wfn.org | UCC Synod opens with sweet touch

[powellb@ucc.org]

United Church of Christ
General Synod Newsroom
July 11, 2003
newsroom@ucc.org
http://www.ucc.org

By Tim Kershner

MINNEAPOLIS?"Blessed are the cookies, for they shall be called delicious."

 From across the Minnesota Conference, they came by droves. Dozens of
afternoon, just in time for the opening of the biennial General Synod of
cookies arriving by car, by truck, and by bus. By the box, bucket and bag,
they began arriving at the Minneapolis Convention Center early Thursday
the United Church of Christ.

Carolyn Hendrixson, a member of Mayflower Community Congregational UCC in
Minneapolis and one of the cookie coordinators for the local hospitality
committee, estimates that up to 8,000 dozen cookies will be delivered
before the Synod adjourns on Tuesday evening.

"We estimate six cookies per delegate per day," she says.

 From Ada to Wayzata, most of the 145 churches in the Minnesota Conference
have been received from churches in neighboring South Dakota, North Dakota,
are expected to contribute cookies. Outside the Conference, batches already
Wisconsin and Iowa.

Cookies have become a General Synod tradition. Every two years, local
churches have been counted on to provide baked snacks to Synod delegates
and visitors. Hendrixson says cookies are a specific way that Minnesota's
churches can express hospitality to their out-of-state visitors. In
addition, it's a practical learning tool whereby church members become
increasingly aware of their connection to the church's national setting.
"In a very direct way, it connects them to the wider United Church of
Christ," she says.

Saint Mark's UCC in Bloomington, Minn., a church of 90 members in a suburb
of Minneapolis, sent more than 100 dozen cookies. Rainy River Parish, a
collective of three UCC churches near the U.S.-Canadian border, also
provided 100 dozen. Their pastor, the Rev. Rosanna M. Walker, and a member
of the church drove two hours to deliver the goodies. Outside the
convention center, a card table has been set up to assist drive-by cookie
deliverers. A helpful sign reads, "Cookie drop-off here!"

While some original recipes can be found among the batches, most fall into
the traditional chocolate chip, sugar and peanut butter categories. The
lucky will find a few cookies with a particular Minnesota flavor,
reflecting the Scandinavian roots of many of the state's residents. For
those requiring a special diet, there are many low-fat, no-fat, low-calorie
and even no-flour varieties. The most important ingredient? Hendrixson
acknowledges, "It's the love."

Even cookie distribution takes on a local touch. "Minnesota is a very
outdoorsy and active place," Hendrixson says. Cookies are being distributed
on board-game platters reminiscent of the state's popular outdoor
activities, such as golf and fishing. Even a bean bag toss game has been
transformed into a tray of treats.

Plans for the big cookie give-away began in late February when a notice was
sent to the churches of the Minnesota Conference. The final batches are
expected on Sunday, when bus loads of Minnesota church members will visit
General Synod to attend the afternoon worship service.

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