November Message from Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros, Conference Minister
Lesli Remaly - Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros, and Rev. Kelly Hansen
The Annual Meeting is receding in the rearview mirror, but the warm feelings of seeing old friends, making new friends, and being reminded we are not alone in our ministry and faith is still with me. I hope you are enjoying those feelings as well. This year’s meeting was a gift in that there was no difficult business to handle, and the joy of being together again was in the air. Gathering in person, seeing everyone, and being reminded we have friends, is invaluable.
Historically, evaluation forms have been provided electronically after the meeting, but this year we are taking a different approach: There will be occasions for you to share your thoughts with Associate Conference Minister Rev. Rachael Pryor and Communications Strategist Russell Ware, who are providing multiple meeting opportunities for you to gather with others and contribute to the conversation. A report from these meetings will be provided afterwards.
Recently I met with Ms. Lesli Remaly, Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery in the national setting, and Rev. Kelly Hansen one of the KO Conference Disaster Coordinators, to discuss the creation of a structured Disaster Ministry for our conference. The more we talked, the more it became apparent how important it is for us to create and live into a ministry that helps congregations and communities prepare for, and recover from, natural and human made disasters. Lesli believes “Disaster Ministries is a critical part of the community of faith — preparing for, responding to, and recovering from all types of emergencies and disasters.” Living in the middle of the country - where severe weather such as tornados, wind, and thunderstorms are commonplace - we are in a unique position to help those in our communities who experience loss from these devastating events, rethinking what constitutes a disaster in our communities, which can enable us to think outside the box to seek resources and grants from within the UCC and from outside partners and service providers.
Our Disaster Ministries will help congregations rediscover or revitalize their passion. Does your congregation have a heart for pets, preschool aged children, those who are food insecure, or those who are homeless? Each of these mentioned are affected by disaster in different ways. Plans can be put into place to help you respond to each unique need and more. Is your congregation interested in assembling Clean up Buckets for disaster affected areas? Disaster Ministries in the national setting offers grants to UCC congregations who want to help their community members. The UCC Disaster Ministries offers $250 in matching grants for UCC Congregations and helps to deploy those resources. Do you know what local, regional, or state organization to call when you or your community experiences the damaging effects of a tornado? Our Disaster Ministries will provide available information and resources. More information about this exciting new ministry will be forthcoming!
As illustrated in my meeting with Ms. Remaly and Rev. Hansen, the drive toward robust connections with the larger church and our communities continues to grow. Movement towards stronger connections is also building among Conference leadership and committees. We are seeking to grow stronger together as we work to strengthen the United Church of Christ witness in Kansas and Oklahoma.
And now I’ll close with a familiar thought: Healthy, strong connections allow us to care for one another, cheer each other on, celebrate, and lament together - growing more fully into the beautiful multifaceted gem we truly are.
Many blessings as we walk this journey of faith together,
Lorraine