The SCNC 2023 Annual Gathering
Our Theme
So much has changed in the church and the world since we last gathered in person as The Southern California Nevada Conference. As the Annual Gathering Planning Committee began to focus the upcoming Annual Gathering scheduled for June 9-10th, it was clear that it was important that this be a time to share stories of change and challenge, but most of all, Stories of Resilience. Stories of how churches, and the Conference has adapted, reimagined ministry, and are transitioning into new models of what it means to be and do church as disciples and followers of Christ. And so when we will gather at Chapman University June 9-10th storytelling and Stories of Resilience will be center stage as we celebrate how we have been challenged to change, grow and be the church in the midst of challenge and change.
Our Logo: The storyteller, gathered with listeners– fellow participants– is an archetype we each know well, from the beginnings of human experience. In the church the storyteller grounds our community life together. For it is in sharing stories that we are reminded who we are, and whose we are. This hybrid AG will include the first in-person SCNC gathering in over 3 years! We hope that all will benefit from opportunities to gather and hear stories of resilience and even to practice crafting them.
Our Scripture: “People couldn’t distinguish the shouting from the weeping. The sound of their voices reverberated for miles around.” From Ezra 3: 12-13 (The Message). God’s people have returned from exile, rebuilt the temple, and now gather to witness the moment of change, filled with joy, grief and thanksgiving. The sound of their voices reverberated for miles around. This story from the book of Ezra reminds us of the gift of community where—even in grief—we can share stories of resilience and joy.
Our Program: To ground our Annual Gathering and our work in the days and years ahead, all our featured speakers will share stories and Rev. Rebecca Anderson will lead us in crafting stories of resilience. The agenda is full and in addition to special guests, Rev. Rebecca Anderson, Rev. Julian DeShazier and our own Rev. PK Thompson; there will be workshops and worship and we will hear from the Acting Conference Minister Rev. Kris Bergstrom on the State of the Conference. We are anticipating that the Search Committee will have a Conference Minister Candidate to present and there will be other important business to consider. And you won’t want to miss a Special Friday evening program of storytelling. See the full agenda here.
Registration Information (regular registration closes May 22; late registration May 23-June 2 is an additional $20.00 for virtual and in person registration; no registration for in-person attendance after June 2nd due to catering and delivery realities)
Following morning workshops, we will formally convene with worship at 1:00 on Friday June 9th and will end following closing worship on Saturday June 10th no later than 4:00. The agenda is full and in addition to special guests, Rev. Rebecca Anderson as keynote speaker and, Rev. Julian DeShazier, as our closing preacher, our own Rev. PK Thompson; will be our Saturday morning worship leader. We will hear from the Acting Conference Minister Rev. Kris Bergstrom on the State of the Conference, we anticipate that the Search Committee will have a Conference Minister Candidate to present and there will be other important business to consider. And you won’t want to miss a Special Friday evening program of storytelling. Although, subject to change, you can see the agenda here.
Attending in Person: $175.00 (includes Friday lunch and dinner; Saturday breakfast and lunch)
Attending Virtually: $100.00 Childcare will be available; detailed information will be provided when registration opens.
Childcare will be available $40.00 per child will be hosted at First Christian Church; adjacent to the Chapman Campus
Exhibits: There will be space for exhibitors. Contact Virginia Arroyo at arroyo@scncucc.org for information to request information.
Housing will NOT be available at Chapman. Upon further research, we learned that the Conference was not able to fill the minimum number of required rooms in 2019 consequently the Conference paid for unused rooms as required by the contract. Given the hybrid nature of the meeting this year, this possibility again looms large and it seems a poor use of resources to go in this direction**
A special word of thanks to the Financial Ministries of the National setting for their sponsorship of the Annual Gathering. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the Financial Ministries and their services in the months and weeks ahead.
For those who will be physically present at Chapman University, Annual Gathering will be the opportunity that so many have been missing; a chance to see friends and colleagues, to share a meal, to worship together and to take advantage of the energy that being together creates that just can’t be replicated on ZOOM. We hope that most authorized ministers and voting delegates will indeed attend in person! But if you can’t be physically present, join virtually for this hybrid meeting! While it may not be ideal for everything, ZOOM is a very important resource and the full program, minus meals will be available virtually!
*Everyone is expected to register; and the registration amount is the same, whether attending in person or virtually. In-person attendees pay additional amount for the cost of meals, but everyone is contributing the same amount to the cost Annual Gathering. If the registration amount presents an undue burden, please contact Kris; we don’t want anyone to stay away because of the cost.
**If financial assistance is needed for housing to replace the loss of University Housing, please, contact Kris as well. Again, we don’t want anyone to stay away because of cost.
Hotel Accommodation for Annual Gathering
SCNC has a limited number of rooms reserved at the Delta Marriott Hotel , 12021 Harbor Blvd, in Garden Grove, which is very close to Chapman University.
Contact this person if you want to reserve a room in this hotel at the discounted rate of $149, and let her know you are part of the SCNC Annual Gathering.
Claudia Silva, Sales Coordinator – Delta Hotels by Marriott
claudiasilva@deltahotelsbymarriottanaheim.com
(714) 867-5124
Keynote Speakers
Rev. Rebecca Anderson
Keynote Speaker, Workshop Leader
REV. REBECCA ANDERSON is co-pastor at two churches in Chicago. She spends Sunday mornings at Bethany UCC, a 128-year old neighborhood church,
and Sunday evenings at Gilead, a queer storytelling bar church that she started from scratch with friend and colleague Vince Amlin.
Rebecca is ordained in The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She has an M.Div. from the University of Chicago and a B.A. in Playwrighting from Hampshire College (Amherst, MA). She’s also the founder and head honcho of Earshot, running storytelling workshops across the country and in Canada. She has created events at the Wild Goose Festival, General Synod (UCC), and General Assembly (Disciples of Christ).
Rebecca has appeared on Snap Judgment (radio) and podcasts including The Broad Experience and Called to be Bad. Active in the Chicago storytelling scene, she has performed with events like RISK!, 2nd Story, The Moth, and This Much is True.
She’s always looking for the least crowded forest preserves, her biscuits are unparalleled, and she knows the best places (in Chicago at least) to pick juneberries. Listen to Rebecca tell a story here: https://youtu.be/lFjmB9vTNe4
All Stories Are God Stories: Is This a Good Idea?
At Gilead Chicago, our belief that all stories are God stories leads to some wild moments in worship. The only one we feel comfortable sharing here is the story from someone who got so high they got hit by a car. But you get the idea: invite a bunch of personal stories into your community, and you run the risk it’s gonna get real.
Friday afternoon’s keynote is an interactive introduction to that kind of true, first-person, storytelling.
WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY ON SATURDAY:
Saturday offers a deeper dive into the theology of storytelling — why it is, in fact, a good idea — and the chance to add a few tools to your story-telling and story-inviting practice. You’re gonna need them!
(Saturday workshops do not require pre-registration.)
Rev. Julian DeShazier
Closing Preacher, Workshop Leader
REV. JULIAN DESHAZIER became senior minister in 2010 of University Church in Chicago, Illinois (a United Church of Christ and Disciples of Christ Congregation).
For nearly a decade, Julian’s ministry has explored the relationship between music and faith. As an artist, he has used his unique rhythm to tell stories of deep meaning, inside and outside the church. He is a 2007 Holy Hip Hop Award winner, and has been celebrated as “Living Black History” by Urban Ministries International, while sharing stages at every major gospel music festival. As a national speaker, advocate and emcee, Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier
has appeared on ABC, FOX, NPR and Dr. Maya Angelou’s “Oprah & Friends” radio program. J.Kwest is also an Emmy Award-winning musician, featured in the video “Strange Fruit,” a commemoration of the Billie Holiday song and a meditation on racial violence.
The Chicago native and graduate of Morehouse College and the University of Chicago Divinity School is a 2020 Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and was also recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business as one of “40 Under 40” leaders in Chicago. Working with the community, Julian was instrumental in bringing a Level-1 trauma center to the Southside
of Chicago. Named by the Center for American Progress as one of “10 Faith Leaders to Watch” in 2018, he serves as the inaugural chair of the Community Advisory Council for University of Chicago Medicine; as associate director of the Office of Experiential Education at McCormick Theological Seminary; and is a former adjunct professor at the University
of Chicago Divinity School. Julian is a regular contributor to On Scripture and Sojourners, where he is also a board member. He and his wife, Mallorie, have two fierce daughters, Dania and Genevieve. // all social media: @PureKwest.
WORKSHOP OPPORTUNITY ON SATURDAY:
What makes churches, people, even communities resilient? Is possible to PLAN to live a resilient life or for being a resilient community of faith or does it just happen? As a Black man, pastor and father, before the summer 2020 and after, Rev. Julian DeShazier has been preaching, singing, talking about life and resiliency. This workshop is an opportunity to explore what resiliency might mean in different spaces and how it can change and impact lives and ministry in different contexts, even yours. Join the conversation.
If you are in person at the Annual Gathering, Julian will be around, so take the opportunity to get to know him.
(Saturday workshops do not require pre-registration.)
See these important pieces of Julian at work before meeting him at Annual Gathering:
Agenda & Schedule
Friday June 9, 2023
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
8:30 a.m.
Registration Opens
10 a.m.
Workshops
11:30 a.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m.
Gathering Music/Worship
1:30 p.m.
Business
Introductions, welcome, reports
2:15 p.m.
Break
2:30 p.m.
The Rev. Rebecca Anderson presentation
3:30 p.m.
Break
4:00 p.m.
Workshops
5:15 p.m.
Dinner
6:30 p.m.
Program
Recognitions and thanks
An Evening of Storytelling
Saturday June 10, 2023
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
7:30 a.m.
Breakfast
8:45 a.m.
Worship
Led by the Rev. P.K. Thompson
9:15 a.m.
Business
- Vote on the Slate of Nominees
- Approval of the 2024 Budget
- Installation of Officers and Commissioning of General Synod Delegates
- Report of Search Committee
- Conversation with Conference Minister candidate
- Vote on Conference Minister nominee
10:45 a.m.
Break
11 a.m.
In Depth With
The Rev. Julian DeShazier
OR The Rev. Rebecca Anderson (choose one)
12:15 p.m.
Lunch
1:45 p.m.
Wrap-Up Conversations with Special Guests
2:15 p.m.
Closing Worship
- The Rev. Julian DeShazier, preacher
- Installation of Officers
- Commissioning of General Synod Delegates
Nomination Slate (Proposed)
Class of 2023
- Rich Fluechtling (E) (L)
- Clayton Heard (C) (L)
- Rosario Ibarra (C) (P)
Class of 2024
- Eduardo Arismendi-Pardi (S) (L)
- Erin Beardemphl (E) (P)
- Heather Branton (N) (P)
- Cheryl Farrell (C) (L)
- Michelle Freeman (E) (P)
- Phil Jenkins (S) (L)
Class of 2025
- John Forrest Douglas (N) (P)
- Tim Seery (S) (P)
- Janice Steele (C) (P)
- Pat Whitacre (S) (L)
Chair Class of 2023
Sarah Averette-Phillips (E) (P)
Vice Chair Class of 2023
Jude Johnson (S) (L)
Moderator Class of 2023
Andy Schwiebert (C) (P)
Vice Moderator Class of 2023
Wally Hoeger (C) (P)
Secretary Class of 2023
Susie Bjork (C) (P)
Treasurer Class of 2024
Neal Washburn (S) (L)
Class of 2023
- Shannon Clay (E) (L)
- Mitchell Young (C) (P)
Class of 2024
- Ashley Hiestand (C) (P)
- Camille Pederson (S) (L)
Class of 2025
- Lily Penner (C) (L)
- Benjamin Samuel (C) (P)
Class of 2023
- Sarah Halverson-Cano (S) (P)
- Jude Johnson (S) (L)
Class of 2024
- Paul Tellström (C) (P)
- Faren Eng (E) (L)
Class of 2025
- KarenFay Ramos Young (C) (P)
- Chrissy Siva (E) (P)
Class of 2025
Michelle Lampert (C) (L)
(C) Central Association | (E) Eastern Association | (N) Northern Association | (S) Southern Association | (L) Laity | (P) Clergy
Workshops
All workshops will be recorded for viewing at a later date.
