2002 Annual Meeting Workshops

(Revised August 2002)

The workshops will be held on Saturday, October 19, from 1:00-1:50 P.M. They will meet in the classrooms at Hill Regional Career High School in New Haven. As you arrive at the Annual Meeting, please sign up at the registration table for the workshop you would like to attend. They will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the list prior to arriving at the Annual Meeting so you will be prepared to select your first or second choice as you register.

1. My Bible, My Prayer Book, Rev. Charlotte K. White, Workshop Leader

Many of us experience a deep thirst for a meaningful spiritual life. This workshop provides a process of Bible reflection that is intended specifically for spiritual nourishment. It utilizes a fresh approach to the Bible that will open scripture to our experience in a new way. We will learn briefly about the spiritual practice of praying with scripture, and will then spend time engaged in the practice. Tools and resources will be shared. Limited to 15.

2. The United Church of Christ and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Connections, Rev. Harry B. Adams, Workshop Leader

For many years the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have been involved in ongoing discussions and have developed a number of working relationships. This workshop will provide for discussion of a number of issues, such as: 1) How are the UCC and Disciples similar and how are they different? 2) What issues have emerged in past discussions? 3) How are the two denominations cooperating now and how effective has their work together been? 4) What are the possibilities for future relationships between the two groups?

3. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Christians, Rev. John Henry Scott, III, Workshop Leader

This workshop will examine seven ways to walk more effectively in the way and will of Jesus. We will examine the proactive steps to take in order to develop a greater relationship with Christ and the mission of Christ.

4. Centering Prayer: A Christian Meditation Practice for Spiritual Growth, Personal Insight, Relaxation, and Healing, Rev. Cheryl Anderson, Workshop Leader

Experience peace and equanimity in the midst of the Annual Meeting as we go together to the silent heart of prayer. Early Christian mystics refer to this practice as "contemplative prayer," which resembles Buddhist and Hindu forms of meditation. In Centering Prayer, we stop talking to God. Instead we simply "be" in the presence of God and allow the Holy Spirit to "intercede" for us with sights too deep for words. If you already practice mediation, bring your cushion and join us to deepen our group meditation. If you have never experienced meditation, just bring your "beginner's mind." This introduction will get you started on a whole new journey.

5. Bad Girls of the Bible: Exploring Women of Questionable Virtue, Rev. Carolyn Young, Workshop Leader

This Bible study is geared for laypersons who want to recover the stories of biblical women who lived within the context of patriarchy. We will look at the story of Mrs. Job, Mrs. Lot, and the nameless woman caught in adultery. What can we learn from their actions and what do their stories mean for us today? Please bring your Bible.

6. Maybe Ministry, Rev. Mark Diters, Workshop Leader

This workshop will discuss the challenges around our clergy shortage and develop strategies for involving young adults in the various ministries of the UCC. One such strategy, "Maybe Ministry," will be presented. "Maybe Ministry" is "a conference for those 18-30 years of age to explore possibilities of and ministry in the UCC," with the goal of attending General Synod 24 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Thursday, July 10 through Thursday, July 17, 2003. All United States' mainline denominations are in the midst of a clergy crisis. In the UCC only 7% of all ordained clergy are under 35 years old, and 60% are over the age of 50. There is a crucial need to explore the issues of ministry with our young adults to ensure that we have strong lay and clergy leadership in the future.

7. Race and Our Faith: Beginning the Conversation, Rev. John Selders, Jr., Workshop Leader

This workshop provides a provocative introductory look at race and racism in the context of our Protestant Christian faith tradition in New England and its implications for the future. Using the book, Seeds of Racism, by Paul R. Griffin, we will gain some helpful insight, have candid conversations, and begin to engage each other around practical answers to this centuries-old problem.

