While I re-acclimate after nearly three weeks away for General Synod and vacation, I want to share with you just a bit about my experiences as a Wisconsin Conference delegate at the UCC General Synod held in Grand Rapids in late June. This is more than a “what I did this summer” essay. I think it’s important that members in all UCC congregations have at least some sense of connection with the wider church.
In an official sense, the General Synod meets every two years to give direction to the national UCC for the next two years, and speak through resolutions and proclamations from church perspective to the issues and concerns of our time. But General Synod is, in reality, an incredible experience that has many facets beyond internal church business and ’politics’.
The General Synod experience is about worship and singing and dancing with more than 3,000 in ways traditional and extraordinary. General Synod is exhibits and vendors (a la trade shows), shared meals, and being inspired by great speakers, musicians, and artists. General Synod is a “family reunion” of (in my case) many, many old friends and making new friends (although it was nice to run into Audrey & Chris and Chris’ brother, as well as Marlea and her mother a few times!). General Synod is a celebration of being “one” with a diverse group, most of whom have never met before, but with whom we are kin across the miles.
Of particular note, we elected New York Conference Minister Rev. Geoffrey Black as the new General Minister & President. Rev. Black will be the UCC’s second African-American General Minister & President. We had a very fond, joyfully tearful, bon voyage celebration of Rev. John Thomas‘ decade as UCC General Minister & President. We dealt with some very complex, controversial, but necessary restructuring and streamlining of the boards of the UCC, with some painful tensions around representation of racial and ethnic minorities. We approved broadened definitions of paths to ministry. And we were introduced to the new “praise” hymnal supplement (I have one copy) which I think it could prove a rich addition to our worship life.
Resolutions dealt with a range of issues: single-payer national health care (the committee I was appointed to); re-negotiation of NAFTA; climate change; ending human trafficking; comprehensive HIV prevention; issues around Iran; examination of the role of UCC predecessors in the “eugenics movement” –a late 1800s-mid 1900s movement involving “improving” the gene-pool (so to speak); and a resolution affirming diversity/multicultural education in public schools particularly around LGBT education.
All this said, my most powerful personal experience was an encounter with a waiter at a Grand Rapids restaurant--a gay man who, in an off-work chat, asked me about the UCC because of all the Synod-related customers he had served. Their joy and friendliness and relaxed, open attitude was so unlike the “church people” he had known, especially growing up in the much more conservative “Christian Reformed” denomination that dominates Western Michigan. By the end of an hour-long conversation with him, about the UCC and saying a lot about our congregation as an example, he seemed determined to make his way to the “ONA” UCC congregation in downtown Grand Rapids, and eager to check out www.ucc.org. When we parted he said, “If we meet again, I think there’ll be a good chance I’ll be a member of the United Church of Christ, too!”
I left General Synod thinking about so many things, grateful for so much, filled with joy, and accepting that, even if my being a delegate was only to encourage a waiter to check out a local UCC congregation and find a different example of “being Christian”, that was more than enough to make it a good trip and a worthwhile extension of my ministry, your ministry, and OUR ministry, together and at a distance.
In the end, I’m more convinced than ever that, to have a truly ‘complete’ experience of what it means to be ‘church’, everyone should make an effort at some point to attend an event like General Synod at least once, whether as a delegate or visitor.
Pastor Doug
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Speakers - Liisa Analore
There are a few final pieces rolling around in my mind, reflections from Synod and my intent is to share them with you as my tired mind slowly wakes from a few days of sleep. One of those thoughts is on the array of speakers I was fortunate to be immersed in. Synod offered its' visitors a Saks Fifth Avenue class of speakers who through their articulation of speaking for a committee or ministry of the United Church of christ bore an impecable clear voice. It's this same clarity that is often lacking in many politicians. Having an agenda isn't wrong; quite the contrary. Delivering your "voice" with precision requires a tactful careful dance, that the leaders of the UCC led across our convention center ballroom into a open promenade tango and ending in sycopated separation of a paso doble. The speeches, although unique in steps, and latened with a burdeoning passion were delivered like no other, and while some didn't necessarily agree on the subject, the extrication was absolute.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Time for Business - Delegate Rev. Tisha Brown
Monday morning began with a caucus of the Wisconsin Delegation. Various members of the delegation reported on the work of their committees and we heard from two voices who are opposed to the Single Governance Board that will come before the Synod.I was on the committee that dealt with the resolution entitled “Calling for the Support of H.R. 676 – Single Payer National Health Care Reform to Advance Health Equity for All and to Eliminate Health Disparities." There was overwhelming support for this resolution and recognition that we are currently at a crucial point in our Nation’s history during which we might actually succeed in our efforts to provide health care for all Americans.
Our committee adjusted the resolution slightly to include a set of values and to ask the any legislation that might ultimately come to a vote in the Senat would include those values. We finished our business on Sunday evening and so after the caucus time was over on Monday morning I was free until 3:00 in the afternoon.
Our first order of business for Monday night was Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the UCC that would bring those documents into line with action of the General Synod four years ago to affirm alternate paths to ministry. Alternate Paths to Ministry means that individuals might be ordained, licensed or commissioned for ministry in the UCC by following a variety of paths of study, education and preparation not only a four year college degree and Masters of Divinity. There was residual discussion as we addressed these Bylaws and Constitution changes about affirming our history of an educated clergy. Nevertheless, we affirmed these changes to our Constitution and By-Laws.
