CHHSM members will have the opportunity to dig deeply into the United Church of Christ’s history and its rich tradition of diakonal ministry at CHHSM’s 74th Annual Meeting in St. Louis, Mo., March 1-4.
Plenary speakers will explore the UCC’s focus on continuing testament, extravagant welcome and changing lives, and a new seminar will address the special needs of board leaders and executive directors.
As guest preacher, the Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, president and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, will reflect on Mark 2:1-12 in his message, “The Church We Live In: A Hole in the Roof.” His remarks will look at opportunities for the church that can be found in both physical and spiritual challenges.
“The church struggles with maintaining old structures, leaky roofs and insufficient space,” Wilson says. “Perhaps these are not just headaches, but opportunities for faithful witness.”
Wilson will take a closer look at the church’s understanding of continuing testament, a core value in the UCC’s Stillspeaking Ministry, which encourages all settings of the church to be open-minded and accepting of others.
The Rev. Felix Carrion, Stillspeaking coordinator and fellow plenary speaker, will explore the church’s commitment to extravagant welcome.
“My hope is to reflect on the core values of the UCC that are at the heart of Stillspeaking, and their relationship to human service mission,” he says.
The Rev. J. Bennett Guess, executive minister for Local Church Ministries of the UCC, will discuss the church’s dedication to changing lives in the context of diakonal ministry.
This year, attendees will also have the option to attend a special two-part seminar, “Governance of Diakonal Ministry – Grounded in the Church.” Trustees and board members registered for the Annual Meeting as well as CEOs and executive directors who have at least one board member from their organization attending are invited to participate.
The Rev. Jerry Paul, former president and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation, will facilitate the two-part seminar March 2 and 3.
“Leadership of a diakonal ministry is more complex than ever before,” Paul says. “With so much to do, the vital task of governance can be taken for granted. The purpose of this seminar is to stimulate ideas and possibilities for strengthening our boards, and for renewing the beliefs that gave birth to our church and our ministry.”
Paul will address topics such as board recruitment and development, organizational culture, the acquisition of board skills, and the role of faith in UCC ministries.
Register here for the 74th Annual Meeting before Feb. 15. Hotel reservations at the Crowne Plaza must be made by Feb. 1.