8. Capital Campaign 101, (to be named), Workshop Leader

Has your church identified building improvements or expanded programs that cannot be achieved in an annual budget? If your church has never conducted a church-wide capital campaign, it is hard to know how to begin. This workshop will help you get started on the planning process to launch a successful campaign.

9. Capital Campaign 102, (to be named), Workshop Leader

Participants will attend their first meeting as the Committee for the Growing Our Church Campaign at the Good Hope United Church of Christ. We will identify the tasks ahead and discuss strategies for conducting a successful capital campaign measured in dollars and strengthened relationships. Benefits of conducting a Partnership Campaign with the Connecticut Conference will be discussed.

10. Celebration and Worship, Rev. Selena L. Blackwell, Workshop Leader

Where the gospel is proclaimed, celebration occurs! Celebration is a communal act that engages and incorporates the imaginative, physical, emotional, and spiritual selves in expressions of joy, hope, and creation. Celebration gives voice to the experiences of the community and the individuals in community. This workshop deals with how we, both lay and clergy, can develop celebratory services for a variety of communal settings (church, home, and elsewhere), from grace at meals to worship services for retreats, that are moving and meaningful-in other words, celebratory.

11. Council for Hispanic Ministries, New England Region (CHMNE), Rev. Pérsida Rivera-Méndez and Rev. Candita Bauzá Mattos, Workshop Leaders

Who are we in the United Church of Christ? Come explore the "Past, Present, and Future" of the Council for Hispanic Ministries of UCC, a dynamic and empowering voice for Hispanic/Latino churches and their communities within the United Church of Christ.

12. Youth in the Church-A Partnership for Enlightenment or an Invitation to Disillusionment, Steven Davies, L.P.C., Workshop Leader

Church leaders have a unique role and opportunity for influencing the attitudes and outlooks of tomorrow's adults. This role holds enormous potential for both positive and negative impact, for inspiration and enlightenment, or for betrayal and disillusionment. We will take a plain-spoken and unflinching look at the church's part, for good or ill, in the making of the next Christian generation.

13. Equipping Congregations for Nonviolent Witness and Peace Building, Rev. Jerry Streets, Rev. Pamela Bro, and Rev. Allie Perry, Workshop Leaders

"Churches should not wait until something happens and then react, but train pastors, parishioners, and others in the skills of nonviolence. . . ." So writes one German pastor. This workshop will examine strategies and resources for making nonviolence and peace building guiding and defining commitments of Christian faith and practice within individual congregations. We will consider as one case study the experience of The Church of Christ in Yale (New Haven), which is engaged in a year-long study of the culture of peace and nonviolence.

14. The Council on Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM), Douglas Andrews and Charles Brown, Workshop Leaders

This workshop was created by the Fourteenth General Synod to advocate for racial and ethnic concerns within the UCC. The workshop will emphasize two of COREM's components: United Black Christians and the Ministries for Racial, Social, and Economic Justice, and their role in empowering the UCC's minorities.

15. The E Word!: Daring to Talk about Evangelism in Our Churches, Ms. Doby Hall, Rev. Scott Morrow, Rev. Susan Townsley, and Rev. Kathy Peters, Workshop Leaders

Four Connecticut UCC folk who attended the National Evangelism Gathering of the UCC in Louisville, Kentucky, will share their vision and strategies for Evangelism in the UCC in the 21st century. Included will be a discussion of the new UCC materials that celebrate our UCC identity, a look at how local churches might become more welcoming congregations, as well as practical ideas for sharing a congregation's stories of how God is speaking in your communities.

16. The Pastoral Relations Committee . . . Why Have One?, Mrs. Esther Shoup, Workshop Leader

A Pastoral Relations Committee is a vital tool in creating and maintaining a healthy relationship between the pastoral staff of a church and the members of the congregation. The workshop will explore what a pastoral relations committee is (and what it isn't), why a church should consider having a pastoral relations committee, and what beginning steps a congregation can take to explore the opportunity to create such a committee in their church.

