At a special meeting of the Michigan Conference of the United Church of Christ, James L. Gutting was elected to serve as a delegate to the General Synod #27 and #28.  General Synod, which meets every two years, is a gathering of people delegated by our 38 Conferences to represent the United Church of Christ and to address important matters relating to the church. General Synod participants also include visitors from UCC churches; local, conference and national UCC staff; representatives from many diverse UCC institutions, agencies and ministries; and friends and colleagues from other faith traditions. This gathering offers us a chance to worship together, build friendships, share and celebrate our varied ministries, and recognize our relationships in the ecumenical and world community. General Synod delegates meet to address important business, which includes approving a budget for the mission of the church at the national setting, electing the Collegium of Officers, and voting on Pronouncements, Resolutions and Proposals for Action.

The upcoming General Synod will be held in Grand Rapids, Michigan from June 26-30, 2009.

In addition to the business of the church, participants will reunite with old friends and make new ones;  experience awe-inspiring worship services and dynamic speakers; participate in various service project opportunities; help the church discern how to live out our faith in our churches, communities, nation and world; learn about justice and advocacy education, actions and opportunities; and attend various concerts, workshops, exhibits,  and movies.  As churches within the host conference, members of both First Congregational UCC and St. Johns UCC, will volunteer in a variety of ways from baking cookies to serving as floor ushers and myriad other ways.  In addition, members may also attend the various worship services, special events and volunteer at the service projects.