We also passed these resolutions: "Calling on President Barack Obama to Revisit and Re-negotiate a More Humane, Democratic, and Ecologically Sound Version of the North American Free Trade Agreement" and "A Call to Awareness and Action to End the Practice of Trafficking in Persons." Other business included voting to confirm Linda Jaramillo as Minister of Justice and Witness Ministries; Stephen Stearner as Minister to Local Church Ministries and Geoffrey Black as General Minister and President and recognizing folks and organizations and churches that have received awared and recognition during Synod.
Monday evening’s business session ended with a beautiful evening prayer service led by a quartet of dancers who took us through the wonder of creation in scripture, movementand song. This was an unexpected highlight of Synod that I almost missed because it was 9:15 p.m. and we had had a long, exhausting day. I’m so glad I didn’t walk out when business ended!Tuesday morning featured another 6:30 a.m. Caucus gathering during which we received additional committee reports and honored the youth delegation from the Wisconsin Conference who have been participating in service projects, attending business sessions and committee meetings and representing the Wisconsin Conference with great maturity and enthusiasm. The first order of business for this morning was the 9 different resolutions addressing the single governance proposal and process.
The committee that had the monumental task of bringing a recommended action to the floor worked through what sounded like an incredible process that resulted in submitting a resolution titled “Toward Unified Governance For the National Setting Of The United Church of Christ.” This resolution’s most significant shift was in changing the words “Single Governance” to the words “Unified Governance.” It also recommended that the Executive Council and the Covenanted Ministries Boards continue holding sacred conversations on race and also continue the process to propose a Unified Governance Proposal for General Synod 28 in 2011. These conversations would be separate from one another but could take place concurrently. The resolution encourages local churches, associations and conferences to discuss the concept of Unified Governance so that the Church is prepared to move on this matter at the next General Synod.After the resolution above was presented to the floor an amendment was offered that was ultimately defeated.
When the allotted time for this business was up the moderator noted that unless there was a motion to continue debate she would be forced to call the question at hand and force a vote on the resolution itself. No one moved to extend debate, the question was called and the resolution passed. This was when the fun really began as there was one young woman who was in line to offer a minority report who was not allowed to speak because the question had been called and the chair had moved on to the next order of business.
The chair of the next committee began his presentation when a small group of those opposed to the resolution gathered in the front of the room and began to sing and clap disrupting the business. The Moderator ruled them out of order but they continued until finally someone gave one of the women in the group an opportunity to speak.
We did finally move on with the agenda to affirm the following resolutions: “An Economic Justice Coveannt;” A Call to be Global Mission Churches in the United Church of Christ;” “A Call for Study of Our Church’s Involvement in the Eugenics Movement;” and “Calling for Comprehensive HIV Prevention in Church and Community.”
Ken Medema, who has been providing musical interludes throughout the various business sessions did a masterful job of singing the pain, tension and hope of the events surround the resolution on Unified Governance. Tuesday's afternoon business session included some additional tensions around LGBT issues as they were raised in a resolution affirming Diversity/Multicultural Education. Members of the Biblical Witness Fellowship raised objection to the idea of including education about LGBT issues as part of diversity education in the schools. Even in the UCC the question of inclusiveness and equality for LGBT people is not a completely settled question.A complete list of resolutions that were presented and acted upon by the General Synod can be found at http://www.ucc.org/ for those who are interested.
Tuesday concluded with a worship service including communion and a party with the Wisconsin Delegation. I am honored to have been a part of the delegation from Wisconsin and to have had the opportunity to be here at this gathering of the national church. I have been reminded this week of the many strengths and some of the weaknesses of our denomination. It is good to see both sides but ultimately to affirm that we are an important and vital witness to the love and justice of Jesus Christ in the world. It will be good to be home. Blessings,Tisha
Our committee adjusted the resolution slightly to include a set of values and to ask the any legislation that might ultimately come to a vote in the Senat would include those values. We finished our business on Sunday evening and so after the caucus time was over on Monday morning I was free until 3:00 in the afternoon.
Our first order of business for Monday night was Amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the UCC that would bring those documents into line with action of the General Synod four years ago to affirm alternate paths to ministry. Alternate Paths to Ministry means that individuals might be ordained, licensed or commissioned for ministry in the UCC by following a variety of paths of study, education and preparation not only a four year college degree and Masters of Divinity. There was residual discussion as we addressed these Bylaws and Constitution changes about affirming our history of an educated clergy. Nevertheless, we affirmed these changes to our Constitution and By-Laws.
We also passed these resolutions: "Calling on President Barack Obama to Revisit and Re-negotiate a More Humane, Democratic, and Ecologically Sound Version of the North American Free Trade Agreement" and "A Call to Awareness and Action to End the Practice of Trafficking in Persons." Other business included voting to confirm Linda Jaramillo as Minister of Justice and Witness Ministries; Stephen Stearner as Minister to Local Church Ministries and Geoffrey Black as General Minister and President and recognizing folks and organizations and churches that have received awared and recognition during Synod.
