Annual Meeting 2000
Saturday Workshops

11 AM TO 11:50 & 1 PM TO 1:50

Silver Lake "Futures"………Dana Fisher and Rev. Kathy Peters

Silver Lake Conference Center is "flying High" into the future with new facilities being planned, well loved buildings and grounds being repaired, high ropes and mid-week programs expanding, and summer programs reaching more young people---all this while we seek to maintain the high traditions and excellence of "the lake". Come and hear about this vital ministry of the CT Conference as we open ourselves to impacting more youth, more families, more adults, and more differently abled folks. Join us and discover how you and your church might be a part of it all!

A Slice of P.I.E. !………Karen Ziel and Rev. Barbara Unger

Connecticut’s Partners in Education Resource Consultants have tips, tools and training for you. Working with a local congregation these Partners can answer questions and suggest materials to enrich the educational ministry of your church. This workshop will give you updates on new curriculum (Bible Quest) and help you to determine how and when a Partner in Education might assist your church.

Understanding Globalization………Bill McClure, First Congregational Church of Guilford

The Common Global Ministries Board (UCC & Disciples) works to restore the economy and environment to the service of God. Capacity building projects, developed by the participating countries, work to build self-sustainability socially, politically and economically. The Wider Church Board has 4 small projects in Swaziland, located in Southern Africa, where Bill McClure visited in September. Back with slides and stories, Bill will put a local spin on what readers of "The Poisonwood Bible" and "The Lexus and the Olive Tree" have experienced. Discussion encouraged.

Mission Immersion—It’s not Mission Impossible………Rev. Ted Mosebach & Youth

Rev. Ted Mosebach and members of the Youth Group from First Congregational Church in East Hartford will share their experience helping flood victims in North Carolina to repair homes. You will learn how the youth and leaders were enriched by relationships they developed with the families they helped. They also formed lasting bonds with volunteers from other Christian traditions. This workshop will help you see how groups of any size can get started in mission immersion. There will be time for sharing questions and experiences.

Exercising Faith for Power………Rev. Leigh McCaffrey

Faith Based Community Organizations

Your congregation is already busy feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. But how can you improve your community so that there is less need for such charity? This workshop, offered by leaders in Connecticut faith-based community organizations, will explore how your church can help to create real and lasting change.

The Growing Divide………Rev. Lynn Onderko

Inequality and the Roots of Economic Insecurity

While Wall Street soars to new heights, many American families are being left behind, working longer and harder with less job security. Health care and college costs are going through the roof, and over-worked parents have less time to spend with their children. This workshop will explain how the rules of our society have been changed, allowing the very rich to increase their fortunes while the rest of us lag far behind. Your own observations and reactions will form the basis for sharing our collective experience in order to explore the kind of society we want and need, and how to get there.

UCC 101………Rev. Kent J. Siladi, Regional Minister, SouthEastern Region

Here’s an overview of the history, polity, and beliefs of the United Church of Christ. Is it time for a "refresher" course? Are you new to the United Church? Would a better understanding of UCC governance traditions help avoid confusion about authority and decision making in your church? This is a great way to make or renew your acquaintance with the wonderful story of the United Church of Christ. Will be available at 11 am only.

Mobilizing Church Volunteers………Rev. Marie LaMarre Ford & Esther Shoup

Does your nominating committee struggle each year "filling slots?" Perhaps a new perspective is needed. Knowing gifts and talents of our members can help carry out the important ministries of the church. Esther and Marie will share ideas from renowned church volunteer leader Marlene Wilson. Come and help your church become more alive with passion for ministry.

Consultants to Congregations………Members of the Consultants Resource Group

Is your congregation looking for a way to plan for its future? Would a visioning process be helpful in searching out and focusing its mission and ministry? Or are there conflicts beyond your own resources that need to be dealt with openly, faithfully and effectively? The Consultants to Congregations workshop can help you begin to think creatively about each of these questions, and learn about this resource available through the conference.

What in the World is the UCC Doing?………Presenter to be announced

Have you ever wondered how much your church gives to support our denomination through Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) and where the money goes? Ever wondered what mission means for us in the new millennium? Join us for an interactive workshop that will help you connect with ways your local church can extend its reach to touch God’s world.