This evening was fascinating in that we had a wonderful worship service where everyone in a packed civic center was served communion - a daunting task yet somehow possible with the help of God. Again, the power of worship amidst our large group is truly glorious!
Following worship we met in our committee groups. Mine was charged with the task of dealing with the Resolution on Worker Justice at Smithfield. What I thought would be a fairly straightforward deliberation turned into a cyclical and drawn out conversation. Overall I think we reached consensus long before anyone realized it. We will continue the deliberations in the morning at which point I believe the process should be straightforward. We did manage to get our start time moved from 8:30 am to 9:00 am.
Afterwards, I went to a young adult forum where I engaged in interesting dialogue about the resolution to restructure the UCC synod. I am interested in hearing your thoughts and any reflections on this issue. Many points were raised that I had not previously considered.
24.6.07
Day 3 - Let it Shine!
This morning we met in our community groups. It was a time of prayer and worship as well as a time to get to know one another and engage in dialogue about the UCC and it's five historic commitments: being a united and uniting church, being a multiracial and multicultural church, being accessible to all, being open and affirming, and being a peace and justice church. We looked at how God is shining through us in these ways as well as when the light has grown dim. We reflected on the passage from Matthew 5: 14-16, a portion of Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount.
All in all it was an engaging and productive time for us to come together. I appreciated the opportunity and enjoyed getting to know those around me. We shared our personal stories as well as the stories from our local churches.
We received a draft of a message to the churches, crafted by the collegium of the UCC. It draws upon experiences of local congregations of the United Church of Christ after reflecting on the resource Shine, God's People. We were asked to comment on what we thought of the document and list any changes we might make. One of the changes that we came up with is incorporating the idea that there are still many individuals and congregations that have difficulty with the idea of being Open and Affirming; recognizing that those people are still hurt is an important step. We also felt that there was too little about youth and it seemed too much like an afterthought, we (the youth) are not only the future of the church but also part of the present.
All in all it was an engaging and productive time for us to come together. I appreciated the opportunity and enjoyed getting to know those around me. We shared our personal stories as well as the stories from our local churches.
We received a draft of a message to the churches, crafted by the collegium of the UCC. It draws upon experiences of local congregations of the United Church of Christ after reflecting on the resource Shine, God's People. We were asked to comment on what we thought of the document and list any changes we might make. One of the changes that we came up with is incorporating the idea that there are still many individuals and congregations that have difficulty with the idea of being Open and Affirming; recognizing that those people are still hurt is an important step. We also felt that there was too little about youth and it seemed too much like an afterthought, we (the youth) are not only the future of the church but also part of the present.
23.6.07
Day 2- Let it Shine!
This morning's opening worship was again powerful and inspiring. The amount of people that turned out was incredible. After worship Bill Moyers, the morning's keynote speaker, spoke and drew much support from the large crowd. I also went to hear a panel of women theologians who spoke about peace and women's role in achieving peace. It was fascinating to hear the different perspectives from various faiths. Rabbi Naamah Kelman of Jerusalem spoke about how women were an essential part of achieving peace because of their ability to find common ground, even in the midst of turmoil, by talking about family or joining a book club. Ingrid Mattson, a Professor of Islamic Studies at Hartford University challenged that perspective when she looked at the existing female leaders in the Arab world, heads of state that were doing no more for peace than their male counterparts. She mentioned thatin Bangladesh there is a female head of state who has done little to abolish poverty while a man, Dr. Muhammad Yunus from the same area won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work with micro credit and the development of the Grameen Bank and his dedication to helping impoverished women get themselves out of poverty (to learn more and see how students are trying to abolish poverty by 2025 through his ideas visit www.asap2025.org). Then the Rev. Nancy Taylor, pastor of Old South Congregational UCC in Boston, spoke about how women might have different characteristics that will help to achieve peace but both men and women need to begin listening and learning to and about other faiths and cultures in order to achieve peace.
Senator Barack Obama, a long time member of the UCC and a candidate for the US Presidency, delivered the afternoon keynote. He drew much support and even more press. He helped to build the excitement and energy that was and is present here in Hartford; his speech was followed by more synod in the city activity, and then a grand celebration of the 50th anniversary. The excitement and intensity is amazing. I'm looking forward to the rest of our adventure here.
Senator Barack Obama, a long time member of the UCC and a candidate for the US Presidency, delivered the afternoon keynote. He drew much support and even more press. He helped to build the excitement and energy that was and is present here in Hartford; his speech was followed by more synod in the city activity, and then a grand celebration of the 50th anniversary. The excitement and intensity is amazing. I'm looking forward to the rest of our adventure here.
