Imagine What's Possible. UCC General Synod 2011 - 5

General Synod #28 in Tampa is a wrap.  Here are a few thoughts from the last day.

Speakout!:  I got 60 seconds to share a few words about Widening the Welcome at the morning plenary.  If you saw it I hope you still remember -- Widening the Welcome . . . wideningthewelcome.com, that's wideningthweelcome.com. . .
Breezing through resolutions:  on the last day of Synod, we discussed and voted on no less than 13 resolutions.  News reports on all of the resolutions are here.  I don't think I can single out a few as the "most important" resolutions.  Each item we discussed is important and displays our commitment to love and to justice.
New friends at dinner:  I got to "crash" a Southern California Nevada Conference Dinner at a local restaurant.  What a great group of people.  I'm really looking forward to staying in touch and then spending a week with them in 2013 at General Synod #29 in Long Beach, California!
Closing Worship: The music was uplifting.  The preaching was challenging.  The focus on youth as the church of today was outstanding.  Seeing the character and the passion of youth in the United Church of Christ give me hope for . . . today.  Youth and Young Adults in the UCC, you are the church now.

I leave synod refreshed and motivated.  I'm also ready for a few "play" days at my parent's place in Florida.  I get home on Friday.

Imagine What's Possible. UCC General Synod 2011 - 4

July 4!  UCC General Synod!  Tampa!  And here are some highlights:

• Missing a Plenary session:  Instead I spent some significant, refreshing time with a "fellow troublemaker" sharing hopes, dreams, struggles, and despair.  It's felt like we wanted to have this conversation for a few days here.  I'm glad we did today. (At the plenary session I missed, the UCC voted to affirm the common agreement on mutual recognition of baptism.)
• Geoffrey Black's address:  He encouraged us and reminded us that "Change must happen if we are to lead the United Church of Christ into a vital future."  Geoffrey also offered some Big Holy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) to all of the United Church of Christ -- 

• Be a growing church and a growing movement.
• Be a widely recognized witness for justice and peace.
• Be a catalyst for excellence in ministry.
• Make environmental stewardship central to our faith.
• Become a church that reflects the racial and ethnic makeup of our nation.

I like the direction Rev. Black and the Collegium wants our church to head.

• Public protest march to Publix Supermarket in Tampa in support of the Immokalee Workers:  I marched with about 500 others together.  The UCC has supported the Immokalee workers in seeking fair wages for farm workers for more than a decade.
• Unified Governance Debate:  The Synod delegates spent more than 2 hours working on this one today.  We began with a series of comments, clarifications, questions, and motions that were offered, I think, to  let voices of hope, anger, mistrust,  disappointment, and fear be heard. I'll remember this session at the "Your Amendment is Out of Order" experience.  We recessed for dinner in the middle of the proceedings, and when we came back, after a few more voices offering support and others offering caution and warning, the synod delegates voted to pass the Unified Governance proposal. Since the constitution of the UCC is being amended, everything now shifts to discussion and approval by the conferences of the United Church of Christ.  Today was a large step toward a new governance structure in the UCC.  It's not finished yet, however.
• Worship:  After a contentious, but very civil plenary session, we experienced a refreshing, moving, tear-inducing prayer service.  We moved together, walked a simple labyrinth together, sang together, and wept together.
• Fireworks:  I played a game of "there's one!" with a friend as we sat outside the Tampa Convention center and looked for fireworks in the distance.

Synod ends tomorrow.  Much more to do.  I'm doing a speakout! in the morning, too. I'd love it if everyone arrived on time. :)

Imagine What's Possible. UCC General Synod 2011 - 3

Sunday! Sunday!  Sunday at Synod!  Here are some highlights . . .

