By Daryl Schreiber
The United Church of Christ is truly a multiracial and multicultural church. The 32 General Synod kicked off with songs sung in English, Tagalog, and Spanish. Then drummers and dancers from the Indian Community School of Milwaukee set the scene as representatives of the UCC’s Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries poured water into a baptismal font. It was a service of rich symbolism, dynamic performance, and challenging calls to action that set the tone for the remainder of the conference.
As a first time attendant of General Synod, I had no idea what to expect. I guess I thought it would be something like our Annual Celebration, but bigger. And, oh boy, was it bigger! There were nearly 3,000 people in attendance including voting delegates, youth, and guests.
As BIG as the crowd at Synod was, it did nothing to diminish the impact of our Rocky Mountain Conference delegation. Nearly every one of us had a unique role of some sort. Several of our members spoke on the main stage addressing Resolutions to be voted on. Rev. Jenny Whitcher gave the re-nomination address for General Minister and President, John Dorhauer, which was quite an honor, indeed. We were blessed with an enthusiastic and engaging youth delegate who told us that General Synod was one of the most spiritually inspiring events she had ever attended. All members of our delegation worked tirelessly for nearly a week. We went to 6:30 am caucuses, we participated in deep conversations, above all we listened for the spirit. It was uplifting to see so many people working hard and making a difference.
Rocky Mountain may not be the largest conference in terms of the number of churches, but it was clear to me that we are a conference with a big presence and spirit of action. I am more thankful than ever to be a part of this community, and can honestly say there is no place I’d rather be serving in than the RMC!