Monday evening’s business session ended with a beautiful evening prayer service led by a quartet of dancers who took us through the wonder of creation in scripture, movementand song. This was an unexpected highlight of Synod that I almost missed because it was 9:15 p.m. and we had had a long, exhausting day. I’m so glad I didn’t walk out when business ended!Tuesday morning featured another 6:30 a.m. Caucus gathering during which we received additional committee reports and honored the youth delegation from the Wisconsin Conference who have been participating in service projects, attending business sessions and committee meetings and representing the Wisconsin Conference with great maturity and enthusiasm. The first order of business for this morning was the 9 different resolutions addressing the single governance proposal and process.
The committee that had the monumental task of bringing a recommended action to the floor worked through what sounded like an incredible process that resulted in submitting a resolution titled “Toward Unified Governance For the National Setting Of The United Church of Christ.” This resolution’s most significant shift was in changing the words “Single Governance” to the words “Unified Governance.” It also recommended that the Executive Council and the Covenanted Ministries Boards continue holding sacred conversations on race and also continue the process to propose a Unified Governance Proposal for General Synod 28 in 2011. These conversations would be separate from one another but could take place concurrently. The resolution encourages local churches, associations and conferences to discuss the concept of Unified Governance so that the Church is prepared to move on this matter at the next General Synod.After the resolution above was presented to the floor an amendment was offered that was ultimately defeated.
When the allotted time for this business was up the moderator noted that unless there was a motion to continue debate she would be forced to call the question at hand and force a vote on the resolution itself. No one moved to extend debate, the question was called and the resolution passed. This was when the fun really began as there was one young woman who was in line to offer a minority report who was not allowed to speak because the question had been called and the chair had moved on to the next order of business.
The chair of the next committee began his presentation when a small group of those opposed to the resolution gathered in the front of the room and began to sing and clap disrupting the business. The Moderator ruled them out of order but they continued until finally someone gave one of the women in the group an opportunity to speak.
We did finally move on with the agenda to affirm the following resolutions: “An Economic Justice Coveannt;” A Call to be Global Mission Churches in the United Church of Christ;” “A Call for Study of Our Church’s Involvement in the Eugenics Movement;” and “Calling for Comprehensive HIV Prevention in Church and Community.”
Ken Medema, who has been providing musical interludes throughout the various business sessions did a masterful job of singing the pain, tension and hope of the events surround the resolution on Unified Governance. Tuesday's afternoon business session included some additional tensions around LGBT issues as they were raised in a resolution affirming Diversity/Multicultural Education. Members of the Biblical Witness Fellowship raised objection to the idea of including education about LGBT issues as part of diversity education in the schools. Even in the UCC the question of inclusiveness and equality for LGBT people is not a completely settled question.A complete list of resolutions that were presented and acted upon by the General Synod can be found at http://www.ucc.org/ for those who are interested.
Tuesday concluded with a worship service including communion and a party with the Wisconsin Delegation. I am honored to have been a part of the delegation from Wisconsin and to have had the opportunity to be here at this gathering of the national church. I have been reminded this week of the many strengths and some of the weaknesses of our denomination. It is good to see both sides but ultimately to affirm that we are an important and vital witness to the love and justice of Jesus Christ in the world. It will be good to be home. Blessings,Tisha
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sunday at Synod - Delegate Rev. Tisha Brown
Today the nitty gritty business of General Synod begins. But first some gathered for Sacred Conversations on Race and others (like myself) went to worship in area congregations. I joined two other folks in attending Mars Hill the church of Rob Bell. I don't know a lot about Rob Bell but he's a young guy who started this church in Grand Rapids. He also produces videos for youth groups and adult discussion groups that explore various themes of faith. I've only seen one of the videos and I thought it was pretty good so I was interested in hearing him preach.
We drove up to the address of the church and followed the parking lot attendants to the parking lot of the church located in the back section of a mall. We went inside a humongous building and were ushered into the gathering space, which holds 3,500 people.
The music was fairly typical mega-church fare although the theology was a little more open-minded than what I've been exposed to in the past. It felt a little like a concert - performers on the stage, people singing along to their favorite songs. There wasn't a single moment where I felt like I was part of a community. But, I am a person who really likes and feels most comfortable in small groups.
The topic of the sermon was forgiveness. Rob Bell preached on one line of text - Jesus speaking from the cross in Luke; "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." I appreciated his insights about forgiveness - nothing new to me.
Then we went into communion - no liturgy, no prayer, no words just an invitation to come forward and serve yourself from the table with the little fake bread wafers and cups of juice. Some people served one another, some served themselves. This was my least favorite element of worship. I like the practice of serving one another, of being Christ with and for one another at the table.
Also during this time there were people who went up onto the platform to offer prayers at the cross. This was very touching and real. Clearly there were many people who had been deeply touched by what they had heard and who were really working on forgiveness.
Overall, a worthwhile journey into an unfamiliar church environment. It made me appreciate my own community in many ways. What we do is not as polished or as high tech but it is very real and incredibly genuine and for me that is enough, more than enough.
The afternoon was free time, which concluded with opening worship at 3:00 p.m. John Thomas preached and encouraged the entire UCC to be more bold, to take more risks, to dive into the pool of evangelism (there are no crocodiles in there!) and to be even bolder in our witness for social justice - to go beyond our fears of how our own lives will change if we actually succeeded on some of our visions. Because our lives would change and will change if and when we achieve greater justice for a greater number of people. Those of us in privileged positions have to be willing to let go of our privilege, our power and our luxurious lifestyle in order for justice to be real for more people. It's a scary but necessary thing for us to grapple with. In the end he assured us that the river of God's love, of salvation is flowing through it all assuring us of God's presence and God's care for all.
