Attendees at this summer’s General Synod 35 will have plenty of learning opportunities to choose from through a slate of 35 workshops.
Workshops are a hallmark of General Synod, giving leaders from across the denomination the platform to share their various knowledge, resources, and skill sets with the wider church.
The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, UCC General Minister and President/CEO named five different track themes that are particularly important in this time: climate change, decolonization, leadership development, spirituality and the church, and strengthening the church. The workshops being offered this summer are designed around those themes, and what has been identified as the needs of the wider church continue to evolve.
“General Synod workshops are always a beautiful and robust collection of offerings from across the denomination,” said the Rev. Tracy Howe, team lead for the Faith Education, Innovation, and Formation (Faith INFO) team, and coordinator of Synod workshops. “We have really practical and timely offerings for all our local churches are dealing with at this time — from immigration to worship design and more.”
Attendees can choose between 17 different one-hour presentations and panels for each of the two sessions, which will occur Sunday, July 13 — the first batch set at 10:30 a.m., and the second batch at 12:00 p.m. Times and room assignments for each workshop will be announced in the coming weeks.
Workshops will not be livestreamed, and anyone in attendance can attend any workshop, as long as seats are available.
Below, find a list of each workshop. A full description of each workshop is available on the General Synod website.
Climate Change
Climate Hope: Creating the Political Will to Address Climate and Inequality
Environmental Stewardship through Responsible Investments
Refuge from the Storm: Preparing Churches to Respond to Climate-Related Disasters
Decolonization
Organizing for Repair and Embodied Solidarity with Indigenous Communities
Blanket Exercise led by the Council for America Indian Ministry
Immigrants Welcome Here: Extravagant welcome in a time of exclusion
The Church’s Call in Contexts of Conflict
Decolonizing Practices in the midst of Palestinian Nakba
For Such a Time as This: Palestine, Solidarity, and Bearing Bold Witness Together
Leadership Development
Blessed Minds and Blessed Bodies
Aging is a Justice Issue: how we think and talk and preach about it matters
Insurance Board Presents: Effective Ministry Policies to Prevent Abuse and Maintain Proper Boundaries
Equip Your Congregation to Build a Torture-Free Future: Ending Solitary Confinement with NRCAT
Purveyors of Awe: Experience, Ritual, and Innovation for a Weary World
Faithful Finances: How Money Choices Affect Human Rights
Speak Truth to Power: Influencing Sacred Change on Capitol Hill
Church Buildings: Blessing or Burden?
Deepening Networks of Mutuality: Connecting, Discovering, and Building a New World of Solidarity and Hope
Communities of Practice for Church Leaders
Spirituality and the Church
Deep Calling to Deep: The Power of Poetry in Worship and Personal Devotion
Dipping Our Nets into Music that Makes Community: Deeply Accessible Singing for Every Body
The Spirituality of Generosity: Learning with the Philanthropy Team of the National Ministries
Strengthening the Church
Building a Shining STAR (Small Town and Rural Church)
Digital Evangelism: Creating Community with Social Media
Media Madness: How to Spot and Stop Disruption of Peace and Justice in the Media
Covenant of Mission and Money: How to Invest in and Build Community
Faith at the United Nations (F.U.N): Advocating for Justice
Do2025!: Digital Access, Digital Resources and Digital Literacy for Today’s Church
Snapshot of a Church’s Vitality & Tools for the Future
Insurance Board Presents: Creating a Secure Church: Harnessing The Power of Hello, Active Shooter Preparedness, and De-escalation
Energizing Faith Formation in the Church
Engaging People of Call to Service – A New Evangelism
Do you want to build a Prayground?
Workshops can be attended by any visitor or delegate that is registered for General Synod. Not registered? CLICK HERE to register, as online registration closes on Friday, June 13 at 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
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