• Justice LED:  I spent some time with some other national and regional trainers for the Justice LED (Justice Leaders Engaging and Developing) program.  We had great a great discussion and also encouraged one another as we work to offer local church leader justice training as well as justice advocacy training for other settings of the church.  Interested in more information?  Get in contact with me!
• Communion Flash Mob:  The 2030 Clergy Network organized a simple, playful, welcoming and powerfully moving communion service right in the public area of the convention center.  Excellent.
• Worship:  OK -- confession time.  Worship was wonderful . . . and I also had one of those marvelous church naps during the service.  (You know -- the kind that you just can't seem to stop from beginning?)  I don't think I missed much, but I do remember some powerful words from our preacher, Rev. Laurie Hafner, "We need to stop thinking our ourselves as a dying denomination. We need to start thinking of ourselves as a movement of living water change!"  I also remember the chills I got when Sharon E. Scott sang 'When You Believe."  And I am reasonably sure that Gregory Chestnut, writer of the hymn "We Know that God is Speaking,"  will be getting some requests for permission to use the song in other church settings!  On a less positive note, however, and as a friend of mine noticed, the worship service conspicuously neglected to have many, if any youth or young adult leadership.  We can do better.
• Widening the Welcome:   I mentioned this movement yesterday, too.  I spent more time with some fellow WtW organizers. Please consider learning more about this movement.  Please consider coming to our second national event in September.  Join the movement:  Widening the Welcome.
• Local Church Ministries (LCM) Banquet:  We sang.  We laughed. We heard inspirational stories.  We ate great food!  Marcia McFee, our song and imagination leader, crowd surfed!  And I made some new friends and got to know other friends better.  Great banquet.

I think tomorrow is July 4th.  Business stuff begins at 8:30 am.  Fireworks to follow?

Imagine What's Possible. UCC General Synod 2011 - 2

Day two of the UCC's General Synod in Tampa was called "Suncoast Saturday."  Instead of a day of church business and meetings, it was a day dedicated to education, rejuvenation, and celebration!  Here are a few highlights. (There were about 15 different choices folks could make for each time period of the day.  I didn't get to see everything or even most of everything -- but here are highlights from my own Suncoast Saturday experience!)

• Leonard Pitts, jr.  Leonard is a brilliant writer, and he can bring it as a speaker, too!  He offered the UCC encouragement and challenge.  ""UCC, when news cameras do find you, may they find you in the service of humanity."
• Nuttin' But Stringz.  Brothers Damien and Tourie Escobar lit up the stage with their classical/hip hop violin music.
• Christopher Grundy:  I'm used to hearing Christopher singing.  This time he offered inspired teaching for preaching.  His words of wisdom included "A one-shot diatribe lets us off the hook by offering grace as a loophole instead of a relationship."  (It was also a blast live tweeting during Christopher's workshop and connecting with a couple of twitterfriends in person afterwards!)
• "The Plugged-in Church: Staying Connected" workshop:  I led this workshop and I thoroughly enjoyed it!  In the words of a new friend, "It was great!"
• Widening the Welcome Booth:  I've been a part of the Widening the Welcome movement and events since they began last year.  I spent time sharing conversation with folks from the movement and folks interested in learning more.
• Dinner with dear friends:  Great food.  Great conversation.  One of my biggest highlights in a highlight-filled day!
• Closing worship celebration with music by Amanda Powell and band:  Amanda and the band showed not only what appeared to be endless energy, they sang with passion, vitality, and dare I say perfection?  I learned new songs and celebrated with them on every song we sang!  Some titles I remember, "Who Will Build the Church?" "May Peace Be In Your Heart" and "Sing a New World"  (I think those are the titles, when I find more accurate info I'll post here!)
• We also celebrated the creativity we showed and the fun we had in inviting Ellen DeGeneres to come and speak at Synod.  Ellen didn't come, (Lookalike Rev. Susannah Davis, pastor of Kirkwood UCC in Atlanta, Ga. had us thinking she had come though!) but it was fun to see, in the invitation montage, the videos I made get a little screen time.  If you'd like to see the full versions, here's the "Oh Ellen, Won't You Please Come to Tampa" video and also the "Ellen, Please Come to Tampa!" clergy singalong.

It has been a great day!  Tomorrow -- Sunday . . . committees and hearings . . . and Worship!

Imagine What's Possible. UCC General Synod 2011 - 1

I'm in Tampa for the United Church of Christ's 28th General Synod.  Day one is complete.

