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2014 Conference Annual Gathering (CAG)
Have you sent in your registration form? Have you made your room reservation at the Truman Hotel? We're only 14 days away from the regular-priced registration deadline of Friday, May 30th. Hurry!
This eConnection is to share more information about our upcoming CAG and to hopefully answer any questions if you are still undecided about attending. This year's gathering was designed to offer you the perfect blend of business, worship, renewal, vision and fellowship. What more could you ask for?
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If you haven't registered, here's your opportunity. There are two ways to register for CAG:
1). Fillable pdf - Please note that some of you may have difficulty with this form depending upon your computer and which version of Adobe you have downloaded. If you are not able to use the fillable form, please use registration option #2. 2). Printable form - This form (in Word) may be printed and filled out by hand which should then be returned to our Conference office. You may also find the above documents on the 2014 CAG page of our website.
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CAG FAQ's
How many delegates can my church send to CAG?The information in our Conference Bylaws answers this question for you, and the Bylaws are always available on our website.
Where is CAG?
No need to pack your pillow, sheets or towels this year - we're at The Truman Hotel and Conference Center, 1510 Jefferson Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109 - and everything you'll need is provided in your room (including those cute little bars of soap!).
Do I have to make my own hotel reservation?
YES! Please call the hotel directly to make your reservation. Phone: 800-392-0202 or 573-635-7171. Making your reservation online will NOT give you the discounted price of $64 per night, plus tax. Please call.
What are the check-in and check-out times at hotel?
Check-in is at 3:00 pm and check-out is at 11 am. The hotel will hold your luggage on Saturday after you leave your room, or you may also put your luggage in your car and then enjoy the rest of CAG.
What's going on Thursday night? Is it worth it to be there?
Well of course we want you there on Thursday! This is your chance to gather with fellow clergy, delegates and guests to share a delicious meal (chicken cordon bleu/vegetarian option) and to meet Rev. Geoffrey Black, our honored guest. We'll also be treated to some wonderful jazz music after dinner in The Library, the hotel's lounge. We're hoping for a few impromptu musicians to step up and join in the fun. Libations available!
Vision Team Listening Session Opportunity at CAG
T he Conference Vision Team wants to hear from you! Vision Team members are making as many opportunities as possible to ask the same questions of everyone in the Conference. If you have not attended a Vision Team Listening Session in the past month or so, this is your chance. Join us during Friday morning breakfast from 7:30 - 8:30 am for an hour of sharing and dialogue. With encouraging feedback received, more listening sessions are planned in the summer - hopefully at a location near you!
Will we be updated on the Vision Team's progress? On Friday you will have two opportunities (9:30 - 10:30 and then again at 10:45 - 11:00) to attend Exploring the Visions and Dreams of the Conference. Join us in blending the voices of the Conference in creating our future together. Much has been shared, wished and shaped from this year of stepping back to move forward. Discuss with us what most interests you about the potential priorities for the Conference. Tell us what your thoughts are about applications for the model strategies and innovations of programming. A summary outline of our research findings and action steps will spark our conversation. Dick Hamm and Jan Aerie, co-facilitators. And during the same times, Rev. Geoffrey Black will also be hosting an opportunity for you to listen and ask questions about the UCC and other topics. Is anything going on at lunch on Friday?
While lunch may be "on your own" Friday, we do have an hour planned from noon to 1:00 to discuss
The Church Exists for Mission in Jamaica... Guatemala... Mexico... Congo... China... Everywhere.
Revitalizing our Conference-wide mission involvement is a goal of many. Join in a discussion about your interests for next steps in global mission.
What Workshops are available this year?
Workshops will be held on Friday afternoon after lunch. You'll have the option to attend two different sessions with the first beginning at 1:30-2:30 and then again from 3:00-4:00. If you feel like being creative, learning more about the United Church Funds, dreaming to be an "if only" church instead of a "what if" church, and more then you need to attend! Great presenters, great topics and great ideas to share with your own congregation after. See all of the workshop descriptions here and no sign up/registration is necessary.
When are the clergy and church anniversaries being recognized?
These celebrations will occur on Friday night during dinner, which begins at 6 pm. We will also be recognizing our Youth as well as our Conference Deacons. Lots of wonderful folks to honor in our Conference!
What are we doing Friday night after worship?
No ice cream social this year - we thought it was time for a change. On Friday evening after worship we'll have a special after-hours "Open Microphone." If you'd like to sing, read poetry, dance, tell a story, or whatever - please contact Cliff Aerie at cliff.aerie@gmail.com so he can put together a set list of performers. We're looking forward to a fun evening highlighting the creative talent in our Conference - we know there are hidden stars out there!
What kind of music/worship services are being planned?
Music is always an important ingredient in our worship and fellowship when we gather at our Conference events. This year the Oîkos Ensemble will provide our musical leadership in worship. Along with Rev. Cliff Aerie, the musicians joining him will be pianist John Pyatt, bassist Dave Troncoso and drummer Brian May. Their special guest vocalist is Rayla Hogue. The contemporary music ensemble from Columbia United Church of Christ will also join the group.
Our Conference Annual Gathering theme is "dream God's Dream." The planning team is fashioning experimential worship incorporating the visual arts, drama, music, poetic reflection, great preaching (Rev. Geoffrey Black and Rev. Allen Fluent), and sacramental celebration that will creatively explore our dreams and hopes as God's people.
Will there be a Conference Choir again this year?
Yes, if you like to sing we encourage you to share your talents with the Conference Choir when they perform at Saturday's closing worship. Ray Landis, Director of Music and Arts Ministries (First Congregational UCC, Webster Groves) will be our director. Rehearsals will be Friday (6/13, 3:00 - 4:00 pm) and Saturday (6/14, 11:30 - noon). Two selections will be performed: "Order My Steps" by Glenn Burleigh and "I'm Going On a Journey" by Eddie Bonnemere. Everyone who wants to make a joyful noise to God, regardless of singing experience, is invited to join in!
Faith Sharing Lunches are back?!
Yes! Saturday at noon is your opportunity to hear another individual's faith journey - personal stories of how they developed spiritually and where they stand today with their faith. These people were all chosen specifically because of their unique stories which they have willing agreed to share with you at CAG. Perhaps their sojourn is parallel to yours and sounds comforting, or perhaps their experience is so completely different that you can't help but be intrigued. Who will inspire you... who will challenge you... who will make you question your own faith journey?
Click here to see the six different presenters along with a brief description. You will be asked to choose one and enjoy lunch as a group with the other attendee's while you enjoy their story. Registration will occur in the lobby
of the Truman Hotel upon your arrival; please see Renee for sign up sheets. Room sizes are limited so sign up early. Will the CAG materials be posted on the website again this year? Yes. Beginning next week many of the reports, financial documents and anniversary information will be available for printing. If you're not going to bring a laptop or tablet to CAG, we highly encourage you to print out the materials and put them into a binder. The hotel does have WiFi. We truly hope you will join us for this year's Conference Annual Gathering. If we've failed to answer a question, please contact Dale Parson or Renee Cordes. Thanks and we'll see you in Jefferson City!
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Contact Us
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Missouri Mid-South Conference United Church of Christ 314-962-8740 or 877-877-5884 Email renee@mmsucc.org to submit information for a future issue. Not all submissions may be used in future eCouriers/eHappenings. |
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