After a lovely dinner, I met with my committee, which was considering a resolution calling the UCC to take action in the next four months to encourage congress to pass comprehensive health care legislation that would provide health care for all Americans and eliminate the disparaties in healthcare, primarily for people of color. We had decent presentations from the authors of the resolution and I believe strengthened the resolution based on their input and our own deep concern for health care. We finished our business by 9:30 p.m. and so Monday morning is a free time for us!
After the committees adjourned I attended a 20/30 clergy gathering during which we honored and gave a gift to Rev. John Thomas for his faithful service and in particular for his support of this network of younger clergy.
It was another full day but also had more free time in it than I was imagining. I am looking forward to the business sessions on Monday and to starting to hear about some of the resolutions that various committees are working on.
As a reminder, there is live feed of much of what happens at General Synod on the UCC web page - http://www.ucc.org/.
Until the next post.
Tisha
We drove up to the address of the church and followed the parking lot attendants to the parking lot of the church located in the back section of a mall. We went inside a humongous building and were ushered into the gathering space, which holds 3,500 people.
The music was fairly typical mega-church fare although the theology was a little more open-minded than what I've been exposed to in the past. It felt a little like a concert - performers on the stage, people singing along to their favorite songs. There wasn't a single moment where I felt like I was part of a community. But, I am a person who really likes and feels most comfortable in small groups.
The topic of the sermon was forgiveness. Rob Bell preached on one line of text - Jesus speaking from the cross in Luke; "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." I appreciated his insights about forgiveness - nothing new to me.
Then we went into communion - no liturgy, no prayer, no words just an invitation to come forward and serve yourself from the table with the little fake bread wafers and cups of juice. Some people served one another, some served themselves. This was my least favorite element of worship. I like the practice of serving one another, of being Christ with and for one another at the table.
Also during this time there were people who went up onto the platform to offer prayers at the cross. This was very touching and real. Clearly there were many people who had been deeply touched by what they had heard and who were really working on forgiveness.
Overall, a worthwhile journey into an unfamiliar church environment. It made me appreciate my own community in many ways. What we do is not as polished or as high tech but it is very real and incredibly genuine and for me that is enough, more than enough.
The afternoon was free time, which concluded with opening worship at 3:00 p.m. John Thomas preached and encouraged the entire UCC to be more bold, to take more risks, to dive into the pool of evangelism (there are no crocodiles in there!) and to be even bolder in our witness for social justice - to go beyond our fears of how our own lives will change if we actually succeeded on some of our visions. Because our lives would change and will change if and when we achieve greater justice for a greater number of people. Those of us in privileged positions have to be willing to let go of our privilege, our power and our luxurious lifestyle in order for justice to be real for more people. It's a scary but necessary thing for us to grapple with. In the end he assured us that the river of God's love, of salvation is flowing through it all assuring us of God's presence and God's care for all.
After a lovely dinner, I met with my committee, which was considering a resolution calling the UCC to take action in the next four months to encourage congress to pass comprehensive health care legislation that would provide health care for all Americans and eliminate the disparaties in healthcare, primarily for people of color. We had decent presentations from the authors of the resolution and I believe strengthened the resolution based on their input and our own deep concern for health care. We finished our business by 9:30 p.m. and so Monday morning is a free time for us!
After the committees adjourned I attended a 20/30 clergy gathering during which we honored and gave a gift to Rev. John Thomas for his faithful service and in particular for his support of this network of younger clergy.
It was another full day but also had more free time in it than I was imagining. I am looking forward to the business sessions on Monday and to starting to hear about some of the resolutions that various committees are working on.
As a reminder, there is live feed of much of what happens at General Synod on the UCC web page - http://www.ucc.org/.
Until the next post.
Tisha
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Sunday Night--Don Niederfrank
The sacred conversation on race that I attended this morning was enjoyable. The most heartening part of it was the leadership of Kaji Spellman. Articulate, spiritual, clearly intelligent. And able to re-gather and direct us even when one of the participants fell and needed medical attention. I’m not sure any transformation is possible in one morning but it was a piece of consciousness raising to have someone suggest that we needed to move beyond talking about “race” or “race issues” and have a conversation about racism itself.
This afternoon’s service was invigorating and inspirational. A bit poignant in that it was John Thomas’ last sermon to the General Synod as its General Minister and President, but a good sermon and a good service. Tonight we get to work.
Our committee finished up its work tonight. Yesssssss!
This afternoon’s service was invigorating and inspirational. A bit poignant in that it was John Thomas’ last sermon to the General Synod as its General Minister and President, but a good sermon and a good service. Tonight we get to work.
Our committee finished up its work tonight. Yesssssss!
Honduras Coup Announced During Worship
David Vargas of Global Ministries announced during the Sunday afternoon worship that a Honduras Coup had occured and requested prayers for the Hondurans and Global Ministries Missionaries serving in Honduras. Read the complete report from CNN's website.
The Wisconsin Conference UCC is grateful to Rev. Mario Navarro who leads the La Vina Del Senor Church in Waukesha, WI. Wisconsin Conference Minister David Moyer asked that I post in a blog that he had spoken to Mario to check on the status of his extended family and friends who are in Honduras. Mario reported that at this point his family and friends are safe and the "coup is so far a peaceful one, with the majority of the violence in the Southern Honduras's Capital City. Please keep Rev. Navarro's family and friends in your prayers.