An Email to Share
The following email was sent to me yesterday and with Ms. Whiteman's permission I am sharing it with you now.
Hi, Courtney!
I have not been successful in making comments for the UCC GS26 meeting via your Blog which you told us about at the Consistory Meeting earlier this month, so am resorting to E-mail. I hope this is OK with you. (I tried your cell phone also, but did not get a reply when I left a message.)
I believe it is very important to address AND SUPPORT two specific Resolutions, the one titled
(a) "A Reaffirmation of the Historic and Ecumenical Christian Perspective on Marriage," and
(b) "A Reaffirmation of Marriage Based on the Word of God."
It was a grave (no pun intended) error made at the 25th General Synod Meeting and at St. John's, when Same Sex Marriage was supported. Churches supporting this position have been dying -- members are leaving in droves. If you will read the entire submissions for these two Resolutions, you will find my position on the issues to be correct.
First, marriage is designed by God. This should not be confused with human and legal system problems of not being fair to all. That issue should, and must, be dealt with separately. We cannot change God's rules to make man's rules work. We need to change man's rules to make them work and leave God's rules as they are given to us in the Bible - His Word. God's Word is the supreme authority. As stated in "a", above, UCC should continue to press for civil rights, but must not do it at the expense of redefining sin. Marriage is between one man and one woman as God has made it. We cannot change what God has ordained in His Word.
We need to draw all sinners to Christ by loving them -- but we should not love their sin. Homosexuality is condemned in Scripture as sin.
Sorry this is a bit lengthy. You can reach me by phone or e-mail if you'd like to talk.
Hope being a delegate is a good experience for you. I'm praying that God will guide you.
Blessings-
Marguerite Whiteman
First of all, I want to inform you that I learned today that the church that submitted one of these resolutions is no longer a part of the UCC, which deeply saddens me; and the other is in flux and has sent no one to speak to the resolution. It is most likely that the resolutions will be sent to the synod floor with a recommendation of no action. I realize that this will be difficult for many people, not just Ms. Whiteman. However, I urge you all to remember that the decision made at GS25 was not made with haste, it was made with much discernment and since then many many churches have also gone through long and difficult discernment processes. Thus, I believe that the decision be made to take no action on these resolutions would be the most respectful to those of us who have spent so much time and energy on this issue. Not just those who were supportive of the decision made at the last synod but also to those like Ms. Whiteman who were hurt and angered by it and view it as a grave mistake. To bring back all of those feelings would be difficult for many people, and although I'm not typically one to stay away from something because it's difficult, in this case I think it best to take no action. The support that these resolutions are getting is not enough to pass them through, so to call a vote would simply be rubbing salt in old wounds.
Ms. Whiteman thank you very much for your comments, I'm sorry if you did not get the reply you desired, however I promise to keep your perspective in mind as we proceed through this synod. I hope you continue to follow along and share your perspective. It is valuable to me.
Hi, Courtney!
I have not been successful in making comments for the UCC GS26 meeting via your Blog which you told us about at the Consistory Meeting earlier this month, so am resorting to E-mail. I hope this is OK with you. (I tried your cell phone also, but did not get a reply when I left a message.)
I believe it is very important to address AND SUPPORT two specific Resolutions, the one titled
(a) "A Reaffirmation of the Historic and Ecumenical Christian Perspective on Marriage," and
(b) "A Reaffirmation of Marriage Based on the Word of God."
It was a grave (no pun intended) error made at the 25th General Synod Meeting and at St. John's, when Same Sex Marriage was supported. Churches supporting this position have been dying -- members are leaving in droves. If you will read the entire submissions for these two Resolutions, you will find my position on the issues to be correct.
First, marriage is designed by God. This should not be confused with human and legal system problems of not being fair to all. That issue should, and must, be dealt with separately. We cannot change God's rules to make man's rules work. We need to change man's rules to make them work and leave God's rules as they are given to us in the Bible - His Word. God's Word is the supreme authority. As stated in "a", above, UCC should continue to press for civil rights, but must not do it at the expense of redefining sin. Marriage is between one man and one woman as God has made it. We cannot change what God has ordained in His Word.
We need to draw all sinners to Christ by loving them -- but we should not love their sin. Homosexuality is condemned in Scripture as sin.
Sorry this is a bit lengthy. You can reach me by phone or e-mail if you'd like to talk.
Hope being a delegate is a good experience for you. I'm praying that God will guide you.
Blessings-
Marguerite Whiteman
First of all, I want to inform you that I learned today that the church that submitted one of these resolutions is no longer a part of the UCC, which deeply saddens me; and the other is in flux and has sent no one to speak to the resolution. It is most likely that the resolutions will be sent to the synod floor with a recommendation of no action. I realize that this will be difficult for many people, not just Ms. Whiteman. However, I urge you all to remember that the decision made at GS25 was not made with haste, it was made with much discernment and since then many many churches have also gone through long and difficult discernment processes. Thus, I believe that the decision be made to take no action on these resolutions would be the most respectful to those of us who have spent so much time and energy on this issue. Not just those who were supportive of the decision made at the last synod but also to those like Ms. Whiteman who were hurt and angered by it and view it as a grave mistake. To bring back all of those feelings would be difficult for many people, and although I'm not typically one to stay away from something because it's difficult, in this case I think it best to take no action. The support that these resolutions are getting is not enough to pass them through, so to call a vote would simply be rubbing salt in old wounds.
Ms. Whiteman thank you very much for your comments, I'm sorry if you did not get the reply you desired, however I promise to keep your perspective in mind as we proceed through this synod. I hope you continue to follow along and share your perspective. It is valuable to me.
22.6.07
Day One - Let it Shine!
After arriving at the civic center and being greeted by a wide array of visitor and information booths I made my way to the hearing entitled "Understanding Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) and Funding of the National Offices. This provided me with information that was new as well as old, but it combined it all into a format that was comprehensible and provided us with ways to relay the information when we returned home to our church and churches in our area. There were many different hearings available to visitors and delegates alike, others included Resolutions related to Immigration, resolution on changing the composition of the General Synod, and General Synod 101: A Crash Course on General Synod. Following the hearings I visited the exhibition center which has a variety of booths set up representing everything from seminaries to our "God is Still Speaking" campaign, and a service that helps pastors relocate from church to church. It's a fascinating display and I was only able to scratch the surface so I hope to have many more opportunities to revisit.
Next, the first plenary began. It began with a celebratory opening, where our general synod 'answer guy' led us through a fascinating timeline that highlighted who the UCC is, where we've been and what we've done over the past 50 years. It was amazing to see. It instilled a sense of pride and focused all of us on doing God's work through our united church.
We also had a dramatic presentation of the more recent history of the UCC where a jaded reporter is assigned to cover the story of the UCC who in his mind is just a church - "where can the story be here?" he asks. While following the comma to Cleveland (our central offices) and to GS25 and finally GS26 he learns that the UCC is so much more than 'just a church'. The story is available in the format of a graphic novel. If you haven't seen it yet I suggest you take the time to pick it up and have a look. It's funny and moving and inspiring all at the same time.
Then we had a lot of business to cover. We had the report of the Credentials Committee, a quorum was declared, they announced the tellers, we adopted the general synod agenda and the standing rules, we designated groups that were granted voice without vote for various reasons. We accepted the report from the executive committee, then the Nominating Committee submitted it's report and we sent it back to the nominating committee because it did not fulfill the requirements previously stipulated. There were no further nominations from the floor. Then the committee of reference gave its report, which was accepted. Then, since there was no new business, the Collegium’s gave their report at which point they presented a letter regarding the war in Iraq. They called "for an end to this war (the war in Iraq), an end to our reliance on violence as the first rather than the last resort, an end to the arrogant unilateralism of preemptive war. There was then a motion made by the Massachusetts Conference that the GS26 add their name in support of the letter. This caused the most discussion of the day. In my opinion the issue was brought up in an underhanded and conniving way. It is made painfully clear that all resolutions that are handled at synod have to be submitted before January and then further issues that cannot be predicted, and are time sensitive, still have to be turned in well before synod. This issue was a complete surprise. As it says in the letter the war has been going on for 5 years so there was no reason that this issue could not have been submitted in the form of a resolution. Despite this fact, the majority voted in favor of supporting the letter. I encourage you to decide for yourself how you feel about the letter. It is posted at http://ga3.org/campaign/iraq_petition, Sign it if you're in support, and speak out if you aren't.
The evening session began with a beautiful and powerful worship service. The Rev. Da Vita McCallister delivered the message. She set the mood by giving us our options. She said that we could show our support and enthusiasm by waving our hands as they do in the deaf community to show applause, by clapping our hands, by saying Amen or Alleluia, or simply by staying silent (since we are in the UCC after all and everyone needs an option that suits them she said). Speaking not only as a reverend but also as the Ally and Advocate for youth and young adults she encouraged everyone in the audience to befriend a youth, don't just talk to them but really get to know them and don't just get to know them, but become their ally and their advocate. She highlighted the importance of youth and young adults to the future of our church. She praised the over 1,00 youth who are giving up a week of their summer camps not to go to soccer camp or football camp, not to be working or hanging out with friends at the pool but to be here to celebrate their church. The turn out is impressive indeed, and as a youth myself I couldn't help but feel empowered by her words. I feel that if everyone had her attitude and her enthusiasm this world would be a much better place.
The plenary began as all sessions will begin with a 'speak out' where people have the opportunity to speak for up to one minute on any issue not related to synod business. Then our honored guests were introduced, we celebrated the life and ministry of Scott Libby, and then we recognized our overseas partners, guests and missionaries. Then we were introduced to our ecumenical delegates and partners. Then there was a high energy celebration of the new churched since the last synod, as well as a fabulous recognition of all the youth that made it to synod this year. There was an informative DVD about UCC and education entitled A Place of Our Own. Then they got us ready for Synod in the City, and then announcements, and then we recessed for the night.
It was a great kick off and our 50th anniversary is in full swing. I encourage all of you to stay tuned online with the live streaming and keep checking the blog and the UCC site to stay informed and join us in the celebration.
Next, the first plenary began. It began with a celebratory opening, where our general synod 'answer guy' led us through a fascinating timeline that highlighted who the UCC is, where we've been and what we've done over the past 50 years. It was amazing to see. It instilled a sense of pride and focused all of us on doing God's work through our united church.
We also had a dramatic presentation of the more recent history of the UCC where a jaded reporter is assigned to cover the story of the UCC who in his mind is just a church - "where can the story be here?" he asks. While following the comma to Cleveland (our central offices) and to GS25 and finally GS26 he learns that the UCC is so much more than 'just a church'. The story is available in the format of a graphic novel. If you haven't seen it yet I suggest you take the time to pick it up and have a look. It's funny and moving and inspiring all at the same time.
Then we had a lot of business to cover. We had the report of the Credentials Committee, a quorum was declared, they announced the tellers, we adopted the general synod agenda and the standing rules, we designated groups that were granted voice without vote for various reasons. We accepted the report from the executive committee, then the Nominating Committee submitted it's report and we sent it back to the nominating committee because it did not fulfill the requirements previously stipulated. There were no further nominations from the floor. Then the committee of reference gave its report, which was accepted. Then, since there was no new business, the Collegium’s gave their report at which point they presented a letter regarding the war in Iraq. They called "for an end to this war (the war in Iraq), an end to our reliance on violence as the first rather than the last resort, an end to the arrogant unilateralism of preemptive war. There was then a motion made by the Massachusetts Conference that the GS26 add their name in support of the letter. This caused the most discussion of the day. In my opinion the issue was brought up in an underhanded and conniving way. It is made painfully clear that all resolutions that are handled at synod have to be submitted before January and then further issues that cannot be predicted, and are time sensitive, still have to be turned in well before synod. This issue was a complete surprise. As it says in the letter the war has been going on for 5 years so there was no reason that this issue could not have been submitted in the form of a resolution. Despite this fact, the majority voted in favor of supporting the letter. I encourage you to decide for yourself how you feel about the letter. It is posted at http://ga3.org/campaign/iraq_petition, Sign it if you're in support, and speak out if you aren't.
The evening session began with a beautiful and powerful worship service. The Rev. Da Vita McCallister delivered the message. She set the mood by giving us our options. She said that we could show our support and enthusiasm by waving our hands as they do in the deaf community to show applause, by clapping our hands, by saying Amen or Alleluia, or simply by staying silent (since we are in the UCC after all and everyone needs an option that suits them she said). Speaking not only as a reverend but also as the Ally and Advocate for youth and young adults she encouraged everyone in the audience to befriend a youth, don't just talk to them but really get to know them and don't just get to know them, but become their ally and their advocate. She highlighted the importance of youth and young adults to the future of our church. She praised the over 1,00 youth who are giving up a week of their summer camps not to go to soccer camp or football camp, not to be working or hanging out with friends at the pool but to be here to celebrate their church. The turn out is impressive indeed, and as a youth myself I couldn't help but feel empowered by her words. I feel that if everyone had her attitude and her enthusiasm this world would be a much better place.
