UCC Coalition :: Coalition at General Synod

The UCC Coalition's 2009 National Gathering will be held June 22–25 2009, prior to the UCC General Synod in Grand Rapids, MI. The theme for this year's gathering is "Growing Bold." It will be a celebration of Open and Affirming, exploration of what ONA can be in its fullest expression, worship, fellowship, celebration and engagement. For many more details, please see our Growing BOLD page.

Coalition families are encouraged to attend the first Children & Families Multicultural Festival (a 27th General Synod Pre-Synod Event), scheduled for Thursday, June 25, 2009, at St. John's Church, UCC, in Grand Rapids, MI, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The theme for the Children & Families Multicultural Festival is "Immerse Yourself in Friendship!" The Coalition's National Gathering will conclude on Thursday in time for families to make it to the festival. For more information about the festival, please visit www.ucc.org/children/.

The choir will be performing at the pre synod worship service- "Is it well" on June 25, 2009, at 7:30 pm. See the UCC site for more details.

We are seeking volunteers to help serve communion at that service. Orientation will be at 7:00pm. If you are interested, please contact Michelle Sims at 216-861-0779.

The UCC Coalition luncheon at General Synod will be held on Friday, June 26, 2009, at the Convention Center. You can sign up when you register for Synod.

Urvashi Vaid, former Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Executive Director of the Arcus Foundation, community organizer and attorney will join us, speaking with us on the topic of how The UCC Coalition's Open and Affirming work relates to the national LGBT movement.

[You'll also want to hear UCC President and General Minister, John Thomas, speak about what The UCC Coalition's Open and Affirming work means to the church. Consider arriving early for Synod to join us for Growing BOLD, June 22–25, 2009!]

If you will be joining us at Synod, please stop by the UCC Coalition booth in the display area—and consider volunteering at the booth.

This workshop is for members of the straight community who want to know what to do to be an ally for the lgbt community. What things will a straight person face? What are some specific actions a straight person can take?

We will examine how looking at gender is able to open us to think in new ways about God and ourselves. This workshop is designed for deepening our faith, for pastoral care, for greater understanding, and for the ability to welcome transgender people into your church.

This workshop addresses homophobia (fear of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender people) and its impact on all of us, including straight people. This two-hour workshop is designed to heighten awareness of homophobia, and also discusses the functions of prejudice. This workshop will be presented by Tim Brown

Does is matter that a church makes an official statement of welcome to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities? Learn how much a difference it makes, how to begin conversation in your own church, how to develop a team, and what resources are available.

A church’s becoming Open and Affirming is a significant commitment to ministry. How does a church live into its ONA values? How do you keep active in the kind of growth that brought the church into being Open and Affirming? Learn possibilities and resources for making ONA an on-going part of your congregation’s life.

The Coalition at General Synod 27

Arrive early for Synod

Another Synod Pre-Event

Urvashi Vaid to speak at Synod luncheon

Coalition Booth in Synod Vending Area

Coalition Workshops at Synod

Workshop: How to be a Straight Ally

Workshop: Gender Identity and Expression

Workshop: Ho-Ho-Homophobia

Workshop: ONA - Why and How?

Workshop: ONA - Now What?