The Wisconsin Conference UCC is grateful to Rev. Mario Navarro who leads the La Vina Del Senor Church in Waukesha, WI. Wisconsin Conference Minister David Moyer asked that I post in a blog that he had spoken to Mario to check on the status of his extended family and friends who are in Honduras. Mario reported that at this point his family and friends are safe and the "coup is so far a peaceful one, with the majority of the violence in the Southern Honduras's Capital City. Please keep Rev. Navarro's family and friends in your prayers.
River City Saturday - Delegate Rev. Tisha Brown
River City Saturday began at 6:30 a.m. for the delegates from the Wisconsin Conference. We welcomed two people who worked on the Single Governance Structure proposal who gave us more information about the process from their perspective.I asked them to speak to the issues I’ve heard raised about concerns about the proposal from the Historically Underrepresented Groups. The representatives from the process made it clear that the opposition to the Single Governance Proposal comes from some but not all of these groups and within the groups. The picture that is coming together for me from what I’ve heard is one of an inter-family fight that has its roots in deep history and that has a lot to do with struggles over power and the lack of trust that has developed through difficult and painful experiences.
I have no doubt that the UCC has struggled with racism and that the people of color within this denomination have many real experiences of being left out of major decisions, not represented at the table or downright ignored, belittled or worse. We are human and we live in a racist society. At the same time, I have seen this denomination make sincere and concerted efforts to work against the impacts of racism that belittle all of us.
So where does that leave us with this single governance proposal? It seems to me there are two different things we need to address. One is healing wounds from past hurts, finding ways of offering and accepting forgiveness and then building or re-building trust. The other is the reality before us of a denomination whose structure is unwieldy and eating up precious resources that are needed for us to move into the future and continue to do God’s work in the way only we can. From what I’ve heard, we can’t afford to spend any more time debating structure. Now is the time to move forward and work out details as we go along.
There will never be a perfect structure. There will never be a time when all people agree on one course of action and so we have to be bold and courageous and move ahead praying for God’s grace and guidance. This matter will be referred to one of the committees to deal with the propositions that are before the Synod. It will be that committee’s task to deliberate and recommend a course of action to the entire body on Tuesday morning.
It is highly unlikely that I will be on that committee but all delegates will have an opportunity to speak to whatever the committee represents when the matter is brought to the floor. Please continue your prayers as we move into the more concentrated business portion of our time together. The rest of the day on Saturday was a festival of lectures, music and dance performances and workshops.
The highlight for me was watching a DVD called “What Makes Me White” by Aimee Sands. This DVD is Aimee Sands’ exploration of her own formation as a white person, which she argues is as much a construct of culture and experience as blackness or any other racial identity. She tells the story of driving into the New York City from the suburbs and that when the car reached the part of the city where people of color lived the windows would go up and the doors would be locked. This experience communicated to her a feeling of fear and separation from people of color that harmed her and caused her to feel fearful and isolated.
She reflected on the fact that white people very rarely talk about race. It’s not something we have to think about because of our privileged position in American society. Our attitudes about race, our privilege is hurtful to us. They separate us from so much of the world and from so many people. They are also hurtful to our sisters and brothers of color. Sands’ request of all the white people who watch her DVD to do the personal work of uncovering and transforming our racist assumptions and attitudes and then to do what we can to work toward greater equality for all people. She implored the white people in the room to become aware of when and where in our lives we are given the benefit of the doubt because of the color of our skin and then act to make changes within ourselves and within society at large. This was a powerful DVD and I hope it will be available for congregations to watch and discuss at some point.
Over the dinner hour I coordinated a dinner for clergy in their 20s and 30s to discuss the emerging church – what we know about it, what we wonder about it, how we’d like to incorporate some of its witness into the life and ministry of our own congregations and within the UCC as a whole. This was a stimulating, exciting, spirit-filled discussion. Our conversation and my growing awareness of the emerging church is giving me great and amazing hope for the future of the church. I can’t wait to learn more about this movement of renewal and re-imagination.
Saturday ended with a celebration of the ministry of John Thomas as the 6th General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. John has held this position for the last 10 years. Later this week the mantle of leadership will be passed to Rev. Geoffrey Black. The celebration of John Thomas’ ministry highlighted a number of themes of his ministry and of our denomination. First, he was recognized for his consistent presence and witness within the national and global ecumenical community and praised for his commitment and dedication to ecumenism in all its various forms. Next, he was praised for his prophetic witness and strong commitment to justice, especially standing with Trinity, UCC when the controversy over comments of their former pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
The God is Still Speaking campaign was lifted up as an example of John’s but also the entire UCC’s Evangelical courage – the courage to step out boldly to proclaim who we are and to extand radical hospitality and an extravagant welcome to all people, no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey. In his own remarks about his years of ministry as the General Minister and President, John Thomas said that it has been his privilege to serve “A community of faith that takes God seriously enough not to take itself too seriously.” As the celebration came to a close I felt privileged to have had the opportunity to serve in the UCC with such a fine leader and colleague. It was another full but inspiring and meaningful day and now I turn my sights to the intense schedule of the next three days during which the only breaks will be for meals from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Prayers for me and all as we conduct the business of the church over the next three days are welcomed and encouraged. Tisha
Sunday morning
Is it fair to post here mostly what I wrote home? With some editing, here's an excerpt of a note sent this morning.
