Looking Ahead, with Epiphany Eyes…
written by Rev. Michael Vollbrecht
KO Communications Specialist
By now, many of us are Zoom meeting experts. The pandemic has made us quick studies of webinars and teleconferences, whether we like it or not. Every once and awhile, though, you attend a meeting that makes it all worthwhile.
January brought the newly formed staff of the Conference together for our first meeting. We took time to introduce ourselves to one another, because while we are a small Conference, our physical distance can make it difficult to connect with one another. Fortunately, the magic of digital communication makes it easier on us.
After sharing a bit of who we are, each staff member brought ideas on how we could contribute to the work of the Conference in 2021. After fruitful conversation we outlined four themes to guide us in our content and programming. In answer to National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman's poem to be "brave," we embark in February on themes of "Justice," particularly racial justice, in collaboration with events for Black History Month. Our focus on justice speaks to many throughout our Conference who look to our churches to speak boldly (and bravely) on issues of social justice.
In late spring and early summer, we focus on the theme of "Love." We'll explore Pride Sunday, and what it means for our congregations to be Open & Affirming places where all are welcome. Love will guide us to General Synod, as we gather virtually in July for this national event in the life of the United Church of Christ.
Later this summer and early fall, we will take time for "Renewal," with programming designed to strengthen and enhance our spiritual lives. Plans include time for a week of spiritual renewal and a focus on how a progressive Christianity can deepen our relationship to one another and to the divine. We'll focus on self-care strategies that will help us prepare for the busy-ness (and business) of KO's Annual Meeting in October. Whether virtual, in-person, or a combination of both, this will be a renewing and life-giving event for our Conference.
At Annual Meeting, we transition into our final theme of the year, "Healing." We ask ourselves questions: How do we honor the people of the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference? How do we give thanks for our indigenous siblings on whose land we reside? How do we respond to the horrors of our past, such as the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921? And, how do we as a Conference become more closely united in purpose as we transition in 2022 to a new Conference Minister?
Many of our plans are in the early stages, and if 2020 is any guide, those plans could easily change. And yet, in this season of Epiphany, when we are focused with fresh eyes on what God is doing in our lives and in our world, we are excited about what may come. Fortunately, we have a group of dedicated friends ready to do the work of the Conference; your staff is ready to be brave and bold this year – join us!