By: Rev. Roberto Ochoa
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
“you can try to stop the paradise we’re dreaming of…but you cannot stop the rhythm of two hearts in love to stay…cause you can’t stop the beat” (You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray the musical)
Dear Friends of the South Dakota Nebraska Iowa Conferences of the United Church of Christ and beyond,
This summer, being the musical theatre nerd that I am, I decided to listen to Broadway musicals while on the road. What I love about musicals is that they are story telling in song and often based on true events. There is something truly poetic when music is used to describe a story, especially with those with tragic themes, like the Titanic, Nazi Germany (Cabaret), Hamilton (the death of Alexander Hamilton), or Jesus’ crucifixion (Godspell/Jesus Christ Superstar) …yet the music and lyrics somehow are still able to communicate hope and inspiration in the light of such tragedies.
And then there are those “historical” musicals that one who is of a certain age (like me) recognizes and lived through, such as “Hairspray”. The musical takes place in the American mid-20th century decade of the sixties, often agreed as one of the most turbulent periods in U.S. history. It was a time of when racial and ethnic identified people, women, and Gay Lesbian, Bi Transgender populations found their collective voices and began to push back against the systems of oppression demanding equal civil rights in the areas of housing, employment, healthcare, reproductive rights, education, along with dignity and respect. Movements oftentimes met with violence from those that wanted to keep the status quo. Christian churches found themselves struggling with how to interpret biblical and moral teachings to address the societal issues, whether to decide on sticking with tradition or sound the prophetic call of change, in the name of Jesus Christ.
The “Hairspray” story is simple, it was about a young girl “Tracy Turnblad” who wanted to dance and be loved, and in her quest, she, her family, and friends are thrust on an adventure that would expose them to various types of injustices and a system that attempts to deny the humanity and justice for all. For Tracy and the others, it turns out to be powerful awakening and motivates them to fight for change. They do so with determination, hope, and joy, finding love in the process. The finale is an explosive moment of celebration on what humanity can look like.
Mark Twain has been quoted of saying, “The past does not repeat itself, but it rhymes” (though there isn’t any real evidence he actually said that). However, when I compare what happened in the 20th century sixties to what is currently happening in our communities and churches, I see and feel that rhythm happening; powers are trying to turn back the clock to a time where the dignity and rights of many were denied. And we are being stirred to action, for it has become clear that silence today towards the injustices happening in our country means being complicit. What are we being called to do as the Church? As people of faith in the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ, how are we to respond as we strive to live together as neighbors in Christ? Like the sixties, we are at a spiritual and moral crossroads in our churches and nation today.
That is what the Joint Annual Meetings (JAM) is going to be about in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Sept 17-20, 2026. Front and center will be the discernment of the future of the Tri Conference Ministries, as we reflect, discern, and decide the next steps of this joint ministry of the Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences. I am calling our local church leaderships to at least attend their respective annual meetings, if not physically, then be present online. Each conference will be making decisions that will impact local church and Associations alike, and your voice and vote is important. The Tri Conference Ministries is at a crossroads, and we pray to God for the guidance through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and Love of Jesus Christ as we embark into a new season and time under heaven.
Bendiciones y Paz,
Rev Roberto
P.S. – “You Can’t Stop the Beat” – Hairspray Musical Finale (enjoy):