Some highlights:

• Connecting and reconnecting with friends I haven's seen for a few weeks, months, or even years.  Making new friends, too!  (The warmth of friendship from these folks makes synod worth the trip -- but there's more!)
• J. Bennett Guess -- nominee for Local Church Ministries of the UCC Executive Minister.  Ben is a powerful speaker, a compassionate leader, a brilliant writer, a prophetic voice, and one who shows authentic love.  Folks like Ben make the UCC a better church.
• Rev. Freeman Palmer.  Wow -- Freeman can start a worship service.  He has exuberance, passion, and then some!
• Testimonies  Rev. Susan K. Smith, Rev. Marilyn Pagán-Banks, and Rev. Josh Longbottom offered powerful, inspirational, amazing testimonies of God's work for mercy and justice.
• A new favorite song, "You Are Holy," a traditional South African song - arranged and translated in 2007 by More Voices.  Music is available in the songbook, Sing! Prayer and Praise.

Tomorrow is Suncoast Saturday. It's a day-long “imagine what’s possible” event of big ideas, best practices and celebration. Things begin at 8:15 am tomorrow morning.  I'm leading a workshop called "The Plugged-In Church: Staying Connected" at 12:45 pm in the Tampa Convention Center, Room 25.  Here's a link to a program of the whole day.

UCC General Synod 27 - 6

Well then, the United Church of Christ's 27th General Synod is over.

And here's the wrap up . . . from today.

• No Illinois Conference Delegation breakfast today. I didn't pick up anything to eat before going to the main hall - so I had cookies for breakfast.
• We discussed and voted on 14 different resolutions today. Overall, we discussed 17 resolutions and heard and discussed lots of reports. The results of the votes are here
• At one point during our discussions today, a protest began over the way the previous resolution (relating to Unified Governance) had been addressed and voted on. Ultimately the protest ended, but I felt as if the body had used procedure to end it rather than fully address it. I'm not, however, privy to all the details relating to the anger from any of the folks who were protesting. But I am certain that we need to do a better job relating to issues of trust and territory when it comes to conversations and policies in the UCC.
• A little later in the day we were discussion a resolution relating to diversity/multi-cultural education in public schools. I didn't think our conversation was at an organic moving on point when one delegate called the question. Ultimately we voted in favor of calling it, after a division of the house and careful count of votes (do you like my lofty Robert's rules language?) and then passed the resolution. We could have done better in listening to dissenting voices on both this resolution and the one relating to unified governance.
• We ended this year's General Synod in a spirited-traditional style worship -- with Rev. Patricia DeJong (I used to be the pastor to Pat's sister and nephew) preaching, Kool and the Gang's "Celebration" (really -- but with Jesus-ed up lyrics) played for the offering music and a raucous version of 'Joyful Joyful' as our closing hymn and post-service music.

Ready to head home early tomorrow morning. General Synod 28 heads to Tampa Bay in July 2011.

UCC General Synod 27 - 5

The day that was and thoughts thereupon (or some other artsy saying to begin this post)

• I spend some time in the room where the resolution committee discussing resolutions relating to a single governance plan in the UCC were meeting. I was there when they recommended a new resolution "toward unified governance for the national setting of the UCC" We vote on the resolution tomorrow.
• It was great to have Ken Medema here for some lively and some thought-provoking songs. During one of the songs I simply had to dance. (I don't dance well, though) I had several others dance, too! During another song Ken asked us to scratch the backs of folks all over the room. I did, at one point, scratch John Thomas' and Linda Jaramillo's backs. Not sure they were down with that song, however.
• We welcomed Rev. Geoffrey Black as our new General Minister and President. Rev. Black was most recently the New York Conference Minister.
• We began the business meetings, passing a few resolutions and being a little bit frustrated with issues relating to budget and how long amended text stayed on the video screens.
• I experienced a worship service that really stretched me outside my comfort zone. I wonder how others reacted?
• Wound down at the UCC writers group wine and cheese party. Nice to see some old friends and meet a few new ones.

No early morning tomorrow -- but still a full day. I'm looking forward to all it brings.

