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Congregational Services |
Fifth Continental Conference for Midsize Congregations
Conference Program Highlights & Schedule Descriptions
THURSDAY, March 6, 2003
7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
"The Miracle of Jazz: Leadership, Virtuosity, Limits"
Internationally renowned jazz artist Bobby Watson and social ethicist Dr. Sharon Welch explore the aesthetic power of jazz, and the ways in which the virtuosity of jazz serves as a creative model of democracy in action. The panel discussion will be followed by a performance by Bobby Watson and his quintet.
"Jazz is the embodiment of the American experience, the American spirit, the American ideal." (Albert Murray, in Burns, 343)
"A jazz aesthetic can serve as a model for another hermeneutics of the self, one shaped by an awareness
of domination, of limits, and equally shaped by virtuosity, audacity and joy. A founding principle of a jazz aesthetic is not just the possibility of happiness, but the lived reality of happiness, virtuosity, and beauty in the face of suffering and limits. ""In jazz we see the power and pleasure of "virtuosity in the face of limits." (Eric Lott)
"Jazz was a struggle which pitted mind against the perversity of circumstance, and …in this struggle
blinding virtuosity was the best weapon." (Eric Lott)
FRIDAY, March 7, 2003
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
"Virtuosity in the Face of Limits: The Spiritual and Ethical Challenges of Leadership in Midsize Congregations"
By Dr. Sharon Welch
How do we exercise leadership well, fully recognizing and nurturing the gifts that all the people in our congregations bring to our collective life? How do we recognize the opportunities for 'justice, equity and compassion' in our communities? How do we discern our gifts as members of a community committed to 'spiritual growth', 'a free and responsible search for truth and meaning,' and 'peace, liberty, and justice for all' within the world community? How do we combine these multiple tasks - spiritual, intellectual, political and social?
We will explore these questions, guided by the aesthetic and ethical model of jazz. Why jazz? Gerald Early, professor African and African-American studies at Washington University, in St. Louis, said that America will be remembered for three gifts to the world - jazz, democracy and baseball. Jazz is a creative expression that emerges from the interplay of structure and improvisation, collectivity and individuality, tradition and innovation. In jazz, the ability to improvise is - fueled as much by group synergy - the spark that comes from listening to and playing with other artists, as it is by individual effort, creativity, and technique.
Cultural critic Eric Lott notes another significant dimension of jazz
in the playing of the great Charlie Parker, 'virtuosity in the face of
limits.' What are the limits that we encounter in our work as leaders
in our congregations? What are the limits of our abilities, of resources,
of circumstances? How do we learn to see these limits clearly, and yet,
like the great jazz artists, bring the best of who we are, as individuals,
and as a community, to expression in light of those limits?
In our sessions together, we will explore the spiritual resources and
practices that sustain us as we confront both our limits, and, at the
same time, creatively nurture our gifts and abilities. We will examine
what it means to be virtuosos in our collective life, learning from and
with each other how to express fully our multiple commitments to live
with honesty, joy, justice and compassion
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Dr. Sharon Welch is Professor of Religious Studies, University of Missouri, Columbia and the author of numerous articles and books on religion, ethics and social change including A Feminist Ethic of Risk and Sweet Dreams in America: Making Ethics and Spirituality Work. Sharon lectures widely on the ethical, political and spiritual challenges of multiculturalism and works an international coalition of peace groups developing regional centers for conflict- resolution and mediation. Sharon became a Unitarian Universalist in the 1980s while teaching theology at Harvard Divinity School and is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Columbia, Missouri. Born on a ranch in Texas, Sharon now lives in Columbia with her husband, Jon Poses, and her two teen-age daughters, Zoë and Hannah Welch. |
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Bobby Watson is a saxophonist, composer, producer and educator, Watson grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. He trained formally at the University of Miami, a school with a distinguished and well-respected jazz program. After graduating, he proceeded to earn his "doctorate" - on the bandstand -- as musical director of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. After completing his tenure as a Jazz Messenger (1977-1981), the gifted Watson became a much-sought after musician, working along the way with a potpourri of notable musicians including drummer Max Roach, fellow saxophonist Branford Marsalis, trumpeter Wynton Marsalis. Later, in association with bassist Curtis Lundy and drummer Victor Lewis, Watson launched the first edition of Horizon, an acoustic quintet now considered one of the preeminent small groups of the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. Watson also wrote original music for the sound track of Robert DeNiro's directorial debut "A Bronx Tale." All told, Bobby Watson, the immensely talented and now seasoned veteran has some 26 recordings as a leader. His latest project, Live and Learn, went to number one on the national jazz airplay chart. In 2000, he was approached to return to his native Midwestern surroundings on the Kansas-Missouri border. Watson accepted the challenge and subsequently that same year he was selected as the first "William D. and Mary Grant/Missouri, Distinguished Professorship in Jazz Studies." The past three years he has served as the director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri/Kansas City, Conservatory of Music although he still manages to balance live engagements throughout the world with his teaching responsibilities |
FRIDAY, March 7, 2003
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Evening Hosted by All
Souls Unitarian Universalist Church
All Souls UU Church will host the Mountain Quartet in a concert on Friday,
March 7, 2003, at All Souls Church beginning at 7:00 p.m. All attendees
at the Mid Size Church conference are invited.
