Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All Conference

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You are Invited to Join Others to Support
The UCC Mental Illness Network and the UCC Disabilities Ministry National 2010 Conference
“Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All”

Faith Communities are called to be a welcoming communities. In Romans we read, “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:7, 13. Welcome embraces the involvement of everyone, including people who have been touched by or have experienced a mental illness/brain disorder and/or a disability, apparent or unapparent.

This first National Conference will be held in St. Louis, at the Drury Inn, on September 23-26, 2010. This Conference is for clergy, consumers, laity, families, and mental health professionals. The purposes are:

1. to educate about mental illnesses/brain disorders and disabilities;
2. to learn how to develop Mental Health Ministries and A2A Covenants in your congregation;
3. to share best practices by telling stories;
4. to network, staying in touch with each other and learn from each other;
5. to offer spiritual support group experiences, to worship and offer devotions;
6. to plan activities around UCC Synod; and
7. to work toward encouraging every faith congregation to be committed to compassionate action and widening the welcome for all.

As a financial supporter of this Conference you will be taking a step in this new frontier of inclusion for all. Many people are marginalized in our society because of their mental illness/brain disorders or disability/impairment. You will be among those who will be voicing and acting on your commitment to be a more whole and strengthened faith community.

The speakers include Dr. Nancy Kehoe, a nun and a clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School, author of “Wrestling with our Inner Angels: Faith, Mental Illness, and the Journey to Wholeness,” Dr. Debbie Creamer, Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, author of “Disability and Christian Theology Embodied Limits and Constructive Possibilities,”
Dr. David Greenhaw, President of Eden Theological Seminary, the Rev. Jane Fisler-Hoffman and the Rev. Bob Molsberry, author of “Blindsided by Grace,” UCC Conference Ministers, the Rev. Jeanne Tyler with the UCC DM, Mr. Jeffrey Pollock Esq., Attorney in Cleveland, the Rev. Dr. Craig Rennebohm, author of “Souls in the Hands of a Tender God,” and the Rev. Alan Johnson, author of “Encounters at the Counter: What Congregations can learn about Hospitality from Business.” There will be Worship, Workshops, Panels, Videos, Display Tables and opportunities to share in small groups.

We, the Planning Team, ask for you to support this Conference not only with your prayers but also with a financial donation. You and/or your congregation would be listed on the Conference Program in any of these categories. We would also introduce you at the Conference, if you are present.

Leader: ($1,000 and more)
Advocate: ($500-$900)
Sponsor: ($100-$400)

Your check can be made payable to Conference Office and sent to:
Summit Meetings, Inc., 90 Madison Street, Suite 403, Denver, CO 80206.
For more details and information, email Alan Johnson, Chair of the UCC MIN, revalan2004@comcast.net