Hey All,

I'm soooo sorry I haven't been online and posting. It's been a very busy series of weeks leading up to now, with two major conferences and a number of professional obligations.

In any case, I wanted to reflect a bit on the Annual Conference my "wing" of the UCC just had. We met in a place called Silver Bay, which is north of Albany, NY up by Lake George. One fun thing that I experienced right away on the trip up was some sort of gigantic biker's convention! All along the road to the Bay and all the way back, there were literally rows upon rows of motorcycles!

Few of them seemed affiliated with the UCC, unfortunately. But we made our own fun that weekend! Much of the fellowshipping that happens at a Conference centers around food, or the meals. But some of the most fun time was had with a friend and colleague whose new church start members all stayed in the same cabin. Many jokes were shared the night we all stayed together. It is often moments like that where I find myself getting to know others in ways that are harder in the formality of business proceedings.

Most important for me, though, was the constant reminder in big and little ways that I am a part of something far, far larger than any local church I belong to or attend. We focus a lot on the local church, for good reason, but the UCC is that and so much more. To worship with hundreds of kindred souls is an buoying experience in itself, especially if one comes from a small congregation, or no church at all.

It was the sermon preached by Rev. Felix Carrion, our national Stillspeaking spokesperson, however, that most reminded me of the largeness factor. His sermon was mystical from beginning to end, teaching us that being grounded in God opens all the Church up to the reality of a God who exists above and beyond all human boxes--including the Church.

So, all of this is to say--whether you belong to the UCC or not, whether you've ever gone to a church conference or not--that you might want to check out what the UCC is doing in your area, and attend. It's a great way to see who we are, in all our diversity of mind, ethnicity, and practice.

What do you think? Have any of you been attending UCC Conferences elsewhere? If so, drop me a note here--I'd love to hear about your experiences!

Dea+