17. Partners in Education: What Can P.I.E. Do for You?, A panel of P.I.E. consultants, Workshop Leaders

P.I.E.s in the Connecticut Conference are guaranteed to have no calories! Learn some of the ways a Partner in Education Consultant can assist your congregation: curriculum selection, children in communion, creating a mission statement for a Christian education ministry, youth ministry, developing effective adult education programs, plus many other topics. Many programs are ready-made, or consultants can tailor a program to meet your church's particular needs. Come experience how a Partner might work with you to enhance your congregation's educational ministries.

18. The Power of Invitation and Welcome, Mr. Ron Buford , Workshop Leader

"Strategies, tactics, and tools to help congregations invite people, welcome them, and create a culture of belonging. The workshop will explore one of our best kept secrets--the reasons why Congregational Polity is just right for today!"

19. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, Mr. Derek Duncan, UCC Program Associate, Middle East and Europe, Workshop Leader

Mr. Duncan is involved on a regular basis with the Middle East Council of Churches and Palestinians of both Christian and Islamic faiths. He will describe the issues, current tensions, violence, and conflict as viewed from a neutral point of view.

20. International Mission-What Does It Mean for Your Church to Be Involved?, Rev. Susan M. Craig, Rev. Sally Colegrove, and Rev. Thomas L. Stiers, Pastors of the First Congregational Church of Old Greenwich, Workshop Leaders

What are the effects of becoming involved in an international mission project for a local church? Come and hear the story of one church's partnership with AIEH, the Association of Institutions of the Evangelical Church of Honduras. What is possible? How will a church grow in faith? What is the impact on mission giving, annual giving to the church, and spiritual development? How can young people become involved and how can a mission project enhance and expand your youth program? The workshop will include a multi-media presentation, discussion, and question-and-answer time.

21. Christianity in the Midst of Islam, Mr. Douglas Wallace, UCC missionary serving in Turkey, Workshop Leader

Doug Wallace has 27 years of experience as a librarian and missionary in an American school that was started by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. While in Turkey, he had extensive interactions with Islamic people, which will provide the background for a presentation on common threads and points of tension in the coexistence of Christians and Muslims.

22. Colombian Connections, Rev. Gary Brown, Chair, Colombia Partnership Committee, Workshop Leader

This workshop will describe the growing connections between our Conference and the Mennonite churches of Colombia. Participants in our developing "Sister Church/Partner Church" program, which matches churches in Connecticut with churches in Colombia, will describe the process and explain how your church can join in. Members of our Conference who traveled to Colombia in June and July of this year will share their experiences as well.

23. Africa Today, Clyde and Betsy Work, Lay Members, First Congregational Church of Guilford, Workshop Leaders

Just returned from a six-week visit to six countries in eastern and southern Africa, the Works will show slides and report on their observations of Common Global Ministries personnel serving in post-apartheid South Africa and Lesotho; Church World Service wells, moringa trees and other agricultural development projects in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda; Habitat for Humanity building sites in several countries; and all of the above in Kenya, as well as the Kukuma refugee camp where the "Lost Boys" of the Sudan spent eight years of their lives.

24. Ships Carry More than Cargo: The Story of Maritime Missions, Rev. George H. True, Pastor, Center Congregational Church, Meriden, and Andy Krey, Mariners Chaplain, Workshop Leaders

Explore an overview of the present-day mission world. There is an emphasis on the "New Normal" since September 11, 2001; justice issues for the marginalized mission work of the sea; and the opportunity for hands-on global mission experiences. Maritime Mission is the most multicultural area of the church.

25. From Charity to Justice, Diana Burdett, Eastern Regional Organizer, UCC Justice and Peace Action Network

Learn the difference between doing mission (immediate response to a problem) and doing justice/ advocacy (addressing the root cause of the problem) and the Biblical call to do both. Materials will be available to take to home churches.

[Flyer]

[Annual Meeting 2002 Information]