UCC General Synod 27 - 4

I've had a day filled with uplifting moments -- here are a few:

• This morning's sacred conversation on race and culture brought with it -- in a small (7 people) group portion of the conversation, a blessed mosaic where all in our diverse group had a voice. I felt as if we began a time of trust-building, and I think that trust is an essential element in any conversation.
• The afternoon worship service was one that filled me with awe. The General Synod Celebration Choir sang "Let Hope Spring Forth" by Mark Hayes. I was in the choir -- and I felt the energy, passion and inspiration the song brought -- to the choir and to the congregation!
• John Thomas' benediction from our afternoon worship is one that will linger in my mind for a long time, "Swim bravely, United Church of Christ. Swim safely, United Church of Christ. And relax in the buoyancy of grace."
• After returning to my room from a two-hour resolution committee discussion (I was the one who made the motion to adjourn -- it carried.) I had a wonderful conversation with my roommate. We discovered our shared United Methodist Church background (before we became part of the UCC) and realized that we had probably met on several occasions over the years!

Tomorrow the General Synod business plenary sessions begin . . .and Ken Medema is going to be here too!

UCC General Synod 27- 3

A full day at GS 27 -- here are a few thoughts from the day.

• We had a really early (6:30 am) Illinois delegation meeting. The energy level in the room was, needless to say, really low. I'd love to lead some morning songs with the group to jump start the energy . . .
• MSNBC's Eugene Robinson told us that he was happy to be away from his "dysfunctional family" and then he clarified that we wasn't talking about his wife and children, but rather MSNBC. I appreciated his observation, "Diversity is not a destination -- it is a journey."
• I 'stopped by' the Local Church Ministries area of the exhibition hall to lend a hand for a bit. The place was REALLY crowded and the two cash register lines were backed up 30+ people deep. I helped at a register for about 4 hours before we had a break. But in the process I had perhaps hundreds of conversations with some wonderful folks. I love the UCC!
• Dinnertime! Andy Lang and I had some great conversation and shared a wonderful meal. It was great to spend 'face time' with someone I mostly interact with on i.ucc and myUCC.
• Evening celebration: Our time of worship was uplifting and vibrant. We celebrated John Thomas' ministry as our General Minister and President. I think the highlight of the evening came when Dancing Wheels dance company performed some fluid and beautiful dances. Dancing Wheels has both standing and seated dancers.

Another early morning tomorrow . . .

UCC General Synod 27 - 2

I arrived early this afternoon at the UCC's 27th General Synod --
A bit of what I've experienced so far.

• Shared a testimony for the "Why I Love the UCC" video project. When I arrived, however, I was wearing a light green shirt -- almost the same color as the green screen behind me. I had to change so that I didn't appear as a floating head on the final product
• Had a great dinner at Mojos piano bar and restaurant. The piano wasn't playing, and the service was a bit slow, but the folks were extraordinarily friendly and attentive and they promised to have more folks helping the rest of the time the UCC folk are here in GR. Harold, Sandy, Tom, Juanita, Jesse, Keith, Kim and I shared a great meal together.
• Experienced a rousing and marvelous worship service. The Trinity UCC, Chicago choir and dance ministries were positively electric! And Rev. Otis Moss III delivered the word ("God's Punctuation") in energetic, provocative and inspired fashion. He reminded us that folks may want to put a period on what we can be or where we are going, but God isn't finished yet!

Tomorrow -- 6:30 am gathering of the Illinois Conference Delegates before a full "River City Saturday."

• I noticed that @gdbrekke, @ReikiRevSue @rebeccawoods @KNDwyer @cdk1536 @CTUCC @randomswathe @pastordangb @MissaVeggie @unitedchurch @revjen @RevJSS @damichcoop and @stripeswplaid are twittering about #gs27 as well -- anyone else?

UCC General Synod 27 - 1

Tomorrow morning I'm heading out early to Grand Rapids, Michigan, for the United Church of Christ's 27th General Synod. This time I'm a delegate for the Illinois Conference. I'm also traveling tomorrow with Rev. Bob Dell, the chair and acting president of Pathways to Promise and one of the namesakes of the Bob and Joyce Dell award for the UCC's Mental Illness network.

Here are a few things I expect to experience during GS27

Discussing and voting on resolutions, more resolutions, and a few more resolutions.

Lively and uplifting worship

Seeing lots of UCC posters, billboards etc. in Grand Rapids

River City Saturday fun!

