wfn.org | UCC Celebration dinner launches installation weeken

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

UCC Celebration dinner launches installation weekend

> Written by Staff Reports
> March 4, 2010

Commemorating 20 years in Cleveland and installing its new general
minister and president, the United Church of Christ kicks off a
special spring weekend with a celebration dinner Friday evening, April
16, at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland.

Proceeds from the dinner benefit the UCC's Strategic Initiatives Fund.
The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by the meal
and presentations. Program highlights include live jazz with the
big-band sounds of Gabriel's Horns; a celebration of the UCC's "God Is
Still Speaking" campaign; and an opportunity to learn more about the
impact of the Strategic Initiatives Fund.

Attendees will be able to meet the family of the Rev. Geoffrey A.
Black, who was elected general minister and president at the UCC's
General Synod 27 last June in Grand Rapids, Mich. Black, who succeeds
the Rev. John Thomas, will be installed at 2:30 p.m. the following
day, April 17, at Federated UCC in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.

"It is possible for us to be an inclusive church and still be a church
of faith," Black told Synod-goers in June. "This is why our voice is
needed: so that all people will know that they are God's people."

The Strategic Initiatives Fund fosters innovation and excellence in
ministry. It provides start-up funding for new initiatives that have
clear potential for advancing strategic interests of the UCC, and for
which funding is unavailable or insufficient.

Multiple sponsorship levels for the April 16 celebration dinner are
available. Purchase tickets and register online at www.ucc.org/dinner.
For additional details, please contact Hans Holznagel by phone at
216-736-2169 or 800-846-6822; or via email at holznagh@ucc.org.