Annual Meeting 99 Saturday Seminars 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

A Report from General Synod:

led by our Delegates
What happened in Providence? A one-act play for the average person in the pew about structural change in the United Church of Christ.

A Walking Tour of New London

Adult and Family Literacy: Simple Tools, Winning Strategies, Fulfilled Volunteers, Committed Students

Susan Holahan, Church of the Redeemer (New Haven) Literacy Committee
There are more than 400,000 functionally illiterate adults in Connecticut. This workshop offers a challenge to local churches to make literacy a part of their Outreach and Mission., and will give participants some useful tools to be used to develop a family literacy program, a Bible-based literacy program, or a combined Basic Literacy/English as a Second Language program.

Biblical and Personal Perspectives on Homosexuality

The Rev. Van and Lucille Parker
The Committee on Homosexuality presents a workshop on "Biblical and Personal Perspectives on Homosexuality" led by the Rev. Van and Lucille Parker. Van is the Pastor Emeritus of First Church in Windsor. He served there 27 years as the Senior Pastor and is currently an active member of Center Church, Hartford. He has led Bible studies on human sexuality and homosexuality. Both he and his wife, Lucille, are members of PFlag. (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays).

Cloak the Earth

Advocacy of the Arts/Right Brain Ministry
We will create prayer shawls to pray for the healing of the earth at the turn of the millennium. This time, like Esther's time, calls for us to be pro-active and to do something to help foster a more just and peaceful world. The prayer shawls can be attached together for liturgical dances and banner displays. Participants prayerfully decorate their shawls with an expression of their prayers for healing of the world.

Creating a Paper Tapestry

Second Church, New London
We will create large paper tapestry which will tie together "And the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32) with the story of the Amistad. The session will be led by a Second Church of New London member who attended a banner cutting workshop at the 1996 National UCC Women's Conference Visions and Voices. Actual cutting is a contagious, creative and inspiring experience, done with exacto knives on the 12-18' banner accompanied by music, readings and visual displays.

Other Visions for Annual Meeting

Kate McLean
Have you always wanted to have input on how the Connecticut Conference does Annual Meetings? Come help us think about new ways to do Annual Meeting.

Our Partnership with Colombia

Barbara Gerlach Co-chair, Colombia Human Rights Committee and Minister, First Congregational UCC, Washington, DC
Colombia has the worst human rights record in the hemisphere. More than 300,000 people were displaced by the violence in 1998. The Connecticut Conference has begun a mission partnership with the Mennonite Church of Colombia to aid the displaced and support initiatives for peace and human rights. Workshop will include slides of displaced communities, background on the conflict, discussion of US/Colombia policy, and inspiring stories about courageous Colombian church workers.

Our Partnership with the Kyung-ki Presbytery

led by members of the Partnership Committee

Refugee Resettlement

Bill McClure
"A lively question and answer format let by Bill McClure , chair of the mission committee at First Church in Guilford and church sponsorship developer for Interfaith Refugee Ministry in New Haven. The UCC has been the most active CWS sponsor of refugee families in CT. Learn how our congregations from around the state have enriched their members sense of mission by following the biblical mandate to welcome the stranger.

Rekindle the Gift: a partnership with the Southeast Conference

Joyce Hollyday and Elizabeth Clement

Shifting Models of Ministry

The Rev. Tom Burlington
What would your church do if 100 people came to church next Sunday? Would they each come to know 6 or more people within a six month period? If not they are out the back door. Find out why this is true and what can be done about it.

Some International Perspectives on Art & Theology

Bill Patten, Andover Newton Theological School
After attending a recent international conference on art and Christianity in Oxford, England, and having been born and raised in Europe myself, I hope to share some interesting insights on the differing perspectives and values around the intersection of art and theology as they have evolved in Western European history.

Stewardship in a New World

The Rev. Virginia H. Child, Stewardship Specialist, Connecticut Conference
It's a new day, when it comes to "making the budget". Here's an opportunity to catch up on the changes in our society which are affecting the way people view giving money to our churches. We will also talk about practical ways of helping our congregations understand the financial needs of the church and look at some of the latest ways of doing the stewardship campaign.

The Church Office Computer:

Eric Anderson, Conference Webmaster
Who will use the church office computer and what will they do with it? This workshop looks at issues of data management, security, and connectivity.

Seafarer's Friend

The Rev. Robert Peters

UCC 101

The Rev. Kent J. Siladi, Regional Minister, SouthEastern Region
Here's an overview of the history, polity and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. Is it time for a "refresher" course? Are you new to the United Church? This is a great way to make or renew your acquaintance with the wonderful story of the United Church of Christ.

Watching for Trains and Ferries

New London's fine turn-of -the-century train depot offers an unparalleled opportunity for those among us who appreciate the sound of a train whistle and the excitement of watching a big locomotive pull into the station. While waiting for the trains to go by, you can also watch for ferries heading to Block Island, Fishers Island and Long Island. A wonderful way to pause in the middle of a busy day.

What in the World Are We Doing -- And Where Do You Fit In?

Sandy Rooney, Executive for Mission Education & Interpretation, United Church Board for World Ministries
An overview of global ministry today, and how you can keep informed, provide support, and be engaged.

Annual Meeting Index: