Illinois Conference Annual Meeting - preview

Today begins three days of the 43rd annual meeting for the Illinois Conference, United Church of Christ. We're meeting at The Clock Tower Resort in Rockford. This year's theme is "Let Your Light Shine. . . Glowing into the Future." (It's connected to our General Synod Theme -- that comes up later in June.) It's great to be staying at the Clock Tower Resort -- this is the first time I've been able to attend the whole event and stay where it is!
The featured speakers at this year's meeting are

• Lorin Cope: UCC Minister for Conference Relations. (He's filling in for Yvonne Delk, who is ill)
• Ruth Duck: Professor of worship at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary (and prolific hymn composer!)
• Kyle Tade: Elmhurst College student who is actively involved locally and nationally with the United Church of Christ.

I'm going to be leading music during our Sunday morning worship service.

The big thing on everyone's mind is the session tomorrow where we talk about restrucuring the conference. I know there are strong opinions and convictions on many sides of this issue. I'm looking forward to a spirited but loving conversation.