Synod's informative, sort of. Heard from Jim Wallis, Ray Suarez, Eugene Robinson and Krista Tibbet but honestly none of them saying anything especially insightful, new or inspiring though all of them obviously good, intelligent folk. The truth is the mainline church continues to decline in ways and for reasons that are far beyond its control no matter how creative or faithful we would be. That is not to be despairing or defeated but simply to acknowledge that worldly success is not to be equated with faithfulness. The size, wealth, influence and power of the church blossomed under Constantine.
John Thomas' farewell last night had probably the most presence and integrity of anything so far. He acknowledged mistakes and losses and costs to his family and expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving, etc. In extreme contrast to Otis Moss III's sermon, he was subdued. His acknowledgment of his debt to his sister Jean for taking care of their mother during the last 8 years of her life when he wasn't there as often as he "could, or perhaps should, have been" was what I will remember. And being who I am, I quietly cheered John's acknowledgementsin that we need to emphasize personal piety and a re-emphasize our founding vision to be a 'uniting church' vis-a-vis ecumenical relationships. John has been the lighting rod for much of my and others frustration with the leadership of our denomination. It was undeserved. We recieved, at fairly significant personal cost, much from this brother in Christ. I confess I, for one, am belated in my gratitude.
Synod's informative, sort of. Heard from Jim Wallis, Ray Suarez, Eugene Robinson and Krista Tibbet but honestly none of them saying anything especially insightful, new or inspiring though all of them obviously good, intelligent folk. The truth is the mainline church continues to decline in ways and for reasons that are far beyond its control no matter how creative or faithful we would be. That is not to be despairing or defeated but simply to acknowledge that worldly success is not to be equated with faithfulness. The size, wealth, influence and power of the church blossomed under Constantine.
John Thomas' farewell last night had probably the most presence and integrity of anything so far. He acknowledged mistakes and losses and costs to his family and expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving, etc. In extreme contrast to Otis Moss III's sermon, he was subdued. His acknowledgment of his debt to his sister Jean for taking care of their mother during the last 8 years of her life when he wasn't there as often as he "could, or perhaps should, have been" was what I will remember. And being who I am, I quietly cheered John's acknowledgementsin that we need to emphasize personal piety and a re-emphasize our founding vision to be a 'uniting church' vis-a-vis ecumenical relationships. John has been the lighting rod for much of my and others frustration with the leadership of our denomination. It was undeserved. We recieved, at fairly significant personal cost, much from this brother in Christ. I confess I, for one, am belated in my gratitude.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Farewells...
I cannot begin to type words that give justice to the farewell gathering for Rev. John Thomas. Check out the photo gallery.
Saturday Lunchtime--Don Niederfrank
Being a morning person, I was happy to be at breakfast at 6:30. The two persons who resourced more of our learning about single governance were very helpful and articulate. The issues are becoming clearer though the process(es) necessary to resolve these to adequate satisfaction isn't quite there yet. The process for the resolution of these issues to universal satisfaction, no doubt, involves the return of Jesus and the establishment of the Kingdom; but until then we will our best.
Morning person though I am, I have to say that I really don't want someone telling me what to do with my body beyond standing and singing. As someone who has worshiped for over a half century, I can manage to be stretched and centered and focused for worship, and as a socially functioning adult I will manage to greet my neighbors on my own, thank you very much. Sorry, but it felt like a more sophisticated version of the camp experience of "Head & Shoulders, Knees and Toes".
Eugene Robinson is not the most dynamic speaker, but I don't need to be entertained. And he's one of the smartest, most observant and thoughtful persons we'll hear on diversity. "...a journey not a destination". Amen. Where are we being called to stretch next? Diversity of social, political, doctrinal opinions? Can we imagine something as radical as reuniting with some of the congregations that have left our denominational fold? What would evangelizing estranged kindred look like? Are we encamped on the Jabbok?
Barbara Brown Taylor consistently brings to her writing and speaking a witness informed by careful observation and inspired by caring reception of Word and Spirit. Which such wordsmiths about the fate of narrative is well-preserved and guarded in the age of twitter.
Speaking of such things, I'd like to say publicly that Liisa writes really well and I'm glad she's blogging here.
A lesson of the day. One cannot walk with a plate of veggie lasagna in one hand and a bottle of lemonade in one's pocket through the labyrinth of the skywalk to the Courtyard Marriot without both objects arriving at the approximately the same temperature. But good none-the-less.
One has to believe something...I believe there is just enough time for a nap before Jim Wallis...
Later.
Morning person though I am, I have to say that I really don't want someone telling me what to do with my body beyond standing and singing. As someone who has worshiped for over a half century, I can manage to be stretched and centered and focused for worship, and as a socially functioning adult I will manage to greet my neighbors on my own, thank you very much. Sorry, but it felt like a more sophisticated version of the camp experience of "Head & Shoulders, Knees and Toes".
Eugene Robinson is not the most dynamic speaker, but I don't need to be entertained. And he's one of the smartest, most observant and thoughtful persons we'll hear on diversity. "...a journey not a destination". Amen. Where are we being called to stretch next? Diversity of social, political, doctrinal opinions? Can we imagine something as radical as reuniting with some of the congregations that have left our denominational fold? What would evangelizing estranged kindred look like? Are we encamped on the Jabbok?
