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Join us June 26-30, 2009 in Grand Rapids for General Synod 27!
The Program and Planning Committee, the Moderators of the General Synod, the Michigan Conference and the Collegium of Officers are anxious to welcome you to Grand Rapids for General Synod 27.
For many, General Synod is a family reunion where the United Church of Christ gathers to worship, to engage in service, to do the business of the Synod, to learn, to listen and to grow.
"Immerse Yourself" is an apt theme for Grand Rapids as we gather along the Grand River and we immerse ourselves in exploring what it means to live out the call of Jesus Christ as a particular expression of the church.
While each Synod includes some of the same elements, each one is an experience in its own right and that will certainly be true in Grand Rapids.
This year, a spectacular River City Saturday will include an array of speakers, choirs, workshops, Bible Study and an outdoor festival. The day will end with a celebration that will include a time of thanksgiving for the ministry of the Rev. John H. Thomas who will conclude his service as General Minister and President (GMP).
There will be a number of resolutions to consider that will speak to our witness in and to the world, and there will be several items of business that are related to our internal life as a denomination. We will have an election of a new GMP, and two Collegium officers will be presented for re-election. There will be an expanded youth/service program, and service projects for adults as well. There will be time for sacred conversations on race around a number of topical areas. And the exhibit hall will provide opportunities to learn about all kinds of ministries — and get some free stuff!
We have paid special attention to assuring that Saturday has speakers that are geared specifically to youth and young adults as well as our more "seasoned" members. No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, we're sure that there will be something in Grand Rapids that will excite you, challenge you and enrich you.
Everything you need to plan for Synod can be found here on the website. New information will be added monthly and a calendar is also provided so that you will know what to expect when.
If you're looking for a roommate or want to make plans to find a friend once you arrive in Grand Rapids, feel free to use the General Synod Forum. If you have questions and need assistance in your planning, please feel free to drop us a note at synod@ucc.org and we'll make sure it gets to the right person who can best answer your question. If you would rather call, we can be reached at (216) 736-2104 or (216) 736-2192.
See you in Grand Rapids!
Edith Guffey
Administrator of the General Synod
Notice of Revisions to the General Synod Standing Rules
Pursuant to Rule 50 of the Standing Rules of the Twenty-seventh General Synod, you are hereby advised of significant changes to those rules governing the administration of the meeting. The Standing Rules of the Twenty-seventh General Synod, as approved April 14, 2008 by the Executive Council, are available online on the UCC website (linked on the left here).
Of particular note, you will find many of the dates and deadlines for submission of business items have been changed. An effort has been made to highlight all deadlines set forth in the Standing Rules. Please also note a change in rules requiring that all proposed business items, including Proposed Pronouncements, Proposals for Action, Resolutions and Other Formal Motions, all reports required of or to the General Synod, petitions for Voice without Vote and any and all other business must be submitted electronically to the Office of General Ministries at synod@ucc.org.
Questions regarding the rules or questions about the submission of business items may be addressed to the United Church of Christ, Attn: Mr. Lee Foley, Minister for Governing Body Relations, 700 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115, or foleyl@ucc.org, or 216-736-2192.
Lee Foley
April 24, 2008
Minister for Governing Body Relations
Final approved minutes of General Synod 26 (pdf)
With 9,100 registered participants, General Synod 26 – June 22-26, 2007 – was the largest UCC gathering in the denomination's 50-year history. By all accounts, our time together in Hartford, Conn., was one of extravagant welcome, enthusiastic celebration and spiritual renewal.
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DVDs of 31 presentations at General Synod are also available for purchase
