In keeping with the UCC General Synod’s theme of “Finding God in Unexpected Places,” United Church Homes left its imprint on more than 3,000 people who attended this national event in Cleveland, June 26-30.

Engage. Entertain. Educate.

UCH had a significant role at the UCC General Synod’s exhibit hall, with staff and members of the board of directors providing 35 hours of volunteer coverage — engaging, entertaining and educating attendees about the UCH ministry.

The UCH exhibit focused on the organization’s freshly minted vision, mission and core values statements, and featured the distribution of promotional materials inquiring, “got abundant life?” Shown here are members of the board, Cathy Green (left) and Sandy Lindahl, sharing UCH information with Synod attendees.

Ministry and the Second Half of Life

The Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, UCH’s director of outreach and mission integration, led one of the congregational ministry workshops. She guided the group in a reflection about ageism, the cultural stereotypes and prejudices against older people in our society.

Beth shared the need to start a conversation about the attitude the church holds about aging, the role the church can play in meeting the spiritual needs of those age 65 and older, and the gifts and benefits for local congregations in nurturing the passions of these elders and the roles that our oldest members can play in the growth of our churches. Ninety attendees from across the country participated in the workshop.

UCC Synod Addresses Literacy Gap

UCH representatives met renowned Hollywood screenwriter, professor, author and poet Antwone Fisher following his riveting keynote speech at the General Synod’s gala dinner on June 27. Born to an incarcerated mother in an Ohio prison, Fisher overcame a tumultuous childhood that included being homeless on the streets of Cleveland and a victim of long-term child abuse in foster homes to become a prolific writer with a passion for literacy.

He is widely regarded as one of the movie industry’s most adept, insightful and skilled screenwriters, with credits covering 14 projects for major studios, including Denzel Washington’s directorial debut, Antwone Fisher, a film based on Fisher’s autobiography, Finding Fish. He is seen here with Catherine Lawrence and Sandy Lindahl, members of the UCH Board of Directors, and with Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO.