The United Church of Christ (UCC) held its General Synod community worship on July 13 at the Kansas City Convention Center. The event was marked by a large gathering of worshipers, diverse in race, culture, age, and gender. Attendees experienced a lively atmosphere with music from singers and a band from Kindred UCC in Maplewood, Missouri.
The theme for this year's Synod was "Into the Deep," inspired by a biblical story from Luke 5. A digital mural representing prairie landscapes set the backdrop for the event. The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President/CEO, explained the significance of deep roots in prairie grass as a metaphor for resilience and positive impact.
Thompson spoke about challenges such as recent U.S. budget laws affecting healthcare and poverty resources while increasing military spending. She emphasized the need for deeper relationships with God and others to face these issues.
During the service, over $15 thousand was collected to support various causes. Funds will be divided between two UCC conferences hosting the Synod: Kansas-Oklahoma and Missouri Mid-South. Contributions will aid LGBTQ services in Oklahoma City and Manhattan, Kansas, as well as health ministries in St. Louis.
Photographs of the event were taken by C.L. 'Curly' Stumb.