February Message from Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros, Conference Minister

I bring you greetings this cold week in February. Many conversations in my circle are centering around Synod and the event is still some months away! If you missed the UCC 34th Synod information provided in January’s newsletter you can click here for the details. Conferences are responsible for sending delegates to consider and vote on the work of the larger church, and the KO Conference also has members who will attend as representatives of wider UCC organizations. We might also have members of congregations who will be present as visitors to the event. If you are planning to attend Synod, (whether on your own or representing another UCC organization), please be sure to let me or Rachael Pryor know about your plans. We would like to invite you to a pre-synod meeting to share the excitement and plan how we can gather while we are in Indianapolis.

February 9th through the 11th was the first ever Virtual National Gathering of the Coalition for Rural/Small Town Ministries. During our three days together, the importance of rural/small town congregation was lifted up by several speakers. Attendees could choose from workshops to attend that were focused on learning from others with a passion for our rural/small congregations. The three days were inspiring and soul filling. To quote the Rev. Roberto Ochoa, UCC minister for ethnic inclusion and congregational support for rural and small churches, “attendees came away from the gathering with a renewed sense of valued self-esteem, mission, and purpose as rural/small town UCC churches.” One of the workshops focused on the rural/small congregation’s need for authorized ministers. In this workshop, resources were provided to help train lay ministers to fill this need. We are gathering those resources to better help those in our conference who might feel a nudge—a budding call to serve their home congregation, but feel overwhelmed at the prospect of lay ministry. As was confirmed at the Virtual Gathering, small/rural congregations are needed in our communities, and I am committed to helping you find a way.

I’ll close with my usual thought. Connecting with each other is important. Healthy, strong connections allow us to care for one another, cheer each other on, celebrate, and lament together as we grow more fully into the beautiful multifaceted gem we are as a conference. Reach out to the UCC church closest to the one you attend; have a potluck together, exchange pastors for a Sunday morning. Learn and grow together as we seek to share the good news. May you all feel connected as you share the light of Christ with one another.

Many blessings as we walk this journey of faith together,

Lorraine