Barbara Brown Taylor consistently brings to her writing and speaking a witness informed by careful observation and inspired by caring reception of Word and Spirit. Which such wordsmiths about the fate of narrative is well-preserved and guarded in the age of twitter.
Speaking of such things, I'd like to say publicly that Liisa writes really well and I'm glad she's blogging here.
A lesson of the day. One cannot walk with a plate of veggie lasagna in one hand and a bottle of lemonade in one's pocket through the labyrinth of the skywalk to the Courtyard Marriot without both objects arriving at the approximately the same temperature. But good none-the-less.
One has to believe something...I believe there is just enough time for a nap before Jim Wallis...
Later.
Friday, June 26, 2009
The River....by Liisa Analore
"The River is flowing. Silently flowing
The river is flowing down to the sea
Holy God carry me, Child I will always be
Spirit immersed in me, flowing and free"
This photo is from the Candle Cloth Prayer Project which is on display in the DeVos Convention Center. It is from the Wisconsin Conference's Ebenezer Sheboygan UCC. It's beautiful in its' simplicity and inspires me as I imagine the creators; with a vision of contrasting colors and intensity.
A journey through any project, on any scale births from a small vein of water; a vision - often glassy clear although sometimes muddied and without definition. Some birth a grandiose vision and scale back, others start simple and end in an exhuberance of tangible completion.
Visions flow like rivers into finished pieces or bodies and sometimes, into the mouth of larger seas of opportunity. Like the intense process Rev. Otis Moss, III undertook during Friday evening worship, linguistically connecting the simplistic comma from Bible texts into an "if then" conjecture of processes, eventually bringing us to the United Church of Christ, here and now -these "rivers" are relevant to the flow of life, they birth new beginnings, wash our wrongs, and baptise us into new journeys in a constant never ending sea of Immersion.
We are still speaking, our Immersion is as clear as the borders of the Ebenezer Candle Cloth; although within borders infinitate in its' beauty to affect humanity and life while the imprint in my mind from yesterday affects today's journey.
Opening Worship--Don Niederfrank
Rev. Otis Moss III's words paraphrased--"Death thought he could put a period at Calvary but on Easter morning Jesus rose up and said, 'I am a comma!'"
All else would just be commentary. More later.
All else would just be commentary. More later.
Arrival and touchdown--Don Niederfrank
OK, first of all I'm parked at the wrong Marriott. But we'll worry about that Wednesday morning. Hey, the worst they can do is tow the car.
But good surprises right away at the right Marriott. I run into an old student/friend who is now a colleague. He offers to take my bags up to my room, either out of respect for my age or in hope of a tip. I decline.
Then I find out I baptized my roomie! Well, it was a while ago, but what a wonderful "circle event". Much conversation, catching up, laughing, learning and discovery of Maggie's Kitchen for dinner. OK, must run. Am going to be late for opening worship. More later.
But good surprises right away at the right Marriott. I run into an old student/friend who is now a colleague. He offers to take my bags up to my room, either out of respect for my age or in hope of a tip. I decline.
Then I find out I baptized my roomie! Well, it was a while ago, but what a wonderful "circle event". Much conversation, catching up, laughing, learning and discovery of Maggie's Kitchen for dinner. OK, must run. Am going to be late for opening worship. More later.
General Synod Opening Day - Delegate Rev. Tisha Brown
The theme of General Synod 27 is "Immerse Yourself". What you see here is the amazing creation of Alexandra Childs, a pastor at First Congregational Church of Alameda, CA. This display, which is amazing up close and personal used 4 tons of stone, 200 gallons of water (to fill the 8x8 foot immersion pool up on the stage) and 50 live plants.This first official day of General Synod has been a true immersion in the joys and the challenges of what the next few days will be about.
Some of the joys: catching up with old friends and making new ones; cookies, cookies and more cookies (I had 6 today...); hearing from the General Minister and President Elect, Rev. Geoffrey Black; honoring the life and ministry of Rev. Joseph H. Evans, the third president of the UCC and its first African American President; the presentation of congregations that have joined the UCC since last General Synod and the introduction of the slogan "Vital Congregations Multiply"; worship led by the choirs and dance ministries of Trinity, UCC in Chicago and preaching by Rev. Otis Moss, Jr., their pastor.
The primary challenge of this General Synod centers the process of finding a way to structure our denomination that will support the ministry we are called to do without being too cumbersome and that will ensure that all of the diverse and varied voices of our wider church are represented at the table.
The original plan was to have a proposed new structure to present to this General Synod that the delegates would hopefully approve so that the national church could do the Constitution and By-laws work that would implement this new structure. The proposed structure is called "Single Governance" and involves moving from 4 covenanted ministries with 4 separate boards plus the Executive Council toward a single governing body that would plan for and represent all of the ministries and boards of the entire church.
From what I can tell, the process of moving from the current structure to the development of a proposed new structure was deeply flawed in some way - or at least it feels to some that it was deeply flawed. Concerns about the planning process that produced the Single Governance plan led one of the covenanted ministries to vote against the proposal at its Spring meeting thereby halting the entire process at the 11th hour.
We had our first opportunity today as delegates to get more information about this process and its breakdown and to discuss in principal whether or not we affirm a single governance model for the UCC.