Friday morning workshops
I’ve Been Elected Moderator, Now What?
This workshop will be a conversation that is designed to benefit both brand new and well-seasoned church moderators. We’ll talk about some of the basics, like making an agenda, running a meeting, and the role and responsibilities of the moderator. We’ll also get into more nuanced questions like the goals of the governing board and the moderator, understanding the legal responsibilities of the board and the officers, how to look at your bylaws with an eye toward improving them. Bring a copy of your church’s bylaws!
Leader: Rev. Libby Tigner
Libby has served as the Moderator of the General Synod and floor Parliamentarian for the General Synod. Libby has attended more meetings than any one person should in a lifetime and moderated meetings of all sizes. She has served as the Moderator of the Central Association and Chair of the Central Association Committee on Ministry, Co-coordinator of the Southern California Nevada’s Conference Chapter of the Coalition on LGBT Concerns, and a Director of the South Coast Interfaith Council. Libby has acquired the infamous and sought after title of UCC polity geek, thus well equipped to support local church moderators hone their skills. Libby is not a stranger to the Conference, having also served as a local church pastor, Associate Conference Minister and Acting Conference Minister. Now happily retired, Libby enjoys traveling and playing Bridge.
Restorying Racial Justice
One year ago, the Annual Gathering passed a Resolution
of Witness entitled “United Church of Christ Witnessing ‘A White Supremacy Free Zone.” During the past twelve months, what has your church done to end racism? Join us for an honest conversation about the hard work of anti-racism in congregations. Learn and share best practices. Meet justice- hearted people from other churches. Rediscover the divine power of healing and transformation. Renew your passion for racial justice.
Leader: Rev. Chad Tanaka Pack, Conference Consulting Minister for Racial Justice, Equity and Inclusion
In the conference, Chad coaches churches to re- energize their efforts toward racial justice. As a gay Japanese and Korean American, Chad is deeply committed to co-creating communities where everyone is truly celebrated. Chad works as Controller at Inner City Law Center, a nonprofit poverty-law firm on Skid Row in Downtown Los Angeles. He is a certified public accountant. Chad belongs to First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. He serves as Treasurer of the Central Association and is a member of the Yale Divinity School Alumni Board.
Ice Breaker Fun
Come learn some interactive, non-embarrassing icebreaker games you can use with your children, youth or adult groups. Some could even be adapted to use on zoom meetings. Get to know others and have a little fun and bring some new tools home all at the same time! And an added bonus: get to know the new Executive Director of Pilgrim Pines!
Leader: Tracey Brown: Executive Director, Pilgrim Pines
Tracy has a BA from California State in San Bernadino in Child Psychology and is certified in Christian Marriage and Family therapy. She served as a writer in 2014 and 2015 for the Chalice Press “Inside Out” camp curriculum. Tracey has been a workshop leader for the United Methodist Camp and Retreat Leaders National Conference for five years on topics ranging from staff training, program development and leadership development. From 1995-2003, Tracey was a free-lance writer for “Insight” a national children’s ministry newsletter. Tracey served a local United Methodist in Yucaipa California for 17 years as the Director of Children and Youth Ministries. In that role, Tracey also worked in camping and helped develop programs for the district. Following that role, she began as the Director of a camp in Las Vegas in 2009 where she served until assuming the role at Pilgrim Pines. Tracey began in her new role as the Executive Director of Pilgrim Pines Camp first during the transition in November and officially January 1. Tracey states, “I have been with church camp since I was going into the 7th grade. This ministry was deeply formative for me, it taught me leadership, confidence, and a deep passion for sharing God’s love through camp. Most of my significant faith milestones happened at camp. I know the power of this ministry firsthand and am so grateful that I get to continue to be a part of it.”