Spending time in the Congregational Vitality booth talking with folks about myUCC

Connecting in person with folks I usually only 'see' online

Seeing the "Immerse Yourself" photo mosaic. (I had a part in submitting a couple of dozen or more pictures for it.)

The Stillspeaking Kite Flying Extravaganza

Music

Jason and DeMarco

The UCC Choir (I'm singing in it!)

Speakers

Barbara Brown Taylor

Jim Wallis

Eboo Patel

I'll be blogging and twittering (#gs27) the whole time!

Still stillspeaking

When the United Church of Christ is in Grand Rapids at the end of June for our General Synod, new ads from the stillspeaking ministry will also be there!  There'll be ads in the airport, on billboards, in print, on television and even on a bike-powered billboard!  

The UCC's director of communications, J. Bennett Guess, has this to say:

"In recent years, we've come to understand that General Synods are not just a time to gather, worship and celebrate internally as a church family, but it's a great evangelistic opportunity to tell the UCC's story to the widest possible audience, to share our unique identity with others, and to invite them to learn more about us and to visit our local churches."

I'll be there -- and I'd love to get a chance to ride the billboard-bike!

immerse yourself

I'm celebrating the United Church of Christ 'immerse yourself' photo project  with this 'sort of subterranean' music video for a song that's about . . . the project!   Immerse Yourself -- get soaking wet!

UCC General Synod - final thoughts

Well then, since I'm spending the night in Pittsburgh (the second leg of my flight back to O'Hare was cancelled because of the weather) I've got another day to take in the Synod experience. Here's what I'm going home (tomorrow!) with:

• Synod was a celebration of a denomination who boldly and bravely have sought to share Jesus' love and to seek ways to express love and justice in the world.
• Synod was a call to celebrate, but to stay off our behinds and to do what it is we say we are about.
• Synod was a powerful example of caring for all of God's children even though sometimes the cost is high.
• Synod was a reminder that the UCC does not speak with one loud voice, but continues to serve God as we wrestle with how to continue to live out God's love when we don't agree with each other.
• Synod was a call to realize that we've been working hard, but we're not out of a job just yet.

I love this denomination. I love these people.

May God continue to guide us and to keep filling us with Jesus light -- and may we be bold enough to. . . every day- every hour- every minute -- Let it Shine!

UCC General Synod - Day 5

The last day of General Synod 26 was filled with . . . procedure. Here are a few last thoughts:

• Resolutions: Most of our day was spent hearing committe reports and discussing and voting on resolutions. I've not been attending as a voting delegate, but I've been fascinated watching and listening to the process. Debate has been civil and respectful and we've passed a number of significant resolutions. (A complete list is on the UCC website now -- the amended resolution text will be up soon.)
• Lynn Redgrave: (yes! the actress!) Ms. Redgrave is a cancer survivor and UCC member in Connecticut. She told us about her journey through cancer treatment and finding a spiritual home in the UCC. She challenged as she said "The point is no longer how long I live, but how I live each moment and how I reach out to others." She also made us laugh (and cringe a little) when she said, "If the UCC ran this country, we'd be OK."
• Ken Medema: I can't say enough wonderful things about him. He had us laughing, singing, shouting and crying again. I loved when he was sharing about not having CD's for sale at Synod. He told everyone to go to http://www.kenmedema.com/, that's http://www.kenmedema.com/ . . . (Last night that's the way we ended the i.ucc.org speakout. -- yes, with our website and not Ken's -- I'm glad Ken was listening and I'm happy his little homage reminded everyone not only of his website, but i.ucc as well!)
• Michigan Conference, UCC: Michigan hosts General Synod in 2009. They're invitation to us included a gift of a "Michigan Palm Pilot" to everyone. Just take your hand use it to show different places in the state of Michigan. I'm looking forward to Grand Rapids!
• Dr. Mary Mikhael: Dr. Mikhael is the president of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, Lebanon. She thanked the UCC for our progressive witness but reminded us that there is still so much to do. According to Dr. Mikhael, we're "Not out of a job just yet."

It's been an uplifiting experience at (my first) General Synod. I'm looking forward to many more.

I miss Cassie, Marianne, Matthew and Andrew. I head home tomorrow.

