2010 Spring Meeting | Spring Call Letter | Spring FAQ | Spring Agenda | Workshops | Online Registration

2010 Spring Annual Meeting Workshops

For the first time, we are offering pre-registration for workshops and the current offerings listed below are included as part of the registration form; please select one workshop in the morning session and one for the afternoon session.

If you register online, please select one morning workshop and one afternoon workshop from the listing on the "Agenda" portion of the registration process.

If you register by mail, please print the PDF form linked at right and circle one morning workshop and one afternoon workshop, and include the circled options with your registration form and payment.

Your registration packet will include tickets for the workshops for which you have registered. A listing of workshops that still have space will be available at registration on May 8 for those who do not pre-register.

Morning Workshops

1 Spiritual Leadership in the Local Church: Nurturing Your Members to Serve Within and Beyond Your Congregation's Walls -- Matt Crebbin, Newtown Congregational Church

This workshop will explore recent trends in the wider culture and in church life which offer challenges and opportunities to every congregation's life and ministries. Workshop participants will explore how to help individuals and communities grow in faith, vitality and service. Resource packet, including a "Spiritual Leadership" adult education program, will be provided.

2 Writing the Vision Large -- Cari Jackson, First Congregational Church of Stamford

In this era of religious diversity, there are multiple paths available for spiritual nurture. United Church of Christ congregations offer what many people are longing for, yet have not heard. Our churches must offer clear messages about who they are as spiritual communities and be bold in conveying the vision of church ministry that God has given us. This workshop explores practical strategies for developing, strengthening, and communicating the vision of ministry both within our churches and broader communities. "Write the vision: make it plain on tablets so that a runner may read it.” – Habakkuk 2:2

3 The New Face of the Epistle: Strengthening Church Communities in Social Media -- Eric Anderson, Connecticut Conference

New media technologies offer both challenge and opportunity to strengthen the Body of Christ: by creating, sharing, and responding to information within (and without) the Church.

4 The Vital Small Membership Church -- Robert R. LaRochelle, Congregational Church of Union, UCC.

This workshop will examine characteristics of vitality in small membership churches and explore practical ways through which congregations may thrive. Participants will look at obstacles to vitality and ways to overcome those obstacles. We will explore small church vitality as expressed in worship, education, youth ministry, pastoral care, budgeting and stewardship.

5 Leading the Multi-Racial, Multi-Cultural Church -- Ed Horstmann, Immanuel Congregational Church

What does it mean to create worship and programming in a multi-cultural, multi-racial church? How can we embrace diversity as gift, and utilize our differences as assets in the service of God's passion for justice on earth? These are some of the questions that we will explore in this workshop: participants are encouraged to bring their dreams and questions into this mutual conversation!"

6 “Yippee! It’s time for Sunday School!” Innovative Christian Education -- Judith Cooke, Unity Hill UCC in Trumbull

God is not boring, and Sunday School shouldn't be either. Bringing excitement and energy to your Children’s Ministries is not as difficult or expensive as you might think. Learn how Puppet Ministry, African Drumming, and Computer Lessons can enhance your Sunday School program.

7 The Rite of Confirmation in Vital Congregations -- Convened by Karen Ziel, Connecticut Conference.

This panel discussion will offer participants an opportunity to explore the pathways and traditions that form the Confirmation experience in vital congregations. Learn more about developmentally appropriate practices, resources and ideas to shape your church's own Confirmation pathway and what vital congregations are doing to form their youth in preparation for the adult journey of faith.

8 Intentional Discipleship -- Stephen Austin, The Congregational Church of Salisbury

Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler-Bass describes how churches across America have defied the current shrinking trends of mainline Christian congregations, and found ways to thrive as expressions of the Christian faith in their communities. We will explore the findings of her research and how they can be relevant to our churches today.