Bring Them in, Build Them Up, Send Them Out: Ecclesiology in the Margins in the Southwestern US-Mexico Border Region
This workshop will consider the renewal of the most
common religious activities from a spiritually “revolutionary” perspective. We will focus on the actions informed by the principles of liberation theology and distinguished by the strident characteristics of a hope that is born and focused
on the collective vision of the vulnerable communities in the U.S.-Mexican border region where the church is continually reinvented as a legitimate expression of a contemporary church that is binational, bilingual, and multicultural.
Leader: Carlos J. Correa Bernier, Ph.D.
As a mental health professional and a community organizer, Carlos’ career has been centered around vulnerable populations.
Before joining Centro Romero in December 2007, Carlos was a researcher at the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago and served as the Director of the Environmental Justice Program for the United Church of Christ. As a community organizer and educator, Carlos planned, implemented, directed, maintained, and evaluated community organizing and mobilization campaigns. As the Director of Centro Romero, Carlos organized C7, a Christian Based Community that promotes the pursuit of social justice through the study and implementation of liberation theology principles.
Furthering your Mission by Fully Utilizing your Property
These days it is easy to get discouraged about having an aging property that does not seem to be used to its fullest capacity. Please come and hear real life stories about congregations small and large (and everything in between) who have found ways to use their property to be more fully present in their communities, to deliver vital ministries and in many cases to at the same time enhance their financial viability.
Leader: Maria Coyne, President, CEO Cornerstone Fund
Maria is a financial services executive with over 30 years of experience in commercial and retail banking. She has served as the President & CEO of the UCC Cornerstone Fund since October of 2016. Nationally recognized as an engaging leader, Maria is featured in several books and publications including How Women Lead by Dr. Sharon Hadary, and Off the Sidelines by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. She has also worked with several “fintech” companies providing strategic consulting, and as a senior consultant at the telos institute. While at KeyCorp from 2001 to 2015 she served as an Executive Vice President and
a member of KeyCorp’s Executive Council. She was the founder of the Key4 Women program and also held leadership positions in Retail/Consumer Banking, Business Banking, Strategic Planning, and Client Experience. She was named twice (in 2013 and 2014) as one of American Banker’s “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking”, and twice as one of the “Women to Watch” (2011 and 2012). Prior to Key, she spent three years at the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and over 10 years at Bank One Cleveland, serving in various management capacities before becoming Director of Marketing. She is a prominent thought leader on small business and women’s leadership and has been featured frequently in media including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR, Bloomberg News, and BusinessWeek. Maria has considerable experience serving on non-profit boards including the Chicago Theological Seminary, Beaumont school, the MacDonald Women’s Health Council of University Hospitals, the Sovereign Order of St. John, Karamu House, and she was an inaugural member of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council. Maria is a graduate
of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.
She also completed the Key Executive Experience at the Case Weatherhead School of Management. Maria is a proud Clevelander, where she and her husband raised their two adult children. She is an avid rower and enjoys travel and learning about new cultures.
Mental Health and Spiritual Support for Resilience (Hybrid Workshop with Presenter Joining Virtually)
Some of the hardest stories to tell are the stories about struggles with mental health challenges. The stigma and shame silent us, causing our suffering to deepen as we feel isolated and alone. The good news is that God calls us to break the silence in community and share our stories of resilience. UCC Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice, Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, will lead this time of storytelling about how our spirituality can help keep our mental health resilient. Join Sarah for conversation and
learning about resources to support you and your faith community as we face a national mental health crisis. You will be inspired and equipped to share God’s love and hope.
Leader: The Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice
Sarah is passionate about loving her family, God, and being part of faith communities. She has served as pastor to churches in Brooklyn, NY, Minneapolis, MN, and New Smyrna Beach, FL. Rev. Dr. Lund served as Regional Minister in the Florida Conference of the UCC and as a Vice President for Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN. She holds degrees from Trinity University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), Rutgers University (MSW), and McCormick Theological Seminary (DMin). Rev. Dr. Lund received the Dell Award for Mental Health Education at the 30th General Synod of the UCC. She currently serves in the national setting of the UCC
as Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice and as senior pastor of First Congregational UCC of Indianapolis, IN. She is a professionally trained leadership coach and the author of several books, including Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness, Family, and Church; Blessed Union: Breaking the Silence About Mental Illness and Marriage; Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence with Children and Teens; and Blessed Youth Survival Guide. Sarah blogs at www.sarahgriffithlund.com.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
Untold Stories: Indigenous Christians of the Pasefika
This will be a time of sharing and learning about the identity and experience of the people of the Pasefika or the Pacific Islands. The workshop centers the lived experience of Pacific Island peoples who are some of the most devout followers of Christ. Yet it will also engage the colonial history of the Pacific and the role missionaries played in the larger colonial conquest. In short, we will learn who Christ is for the people of the Pacific.
Leader: Pausa Kaio “PK” Thompson
P.K. Thompson is a Samoan clergy, activist and theologian which is secondary to his role as a husband to wife Meilyn,
and father to their 3 daughters, Asenati, Fonoa, and A.J. He is an alum of the Kanana Fou Theological Seminary in American Samoa, and holds Masters degrees from Union Theological Seminary in the city of New York and Boston University in Massachusetts. He
is currently a Ph.D. student with an emphasis on comparative theology and philosophy at Claremont School of Theology in Claremont, CA. He is also senior pastor of the Dominguez Samoan Congregational Christian Church EFKS/UCC in Compton, CA. His scholarly work accentuates the theological discourse, indigenous culture and wisdom, and social justice issues of Samoa, and Samoans in diaspora. His ministry encourages people to be change agents in the world by invoking a more socially conscious ethic of Christian practice.
Living through Loss
Grief is a very personal experience. We understand that no two people grieve the same way. But in a shared experience, there is an opportunity for understanding and healing. This workshop will help you journey through the grieving process from the perspective of the heart, mind and body.
Leader: Rev. Suzanne Barone, MA Congregational Church of Fullerton, Spiritual counselor, end of life specialist
and grief counselor
With over fifteen years of experience as
a spiritual counseling/healing professional, and educator. Suzanne has been dedicated to attending to those facing health challenges. She is an Interfaith hospice chaplain, responsible for the spiritual and emotional care of patients and families. Providing end
of life counseling and guidance as well as individual and group grief counseling. “I
have been devoted to spiritual wellbeing and assisting others with their journey since a profound spiritual experience in 2000. So profound, it changed the course of my life from corporate business to the study of spiritual psychology, the healing arts, religious studies and becoming an ordained minister in the UCC just 3 years ago in 2020. I am dedicated to being of service to others in times of need, connecting heart to heart and soul to soul.”
Resources for Children and Youth Ministries
Looking for resources for children, youth, and/or families? Intergenerational resources? Sunday School curriculum? Children’s books and Bibles? Spiritual practices for all ages? I’ll share the best resources I’ve found over the years as well as some best practices for how to go about chosing a curriculum that works best for your congregation. Workshop participants are also encouraged to bring the names of their favorite resources/books and program ideas for a resource swap session at the end of workshop.
Leader: Rev. Cynthia ‘Wally’ Hoeger, Designated Associate Minister, First Congregational Church of Long Beach, CA.
Wally has worked full-time in children’s and youth ministry for over 15 years and currently serves at First Congregational Church of Long Beach as their Designated Associate Minister. She received her M.Div. from Claremont School of Theology and a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Organizational Studies & Leadership from Chapman University. Wally grew up in this conference and has served three churches over her career including First Congregational Church of Los Angeles and Manhattan Beach Community Church. Passionate about supporting and
equipping parents to engage in faith practices at home, she lives in Long Beach with her wife Kelly, their baby Laurel, and a menagerie of cats, dogs, and chickens.
Our Story of Connection: Nurturing Candidates, Clergy, and Churches
Ever wonder how ministers are made? Did you know there’s
a clergy code of ethics? Did you know there’s a place to go if your congregation has questions or needs help in supporting your pastor? Wondering exactly what support there is for your church in the Wider Church? Join in this session to learn more about a specific team of folks entrusted with the responsibility of proving support and accountability for clergy and local churches: the Committee on Ministry (COM). Together we’ll explore how COMs connect local churches to the Wider Church by nurturing
candidates for ministry, cheering on churches seeking to become UCC, providing ongoing support for clergy, helping interpret the clergy code of ethics, and working with churches when conflicts arise. The ministry of COMs is vital part of our common life together. Come for conversation and know you’ll walk away better equipped for ministry in your setting.
Leader: Rev. Ellis Arnold, Designated Term Associated Conference Minister SCNC Staff.
Ellis is at heart a renewing church pastor, curriculum writer, community organizer, and all-around church nerd. After working as a chaplain, Ellis served as a local church pastor in Decorah, IA where Ellis and the church found their gifts for creativity, radical hospitality, and innovation and their delight in developing new avenues for spiritual formation.
Ellis has served an Associate Conference Minister in various conferences and loves channeling energy into collaboration with Committees on Ministry and congregations who were striving to transform not just the three feet around them, but also their communities and the world into a more just, generous, liberated place.
Hot Topics At General Synod
Every two years, General Synod is a gathering place where delegates and visitors from all the parts of the UCC come together to worship, rebuild a sense of UCC identity and consider business items brought by local congregations, Conferences and Associations. While General Synod speaks “to” the local church and not “for” the local church, what happens there not only stirs conversations for the 5 days it’s in session but impacts the wider church for years to come. This workshop is a chance to gain greater understanding of the role of the General Synod in the life
of the UCC as well as to hear what is on the agenda of this Synod and what might be the “hot topics” discussed when it gathers in Indianapolis in late June.
Leader: The Rev. Krista Betz, The Pension Boards—United Church of Christ, Inc.
Rev. Krista Betz is a life-long member of the United Church of Christ and currently serves as the Director of Leadership Initiatives at the Pension Boards. In this role, she leads the Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) and the Annuitant Visitor
Program, which puts her in the position of supporting pastors that are younger and
new to ministry as well as caring for retired pastors. Before assuming the role with the Pension Boards, Krista served as a local church pastor in Missouri Mid-South, Associate Conference Minister in Missouri Mid-South and Interim Conference Minister for the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference. Her expertise in General Synod has been gained from 10 years of service on the UCC Executive Council and her participation in planning and leading committee work at the General Synod. She has trained Synod delegations and is one of the known UCC Synod junkies and polity geeks.
Improv for Ministry — Not Just for Theatre Folks: A short introduction to a way of living and a way of playing.
Improvisation for the Preacher/Pastor You Long to Be. Not simply theatre games, or a method for showing off, or even training for thinking on your feet. In this workshop you will be introduced to a kind of Improv Wisdom.* These are games that teach us how to show up and be fully present. If you practice this craft, if you follow where it leads, it will affect every aspect of your ministry for the rest of your life. Improvisation has
been called a kind of Tai Chi for the soul. Come and bring your curiosity! The style of teaching will be gentle and encouraging.
Leader: Rev. Anne Louise Hoffmann, (A New Yorker who lost her heart to California) member of Actor’s Equity, student of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, studied MBSR* at the Stress Reduction clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School Stress Reduction Clinic, professional storyteller, Certified Community mediator and certified in Conflict Resolution from UCDavis, graduate of Union Theological Seminary (NYC) and Intentional Interim OM UCC. Currently serving as Intentional Senior Minister FCC Long Beach.
Furthering your Mission by Fully Utilizing your Property
These days it is easy to get discouraged about having an aging property that does not seem to be used to its fullest capacity. Please come and hear real life stories about congregations small and large (and everything in between) who have found ways to use their property to be more fully present in their communities, to deliver vital ministries and in many cases to at the same time enhance their financial viability.
Leader: Maria Coyne, President, CEO Cornerstone Fund
Maria is a financial services executive with over 30 years of experience in commercial and retail banking. She has served as the President & CEO of the UCC Cornerstone Fund since October of 2016. Nationally recognized as an engaging leader, Maria is featured in several books and publications including How Women Lead by Dr. Sharon Hadary, and Off the Sidelines by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. She has also worked with
several “fintech” companies providing strategic consulting, and as a senior consultant at the telos institute. While at KeyCorp from 2001 to 2015 she served as an Executive Vice President and a member of KeyCorp’s Executive Council. She was the founder of the Key4 Women program and also held leadership positions in Retail/Consumer Banking, Business Banking, Strategic Planning, and Client Experience. She was named twice (in 2013 and 2014) as one of American Banker’s “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking”, and twice as one of the “Women to Watch” (2011 and 2012). Prior to Key, she spent three years at the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and over 10 years at Bank One Cleveland, serving in various management capacities before becoming Director
of Marketing. She is a prominent thought leader on small business and women’s leadership and has been featured frequently in media including the Wall Street Journal, CNN, NPR, Bloomberg News, and BusinessWeek. Maria has considerable experience serving on non-profit boards including the Chicago Theological Seminary, Beaumont school, the MacDonald Women’s Health Council of University Hospitals, the Sovereign Order of St. John, Karamu House, and she was an inaugural member of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council. Maria is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. She also completed the Key Executive Experience at the Case Weatherhead School of Management. Maria is a proud Clevelander, where she and her husband raised their two adult children. She is an avid rower and enjoys travel and learning about new cultures.
All workshops will be recorded for viewing at a later date.
Ways to Give
Annual Gathering gifts will be divided equally among Pilgrim Pines Camperships, SCNC Justice Grants, and The Dan Romero Center.
Pilgrim Pines Camp and Camperships
SCNC Justice Grants
The Southern California Nevada Conference acknowledges that both charity and justice are important. At this point in our collective journey, we seek to change the status quo and support congregations that are committed to eliminating the causes of injustice. Consequently, the Board has committed to making decisions that promote racial justice, equity, and inclusion and to equipping our congregations to literally widen their welcome as they challenge prejudice and barriers that limit people of varying cultures, identities, and abilities.
A portion of the gifts you give at Annual Gathering will be used for grants to local congregations that are engaged in specific justice related projects in their local communities.
The Dan Romero Center, Centro Romero
A mission partner of Common Global Ministries (UCC and Disciples) as well as the SCNVC and Southern Association, Centro Romero has had a special interest in advocacy, economic justice, and environmental justice. They welcome migrant children traveling on their own, single mothers traveling with their children, and other vulnerable populations. Centro Romero provides housing, food, medical attention, psychological support, and pastoral care for families and individuals seeking political asylum and affected by current United States immigration policies.
During the height of the pandemic, Centro Romero prioritized care for single mothers and their children moving them from tents into hotel rooms where they were more isolated from the coronavirus. Centro Romero also is identified U.S. and Mexican pharmacies and labs along the border where COVID-19 tests could be sourced for use in the community.
If you have ever watched the crisis at the border and wondered how you can help; here’s a chance. Your gifts at Annual Gathering will support the work of Centro Romero right here, right now in the Southern California Nevada Conference.
Read more about what to expect
Documents & Minutes
Financials
Team Reports
Thank you to the UCC Financial Ministries for Sponsoring Annual Gathering
The national ministries below are the Financial Ministries of the United Church of Christ. While they each have their own mandate, their own Board of Directors, they work closely together to serve the local congregations and can tell you if their ministry can meet the needs of your congregation. Or they can tell you if the needs of the congregation will be better served by working with another financial ministry. The point is that the congregation comes first.
While the Pension Boards is included and works with the Financial Ministries, their mandate is to serve clergy and lay employees, both current and retirees.
The work of all of these ministries is work you should know about as what they do supports ministry in so many ways across the life of the church. Below are links to the website. Some have provided copies of their Annual Reports or letters with information about their work. We invite you to take time to read and learn more about ministry beyond your local congregation and beyond Southern California Nevada.
