Annual Gathering

 

Workshops

Workshop Schedule

Session I Friday, June 20th
(3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.)

F-1 Seeking A Vision: Visioning and Strategic Planning For The Local Church
Rev. Felix Villanueva, United Church of La Mesa

This workshop will present a model and provide resources about guiding your church through the development and implementation of a ministry-based strategic plan. Participants will learn about the importance of defining congregational core values, developing objectives, goals and action plans. A strategy for successful implementation of the plan will also be presented.

F-2 Evangelism, UCC Style 
Rev. Jane Fisler Hoffman, Interim Conference Minister

Yes, we UCCers can be evangelists! In this workshop we'll consider why and how evangelism can be central to our lives as Christians and in our UCC churches. We'll practice a little, share resources and learn to love speaking out for our still speaking God.
F-3 Avoiding The Reputation of “That Church”: Tools To Protect Your Church’s Ministry
Charlie Cutler, The Cutler Group (UCIB Representative)

Overview of legal environment that churches in California and Nevada face. Why churches are involved in litigation and tools to help you avoid litigation.
F-4 Weaving Curriculum With Spiritual Practices 
Cynthia “Wally” Hoeger, Director of Children & Youth Ministries at First Congregational Church of Long Beach

Come and learn about different curriculum options for your children and youth, from PowerExpress to Seasons of the Spirit to GatherRound. We will also be covering techniques to engage Sr. High Youth in spiritual practices. Please, feel free to bring your own experiences, successes and challenges to share with the group.
F-5 The Ministry of Your Presence
Elsa M. J. Seifert, Stillpoint Art of Spiritual Direction Intern

This workshop will explore ways in which your presence can be a healing and supporting element for people who are seeking a closer relationship with their God. Join Elsa in her journey to explore a spiritual connection to the inner self and God. Elsa hopes that vital connections can be made in the act of being present with others.
F-6 Spirituality and Mental Health Issues For Seniors
Rev. Diana Augspurger & Rev. Gilford Bisjak, PhD.

This workshop will present an overview of the related issues of mental health and spirituality in the aging process with concrete tips and tools in ministering to those needs in a congregational setting. Concrete modalities for ministry will be offered.

F-7 “So You’re a Church Treasurer...” 
Rev. Hal Schultz, CPA & Conference Treasurer and Keith Clark, Conference Business Manager

The Conference Treasurer and Business Manager will respond to the questions most frequently asked by new and experienced local church treasurers. The topics will include record keeping, internal controls, reports to the Conference and federal and state tax compliance.
F-8 “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about the UCC! ” 
Edith A. Guffey , Associate General Minister of the United Church of Christ

Take this wonderful opportunity to meet Edith Guffey and learn about the global, national and local ministries of the United Church of Christ..
Session II Saturday, June 21st
(1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.)

S-1 The Holy Conversation Project: Witness and Conversation Not Confrontation
Rev. Dr. Richard Peace, Professor, Fuller Seminary

The Holy Conversation project focuses on learning to talk about core faith issues in a story-based way. Designed and tested in UCC churches in Massachusetts, this small group program seeks to enable us to be generous, thoughtful, and interesting conversation partners for those in our culture who are fascinated by spirituality.

Richard Peace's Bio

S-2 Expecting Big Things From a Small Choir
Lynne Bradley

Choir directors and choir members are especially encouraged to participate in this hands-on session. We’ll look at choosing music that makes your singers sound good, creative use of instruments and some suggested resources. Come ready to make a joyful noise!
S-3 Interactive Sermon and Participatory Liturgy
Rev. Steven Jacobsen, Mentone Congregational UCC

Have you ever noticed that the most interesting (and often most important) discussions occur after service-time? Here are a variety of techniques for incorporating those conversations into the body of sermons. Also illustrated are examples of Sacramental Living, with concrete liturgical examples of dynamic, congregation-wide participation.
S-4 Basic Tools for Diverse Communication
Rev. Jake Pomeroy, Pasadena First Congregational Church

This workshop provides an experience with three helpful tools in beginning cross cultural dialogue in our own churches. This workshop drawn from the experience, work and wisdom of Eric H.F. Law of Kaleidoscope Institute.
S-5 Youth, Secular Music, and the Bible
Rev. Erin Beardemphl, First Congregational Church of Riverside

The world often feels divided between "church world" and "everywhere else." The youth at First Congregational Church of Riverside have been connecting the two by connecting secular music and scripture; some of the songs might surprise you! Find out what our youth discovered at this workshop!
S-6 Weaving Body, Spirit & Song
Rev. June Boutwell, Interim Associate Conference Minister

We are instructed to pray without ceasing. It is also said that “one who sings prays twice”. We will practice the art of weaving prayer, movement and song using familiar workshop music and liturgy to enhance our everyday practice of prayer and embodied faith. No experience in dance or singing required; just a willing spirit and sense of Holy fun.
S-7 “La Linea”: Growth Without Prosperity
Carlos Correa, Program Coordinator, Centro Romero

This workshop will demonstrate and analyze some of the challenges faced by many border communities in Mexico. Participants will explore the possibilities and opportunities for community service and ministry. and discuss how our church can be a part of the process that seeks peace and justice across the border, as well as what it means to have intentional participation in the provision of opportunities for theological reflection and community building between the two countries.
S-8 John August Swanson: His Art and His Journey
John August Swanson, Artist

Learn from this world-renowned artist the influence the scriptures have had on his life and his work. Swanson will share his own faith story and what has influenced him in his life and his art.

Mr. Swanson’s art is represented in the permanent collections of many museums, including three museums of the Smithsonian Institutions: The National Museum of American History, The National Museum of American Art and The National Air and Space Museum. He is also included in the print collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, Harvard University’s Fogg Museum, the Tate Gallery and Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. His painting THE PROCESSION is one of relatively few works by contemporary artists to be selected for the Vatican Museums’ Collection of Modern Religious Art.

Visit John August Swanson's Website

S-9 “So You’re The Moderator...”
Pam Price, Moderator, Alpine UCC

This will be a roundtable discussion for all moderators. It’s time for us to share experiences! Come with your successes and with your concerns. What’s working in your church? What’s not? Let’s discuss how your church organizes itself.