wfn.org | We are in ministry together: Concluding Synod with great thanks

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

We are in ministry together: Concluding Synod with great thanks

> Written by Gregg Brekke
> June 30, 2009

We've heard the Rev. Geoffrey Black speak twice this week ? once
during his nomination speech Friday night, and last night after his
election as General Minister and President of the UCC was affirmed.
Both times he invited the church to join in ministry together with him
and other members of the Collegium.

> We are in this together.

And so in that same spirit, I offer thanks to those who have served in
communications ministry with me this week. I have the privilege of
this space each day to give you my thoughts and impressions of the
church ? and now I'd like to honor those who have made our
communications possible.

The veteran news team at this Synod has been a blessing to work with.
They have made my job infinitely easier and have been my teachers in
more ways than I can count.

> General Synod 27 newsroom staff.

Back: Wes Stevens, Randy Varcho, Jeff Woodard, Mike Venturino, Dan
Hazard and W. Evan Golder
Front: Gregg Brekke, Rebecca Bowman Woods, Micki Carter, J. Martin
Bailey and Tim Kershner
Deb Taylor photo

Volunteer reporters the Rev. J. Martin Bailey, the Rev. Rebecca Bowman
Woods (on loan from DisciplesWorld Magazine), Micki Carter, the Rev.
W. Evan Golder, Tim Kershner and Jeff Woodard filed more than 65
stories to the daily paper or web site over the past five days, and
continue to report on resolutions even today.

Their diligence and professionalism was evident at every turn, making
coverage of this Synod the most rewarding experience I've had in journalism.

Other volunteers in the newsroom kept things flowing smoothly. Deb
Taylor and Mike Venturino were at our disposal for running errands,
bringing food, directing people and, above all, helping us to focus on
the communications you value.

UCC staff members in the newsroom did their jobs in hyper-mode. Randy
Varcho not only designed each daily newspaper, but was an active
photographer ? along with volunteer Wes Stevens - bringing us
compelling images of our people in Grand Rapids.

Connie Larkman shot 55 "Changing Lives" videos with the help of
volunteer videographer Brian Bagley Bonner. Connie also edited the
daily "Keeping You e-Posted" email blasts with the help of Barb Powell
and Stephanie Ortiz who were back in Cleveland.

Our onsite web team of Dan Hazard and Michelle May worked diligently
to edit and post video and photos in addition to answering our tech  questions.

Staff members the Rev. Cliff Aerie, Bob Lormor and Jean Robinson,
along with contractor Terry Peterson and the entire CSR team, provided
production skills, video interviews and facilitated the streaming that
gave a glimpse of the Synod to those not in Grand Rapids.

Other volunteers, culled by the Rev. Betty Bailey, handed out UCNews
each morning. The help of the Local Arrangements Committee of the
Michigan Conference provided runners and a cake for Tim Kershner's
birthday on Monday.

My boss, the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, was a valued resource and advocate
for the news team and the communications staff. His guidance and
camaraderie helped me navigate my first Synod.

UCC Conference communicators and the staff of Balaam's Courier shared
the newsroom and were welcome additions to the information stream.

Many bloggers and hundreds of Twitter users helped propel our
communications strategy into the 21st century ? giving voice to a new
generation of people who love the UCC.

As in any litany of thanks, I'm sure someone has been missed. Please
know that your help and presence was appreciated. The long hours,
missed meals and early wake-up calls are our gift to the church we
love, and with whom we join in Christian ministry together.