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HARTFORD (04/04/2007) -- Center Church's meetinghouse had a capacity crowd on a Saturday morning, as over 400 people who have volunteered to welcome visitors to June's United Church of Christ General Synod came together for words of inspiration, meeting their task groups, asking questions and getting answers, and sharing in the excitement of the approaching event. Enthusiasm, energy and a good spirit were all palpable at the March 31st gathering, according to Conference Minister Davida Foy Crabtree.
Edith Guffey, the UCC's Associate General Minister and the executive with primary responsibility for Synod planning in the national offices, told the assembled volunteers how important their enthusiasm and hospitality will be, especially for the 50th Anniversary Synod. Far more than the normal number of 3,000 delegates and visitors are expected to come to Hartford to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the union that created the UCC, and the ministries that arose from the new denomination. Dr. Crabtree reminded the volunteers to come with great patience because the crowds will bring great challenges!
Event Coordinator Betsy McHaley described the Synod in the City day, in which delegates and visitors will have the opportunity to attend worship, workshop, cultural, and speaker events at venues throughout Hartford. Three to four hundred volunteers will support that event by guiding people to the sites, managing pedestrian traffic, and assisting presenters.
Dr. Crabtree further advised the volunteers to bring cultural interest and sensitivity to their General Synod tasks. Among the thousands of guests will be hundreds from cultural, racial, and ethnic backgrounds very different from their hosts. A warm welcome to all is the Conference's goal as it acts as servant to the Synod.
Over six hundred people have volunteered to date to extend Connecticut's extravagant welcome. Attendance at the March 31st event is not required to volunteer. Those who promise to work over eight hours will be eligible to register to attend Synod events at a significantly reduced rate; details are available from the volunteer coordinators. Click here to sign up as a volunteer online.
