It’s been a busy year and the time for Annual Gathering is almost here! While there has indeed been a lot going on, the Annual Meeting Planning Committee has still been busy planning our time together in June when we will gather to explore the theme BOLD CHURCH BOLD HOPE.
Why this theme? Because it is easy to be discouraged, to give up; to think that justice will actually never be achieved. It’s easy to think that welcoming the stranger is nothing more than a slogan that someone dreamed up along the way; or to think that loving one’s neighbor is something that happens only when there’s a crisis rather than a fundamental way of life. It’s too easy to find reasons to feel hopeless. As people of faith, if we truly believe that what know about the gospel is revolutionary, that it really matters, then we can’t be shy about what we say or how we live this reality; we have to rise above all of the noise. We have to be a BOLD Church; we have to embody BOLD HOPE.
Our Scripture: “When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.”
Acts 4:31 NRSV
Our Program: This will be the first opportunity to welcome in person Rev. Rachael Pryor, the newly elected Conference Minister. Rachael will preach at the opening worship service on Friday afternoon. One of the great things about meeting in person is the opportunity for the “side conversations” that can take place without a formal agenda. Rachael welcomes these times and invites those who wish to join her for breakfast on Saturday morning for informal conversation.
Rev. Traci Blackmon will be the keynote speaker on Friday afternoon and will preach the closing worship service on Saturday. Rev. Blackmon served as the Associate General Minister for Justice and Local Church Ministries. You can see her full bio on the conference website.
There will be workshops and worship, we will recognize ordination anniversaries, say good-bye to interim and acting Conference staff, conduct the business of the Conference and enjoy being together as the Body of Christ.
Here are some details to attend the Meeting:
Registration Information Early registration with a discount of $20 closes May 18th; regular registration is open May 19-May 31st; there is no registration for in-person attendance after May 31st due to catering and delivery realities. Please do not plan to “walk in” and register on site on Friday or Saturday morning.
Attending in Person: $175.00 for early registration, $195.00 for regular (includes Friday lunch and dinner; Saturday breakfast and lunch)
Attending Virtually: $100.00 for early bird registration and $120.00 after May 18.
Childcare will be available $40.00 per child; more information will be available soon.
Exhibits: There will be space for exhibitors. That information will be available on the website, or you may Contact Virginia Arroyo at arroyo@scncucc.org for information to request information.
Housing will NOT be available at Chapman, but there are many hotels in the area. A limited number of rooms are available on a first come first served at a Conference rate at the Hotel Fera, A Doubletree Hotel in Orange. Here is the link that can be used to secure a room for Friday night at the Conference rate. Remember there is a limited number available. Booking Link – Southern CA Nevada Conference - Attendees
We hope that all authorized ministers and voting delegates will indeed attend in person! But if you can’t be physically present, join virtually for this hybrid meeting! While it may not be ideal for everything, ZOOM is a very important resource, and if that is the option that works best for you, we welcome you to join the meeting virtually.
We look forward to seeing and welcoming you to Annual Gathering!
* Everyone is expected to register; if the registration amount presents an undue burden, please contact Kris; please don’t stay away because of the cost.
** If financial assistance is needed for housing as Chapman University housing is not available, please, contact Kris as well. Again, we don’t want anyone to stay away because of cost.
The Rev. Wally Hoeger
Moderator & Chair, Annual Gathering Planning Committee
Edith Guffey
Staff, Annual Gathering Planning Committee