March 8, 2007
To: Lay Delegates from Local Churches
Youth Delegates from Local Churches
All Authorized Ministers of the Conference
All Officers of the Conference
Moderators of Associations
Former Moderators of the Annual Meetings
Board of Directors and Committees Named in the Bylaws
Members of Local Churches in the Connecticut Conference
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
This comes to you as the Call to Part I of the One Hundred Fortieth Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ (Connecticut Conference of the Congregational Christian Churches) to be held at:
Remember that all sessions are open to registered visitors as well as delegates, so be sure to tell others about this event!
The theme of the meeting will be “Let It Shine…At Silver Lake.” This is the 50th Anniversary of Silver Lake Conference Center. Come and help us celebrate – this is the first time a Conference meeting has ever been held at “the Lake” and it’s going to be a very special event that will showcase all Silver Lake has to offer. This will be a very different kind of gathering so come in casual clothes with layers for the weather and good solid walking shoes. Come prepared to sing and to learn about Silver Lake and about environmental concerns—come full of anticipation and joy!
Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with adjournment at 4:30 p.m. The full agenda for the day is enclosed in this mailing. There is also an FAQ Answer Sheet with details about the meeting since many things differ by being at Silver Lake—please pay special attention to this page! One mailing is sent to each church and to the pastors, and we ask that you make copies of this mailing for the delegates and visitors who plan to attend the meeting.
We are privileged to have as our keynoter the Rev. Peter Sawtell, Founder and Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ministries on “Touch the Earth Lightly.” Peter is a UCC minister with a diverse background in academics, professional work and community involvement which has prepared him well for leadership of this ecumenical agency. Prior to founding Eco-Justice Ministries, Peter served as volunteer Eco-Justice Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Conference, United Church of Christ (1997-2000). For more information about Peter and his ministry please visit www.eco-justice.org. Peter will speak at the morning session and lead a Forum at the workshop session. This is an opportunity for your church members to learn together, so bring carloads!
Rev. Dr. Barbara Headley, Moderator, will call us to order at 9:30 a.m. Our Conference Preacher, the Rev. Deborah Blood, is planning the opening worship including the installation of officers and Board of Directors, The Living Waters award and communion. An offering for Silver Lake will be received. We conclude the day with a time to reflect with Rev. Peter Sawtell and, for those who wish to stay, a campfire and vesper service in the tradition of Silver Lake.
When we assemble at Silver Lake Conference Center, we will be rejuvenated as the Body of Christ—there we will remember and experience the amazing ministries of this sacred place, be challenged to live in ways that sustain our earth, and worship God with joy. So come prayerfully, thoughtfully, and enthusiastically to seek God’s wisdom for our common mission as the United Church of Christ in Connecticut.
Sincerely in Christ,
The Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree
Conference Minister