The members of the Mountain Quartet are: Shelley Jackson Denham, Ian Denham,
Jane Warth, and Tom Warth, all active UUs. Their music reflects their
commitment (as staff members of the Mountain Retreat and Learning Centers
near Highlands, North Carolina) to energizing people to embrace the diversity
of life and work for positive change. For more information on the Mountain
see www.mountaincenters.org
Opening for the evening will be David Hakan of Kansas City whose music
reflects a concern for the life around us and our commitment to a better
world.
David has performed across the country and is a regular host of song writer
nights in Kansas City. His original music is often a part of All Souls
UU Church activities
SATURDAY, March 8, 2003
The conference offers a variety of programs that build on our theme. Included with this brochure are descriptions of each track and workshop provided to us by the leaders as well as a Saturday program grid showing the times and topics. Please register for either ONE OF THE TWO TRACKS OR FOR UP TO FOUR WORKSHOPS (ONE FOR EACH WORKSHOP SESSION) in the spaces provided on the registration form.
SUNDAY, March 9, 2003
We are joining the congregation of All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church for their morning service.
Tracks
Track A: Challenges and Transitions in Midsize Congregations
We believe that congregations are continually in the process of transitioning. We also believe for congregations to deal with their transitions well they do in fact need deal with "the interplay of structure and improvisation, collectively and individually, tradition and innovation" in a way that makes sense for the particular congregation. Throughout the day we will explore our "virtuosity in the face of limits" by looking at various challenges we face in our transitions.
We will begin the morning session by exploring the impact of change, congregational systems and size on our religious communities. The rest of the morning will focus on the challenges we face in adapting the organizational structure of a growing congregation, the options available in governance and how they impact our transitions, how to staff for growth and lastly how we deal with finances and the related impacts on our transitions.
In the first section of the afternoon we will explore the challenges presented to our congregations by power and authority issues and begin to consider generational wants and needs. The generations work will continue, along with the challenges of worship styles in the last session. Workshops will include presentation of the model used, discussion and small group/congregational team interaction.
Presenters: Dr. Angela J. Merkert is the Congregational Services Director for the Central Midwest District and the UUA and the Rev Kenneth R. Brown is the District Executives for Pacific Southwest District and the UUA.
Track B: Covenant Group Ministry - Saving the World Ten at a Time
Adult education activities (seminars, classes, workshops) are labor-intensive and always have to compete with similar events sponsored by educational institutions and businesses, not to mention highly-promoted, slickly-produced diversions available at the nearest Cineplex and on thehome TV screen. Why go out to a lecture at church on a rainy Tuesday night when a Ken Burns special is on PBS?
Those who have had the conversion experience of being in a Covenant Group,
church members and potential members alike, will brave the rain to get
to a meeting with their new friends. As Calvin Dame discovered in Augusta,
Maine, they'll even rearrange their vacation schedules in order to continue
getting two basic needs met: the need for being lifted in spirit above
the
mundane and the need for sharing their life journeys in a safe setting.
Covenant Group Ministry serves better the needs of those who are drawn to our churches, it provides a means of sharing ministry, it trains and grooms lay leaders, it builds commitment to the church, and, wonder of wonders, it is easier to start and maintain than an adult education program of similar size.
Learn what Unitarian Universalist practitioners of this church- organization method have discovered through experience since 1982.