The plenary began as all sessions will begin with a 'speak out' where people have the opportunity to speak for up to one minute on any issue not related to synod business. Then our honored guests were introduced, we celebrated the life and ministry of Scott Libby, and then we recognized our overseas partners, guests and missionaries. Then we were introduced to our ecumenical delegates and partners. Then there was a high energy celebration of the new churched since the last synod, as well as a fabulous recognition of all the youth that made it to synod this year. There was an informative DVD about UCC and education entitled A Place of Our Own. Then they got us ready for Synod in the City, and then announcements, and then we recessed for the night.
It was a great kick off and our 50th anniversary is in full swing. I encourage all of you to stay tuned online with the live streaming and keep checking the blog and the UCC site to stay informed and join us in the celebration.
Arrival
I arrived this morning in Hartford and was greeted by a welcome table in the Bradley airport, as well as a welcome registration table in my hotel. Overall, everything seems to be running smoothly and efficiently. Although the numbers are estimated to be high this year Hartford seems well equipped to handle us as we come in droves.
My very small plane was loaded with people all eager to get to synod. It's amazing that there can be so many of us from so many different places, and yet we all have the common bond of our affiliation with the UCC and our faith in God, it’s been a powerful experience so far and I have yet to get started! Wish me luck and I thank you for all of your support
My very small plane was loaded with people all eager to get to synod. It's amazing that there can be so many of us from so many different places, and yet we all have the common bond of our affiliation with the UCC and our faith in God, it’s been a powerful experience so far and I have yet to get started! Wish me luck and I thank you for all of your support
11.6.07
Getting Prepped!
The Ohio delegates to the 26th UCC General Synod participated in an all day orientation on May 19th. Delegates had the opportunity to hear each of the resolutions presented and engage in dialogue about them. I was one of the presenters so I have a limited perspective on how the day went because I didn't have the full experience. I, however, did have a very educational experience in that I prepared myself to present the Against Depleted Uranium Weapons resolution. This meant that I spent a good deal of time looking at the sources they quoted as well as finding my own. The process I went through for that resolution is the same as the process as I am going through for the rest of them. And I encourage even those of you who aren't delegates to go through a similar process when looking at these resolutions so that you can be fully informed. I will be sure to let you know if I find any particularly glaring issues that need attention and I would hope that you would also leave a comment here on the blog if you came across other issues that need attention.
It is very important to look at all sources cited (especially the bible) and go back and read the quote in context and look at who wrote the source and where they got there research. We all know how often politicians, and the media will take excerpts and twist them to mean exactly what they want them to mean even if it wasn't the original intent, these resolutions can do the same thing, so I'll be sure to do my research as I hope all of you will too.
I received an email notifying me that there have been five new resolutions added for consideration. Now, it won't be officially decided weather or not these will be voted on until June 20th, and in order for us to vote on them there has to be a timely reason why they couldn't have been written before the original deadline. These resolutions are:
A Resolution on Climate Change
A Resolution to Recognize 2007 as a Sabbath Year
In Support of a Renewed and Balanced Study and Response to the Conflict Between Palestine and Israel
A Call for Solidarity with the Persecuted in the Philippines
A Resolution on Worker Justice at Smithfield
A complete listing and full text of each resolution can be found at http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/
It will be very interesting to see which of these we end up voting on at Synod.
Synod is coming quickly, I'm excited and I still have a lot of research ahead of me. Please, feel free to ask questions or post comments, they will be useful in my discernment process, as I decided whether or not these resolutions should be passed by the UCC.
It is very important to look at all sources cited (especially the bible) and go back and read the quote in context and look at who wrote the source and where they got there research. We all know how often politicians, and the media will take excerpts and twist them to mean exactly what they want them to mean even if it wasn't the original intent, these resolutions can do the same thing, so I'll be sure to do my research as I hope all of you will too.
I received an email notifying me that there have been five new resolutions added for consideration. Now, it won't be officially decided weather or not these will be voted on until June 20th, and in order for us to vote on them there has to be a timely reason why they couldn't have been written before the original deadline. These resolutions are:
A Resolution on Climate Change
A Resolution to Recognize 2007 as a Sabbath Year
In Support of a Renewed and Balanced Study and Response to the Conflict Between Palestine and Israel
A Call for Solidarity with the Persecuted in the Philippines
A Resolution on Worker Justice at Smithfield
A complete listing and full text of each resolution can be found at http://www.ucc.org/synod/resolutions/
It will be very interesting to see which of these we end up voting on at Synod.
Synod is coming quickly, I'm excited and I still have a lot of research ahead of me. Please, feel free to ask questions or post comments, they will be useful in my discernment process, as I decided whether or not these resolutions should be passed by the UCC.
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