9 One Size Does Not Fit All: Youth Ministry in MY SIZE Church -- DaVita McCallister, Connecticut Conference

Join Rev. Erica Thompson, Debby Kirk and Rev. Day McCallister as they answer questions specific to youth ministry within three settings: Large congregations (Erica), Cooperative Ministry (Debby) and Small - Medium congregations (Day). The workshop will begin with a panel discussion for the entire group and then divide into three sections with each panel member leading a discussion.

10 Hospitality is More than a Cup of Coffee -- Diane Monti-Catania, Roxbury Congregational Church

This workshop will focus on the Christian tradition of hospitality and how it applies to welcoming those who are new to our faith communities, particularly adults who have no religious background or who have been disengaged from the church for a long time. We will talk about deep listening, evangelism, disciple-building, forgiveness, reconciliation and welcoming the stranger (who may be Jesus) into our midst.

11 Seventh Angel Ministry: A Paradigm for Integrating New Members -- George Harris, South Congregational/First Baptist Church, New Britain

A unique hybrid of affinity group and outreach ministry, South Church, New Britain’s Seventh Angel (LGBT) Ministry has helped new members nurture relationships and find a meaningful place in the life of the church. Rev. George Harris and members of the Seventh Angel Ministry will share the story of this successful initiative and its contribution to South Church’s newfound vitality. Drawing from this example and the experience of those present, Rev. Harris will then facilitate a discussion of best practices for incorporating new members.

12 Thematic Worship -- Rochelle Stackhouse, Church of the Redeemer, New Haven

A worship service can be crafted in many ways. One method that can revitalize worship is to look at every piece of the service as part of a thematic whole. From Calls to Worship to music to sermon to sacrament, aural and visual parts of the service, each part can speak in different modes to reinforce one message. Come explore creative ways to create worship in thematic unity.

13 Holistic Worship: What Does It Look Like? -- John Selders, Amistad UCC

As we move into the 21st century, there are bound to be changes in the way we do worship. This will be a discussion of the elements involved and the key components in creating/designing/developing exciting worship experiences. Come ready to be inspired!

14 Crossing the Road: Nurturing Faith through Mission and Service -- The Congregational Church of Naugatuck

Members of this church are regularly involved in service as close as their home town and as far away as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Learn from them how mission is not only about helping others but also about growing their own faith.

15 The Challenge of Prophetic Ministry -- Allie Perry Pastoral Counselor and Vice-President, Board of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture

Prophets like Moses and Isaiah had good reasons to remonstrate when God called them to be prophets -- to challenge oppressive power and to work for justice. As Jesus’ ministry demonstrates, the job description is daunting and is no recipe for popularity. But as people of faith we are called, as William Sloane Coffin was fond of reminding us, to the prophethood of all believers. This workshop will examine deterrents to, challenges of, and strategies for engaging in robust prophetic witness -- for being ambassadors of God’s word of love and truth in this age of empire.

16 Making the Case for Generous Giving: Breaking the Habit of Doing Things the Dumb Way-- Patricia Bjorling, Connecticut Conference

If generosity is at the core of the Christian Gospel, why is the annual stewardship effort often such a dreaded and difficult “task” in the local church? Learn the benefits of reconnecting giving with the Christian journey and of applying tried-and-tested non-profit fundraising “best practices” in your church’s stewardship campaign.

Afternoon Workshops

17 FORUM: Conversation with Keynoters--Steve Sterner and Cameron Trimble

 

18 Appreciative Inquiry as a Tool for Leadership Development--Marilyn Kendrix, Church of the Redeemer, New Haven

Appreciative Inquiry involves the practice of asking questions that strengthen the group’s capacity to understand and increase positive potential. This workshop will discuss the components of Appreciative Inquiry and describe how it was used in a settled pastor search.

19 Models of Decision Making and Planning--Margaret Jay, First Congregational Church of Wallingford

An intentional decision making and planning process can bring a congregation together and provide direction, energy and vitality to congregational life. This workshop will explore models for congregational decision making and planning – from assessment to action, ideas to implementation – with a specific focus on how a commitment to vision and strategic planning has guided building purchase and renovation, staffing, ministry and mission at The First Congregational Church of Wallingford from 1996-2010.

