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HARTFORD (05/24/2007) -- One of the hallmarks of the United Church of Christ's General Synods has been the creativity and spiritual depth of its worship services throughout the denomination's fifty years. The grand Festival Worship service at 3:00 pm on Sunday, June 24, at the Hartford Civic Center, is on track to fulfill the promise of its predecessors, and unlike other sessions of the Synod which require registration credentials, will be open to all who wish to attend.
UCC General Minister and President John Thomas, a Connecticut native, will preach for the Synod's central worship event, which will also celebrate the heritage of the denomination on its golden anniversary. A grand procession will feature banners from each Conference and mission agency, and symbols of the four predecessor traditions that formed the merged church. A three foot tall model of the schooner Amistad will represent the Congregational tradition, in honor of the Amistad committee formed to defend the Mendi captives of 1839. The Committee evolved into the American Missionary Association, the nation's first religious anti-slavery organization, after they successfully returned the freed Mendi to their homes.
Another feature of the procession will be the entrance of the Bible, which will be carried by the man who brought the Scriptures into worship at the Uniting Synod of 1957.
A four hundred voice choir, made up mostly of Connecticut singers but supported by voices from around the world, will fill the Civic Center with music and the hearts of the worshipers with a new spirit.
This worship experience promises to be a thrilling part of the Synod experience. In addition, the exhibit halls will be open for browsing before the service, providing a glimpse of the wide concerns and ministries of the United Church of Christ.
