Publication Date: 05/12/06
"Another world is possible!" With these words, Bernice Powell Jackson of the World Council of Churches inspired the biennial meeting of the Florida Conference, United Church of Christ.
More than 300 delegates gathered in Orlando May 5-6, energizing their faith and lifting their vision of service to God and humanity.
The Rev. Bonnie L. Lipton, pastor of Pilgrim Church, United Church of Christ in St. Augustine, was elected to the board of directors of the Florida Conference. The denomination recognized Pilgrim Church as an outstanding church in renewal.
Joining Lipton at the convention were the Rev. Richard Blessner, minister of Christian education, and church members Joyce Bresee, Sandy Glessner, Geraldine Langford, Patricia Lloyd, Daniel Moreno, Lorraine Moreno and Kathy Ouellette.
Convention leaders conducted workshops on "Art and Spirituality," "Stewardship Year Round," "Marriage Equality" and "God Is Still Speaking," the promotional campaign of the United Church of Christ, a campaign announcing that churches of the denomination welcome and affirm all people.
The convention studied ways to respond to both technological and natural disasters.
Dr. Florence Coppola, executive for National Disaster Ministries, requested long-term volunteers to help in rebuilding New Orleans and Biloxi, Miss.