20 Sacred Conversation on Race Facilitator Training: Unpacking Privilege-- DaVita McCallister, Connecticut Conference

Many of our congregations are homogenous in terms of race and this can make conversations on race a less than sacred task. This workshop will provide you with hands-on tools for leading a conversation in an “ALL” anything congregation (Anglo-European, African-American, Latino/a or Korean American). *This workshop is designed for individuals who are interested in serving as facilitators for Sacred Conversations on Race within local congregations.

21 Faith Practices-Worship, Learning and Serving for Vital Congregations-- Connecticut Conference Partners in Education

An overview and exploration of this new resource designed to enhance faith formation in today's church. The United Church of Christ Faith Practices offers 12 circles of practices for congregations to use with learners of all ages as they seek to develop a deeper, stronger relationship with God through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit and with one another. There are applications for use with children, youth, adults, seekers, in worship, with mentors, committee members and more.

22 Difficult Choices: Sports vs. Children’s and Youth Ministry-- Georgette Huie, Saugatuck Congregational Church, Westport and Sarah LeGeyt, First Congregational Church of Canton Center

More than ever, families have to make difficult choices for their children's time, with church activities often coming in second. In this workshop, we will discuss the sports phenomenon and offer resources, as well as outside-of-the-box ideas for ministering in this environment. Resources will include: perspectives from a college admissions officer, information on alternate leagues, and a recent study on high school sports. We will develop talking points for possible conversations with coaches, and theological/ministerial points for dialogue with parents.

23 Turning Visitors into Members—Hospitality 101 -- Mike Penn-Strah, Connecticut Conference

Church growth consultants report that most people make up their minds whether they will return to a church within the first four to eight minutes of their initial visit—long before the pastor enters the pulpit or the choir sings one note! Most churches do not actually do the things that will make visitors feel welcome and eager to return. This workshop will teach participants simple and effective ways to welcome guests and turn visitors into new members.

24 New Media and Evangelism and Congregational Care -- John Gage, Pastor, United Church on the Green, New Haven

Ideas and examples for how your congregation can use of new media -- websites, email, Facebook, podcasting, even plain ol' cable television -- to bring new attention to the Gospel and create and sustain Christian community.

25 Contemporary Worship: The Path to Expansive Ministry -- John Collins, Rick Haverly and Worship Team, First Congregational Church of Southington

Learn how Contemporary Worship has evolved into a central place in our worship life, and to discuss the possibilities for this expression of worship in your church.

26 Hands on Mission Opportunities -- Dennis Moon, South Congregational Church of Granby, and others

This workshop will walk you through the basics for three different mission opportunities:

• Heads Up! Hartford: A week long, residential, service camp for high school students housed at St. Thomas Seminary. Its goals are to bring urban and suburban youth together through service projects. It is a partnership between churches.
• Appalachian Service Project: A week long service project, mostly upgrading homes, in some of the most poverty stricken counties in our nation. An emphasis on relationships with the family in the home you are refurbishing.
• Back Bay Mission: A volunteer opportunity that upgrades homes and churches in Biloxi, MS. An agency of the UCC.

27 What They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary About Stewardship: A Discussion About Faith and Money -- Charlie Kuchenbrod, Connecticut Conference

This workshop will focus on providing pastoral leadership that combines faithfulness with fundraising “best practices,” drawing on the actual experiences of pastors.

28 How to Inject New Life (and Fun) into Your Annual Stewardship Campaign: True Stories from Connecticut Churches -- Patricia Bjorling, Connecticut Conference, with members of local churches

Does the committee that handles your church’s annual stewardship campaign look forward to its work? Or does it view the whole task with fear and loathing? Is the stewardship committee considered the “worst” one to be asked to serve on? Do some church members deliberately make vacation plans in order to be legitimately “out of town” when stewardship season is going on at your church? -- It doesn’t have to be this way! Hear from some CTUCC churches that dared to do stewardship differently and about the surprisingly positive experiences they had along the way.