ANNUAL GATHERING NOTES
The 2010 Annual Gathering of the Northern California Nevada Conference United Church of Christ (NCNC/UCC) was held at Asilomar from May 13-16. The sun never appeared but most of the 470 faces in the gathering, did truly shine. The theme was “Transforming Lives, Churches and Communities”.
On Friday, I ran into former Community Church Associate Pastor, Ginny Curinga who sends her greetings. Our own Carter Bell gave the Pastoral Prayer at the Friday morning worship, and Charlene Smith spoke about Transforming Churches. She talked about the importance of being an “emotionally healthy congregation” with the goal of becoming a “kingdom focused church”. After the service, I spoke with former Community Church youth leader, Dave Fowler, serving for the past 7 years as a leader at Camp Tamarack. The afternoon was filled with numerous workshops and I had some free time to walk to the ocean and explore tide pools. I attended the NCNC Earth Steward’s dinner and was surprised to find myself seated next to a former student intern, Lindsay Fulmer, who is now Pastor at Portola Valley. I also learned the Bay-Area Interfaith Organizing for Eco-Justice and Environmental Sustainability will meet May 31, 1-4 pm, at the Mill Valley Community UCC. Mary Susan Gast, soon to be retired Conference Minister, was the keynote speaker Friday night. She talked about the NCNC State of the Covenant. Also, our church received an award for being a “5 for 5 Congregation” in 2009. Our offerings helped support UCC Share, Neighbors in Need, One Great Hour of Sharing, Christmas Fund and Strengthen the Church Special Mission Offerings.
Ron Buford was the keynote speaker at the Saturday morning service. His topic was Transforming Communities and he stressed the importance of presenting God to the world so that the world might be transformed. He emphasized that this action could be costly and he believes Jesus would want us to be hospitable to strangers (he made it clear he was talking to the good folks in Arizona). During the service, representatives from the Redwood City UCC presented the conference with a check for $200,000 to begin an endowment for Youth and Young Adults. At lunch, I was able to spend some time with Bill McKinney, soon to be retired President of Pacific School of Religion. The Annual Business Meeting was conducted after lunch. Three action items were voted on and approved:
1. In recognition that there are still many sacred conversations on race and racism yet to be held, the NCNC/UCC affirms its 2008 vote to initiate and participate in such conversations throughout the life of the Conference and extends the time line for those conversations an additional two years through 2012.
2. The 2010 Annual Meeting of the NCNC/UCC affirms our commitment to marriage equality and recognizes that this commitment is a call to action within our local churches and communities. This statement is made in the light of the conclusion of the Proposition 8 trial on June 16. All individuals deserve the freedom to marry. We as a Conference are dedicated to making marriage possible for everyone. Note: this action item was submitted by 30 youth members of local churches.
3. The 2010 Annual Meeting of the NCNC/UCC adopts a Goal Budget for year ending June 30, 2011, for the General Fund, in the amount of $964,000. Note: the last year goal was $1,098,000.
Following the meeting, those in attendance broke into Association Gatherings. I went to the Golden Gate Association meeting, and Bethany Nelson was elected as a new Board Member. I had dinner (seems like we ate a lot) with Kathy Bell, and then we were treated to a concert which was highlighted by the singing of Curran Reichert, pastor of Community Congregational UCC, Tiburon.
On Sunday, I had breakfast with Sophia Dewitt, the Conference Moderator. The Sunday worship service preacher was Rev. Mary Susan Gast. The 2010 Annual Gathering was uplifting to me personally, and it was a privilege to represent our congregation at Asilomar. Once again, it is clear to me that “no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!” Amen.
Harry Sullivan, Moderator
