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HARTFORD (04/02/2007) -- Saturday, June 23 is sure to stand out as one of the highlights of this Synod, or indeed any Synod gathering. Delegates and visitors will have a chance to be part of Synod in the City, a daylong festival of worship, Bible Study, workshops, lectures and concerts in celebration of the UCC’s 50th anniversary.
Starting with worship and a keynote address by journalist Bill Moyers in the Civic Center, people will then fan out across a two-block radius in downtown Hartford and into Bushnell Park, just a short distance away, to experience a day that will feature speakers, theologians, artists, performers and multimedia events in a variety of venues on a first come, first serve basis. Shuttle buses will be available for older persons and those with differing abilities.
Of course there will always be something happening in the Civic Center, where there’s plenty of room. UCC musicians, choirs and performers from around the country will take the stage and perform throughout the day. There will also be “fun booths” set up by the Synod local arrangements committee for children’s crafts, balloons and face painting. Food will be available at refreshment areas in the Civic Center and local downtown eateries, and there will be a number of food vendors at Bushnell Park. The day ends back in the Civic Center for a grand celebration.
In addition to Moyers, the list of invited guests includes Marian Wright Edelman, Ricardo Esquivia, John Hockenberry, Rev. Susan Thistlewaite, Kevin Phillips, Leonard Pitts, Jr., Marilynne Robinson, Walter Brueggemann, Valerie Tutson, Ingrid Mattson, Rabbi Naamah Kelman, Davey D, Lynn Redgrave (speaking Tuesday morning), Peter Gomes and many more.
These contemporary thinkers, performers, and social commentators from across the country and around the world were chosen because they offer distinctive insights into our mission as the United Church of Christ - a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, just peace church. Some are members of the UCC, others represent diverse viewpoints outside our church family. Together, they form a cultural mosaic of voices the church and global community will find inspiring, fascinating and challenging as we move into the twenty-first century.
All Synod registrants can participate in the day’s events. Registration for the entire General Synod, the weekend, or just Saturday’s Synod in the City, can made at www.ucc.org. Synod in the City will be made available to the public at the single day Synod registration price of $50. Children under 12 will be admitted free. A full list of presenters and events is highlighted in the Synod in the City brochure, available online.
On Sunday at 3 p.m., we will hold an inspiring worship service featuring a massed choir comprised of General Synod attendees and area churches. Our preacher will be the Rev. John Thomas, our general minister and president, and Holy Communion will be celebrated. Worship will be open to all –– including those not registered for Synod.
Plan to spend the weekend – or longer – in a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of friends and family in fun and faith. Register now for General Synod, and come to the party in Hartford, June 22- 26. For more information on General Synod XXVI and Synod in the City, please go to www.ucc.org/synod or www.ucc.org/50.