From the session I attended it is clear that this process has caused great division, pain and fear among those who have been directly involved. The groups that seem particularly concerned about it are those groups in the UCC that are referred to as the Historically Underrepresented Groups or HUGS - groups like PAAM (Pacific and Asian American Ministries); COREM (Council of Racial and Ethnic Minorities); United Black Christians, and others. There are cries of the process being racist and pleas to scrap the entire process and start all over again.
Since I am new to this discussion and have very little information on which to weigh these issues it feels like we delegates are being brought into a family fight at the last minute without adequate information to weigh the pros and cons and make a reasonable and rational decision about what should happen.
On the one hand it makes a lot of "head" sense to restructure our denomination - we're in decline, we don't have a lot of money, the current structure is unwieldy (285 people serve on the various boards and committees of the national church! The new structure would have a single board of 85 people).
On the other hand it is clear that this process has caused a lot of pain. One woman from PAAM who was in our meeting was on the verge of tears as she pleaded for delegates to hear what she had to say about PAAM's concerns with the new structure and with the process that led to this new structure and their reasons for voting against the proposal.
It is hard to say where this discussion will lead and I'm actually not even sure yet what will ultimately come to the floor for a vote but I invite your prayers for us as we try to sort out all the passionate and competing voices and with grace, love, compassion and humility move through this process with one another.
One thing is for sure, these hurts go deep and are not just about this one thing but about the pain of racism, sexism, elitism, classism as it has been experienced in our church but also in the wider culture.
Tomorrow begins with breakfast at 6:30 a.m. Each Conference delegation gathers with itself to share a meal and receive further input on the Single Governance issue. After breakfast it's River City Saturday, an all day festival of speakers, workshops, performances and fun. I'm looking forward to it all and am still feeling incredibly blessed just to be here.
Until tomorrow,
Tisha
Cookies and Registration - Liisa Analore
A couple pictures of the Great Cookie Drop off before Synod begins! Thank you Michigan UCC churches for all of your baking! I cannot wait to try them. Thank you also to the volunteers who were out early in the morning unloading cars of cookies. 
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Dawn will Break - by Liisa Analore
It's Thursday evening, the night before the United Church of Christ General Synod 27 will begin and the streets of Grand Rapids are slowly being birthed with a populating mass of black comma appliqued apparel. Banners, welcoming the United Church of Christ on behalf of the city are strategically placed on the main furloughs entering the city. From a corporation background, my mind envelopes the gesture, and finds it to be rather cordial. After a year immersed in the UCC, my heart revels in the upcoming joy that will be brought to many in Grand Rapids MI by the spirit of the people of the UCC.
It it time to eat, and I venture with the Conference Staff and a pastor who has shared the six hour commute with me while talking about nearly everything imaginable from the church to Aino and Toivo jokes. She loves her "job" as a pastor more than any CEO or executive I have met.
I pause cautiously, waiting for the walk sign to direct while chatter quickly erupt and hugs are exchanged between Wisconsin Conference members and remembered aquaintences. The business talk is quick and asks the usual "how are you? Which church in which town are you serving?"
My ears listen and enjoy the greeting between our Conference Minister and an older gentleman with sparkling blue eyes clearer than Michigan's own Lake Superior on a spring day after the ice has vacated. The sun bounces off his forehead, while I search behind him to observe the Pedestrian signals, but really watching his expressions; full of exhuberance and anticipation - a genuine excitement in what is to come. His questions become personal, and he remembers family; asks of their welfare with a simplistic true sincerity. Embraces are exchanged once again and I revel in the true art & beauty of this connection.
THIS is our church. I stand from the outside; look inside; circle the beauty and hover over it like a honeybee in springtime over gladiolas - anticipating this birth. I reach and pull the beveled glass door of our eating space - remind myself that "Where ever I am on Life's Journey - I am welcome here." - and HERE, in the UCC is a space full of love, acceptance, grace and respect.
Dawn will break in 7 hours - Grand Rapids, MI; our journey begins.
It it time to eat, and I venture with the Conference Staff and a pastor who has shared the six hour commute with me while talking about nearly everything imaginable from the church to Aino and Toivo jokes. She loves her "job" as a pastor more than any CEO or executive I have met.
I pause cautiously, waiting for the walk sign to direct while chatter quickly erupt and hugs are exchanged between Wisconsin Conference members and remembered aquaintences. The business talk is quick and asks the usual "how are you? Which church in which town are you serving?"
My ears listen and enjoy the greeting between our Conference Minister and an older gentleman with sparkling blue eyes clearer than Michigan's own Lake Superior on a spring day after the ice has vacated. The sun bounces off his forehead, while I search behind him to observe the Pedestrian signals, but really watching his expressions; full of exhuberance and anticipation - a genuine excitement in what is to come. His questions become personal, and he remembers family; asks of their welfare with a simplistic true sincerity. Embraces are exchanged once again and I revel in the true art & beauty of this connection.
THIS is our church. I stand from the outside; look inside; circle the beauty and hover over it like a honeybee in springtime over gladiolas - anticipating this birth. I reach and pull the beveled glass door of our eating space - remind myself that "Where ever I am on Life's Journey - I am welcome here." - and HERE, in the UCC is a space full of love, acceptance, grace and respect.
Dawn will break in 7 hours - Grand Rapids, MI; our journey begins.
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