October Message from Conference Minister Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended the KO Annual Gathering on October 4th and 5th. It was a truly wonderful time of connection and fellowship. Special thanks to our preacher, Rev. Michael Vollbrecht; Cornerstone Chief Relationship Officer, Rev. Courtney Stange Traeger; and UCC Generosity Outreach Officer, Rev. Andrew Warner, for sharing their wisdom with us. Their messages intertwined in a way only the Holy Spirit could orchestrate.

A special shout-out to Rev. Jacob Poindexter and the amazing congregation at Wichita UCC. Your hospitality blessed all who attended, and I was doubly blessed to worship with you on Sunday morning.

As we move forward from the warmth of our annual meeting toward November 5th, there’s no denying the political climate is intensifying. While the church cannot and should not endorse any specific candidate or party, we can encourage one another to let our faith guide us in making decisions. In his life and teachings, Jesus modeled how to care for the marginalized—the widow, the orphan, the outcast, and the immigrant—granting them the dignity they deserve as children of God. Let this be our guide in choosing the leaders who will shape our future.

Friends, I encourage you to keep stretching beyond your comfort zones to share Christ's love with others. Building relationships within your congregation, community, and beyond sustains hope in our world. In reaching out and connecting with others, may you feel a deeper connection to the Holy.

Many blessings as we walk this journey of faith together,

Lorraine