Friday, June 26, 2009

Synod Day One: Cookies, Candidates and Cadences!

(Elizabeth Dilley ... again)  What a crazy day!  The best part of today was the the "day" did not begin until a little after noon with some gatherings to learn more about the various business of Synod.  So we got to sleep in....except that I couldn't.

However, when I got up and made my way to DeVos Hall, there were about a zillion cookies.  (I heard a rumor that the Synod held in Iowa was the start of this great tradition, so go us!!!)  I have stuck with chocolate chip because I love them so, but there are all kinds.  Even sugar free.  I spent the first hour in the Exhibit Hall, exploring what's available for purchase and some of the "swag" (aka neat giveaways) at the various tables.  The highlight for the moment is the yo-yo, though the USB port offered by the Pension Boards is a very close second.

This being my third Synod, and being basically a lifelong UCCer, I also ran into many, many friends and acquaintances.  Iowa is well-represented among delegates, visitors, and "Iowa alumni" now living/serving in other states.

The second hour of gatherings were all focused on the hot-button issue of "single governance."  Each delegate was assigned to a specific room for these conversations.  I had the pleasure of being in the room where Iowa's own Pamela Cook was facilitating the discussion.  Dear friends, she represented us so very well - she was clear, Spirit-led, and focused.  She also kept us on track and focused on the issues.  Well done, Pamela!!

The proposals for single governance are complicated and the issues surrounding them very deep.  Essentially, for a variety of reasons having to do with the desire to do more strategic planning in the UCC, a desire to be more responsible fiscally, and the need to be more "nimble" in responding to various issues that arise within our denomination, a long process of discernment and discussion took place to figure out how to best govern the UCC in the national setting.  A proposal for single governance was made, but was not accepted by all the covenanted ministries (which are local church ministries, wider church ministries, justice and witness ministries and the office of general ministries).

Some of the objections to single governance have to do with the "centralization"/consolidation of power, the fear that this way of governance is "not UCC," and also that the prophetic voice of justice may be stifled within this new construct.  Many of the historically underrepresented groups also fear that minority voices will be lost with the smaller board.

There is much to discern about this issue.  I don't know how I feel about all of this - I go back and forth with my own thinking.  I am praying about where God may be leading us, and I do covet your prayers for our delegation and the entire UCC as we try to discern God's will for us in this time.  I'd also like to know your thoughts about single governance in general within the UCC.

We also heard from the candidates for General Minister and President and the Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries.  I've already spoken about the Rev. Geoffrey Black, who today reiterated his commitment to growing churches and their capacities for excellent ministry and clergy excellence.  He also spoke of our work as "a quest" which definitely sounds more active and interesting than "a journey," which is often how we talk about our life of faith.  The Rev. Steve Sterner (I think he's actually The Rev. Dr.) spoke....and he blew me away.  He comes across as a little unassuming at first, but as he gets going, he really builds us up.  He talked about Paul's 2nd letter to the Corinthians and that lovely passage about having "this treasure in earthen vessels."  The running theme throughout his talk was "Sisters and brothers, we have this treasure."  

We do have so many treasures within the UCC, and while both of these men are cognizant of and committed to working through the many challenges currently facing our denomination, they are more focused on multiplying the treasures of our denomination - led, of course, by our amazing God, Christ our Savior, and the Spirit of courage, passion and love.

Finally, we heard from the Rev. Otis Moss III, the senior pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago.  His sermon was phenomenal - he talked about God's punctuation and how only God can put a period.  The rest of us have to live with questions, colons, semi-colons, and commas.  Most of all, however, when we give testimony of what God has done for us ... we should use exclamation points!  Of course, you are losing a lot by my meager descriptions, so go check out the UCC website to hear Rev. Moss yourself!

Well, brothers and sisters, these are my personal reflections on the day.  It is now after 1am and I need to be awake in 5 hours for our caucus.  Time for sleep.  Blessings to you all in Iowa (and elsewhere), and please keep praying for us!

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