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| Jim Morgan |
Mission Interpretation is one of the key responsibilities in the Wider Church Ministry job description, giving me the privilege of telling the story of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. And what a story this last year has been, visiting among the faithful of our local churches and explaining how their OCWM contributions support vital work on issues of peace, reconciliation and justice.
The God Is Still Speaking, initiative sent an electric charge through the United Church of Christ, and was powerfully felt in the Connecticut Conference. More than 150 of our local churches declared themselves to be Stillspeaking churches, committing themselves to offering extravagant welcome and radical hospitality to all Christian seekers.
The Korea and Colombia Partnership Committees, under the leadership of Rev. Deborah Blood and Rev. Linda Barnes respectively, continued to bring Christian witness to the situations in these two critical regions of the world, fostering relationship and increasing awareness.
The Wider Church Ministry Team is led by co-chairs Elizabeth McCosh- Lilie and Jill Shaw. Among several WCMT initiatives, the team highlighted the faithful lives and work of UCC missionaries, facilitating online “conversations” at Annual Meeting using the Internet.
Stewardship Development continues to be guided by Amy Beveridge, our Stewardship Specialist. In the past year, a group of volunteer Stewardship Associates has been well received throughout the Conference, working by invitation with local churches, individually or in clusters, to help develop and strengthen Stewardship efforts.
The Planned Giving Ministry continues to benefit from the invaluable leadership of Rev. Leonard Clough. The Conference was the recipient of a generous Charitable Gift Annuity that will be directed toward developing programs to foster ecumenical understanding and relationship.
This year, ConnTact, the Conference’s free newspaper, moved to a bi-monthly publication schedule. Communication within the Conference was enhanced by Conference Call, a new, four-page quarterly bulletin insert highlighting key news and events of interest to local congregations.
This report would not be complete without acknowledging the great assistance I receive from my colleague, Cecile Gilson. Her faith and dedication are inspiring. Together, we are committed to using the Wider Church Ministry office to support the energy and vision, the “lively faith” we see expressed in so many of our local churches. Shalom!
