2025 National Gathering Info, Program Book & More
By UCC Coalition | July 4, 2025
Bookmark this page and come back for links, documents, and more related to the 2025 National Gathering of the United Church of Christ July 9-10, 2025 in Kansas City, MO.
Download the Program Book PDF
Schedule at a Glance
(tentative and subject to change)
Wednesday, July 9
10:00 AM – Registration and Check-in
12:00 PM – Lunch Plenary
• Welcome
• Community Building with Rev. Rhina Ramos
• Keynote: Rev. Dr. Darrell Goodwin
1:30 PM – Break
2:00 PM – Lived Experience Panel
• Moderator: Rev. Edwin Perez
• Panelists: Rev. R Ward, Mx. ivy Tillman, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tanner Richardson
3:15 PM – Break
3:45 PM – Workshop Sessions I
• ONA 101 – Rev. Barb Biedenstein (Trianon A)
• Intentional Conversations – Rev. Phiwa Langeni (Trianon B)
• “Do No Harm” – Carmarion Anderson-Harvey (Colonial Ballroom)
• Supporting Families – Kentavis Goodwin-Brice & Jennifer Martin (Trianon C)
• Reparations & Policy – Rev. Dr. Rebecca Voelkel (Trianon D)
5:00 PM – Dinner Plenary
• State of the Open and Affirming Movement – Rev. Derek Terry
• Townhall Conversation
6:30 PM – Break
7:00 PM – Worship
• Preacher: Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson
• Special Guest: Calvin Arsenia
• Music: Kinshift Music, Rev. Monty Jackson
8:30 PM – Networking Reception
• Honoring Ann Randall, longtime ONA Coalition Financial Administrator
10:00 PM – Adjourn
Thursday, July 10
7:15 AM – Breakfast
8:45 AM – Break
9:00 AM – Bible Study – Rev. Dr. Justin Sabia-Tanis
Exploring Acts 8:26–30 and the story of the Ethiopian Eunuch—a queer, nonbinary ancestor of faith.
9:45 AM – Morning Prayer – Rev. Jamar Doyle
10:15 AM – Break
10:30 AM – Workshop Sessions II
• ONA 201 – Rev. Jill Baker (Trianon A)
• Ethical Non-Monogamy & Church – Jennifer Martin & Rev. Amy Johnson (Trianon B)
• Transvisibility Toolkit – Rev. Yadi Marinez Reyna & Rev. Rhina Ramos (Trianon C)
• ONA in Rural Contexts – Rev. Dr. Roberto Ochoa (Trianon D)
• Join the Movement – Sharon Fennema (Colonial Ballroom)
11:45 AM – Lunch Plenary
• Trans and Nonbinary Experience and Justice
1:30 PM – Break
1:45 PM – Plenary
• Working for a Just Peace for All with the UCC Washington DC Office
3:00 PM – Break
3:15 PM – Afternoon Prayer – Rev. Edwin Perez
3:45 PM – Transition to Public Witness
4:15 PM – Public Witness Event (details to be announced)
5:15 PM – End of Gathering
Bonus Event – Separate Ticket Required
Rise in Resilience: A Soulful Evening with Calvin Arsenia
Thursday, July 10 | 7:30 PM
Kansas City Marriott Downtown – Colonial Ballroom
This is more than a concert. It’s a sacred space for healing, justice, and renewal.
Through harp, voice, and story, Calvin Arsenia creates a stunning blend of gospel, jazz, and electronic sound—exploring race, gender, sexuality, and spirit. The evening will also lift up the ongoing need for compassionate HIV and AIDS ministry.
Box office opens at 6:00 PM
Doors at 6:45 PM | Show at 7:30 PM
Tickets: https://riseinresilience.eventbrite.com
More about the artist: www.calvinarsenia.com
