposed 2025-26 CCCA General Operating Budget
Regional Retreat and Assembly Planning Committee Report
Plan of Procedure Edit – Part 6, Page 8
Commission for Congregational Life Report