UCC General Synod - Day 4

Today was a blast! Here are some of my thoughts:

• Exhibit Hall: I spent some more time telling folks about i.ucc -- and also uccvitality.org today. It seems people were really willing to share their stories and ask lots of questions. I know that God is present in these websites and that people's lives are changing because of their encounters with God as they utilize the sites.
• Plenary sessions: Listening to the UCC General Synod conduct business is surprisingly entertaining. I found myself thinking, 'I think I want to be a delegate next time.'
• Speakouts: I have three favorite moments: "We who are blessed must stand with the rest until the rest are blessed." . . . "To tip properly, take the total bill, move the decimal one point to the left and then double the amount." and My and T. Michael's speakout publicizing i.ucc.org. I think people will remember the address.
• Marian Wright Edelman: She spoke with authority and conviction -- challenging us to stand up and make sure all children have a healthy start. Some of her quotes: "What's wrong with our children . . . is adults." and "Our children are not partisan political fodder." She told us to support the All Healthy Children's Act so that all children will be guaranteed healthcare in the US.
• Ken Medema: This man is a master of all things musical. His musical response to Ms. Edelman's presentation (I'll call it, "We'll Stand Up When We Want to Sit Down") left no eyes dry and several (mine included) visibly sobbing.
• Local Church Ministries Banquet: I sat with the two winners of the UCC praise songwriting competition. Their songs ("You Are" and "Hush" ) will be in the upcoming UCC praise and Worship Songbook. (My new table friends were Jenny, James (Hush), Aood, Mark (You Are), Sue, Scott, Archie and Carol.) {Cool moment: On the way to the dinner, I saw a man run out amid the buses to cross the street. I ran out as well, saying "I figured if you were out there I wouldn't get hit by a car." We ended up in the elevator together. (with Marian Wright Edelman) When we shook hands to greet one another, I learned he was Bill Johnson, celebrating the 35th aniversary of his ordination.}
• Evening Prayer and Worship: Though it was late in the day and before a weary group, I thought this service was HUGE. The drama, music, graphics and lighting made for a quietly powerful encounter with God.

One more day . . .

UCC General Synod - Day 3

Day three of General Synod is a wrap -- here are some of my thoughts for today:

• Community Groups: I loved the Sunday morning small group gathering at the Holiday Inn East Hartford for a time to sing, (I brought my guitar -- we had a lively time!) pray, and reflect on our feelings about the 5 historic commitments of the UCC. (united and uniting, multiracial and multicultural, accessible to all, open and affirming, and a peace with justice church) We had prayerful and thoughtful discussion about "A Message to the Churches" that the General Synod plans to approve and send out just after Synod.


• Congregational Vitality Initiative Luncheon: I got to meet more vibrant and passionate people and had a lot of fun as the presentations were filled with wit and comedy while still expressing joy and hope about the future of the United Church of Christ.


• Sunday Afternoon Worship: This one wasn't my favorite. Things moved along very slowly and it seems there was a lack of energy in the house. I did, however, get the chills when the Synod Choir (700 voices strong!) sang James Ahrend's "Let it Shine." (I also took this picture that shows how large the crowd is -- The time exposure washed out the stage.)


• Dinner out: Jeff, Megan, Steve and Joanna and I had a great time of eating, drinking and conversation at the City Steam Brewery. Who knew there was a beer called "The Naughty Nurse?"


• Significant "face time" with several i.guides (Andy, Kimberly, Dea, Ryan and T. Michael) from i.ucc: Until this week, most of us had never met in person. Tonight we got to sit in an outdoor cafe and talk about ideas and experiences from i.ucc. I also participated for only the second time in our real-time prayer chapel. Even in the middle of a whole lot of noise I experienced God's presence and was really moved by our community prayer time.

Still two more great days to go!

UCC General Synod - Day 2

What an amazing day! Synod in the City brought even more life to a life-filled and life-giving synod.

