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| Bob Chase speaks |
HARTFORD (11/06/2007) -- General Synod volunteers, Conference leaders, Synod delegates, youth stewards, and other celebrants gathered on a sunny November afternoon at the Asylum Hill Congregational Church UCC to remember and rejoice in the United Church of Christ's 50th Anniversary year, particularly the Connecticut Conference's successful hosting of the denomination's 26th General Synod in June. Keynote speaker Bob Chase summoned his hearers "to go forward boldly and creatively into a world where we cannot predict the final destination." Asylum Hill's Sanctuary Choir and the dance troupe Spectrum in Motion provided a worship environment charged with energy and deep with faith into which the day's reflections shone.
In his keynote address, the Rev. Bob Chase noted the enormous changes in the cultural life of the United States, and the increasingly chaotic nature of communication. Chase, the former Team Leader and Minister for the Proclamation, Identity, and Communication team of the UCC and now Founding Director of Intersections, spoke of the sheer volume of data being generated and distributed in traditional media and over the Internet. "Into the midst of this chaotic mix," he said, "we must continue to proclaim the distinctive witness of the United Church of Christ so that, like the prophet Habakkuk says, 'those who run may read it.'
"If we are to grow in faith beyond our first fifty years, we must venture forth into all of life’s intersections, finding new ways to heal the wounds that divide us and break down the barriers that exclude. With the eyes of our hearts enlightened, we must continue to heed the lessons of our stillspeaking campaign and launch an increasing effort on the strength of our 50th anniversary. We must proclaim who we are and offer Jesus’ extravagant welcome all along the way. We must engage the society that surrounds us and speak truth to power. The time is now. The task is ours."
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| Steve Mitchell directs the choir |
Click here for the full address.
The afternoon's music and dance were a fitting tribute to the Synod they celebrated. Led by Asylum Hill's Minister of Music and the Arts, Steven Mitchell, the church's Sanctuary Choir sang stirring renditions of traditional spirituals and a new song, "God is Still Speaking," written by Asylum Hill member Rod McBrien. Dance troupe "Spectrum in Motion" embodied the 23rd Psalm in a tender and moving dance response.
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| Spectrum in Motion |
Four voices added further reflections on the significance of General Synod 26 and the UCC's 20th anniversary year, offered by Synod youth steward (and Conference Director) Erin Corcoran of Farmington, Synod delegate the Rev. Walter Pitman of Southbury, volunteer Linda Suess of Tolland, and Justice and Witness Ministries board member Fredd Ward of Asylum Hill. Before the service, several people offered their memories and reflections to be recorded for posterity on video.
The national United Church of Christ leadership closed the anniversary year with a retrospective webcast about ninety minutes after the celebration ended in Hartford. The video included highlights from keynote presenters and performers at June's Synod, plus several of Synod in the City's speakers and musicians. Click here to view the recorded webcast online.
UCC General Minister and President also announced the launch of a UCC podcast. So far, the podcast contains audio of significant addresses of interest to the denomination's members, most recently including the words of Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann. Click here for more information on subscribing.
