Massachusetts Conference Edition

Return to main page
Read National Edition
Subscribe to printed version - free!
Read the UC News Spotlight E-Newsletter

205th Annual Meeting
Declare It Boldly

This year's theme for the 205th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ, was "Word, Worship, Wonder: Declare It Boldly!" And declare it boldly they did ­ in song, in worship, in business, in action.

This year's meeting was filled with the fellowship of 850 delegates, speakers, clergy, ministers, and visitors from all corners of the state.

Gloria Gilson from the United Church of Christ in Canton summed up her reason for attending as "a unique opportunity to find out what social issues are at the forefront and how we can support them while in an atmosphere of fellowship and church."

The delegates took their jobs seriously and filled most seats at workshops and hearings before casting their votes on the various issues. There were some heated debates over gay/lesbian resolutions, concern about budgetary decisions, and poignant discussions and speakouts about declines in membership, and on the rights of prisoners, seafarers, and the homeless.

Recently deceased former U.S. President Reagan was remembered as a person who believed that there was a difference between strong beliefs and partisanship; and in that mode the delegates were asked to speak their words boldly but to listen to others respectfully.

Delegates raise bold red cards as they vote on several resolutions during the Annual Meeting, called to order Friday, June 11, 2004, at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley.

Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Nancy S. Taylor received thunderous applause as she was introduced. Silence fell as she addressed the discourse of some churches over the ordination and marriage of gays and lesbians. Heartfully and hopefully, she explained how the differences of the 425 congregations of the United Church of Christ churches in Massachusetts are what makes the organization a unique entity. It is the unity with Christ, despite differences, that makes the denomination stalwart. "The stuff from which the UCC is woven is strong and expansive, allowing this diverse body of Christ to move in more than one direction at once," she said. We can "tug at each other and pull in different directions without splitting."

Amid the serious business at hand, there was also rejoicing over the past year¹s accomplishments, the 50-year ordination anniversaries of six dedicated men, the 20-year attendance of the Remick family of Hanover, achievements and awards, and the announcement of the newly ordained.

In addition to the business of the meeting, fun activities were sprinkled throughout the two days. Mid-afternoon snacks of fresh apples were given out by a "Tree-cher" (a preacher in critter costume). Book signings, tree plantings, frisbee fun, and a celebration took place on the green outside the main hall. And, later, attendees were invited to sample Friday evening's activities like a "progressive dinner" ­ experiencing a little of each offering and moving to the next course. The menu included a jazz concert by Bill Carter and the Presbybop Quartet, hosted receptions, and live theater by the Just Peace Players. Attendees could also shop at the marketplace for books, brightly colored stoles, or even a new cause.

The meeting closed with a worship service that opened one's senses to an exuberance of colors and music and songs and spirit.

The Rev. Mr. Steve Washburn, interim pastor at the Federated Church of Ayer, came to the conference to "renew the covenant and walk closer to God and others as current issues of Christ's ministry are addressed." His mission was accomplished.

In the Spirit, the attendees worshiped and gathered to conduct the business of the Conference. And throughout the two-day event, word, worship, and wonder were declared boldly.