CHHSM Emerging Leaders Experience UCC General Synod

CHHSM has two leadership programs for current seminarians exploring calls to health and human service ministry: its Rev. Jerry Paul Scholar program and its Emerging Leader program. Following this summer’s UCC General Synod in Kansas City, Mo., two of the current participants — CHHSM Scholar the Rev. Breona Hawkins and Emerging Leader Cohort member the Rev. Regan Saoirse — offered their reflections on their time at Synod.

My Experience at General Synod By the Rev. Breona Hawkins, Current CHHSM Rev. Jerry Paul Scholar

General Synod was a glimpse of what God’s Kindom will look like. 

As I sat at the table representing CHHSM, I met many people in the crowded exhibit hall. Some of those people were folks I met throughout the years of my educational and pastoral journey. I met former classmates in person, which humanized the very people with whom I learned in the virtual classroom. I met people who have worked for CHHSM-affiliated organizations over the years, and they shared beautiful testimonials about the great work that CHHSM has done over time. I encountered people who were not aware of the beautiful and sacred work that the CHHSM team has devoted their lives to. I saw people from different generations, nationalities, gender expressions, abilities, racial backgrounds, and lived experiences coming together to celebrate a tradition rooted in the mission to further the Kindom of God. 

As I observed and interacted with people, I had a thought — the Kindom of God in its fullness comprises everyday people. And when the people of God are rooted in their authenticity, when we operate in the fullness of who God is — love  — that’s when transformation and justice occur. In the current political climate that seeks to push division and homogeneity further, I’m reminded that the Kindom of God is comprised of people who are image bearers of a unique and mysterious God. And we embrace our uniqueness and mystery; that’s where we find God.

CHHSM Emerging Leader Reflections on General Synod By the Rev. Regan Saoirse, 2024-2025 CHHSM Emerging Leader Cohort Member

General Synod wasn’t a vacation for me. I worked hard on the General Synod Local Arrangements Committee (LAC) for over half a year with about 10 others to organize all the volunteers and various programs. We worked shifts during Synod and had fun together, too.

The experience I will keep close to my heart happened when I bought a beaded necklace with colorful turtles on it and a colorful hat. The vendor couldn’t take a credit card because it was under $10. So, here steps in a man I hadn’t met yet, decked out in a beautiful white suit with silk white stripes. He gets out his wallet and says, “Here, let me get that for you. No problem, just pay it forward.” 

He said his name is Roy and that we are now going to be lifelong friends because we were tied together by this necklace and General Synod. We took a picture of us with his glittery pointed pink shoes. His generosity and patience helped me take a look around and realize how special it is to be surrounded by so many of my own people, ones who get it — that it’s about spontaneous generosity. It’s about love. 

Two hours later, I dropped my phone in a toilet, and it hasn’t worked since, so you’re in my memories, Roy. I’ll see you next General Synod — and I’ll wear the turtle necklace, too!