Presenter: The Rev. Robert L. Hill is the District Executive for the Southwest UU Conference and the UUA.
Session 1: 9:15 A.M. to 10:45 A.M.
1-A "We're On A Mission - Part I"
A bold conversation about why, where and how to discover your congregational mission and explore the power of a mission for Unitarian Universalist's. In a dynamic group process, participants will be challenged to explore the personal and prophetic in carrying forth a religious perspective in the congregation and the world.
Presenters: The Rev. Jonalu Johnstone serves as Growth Consultant in the Southwestern UU Conference, where she focuses on helping small churches grow to Midsize. Bob Johnsen is the Growth Consultant for the Joseph Priestley District and has been a New Congregation Organizing Consultant to four new congregations in JPD. The Rev. Michelle Favreault evangelizes as the Growth Consultant in the Pacific Central District where a new Evangelism Think-Tank is using theological reflection as a means towards promoting on-going growth and change.
1-B "Conducting Your Annual Stewardship Campaign"
While there are advantages to adopting a person-to-person approach to your annual stewardship campaign, there are other options available. Several different models will be shared, including Commitment Sunday, pot-luck meals, and receptions, as well as specific models for Midsize congregations. Participants will have an opportunity to get all of their questions answered.
Presenter: Wayne Clark, Ph.D. is Director for UUA Congregational Fundraising Services
1-C "Goldilocks On Governance"
Life in the Midsize church can be awkward at times. Nowhere is this more
evident than when it comes to governance, where size is an essential element
in determining which model best fits the needs of a particular congregation.
You've read books like The Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun and Jesus,
CEO. Now, you have a chance to discover the organizational insights of
Goldilocks (of Three Bears fame) as she searches for an organizational
structure that's "just right."
Presenter: The Rev. Stefan Jonasson is Coordinator of Services for
Large Congregations at the UUA.
1-D "How To Welcome and Include Visitors and New Members"
When you¹re asked to be part of a UUA media test, you say yes and then you obsess about how best to welcome and include visitors. When visitors come we want to welcome them warmly and integrate them quickly, but as we all know, that doesn't just happen. Representatives of Kansas City area congregations (who are participating in the marketing strategy test) talk about what goes into their welcoming and inclusion procedures, and what they're learning about how to do it better.
Presenters: Sharon Blevins is marketing test coordinator and membership chair of All Souls UU Church, Kansas City, MO. Don Skinner is the editor of Interconnections, the local coordinator for the marketing test and membership co-chair of Shawnee Mission UU Church, Overland Park, KS.
1-E "Periphery to Center - Re-imaging Structures for Growth & Learning"
What does your religious education and youth group need as you grow? Learn about best practices and successful strategies for lifespan RE in your congregation, and how to be inclusive and celebrate the diversity that accompanies change. Participants will learn about issues affecting religious education programming as they go through size transitions, about various models of religious education and youth programs, and about generational issues and how they affect congregational growth and decision-making.
Presenters: Dori Davenport is the Religious Education Director in the Central Midwest District. Tera Little is Religious Education Consultant in the Pacific Southwest District.
1-F "Developing Your Congregation's Social Justice Program"
Too often social justice programs in Midsize congregations are organized as though the church is a small rather than Midsize organization. How do we develop effective structures for Midsize congregations to empower our members to live our faith and make a real impact ton our communities?
Presenter: The Rev. Bill Gardiner is UUA Director for Congregational Justice-Making. Carl McCargo is a facilitator with the Social Justice Empowerment Program, a 'Jubilee World - I' trainer, and a member of the Antiracism Transformation Team at the UU Society of Greater Springfield (Massachusetts).
Session 2: 11:00 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
2-A "We're On A Mission - Part II"
A bold conversation about why, where and how to discover your congregational mission and explore the power of a mission for Unitarian Universalist's. In a dynamic group process, participants will be challenged to explore the personal and prophetic in carrying forth a religious perspective in the congregation and the world.
Presenters: The Rev. Jonalu Johnstone serves as Growth Consultant in the Southwestern UU Conference, where she focuses on helping small churches grow to Midsize. Bob Johnsen is the Growth Consultant for the Joseph Priestley District and has been a New Congregation Organizing Consultant to four new congregations in JPD. The Rev. Michelle Favreault evangelizes as the Growth Consultant in the Pacific Central District where a new Evangelism Think-Tank is using theological reflection as a means towards promoting on-going growth and change.
