Calendar workshops, gatherings, celebrations

April-June 2017

Sharing a Welcoming Gospel
April 22, 2017, 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Akron, OH

This day-long workshop sponsored by the Western Reserve and Eastern Ohio Associations is targeted to congregation leaders and church staff who want to explore welcoming issues, outreach skills and membership diversity. This workshop will help congregations beginning a conversation about ONA. Includes worship service, breakout discussions, light lunch and wrap-up. Leaders: Andy Lang of the ONA Coalition and Alex Shanks of Equality Ohio.
More information

ONA as Beloved Community
April 29, 2017
St. Paul, MN

The UCC Minnesota Conference will offer workshops, music and worship with Open and Affirming ministry settings from across the state. The 2017 Minnesota ONA Celebration, “Open and Affirming as Beloved Community,” will be at Hazel Park Congregational UCC in Saint Paul. The day will include workshops at 11:00 AM, a time of kinship over lunch, and worship at 1:30 PM.
More information

ONA 101 Webinar
May 2, 2017, 7 p.m. EDT
Everywhere!

Fear of conflict is often the reason churches hesitate to take their first steps towards an ONA covenant. But a carefully-planned ONA process can build consensus and rekindle a congregation’s passion for the Gospel. Instead of dividing the congregation, a journey towards an ONA covenant can deepen relationships and open up new possibilities for evangelism, mission and ministry. Join the ONA Coalition’s Andy Lang for tips on how your church can design an ONA process that works for you!
More information

ONA and the BIBLE Webinar
May 9, 2017, 7 p.m. EDT
Everywhere!

This workshop explores how the Bible can support a church’s journey towards an Open and Affirming covenant. Out of 31,000 verses in the Bible, just eight are a stumbling block for churches that want to welcome and support their LGBTQ members and neighbors. But what else does the Bible say about our relationships with each other and with God? How can the Bible help a church explore the basic values that inform a conversation about human sexuality and gender identity? And how can a congregation understand the few texts that are often cited to condemn same-sex relationships and non-conforming gender identities?
More information

Creating Your Next Steps as a Welcoming, Affirming, Grace-Filled Church
May 13, 2017, 9 a.m.—3 p.m.
Akron, OH

This day-long workshop sponsored by the Western Reserve and Eastern Ohio Associations is for congregations already committed to LGBTQ affirmation and diversity and are looking for ideas on advocacy, marketing, communications and other growth practices. Leaders: Andy Lang of the ONA Coalition and Alex Shanks of Equality Ohio.
More information

ONA 201 Webinar
May 16, 2017, 7 p.m. EDT
Everywhere!

Open and Affirming churches can grow: if they are visible, confident and persistent in their witness. This webinar distills the best practices learned from the experience of growing ONA congregations, including tips on communication, marketing, advocacy and personal evangelism. Have you ever asked, “What’s next for our ONA church?” This webinar is for you! Congregations exploring the possibility of an ONA covenant will also benefit from this webinar.
More information

National ONA Sunday
June 25, 2017
Your church and community!

The UCC’s national setting and the Open and Affirming Coalition announce that the last Sunday of June will be designated every year as “National Open and Affirming Sunday.” This is an opportunity for your congregation to celebrate and renew its ONA covenant. Other congregations may prefer to observe this date on the weekend of their community’s annual Pride celebration, or on the anniversary of their ONA covenant.
More information

National ONA Gathering
June 27-29, 2017
Baltimore, MD

This annual family reunion of the Open and Affirming movement in the United Church of Christ is an opportunity for joyous worship, inspiring music, powerful preaching, and workshops that will feed your mind and spirit. Learn best practices for active and dynamic ONA churches, and share your congregation’s experience in mission and ministry. As our movement grows, learn how your church can grow with it! This year’s theme: “100% OPEN AND AFFIRMING: THE ROAD AHEAD.” This event is immediately before General Synod, so Synod delegates and visitors are welcome!
Registration

General Synod ONA Banquet
July 2, 2017
Baltimore, MD

Celebrate our movement’s growth, enjoy conversation with members of ONA churches across the UCC, and experience the joyous music and powerful keynote speech that are always featured at this event. Tickets usually sell out quickly, so be sure to sign up for the ONA Banquet when you register for General Synod!
Registration

General Synod
June 30-July 4, 2017
Baltimore, MD

General Synod is the biennial national meeting of the United Church of Christ. The ONA Coalition will be an active presence, with exhibits and educational experiences to help the UCC widen its commitment to inclusion and justice. Stop by our space in the exhibition hall, and tell us about you and your church!
More information

July-September 2017

The Reformation at 500: Is Grace Still the Answer?
July 10-14, 2017
Craigville, Cape Cod, MA

The annual Craigville Colloquy on Cape Cod is a unique opportunity to mix serious theological conversation with summer relaxation in historic Craigville Village on Nantucket Sound. Keynoter is Dr. Lee Barrett (Lancaster Theological Seminary). Bible Reflector is Dr. Monica Dawkins-Smith (Penn Central Conference Minister). Ecumenical Reflector is Dr. Jonathan Linman (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America). Also presenting is the ONA Coalition’s Andy Lang, whose paper explores the Reformed tradition of “covenant” in the modern Open and Affirming movement. Access to the famous Craigville Beach is included in registration.
More information

October-December 2017