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Over time, your group may grow of be of a size that is hard to manage in a single meeting. Or your group may decide that they would like to form a more official relationship with the larger UCC body. Both are good news!
Group Multiplication
If your group grows to a size that begins to feel cumbersome, we would advise that you split the group to form a new Comma Connection within your area. If you have two designated leaders, one leader can go to the new group, and you could choose additional leaders to fill the vacated positions. A core of the participants commit to starting the second group, always seeking to invite new participants to the “table.”
For help in taking these steps, contact Rev. Cameron Trimble at the Conference office.
Affiliating with the United Church of Christ
If your group decides that it would like to formalize its relationship with the United Church of Christ as an affiliating congregation, there are a number of steps that must be taken:
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Your leaders would meet with Rev. Cameron Trimble, Rev. Dr. Tim Downs and the Church Development Advisory Committee to design a presentation for the Church and Ministry Committee of that Association.
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Your leaders will schedule a meeting with the Association Church and Ministry Committee and offer a presentation on the history of the group, the vision and mission, budget and future plans.
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The Association Church and Ministry votes on accepting the congregation as a UCC congregation.
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The congregation goes before an Ecclesial Council and presents its petition. The Council votes.
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The Congregation is accepted into the UCC in a Service of Instillation.
For help in taking these steps, contact Rev. Cameron Trimble at the Conference office.
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