A Reflection by Rev Roberto Ochoa, Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences’ Minister
God wants us to grow, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love. (MSG – Ephesians 4:15-16)
Autumn has always been my favorite season. The changing landscapes bursting in colors, the crisp smelling air, the warmth of a sweater or knit cap, and of course the arrival of pumpkin spice….everything! As many work the harvest, others prepare the celebration of the spirits, thanksgiving, and the advent of a magical promise. For many the Fall offers second chances not accomplished earlier in the year…new opportunities to plan and work for a better tomorrow.
Autumn is often the time where conferences and Associations will hold annual gatherings…that in between times of summer and winter vacations…for some after the final harvests of the year. A time to reflect the accomplishments and challenges of doing the work of Christ together. A time of fellowshipping and supporting each other, and most importantly a time to give praise and thanksgiving to the Divine Love that leads us in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. An opportunity to nourish ourselves so that “we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.”
In one week, there will be three annual conference meetings. South Dakota Conference will hold their annual meeting on Friday and Saturday, Oct 3-4; Nebraska Conference special annual meeting on Tuesday, Oct 6th, and Iowa Conference on Saturday, Oct 11th. And your presence and participation are needed for the sake of our health “in God, robust in love”.
In my travels and visits with our local churches, pastoral and lay congregational leaders, members in discernment, Association leaders, a desire to be in deeper relationship with one another has been expressed to me repeatedly. Here is an opportunity to begin or renew relationships within the United Church of Christ and to learn more about the changing nature of our ministries this year and how we can work together in common ground within our diversities.
So here is your chance to let your voice be heard for the future of the United Church of Christ! Will you please join us in your respective conference…for together we are stronger.
And if you are part of the South Dakota or Iowa Conferences, it will be my honor to be installed as your Conference Minister after the business meetings.
The installation in South Dakota Conference will be held in Placerville UCC Camp, Rapid City on Saturday beginning at 1:00 pm. Clergy are invited to wear their favorite stoles (no robes for this event). I’m pleased that our guest preacher will be my dear friend and colleague Rev Dr Dave Long-Higgins, Conference Minister from my former conference, the Heartland UCC Conference (OH/KY/WV).
The installation in Iowa will be in Plymouth Church UCC and will begin at 2:00 pm. Clergy are invited to wear their favorite festive robes and stoles and will be gathering at 1:30 pm for procession. Plymouth church deacons will be present to provide directions to where the clergy will be meeting. I’m so thrilled that my spiritual sister and one of my besties, the Rev Dr Renee Jackson, the Minister for Ministerial Formation of the National Ministries of the UCC in Cleveland, has agreed to be our guest preacher.
There is still time to register for all three annual conference meetings…and please register even if you plan to only come to the installation. The head count will help with the reception provided after the services.
“We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do.” In this time of harvest and thanksgiving, may the God who created us, the Incarnated Christ that shows us the way to redemption, and the Holy Spirit that sustains us be upon you, your loved ones, the Church, and the world.
Blessed Autumn!
Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto