Alerts Sign-up
In a recent Synod workshop, participants gathered in a circle to sing, “We believe what we need most are the hearts of each other right here.” This moment, guided by leaders from Music that Makes Community, highlighted the deep connections and spirituality fostered at the General Synod workshops.
On July 13, attendees had various workshops to choose from, focusing on sharing knowledge and resources for the wider church. One such session was led by Marcia McFee, who presented on “Experience, ritual, and innovation for a weary world.” Participants engaged in breathing exercises and explored the power of rituals.
The UCC Council for American Indian Ministry led a Blanket Exercise. Participants experienced shared histories as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples through pre-contact events, treaty-making, colonization, and resistance. Blankets were removed during the exercise as a representation of these historical experiences.
Doe Hoyer conducted a workshop on Deeply Accessible Singing for Every Body. The group learned songs from Songs for Sacred Lands created by The Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery and Music that Makes Community. They reflected on their experiences singing without written words.
Attendees enjoyed free Ben & Jerry’s ice cream after several workshops. Noah Tabor from United Church Funds said, “We’re showing some love to Ben & Jerry’s and our delegates.”
The workshop “Palestine, Solidarity, and Bearing Bold Witness Together” focused on prayer, reflection, and discussions about solidarity with Palestinian partners. It aimed to connect clergy and laypeople uncertain about engaging with these issues.
Rev. Velda Love led “Deepening Networks of Mutuality,” inviting participants to share stories and strategies for building a new world. This theme connected with this year’s All Church Read.
A panel discussion featuring Rev. Darrell Goodwin and Rev. Sarah Drummond addressed recruiting UCC leaders in sustaining ministry during “Engaging People of Call to Service in a New Evangelism.”
Content is copyrighted by the National Setting of the United Church of Christ.
