Musings Along Life's Way: Annual Meeting of the Northern California Nevada Conference
Dear Friends,
I would like to tell you a little about the Annual Meeting of the Northern California Nevada Conference (NCNCUCC) that I just attended last weekend in Pacific Grove. This year’s Annual Meeting was perhaps the most exciting meeting that I have attended since coming to California 8 years ago. At the meeting delegates addressed big issues: External issues like racism and issues internal to the church such as by-law revision. In addition, we heard from national church leaders and were informed of exciting new programs being offered by the conference. For me, the most exciting moment came at the very beginning when the Conference meeting overwhelmingly affirmed the California Supreme Court as it overturned the ban on same sex marriage.
A few highlights:
Ron Buford comes to the Northern California Nevada Conference. Ron was the national coordinator for the God Is Still Speaking initiative in the United Church of Christ. This identity movement within the church has done much to help churches throughout the country. Now employed by the NCNCUCC , Ron is development officer for the Conference. He will be helping churches throughout the conference to strengthen their identity, mission and stewardship. We are currently in conversation with Ron to have him pay us a visit this fall. The Stewardship and Growth Boards will keep you informed.
A Spiritual Five for Five., As part of his presentation, Ron Buford offered a “spiritual five for five” for local churches. The five primary activities of a healthy church and healthy Christians are: worshiping, connecting, learning, serving and giving. A plan is being offered to churches that will help individuals focus on these spiritual disciplines for their lives and for the life of the church. Stay tuned.
Felix Carrion, current God is Still Speaking Coordinator addresses the Conference. Felix is the coordinator of God is Still Speaking for the national setting of the church. Felix spoke twice to the meeting. With a Pentecostal background his excellent presentations were filled with life and passion. The Still Speaking God is active in our midst, offering us countless opportunities to affirm God’s actions in our midst. It is my hope that the Still Speaking Initiative will be able to provide us with resources for an ad campaign in July. We’ll keep you posted.
A Conversation on Racism. Rev. John Thomas asked that May 18th might be a day for national conversation on race and racism. Over the weekend this conversation began on the Conference level. The conversation had highs and lows. Painful at times, churches agreed to continue the conversation on the local level.
It was good to be at annual meeting. We are a church known on all levels of the United Church of Christ. Because we were included in the video which was shot in our parking lot two years ago, both Ron Buford and Felix Carrion were familiar with us and our ministry. It is wonderful to be part of such a lively and healthy church. Also, did you know that we are #12 among 132 conference churches in terms of our giving to the Conference and National levels of the Church? Did you know we are #3 in our giving to the Christmas Fund (an offering for retired clergy)? These are just two examples of how we are a lead church in the NCNCUCC and nationally. Keep up the good work. Blessings, David
I would like to tell you a little about the Annual Meeting of the Northern California Nevada Conference (NCNCUCC) that I just attended last weekend in Pacific Grove. This year’s Annual Meeting was perhaps the most exciting meeting that I have attended since coming to California 8 years ago. At the meeting delegates addressed big issues: External issues like racism and issues internal to the church such as by-law revision. In addition, we heard from national church leaders and were informed of exciting new programs being offered by the conference. For me, the most exciting moment came at the very beginning when the Conference meeting overwhelmingly affirmed the California Supreme Court as it overturned the ban on same sex marriage.
A few highlights:
Ron Buford comes to the Northern California Nevada Conference. Ron was the national coordinator for the God Is Still Speaking initiative in the United Church of Christ. This identity movement within the church has done much to help churches throughout the country. Now employed by the NCNCUCC , Ron is development officer for the Conference. He will be helping churches throughout the conference to strengthen their identity, mission and stewardship. We are currently in conversation with Ron to have him pay us a visit this fall. The Stewardship and Growth Boards will keep you informed.
A Spiritual Five for Five., As part of his presentation, Ron Buford offered a “spiritual five for five” for local churches. The five primary activities of a healthy church and healthy Christians are: worshiping, connecting, learning, serving and giving. A plan is being offered to churches that will help individuals focus on these spiritual disciplines for their lives and for the life of the church. Stay tuned.
Felix Carrion, current God is Still Speaking Coordinator addresses the Conference. Felix is the coordinator of God is Still Speaking for the national setting of the church. Felix spoke twice to the meeting. With a Pentecostal background his excellent presentations were filled with life and passion. The Still Speaking God is active in our midst, offering us countless opportunities to affirm God’s actions in our midst. It is my hope that the Still Speaking Initiative will be able to provide us with resources for an ad campaign in July. We’ll keep you posted.
A Conversation on Racism. Rev. John Thomas asked that May 18th might be a day for national conversation on race and racism. Over the weekend this conversation began on the Conference level. The conversation had highs and lows. Painful at times, churches agreed to continue the conversation on the local level.
It was good to be at annual meeting. We are a church known on all levels of the United Church of Christ. Because we were included in the video which was shot in our parking lot two years ago, both Ron Buford and Felix Carrion were familiar with us and our ministry. It is wonderful to be part of such a lively and healthy church. Also, did you know that we are #12 among 132 conference churches in terms of our giving to the Conference and National levels of the Church? Did you know we are #3 in our giving to the Christmas Fund (an offering for retired clergy)? These are just two examples of how we are a lead church in the NCNCUCC and nationally. Keep up the good work. Blessings, David
posted by FirstUCCSR at Thursday, May 22, 2008
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