2-B "Socially Responsible Investing"
Create a dynamic team of social justice and stewardship/finance members of your congregation with socially responsible investing. Learn about: a) Community Loan Funds - invest in under-served populations and receive matching funds from UUA; and b) reflecting your UU values in your investments through screening (avoid and favor), voting proxies, and shareholder activism. A PowerPoint presentation covering the basics of SRI will introduce this workshop, followed by a panel who will give examples of how these tools can work in a congregation. Expect to hear from a minister (from the UUMA SRI Task Force), the Unitarian Universalist Affordable Housing Corporation (UUAHC), someone working on Globalization (this year's Study Action Issue), and the UUA Committee on Socially Responsible Investing.
Presenters: Joan Cudhea is chair of the UUA's Committee on Socially Responsible Investing. Lucia Santini Field is a member of the UUA's Committee on Socially Responsible Investing and chair of the UUA's Investment Committee.
2-C "Managing Chaos in Midsize Congregations"
In this seminar participants will explore how one Midsize church in the MBD re-organized to manage an explosion of committees, small groups, and volunteer burnout. Frameworks used to shift the governance and culture of the church will be discussed. Best practices will be shared. We will end with some assessment strategies used to keep a pulse on how we are progressing in managing the chaos. Participants will receive handouts which will be easily copied and distributed for their churches/districts.
Presenters: Katherine Teplitz is Chair of Leadership Resources Council for Mass Bay District. She consults with congregations on Midsize growth issues, governance, staffing and HR issues. She is also a UUA Fair Compensation Consultant for the Mass Bay District. The Reverend Tim Ashton is District Executive of the UUA Mass Bay District.
2-D "Taking Our Faith to the Market: Ways to Create Change in Our Membership Attraction Techniques"
This workshop examines what we can learn when we merge a marketing principle -- the Customer Decision Making Path -- with the Alban Institute's "Path to Membership" as people search for and visit our congregations. What can marketing tell us about smart ways to attract and integrate people into our congregations?
Presenter: Deborah Weiner is Director of Electronic Communication at the UUA and has taught public relations and marketing to congregations and districts for the last thirteen years.
2-E "Designing a Young Adult Program for Your Congregation"
Young adults bring energy and vitality to a congregation, along with pledges, families and needs. Learn how to attract and retain young adults with a program designed to complement your congregation's other programs. Consulting, resource and funding support is available from the UUA to help you fill this program gap.
Presenter: Michael Tino is Director for Young Adult and Campus Ministry, UUA.
2-F "Justice-Making As A Spiritual Task"
What does UU faith have to do with social justice? How does belonging to faith community enrich our lives as activists? What stops us from creating the vibrant, life-giving, hope-filled justice programs that we long for? A workshop of practical theology.
Presenters: Rev. Meg Riley is Director of Advocacy and Witness for the UUA. Susan Leslie is Director of the Office for Congregational Advocacy & Witness for the UUA.
Session 3: 2:15 P.M. to 3:45 P.M.
3-A "Sex, Lies and Negotiable Instruments - And a Few Other Risks You Haven't Considered "
Risk management has emerged as one of the critical issues facing the staff and lay leaders of American congregations. As congregations grow in size, they need to develop more sophisticated policies and procedures for addressing risk management, since they are more vulnerable to risk than their smaller counterparts. What should you be on the lookout for? What are the best practices for minimizing your congregation's (and your own) exposure to the most common risks?
Presenter: The Rev. Stefan Jonasson is Coordinator of Services for Large Congregations at the UUA. He has never been arrested -- or sued!
3-B "Developing Effective Policies for Online Communications"
How can proactive policy-making and smart use of a congregation's limited funds help to encourage effective communication and avoid congregational conflict?
Presenter: Deborah Weiner is Director of Electronic Communication at the UUA.
3-C "Becoming A Family-Friendly Congregation"
In this workshop we will present planning and assessment tools to help move Congregations into family supportive and friendly institutions, discuss existing resources, explore programming specifically intended for family ministry and outreach, and network around best family practices in our congregations. Participants will explore tools, ideas, themes, and practices around the idea of inclusive family ministry and outreach in a Unitarian Universalist context.