Here are today's highlights for me:

• Bill Moyers: He danced right up to the powerful and prophetic words he really wanted to say a few times -- in the end he left us in awe by saying "Jesus will throw the money changers right out of the temple of democracy"
• Christopher Grundy: I'd never heard his music until a few weeks ago. I arrived at his concert late, but got to hear him sing about welcoming children at communion. He also sang a song a lament -- reminding us that the Psalms were mostly sad songs and that it is perfectly OK to offer sad songs to God. I love the way this man thinks and writes!
• The Children's Orchestra under the direction of Dr. H.T. Ma: This orchestra played marvelously -- I was moved to tears and chills several times. The senior in high school who played a most extraordinary violin solo (I'll call him 'Famous Ben" because I don't know his last name) exhibited talent I am sure we will hear more of soon.
• Barack Obama: He brought more light into the house as he shared about faith and politics. He kept coming back to the idea that the big issues of our day really are a "matter of conscience" and that issues like the Iraq war are not only a security problem -- they are a moral problem. He also challenged us and reminded us that we need to keep listening because God is still speaking to us. (The reporters were out in full force for this one -- I'm sure you can find hundreds of links to Sen. Obama's speech. Here's one from the New York Times)
• More fun in the i.ucc booth. We did run out of handouts, however!
• Rachel Barton Pine: She played the most moving variation of "Happy Birthday" I have ever heard.
• UCC Youth: Their live time capsule reminded us that while youth are the future of our denomination, they are also the church of today.
• Lasers: Honoring Charles Townes (UCC member and the inventor of the laser) and celebrating our 50th birthday as a denomination, we were treated to the best laser show I have ever seen!

This church knows how to celebrate!

UCC General Synod -- Day 1

Whew! What a full day as we began the 26th General Synod of the United Church of Christ

Here are the highlights of the day for me:

• Feeling a bit lonely (despite a warm welcome from all the volunteers) until I saw Jeff, Carol, Jane, Bob & Joyce, Michael, Teamus, Curran, Katie . . . you get the idea -- I wasn't lonely for long!


• Meeting Andy and Kimberly in person for the first time. Andy is the coordinator of i.ucc. Kimberly is one of the bloggers. I got to spend time with them as we greeted people and talked with them about i.ucc. I love meeting new people and making new friends!


• Meeting Phil Porter (and verifying that he is the one who wrote "Let Loose the Spirit.")


• Plenary 1's affirmation of the collegium's pastoral letter. I'll call it the 'Today we call for an end to the war" letter. The conversation prior to the vote was not without disagreement, but the letter and our affirmation of it was, I believe, prophetic.


• Dinner with the Science and Technology network. We celebrated the future of science and technology in our religious imagination. We also got a very cool "laser cup" in honor of Charles Townes, UCC member and inventor of the laser!


• Rev. DaVita McCallister's electrifying sermon -- with the line,"Jesus says "yes" and "amen" when others say "no" and "I don't think so."


• Celebrating with all the new UCC church starts in the last 2 years. I got to carry a sign for Norman UCC in Norman, Oklahoma as I danced up the aisles and onto the stage.


• Celebrating with over 1000 youth and young adults at this year's synod. (there are about 8500 people in total!)

I can't wait until tomorrow!

UCC General Synod - Day 0

I left today as a relaxing travel day . . . turns out I needed it!

• My first flight out of O'Hare was cancelled (I have no idea why) but after waiting in a long line (and chatting with Sue -- a friend of a few years who just happened to be there too!) and talking with an already weary, but very friendly US Air ticket agent I flew to Hartford via Washington DC. I arrived about three hours after I originally expected.
• On the DC plane I met Brian, who was on his way to Cape Town, South Africa to research building a school there. Great conversation -- and both of us slept for most of the flight.
• The airlines lost (delayed) my suitcase – but my guitar made it! (Hopefully I'll get the suitcase tonight!)
• I loved the hospitality for Synod at the airport – They had smiles, kindness and cookies!
  Everything is working great at the hotel working great (though I did need a lesson on how to open the door!)
• I went to the hotel across the parking lot and picked up all my "Synod stuff" so that I know where I'm supposed to go when :)
• I walked across the street to have dinner at Margaritas (If anyone is keeping "nutrition" score, I had tomato and onion nachos -- cheddar and monterey jack cheese -- no meat) I was sitting alone at the bar and had the chance to meet Duane -- the sales manager for Diamond Glass. He was friendly, talkative and great company for dinner!

It’s been long, but it has been a wonderful and surprisingly relaxing day. Tomorrow morning I'll head over to the civic center for all the fun!