Worship will stream live on the United Church of Christ YouTube and Facebook channels and on GeneralSynod.org.
Worship will occur:
Sunday, July 11
Wednesday, July 14
Sunday, July 18
Meet.UCC is the location where you can find everything you need to participate in General Synod 2021. You will find all the links that you need to access all activities that you signed up for during your registration process. Your schedule will be built, so you can navigate each area easily
It includes the most current text of the overtures and other recommendations that have been forwarded to the assembly. Track each item of business as it moves through the assembly meeting, and see whether the recommendation was amended, approved, or disapproved.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULT UPDATE
In the summer of 2020 teams began dreaming of all the possibilities for what a virtual synod could be while simultaneously living through the uncertainties that the pandemic forced us to wrestle with. An incredible and dedicated group that consisted of youth, young adults, local church pastors, camp directors, conference staff and UCC board members to specifically envision the youth and young adult programs for General Synod 33. Over the course of months, we were able to create two programs that highlighted the passions and interests of young people, tapped into the creative expressions of the arts, implement strategies for personal and group engagement while providing sabbath time for renewal. On the best days, this is what the Church offers to the world.
We want to extend the opportunity to all our youth and young adult delegates to participate in these programs, where time permits, to learn alongside of your peers.
If you would like more information about either program, please visit the General Synod website and be in touch with the registrar to add any programs to your schedule. Please note that all programs will only be accessible through the meet.ucc platform.
If you have any questions about the programming, please reach out to our Minister for Youth & Young Adult Engagement at pottert@ucc.org.
Karen Georgia A. Thompson
General Synod Administrator
Connect with the Pension Boards at General Synod 33
The Pension Boards staff is eager to connect with you at
General Synod 33, coming up July 11-18!
For this first-ever virtual Synod, we have created an interactive virtual exhibit and several special events that we think you will find engaging, informative, and motivating.
Here are some highlights:
Pre-Synod Workshop: Raising Funds in Hard Times
Friday, July 9, 5:00 p.m. ET
Moments of challenge and even crisis can be opportunities for churches to renew and clarify their mission, deepen connection with stakeholders, diminish paternalistic dynamics, and inspire and sustain generosity.
Led by Rev. Jonathan B. Lee, Rev. Paul Ramsey, and Rev. Jim Moos
(Registration for pre-Synod workshops will be available soon at https://meet.ucc.org/.)
Virtual Theater Event: Securing the Future: Financial Justice for Ministers
Sunday, July 11, 4:00 p.m. ET
www.SecuringtheFutureVirtualEvent.com
A special event to launch a $3 million campaign for the Ministers’ Financial Vitality Initiative, a partnership between the Pension Boards and the National Setting of the UCC. Moderated by Rev. Art Cribbs
A Live Town Hall with the Pension Boards
Monday, July 12, 6:00-7:30 p.m. ET
Share your thoughts and have your questions answered at this special live event with Pension Boards leadership and staff. Moderated by Rev. Krista Betz (Register through the General Synod registration page.)
Pension Boards Workshops
Don’t miss these live mini-workshops in our virtual exhibit space:
Monday, July 12, 3:00 p.m. ET—Corporate Engagement: Increasing Effectiveness Through Systemic Change, Rev. Rick Walters
Tuesday, July 13, 3:00 p.m. ET—Helping UCC Ministers Lead Financially Healthy Lives, Rev. Jonathan Lee, Mr. Joaquin Labour-Acosta
Wednesday, July 14, 3:00 p.m. ET—Peace of Mind Through Better Health, Mr. Frank Loiacono, Ms. Jennifer Markewitz
Thursday, July 15, 3:00 p.m. ET—Your Retirement Plan Investments, Mr. David Klassen
Friday, July 16, 3:00 p.m. ET—UCC Grant Opportunities, Mr. Joaquin Labour-Acosta, Ms. Josefina Wallen-Bell
Our exhibit will open at 11:00 a.m. ET on Monday, July 12, and may be accessed through the UCC General Synod portal, Meet.UCC. Our booth will be staffed throughout Exhibit Hall hours (11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. ET, July 12-16) and visitors can chat in real time with a Member Services representative during those hours.
Learn More About the Pension Boards
CHILDREN'S RESOURCES
General Synod 33's Children and Family resources feature ten children's videos along with corresponding activity sheets (see an example here), each including a welcome, scripture, reflection, song, and closing prayer. Activities create conversations about God and how God is at work in the world! These conversations build roots of faith for the youngest among us and nurture what God has been growing in our hearts.
Watch this video for a preview of General Synod 33's Children and Family resources.
NIGHT OF CELEBRATION
We have much to be thankful for and celebrate in the life of the UCC! We will hold a Night of Celebration, Friday, July 16. During the celebration we will recognize the 50th anniversary of the Association of United Church Educators (AUCE), the UCC Open and Affirming Coalition, Environmental Justice Ministries, and more.
Additionally, we will celebrate the efforts of our many volunteers, without whom this first-ever virtual General Synod would not be possible, and announce the winner of the Congregational Challenge.
Join us! You will not want to miss this amazing evening of joy and gratitude.
TEXT TO GIVE
General Synod will provide multiple opportunities to support ministries of the United Church of Christ and our partners. This includes assorted ways to give! You can use the text-to-give option: simply text 41444 in your mobile device. You will be prompted to direct your give and voilà the donation is sent. You can also give through the UCC website, or you can mail a check if you so desire. We are grateful for the generosity of our donors.
To give to Racial Justice: Text UCCRJ to 41444
To give to Thursdays in Black: Text UCCTIB to 41444
To give to Annual Fund: Text UCCGS to 41444