Presenter: The Rev. Mike Morran is minister of the First Unitarian Church of Denver. The Rev. Keith Kron is Director of the Office of Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian and Transgender Concerns at the UUA.
3-D "I Was A Stranger - Did You Welcome Me?"
Every Sunday thousands of people visit our congregations. They seek us out because they are longing for religious community. Most visitors, however, will never become UUs, in large part because we do not make them feel welcome. This workshop will explore ways to transform cold and aloof congregations into warm and friendly ones.
Presenters: The Reverend Don Southworth is minister of Northwest UU Church in Atlanta. The Reverend Peter Morales is Director of District Services at the UUA. Southworth and Morales co-taught a course on Evangelism in the Liberal Church at Starr King. Prior to ministry, Southworth worked in marketing and Morales was a newspaper publisher.
3-E "Being An Ally To Youth: Integrating Youth Ministry into the Ministry of Your Midsized Congregation."
This workshop will explore ways for congregational leaders to support youth ministry by mentoring youth leadership. We will be looking at specific ways to integrate the youth programs with the programs of the rest of congregation. The goal of the workshop will be to help congregational leaders see youth ministry as something that they can be apart of and is not only the realm of the youth advisor.
Presenter: Jesse Jaeger is Youth Programs Director for the UUA.
3-F "Interfaith Community Organizing"
Sam Trumbore is president of a 37 organization, four county community organizing project affiliated with the Gamaliel Foundation. He will describe the Gamaliel organizing model, reflect on leading the organization, and the benefits to his congregation. There will be a discussion and a sharing of experiences.
Presenter: The Rev. Sam Trumbore is the parish minister of the First UU Society of Albany, NY.
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Session 4: 4:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
4-A "Making A Difference - Strategies for Taking Charge"
How can board presidents, committee chairs, professional staff, and other senior leaders help their congregation live up to its potential? What skills are most effective? What strategies might they utilize? Based on over twenty years of experience with congregations, the presenter will share the results of his extensive research and engage participants in an open dialogue.
Presenter: Dr. Wayne Clark, Ph.D. is UUA Director of Congregational Fundraising Services.
4-B "Preventing Burnout - Keeping Active Leaders Active"
Learn specific steps you can take to recruit, lead, and retain great leaders. Applying practices effective both in congregations and secular work places, you'll discover ways to increase satisfaction, help lay leaders (and yourself!) set a sustainable pace, prevent what so often becomes burnout, and make future recruiting efforts easier.
Presenter: Harlan Limpert is Director of Lay Leadership Development at the UUA.
4-C Spreading the Good News: Media Relations Strategies for Midsize Churches
Media relations is just a fancy term for "free advertising!" If you'd like to learn how to share your church's story with your community, join us at this hands-on workshop. We'll discuss how to identify your audience, research your local media, craft press releases, and pitch a story. Workbooks provided.
Presenter: Janet Hayes is Information Officer for the UUA.
4-D "Kansas City Marketing Strategy"
This is an opportunity for an overview of the UUA marketing strategy being tested in Kansas City involving the four KC area congregations and with support of the Prairie Star District. Goals of campaign are to raise awareness of UUism in the community at large and to increase attendance at primary worship services of the participating congregations by a minimum of 25% through the use of billboards, radio and TV ads and congregationally sponsored events in the community.
Presenter: The Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris is Director of Congregational Services at the UUA.
4-E "Faith Development for Religious Liberals"
The UUA's Religious Education Department is now Lifespan Faith Development. A mere semantic change? What does faith mean to Unitarian Universalists? Is faith a concept that unites us, or divides us? What faith do we offer our children, youth, and new members? Please come join the conversation and learn about resources.
Presenter: Judith A. Frediai is Director of Lifespan Faith Development at the UUA.
4-F "Becoming A Journey Towards Wholeness Congregation"
In 1997, at the General Assembly in Phoenix, delegates passed a resolution calling for Unitarian Universalist's to shape anti-racist and anti-oppressive religious communities. Learn how congregations across the country are becoming part of the Journey Toward Wholeness Program.
Presenters: The Rev. Bill Gardiner is Director of Congregational Justice-Making for the UUA. Carl McCargo is a facilitator with the Social Justice Empowerment Program, a 'Jubilee World - I' trainer, and a member of the Antiracism Transformation Team at the UU Society of Greater Springfield (Massachusetts).