Fireworks

Fireworks were enjoyed by Synod Goers this evening over the bay in Tampa.  Ruth and Lori Tisher, Ella, Sam, Shannon and Stephen watched from a nearby patio.

Fireworks also dominated the business of the day surrounding the issue of unified governance.  This issue was the only piece of business from 10 a.m. until dismissal at 8:45 a/m.  with the result being a 613 to 161 affirmative vote. 

Nearly 900 delegates passed the morning's common agreement of mutual recognition of Baptism by a 92% margin.  The main point of contention is that in order for other denominations to recognize baptism from the UCC, the Trinitarian formula, "Father, Son and Holy Spirit" must be used in the Sacrament.   

We heard a report from the executives about about articulation of the core values of the UCC.  Three core values were identified;  continuing testament, extravagant welcome and changing lives.  Geoffrey Black, General Minister, encouraged synod delegates to take back the 11-1-11 to 11-11-11 challenge for hunger related issues.  (Read my previous blogs for more information about Mission1.
or visit the website at www.ucc.org/mission1 

What this would mean for us in the church year, since it begins on a Tuesday and ends on a Friday is that kickoff of the event would be Sunday Oct. 30, Communion on November 6 and wrap up on Sunday the 13th which is also Stewardship Sunday.

Geoffrey Black also laid out his five goals as General Minister;
1. Be a Growing Church
2. Widely recognized in the public square
3. To be a catalyst for excellence in Ministry and church life
4. That Environmental Stewardship is essential to our practice of the Christian faith
5. That the UCC be relevant and reflective of the age and race demographics of the U.S.

The three things we can do to make these goals real is to;
1. Get behind Mission1.
2. Be Ambassadors for OCWM and Stewardship Giving.
3. Partner your church with a church that is very different from your own.

He ended by reminding us that hard work is not alien to our tradition.

You may want to check out a new UCC sponsored program begun by two twin brothers who are traveling the U.S. interviewing people who are working in mission.  Their videos may be viewed at www.Twinmaps.com

On this fourth of July we were reminded that 11 of the original 52 signers of the Declaration of Independence were UCC members.  (Congregationalists of which 11 % of UCC churches pre-date the founding of our nation.) 

Tomorrow is the final day of synod.  8 a.m. to 8 p.m.