The theme of the meeting will be “New Wineskins for a New Day.” It will be a day of Imagination and Creativity for the Church. The day will be spent exploring ways the life of the church can be infused with creativity and imagination, opening the doors and windows so the Spirit can work in and among us. There will be opportunities to experience what some churches are doing and to attend a wide variety of workshops. All youth 18 and under will register free. Lunch fees will still apply.
We are honored and privileged to have as our keynoter the Rev. Cliff Aerie, Minister for Special Events, Creativity and the Arts for the United Church of Christ. A jazz saxaphonist, composer and all-round eclectic artist, Cliff has spent a lifetime exploring the adventurous terrain of creativity. Cliff brings with him the Oîkos Jazz Ensemble which he assembled for General Synod 23. The Oîkos Jazz Ensemble offers its audience a unique blend of world music jazz, storytelling, dance and multi-media in creative jazz programs, playshops, concerts and experiential worship. They were main stage headliners at General Synod 26 in Hartford. Working in collaboration with Global Ministries, Oîkos leads Global Mission Jazz celebrations around the country.
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with adjournment at 4:45 p.m. followed by a special concert at 7 p.m. by Oîkos. The full agenda for the day is enclosed in this mailing. There is also an FAQ Answer Sheet with details about the meeting.
Dr. Eileen Sypher, Moderator, will call us to order at 9:00 a.m. Our Conference Preacher, the Rev. Peter Allen, is planning the opening worship including the installation of officers and Board of Directors and The Living Waters award. Elections for officers, The Board of Directors and other committees will be included on the Consent Agenda for action early in the day. An offering for Challenged Conferences will be received. For those who are able you are invited to enjoy one of the many fine restaurants in Middletown and then attend a Global Village Jazz Concert at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary of South Congregational Church. This concert is a special presentation of Oîkos and The Rev. Cliff Aerie, Keynoter. This concert is open to everyone so please invite members of your congregation to attend. Enclosed in this mailing is a poster promoting the concert. Please hang this in a prominent place and extend an invitation to all.
When we assemble at South Congregational Church, we will be rejuvenated as the Body of Christ—there we will experience the imagination and creativity that is a part of all of us, be challenged to live in ways that invite the spirit in, and worship God with joy. So come prayerfully, thoughtfully, and enthusiastically to seek God’s wisdom for our common mission as the United Church of Christ in Connecticut.
