Workshops
Friday, August 21st 2:15pm
Leave A Lasting Legacy: Planned Giving with FreeWill- Rev. Dr. Paul L. Ramsey- Fellowship Hall
Join Rev. Dr. Paul Leon Ramsey for an inspiring introduction to Together for Tomorrow and FreeWill, a partnership helping United Church of Christ members create lasting impact through legacy giving. In 2024, the Pension Boards–UCC partnered with the UCC’s National Ministries to launch Together for Tomorrow, a shared legacy initiative designed to help UCC members, pastors, and congregations plan for the future with confidence. Through this initiative, churches and individuals gain access to FreeWill, a free, secure, and easy-to-use estate planning platform that empowers users to create or update their wills and legacy plans in as little as 20 minutes. FreeWill makes it simple to support the causes and ministries that matter most. Participants can include planned gifts to National Ministries, their local church or conference, ministerial assistance programs such as The Christmas Forever Fund, and other charitable organizations they care about—ensuring their values continue to make a difference for generations to come. As the Pension Boards prepares to introduce FreeWill to the Southeast Conference in Fall 2026, this workshop offers a discussion about the platform and the opportunities it creates for churches and their members. Learn how planned gifts can strengthen ministry for the future, how FreeWill can facilitate both simple and complex charitable gifts, and how your congregation can successfully implement this valuable resource. Whether you are a pastor, church leader, stewardship advocate, or simply interested in leaving a meaningful legacy, this session will provide practical tools and inspiration to help you and your congregation build a stronger tomorrow.
Dr. Paul L. Ramsey joined the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ in 2020 and is the Director of Church Relations and Philanthropy for the Pension Boards United Church of Christ. Today, he is a bridge to churches and individuals on behalf of PBUCC and leads the Christmas Fund special offering working closely with conference partners and the UCC National Ministries to raise money for initiatives across the denomination. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Council for Health & Human Service Ministries (CHHSM).
Paul lives with his family in Denver, Colorado, and his home is just a few hundred yards from where he grew up. He is a longtime UCC bi-vocational pastor and nonprofit leader. The Pastor of Mayflower Congregational Church UCC in Englewood for the past 25 years and the former Executive Director (and current Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors) of A Little Help a Colorado nonprofit helping seniors thrive by connecting them with their neighbors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University; a Master of Divinity from TCU; and a Doctor of Ministry from Iliff School of Theology.
Disaster Ministry-Congregational Preparedness- Katie Howe- Choir Room
In this workshop participants will be invited to explore what preparedness might look like for them and their congregation, and the strategies that they might be able to support to be prepared for weather-related, technological, or human-caused disasters. We will explore what it means to show our love for our neighbors before and after disasters.
Katie Howe, MPH, MDiv, serves as the Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery with the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. She started this position almost three years ago. As a life-long member of the UCC, she is grateful to have a position that combines her passion of public health and preparedness work with her faith background. Over the past three years she has been working with churches and conferences across the UCC on all components of disaster preparedness and response, from local church preparedness workshops, emotional and spiritual care for people who have been impacted by disasters to long-term recovery for communities that experienced disasters many years ago. Katie is grateful that her position, as Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, is an ordainable call, and is looking forward to her Ordination Service in Lakewood OH, on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Inspiring Generosity Through Story and Purpose- Rev. Michael Erwin- Youth Room
A strong Narrative Case is essential for any fundraising endeavor. This will be a hands-on workshop, and participants will learn a simple framework for turning project needs into a mission-centered narrative that inspires generosity. You will come away with a draft narrative case for your own church or organization.
Rev. Michael Erwin is a graduate of Presbyterian College and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He serves as the Executive Director of Good Samaritan, a private foundation in Evansville, Indiana, and President of Church Campaign Services, a national capital campaign resource for churches and church agencies. He has been married to Kathy for 34 years, and they have two adult daughters, Kennedy (Kathleen), and Natalie (Brandon). He lives in Dacula, GA.
Introduction to the Manual on Local Church- The Church Team- Herndon Tower
Covenant, Connection, Community…TOGETHER, we’ll review and reflect on the many ways the UCC’s New Manual on the Local Church can guide and lead us, as well as keep and hold us in our commitment to the Holy, our congregations, our Southeast Conference, and the National setting of the UCC. It’ll be engaging and enlightening—come join us!
The SECUCC Church Team: This faithful, yet motley crew has been working together for the past many years to lift up and lead our New Churches in the SECUCC. We’re excited to share that our vision and mission have expanded to care not only for New Churches, but REnewing Churches, Legacy Churches, and ALL of the Churches in our conference. We’re all excited to share the New Mannual on Local Church with YOU!
Budget Hearing- Small Classroom
This is an opportunity to dig deeper into the presented budget and ask questions about the how and why of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
Saturday, August 22nd
9:15 am-10:30am
Faithful Finances, How Money Choice Affect Human Rights- Stacey Pettice- Fellowship Hall
Explore how every day financial decisions impact human rights globally. This session will explore how investments and banking choices intersect with Indigenous rights, conflict zones and labor rights, and how responsible investors, such as UCF, advocate for justice. You will leave empowered to advocate for justice for all through your personal financial choices as well as the financial decisions of your church.
Stacey Pettice is a passionate Executive of Institutional Relationships at United Church Funds (UCF) where she is responsible for growing and managing over $1.5 billion dollars of faith based long term endowment assets. Stacey is passionate about supporting churches in finding socially responsible investment solutions to support their mission and ministry needs. She has extensive experience in the Financial Services & Investment industry; having worked in Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs and Fidelity Investments.
Stacey currently serves on the board of directors for Investor Advocates for Social Justice and Double Love Experience Church. Outside of work, she loves traveling the globe and has visited over 30 countries. She has a zeal for transformational development coaching and has a vision to touch, move and inspire as many lives as possible.
Faithful and Welcoming Churches- FWC-An ECOT Network- Rev. Dr. Bob Thompson- Herndon Tower
According to the UCC's Ministerial Excellence, Support, and Authorization (MESA), 34% of UCC members are politically "conservative," 32% "moderate," and 28% "liberal." FWC is a network of UCC churches, clergy, and laity who are Evangelical, Conservative, Orthodox, or Traditional (ECOT). Whether one of those descriptors fits you or you simply want to understand and connect with ECOT sisters and brothers, this workshop will help.
Rev. Dr. Bob Thompson is President of Faithful and Welcoming Churches. He served as Senior Pastor of Corinth Reformed Church (UCC) from 1993-2023. After retirement, Bob and his wife, Linda, moved to the Wilmington, NC, area, where he is currently interim pastor at Windermere Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
Building a Conference Disaster Response Team- Katie Howe- Youth Room
Come to this workshop to learn more about being involved in disaster ministries in the Southeast Conference might look like. The Southeast Conference has a history of many different types of disasters (winter storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires), and it's crucial that we strengthen our ability to prepare for, and respond to disasters locally in our own community, and surrounding communities. All types of skills are necessary for building a conference disaster team, whether that is communication, organization, or construction, if you have a skill you'd like to share we'd love to discuss how we might be able to support that.
Katie Howe, MPH, MDiv, serves as the Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery with the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. She started this position almost three years ago. As a life-long member of the UCC, she is grateful to have a position that combines her passion of public health and preparedness work with her faith background. Over the past three years she has been working with churches and conferences across the UCC on all components of disaster preparedness and response, from local church preparedness workshops, emotional and spiritual care for people who have been impacted by disasters to long-term recovery for communities that experienced disasters many years ago. Katie is grateful that her position, as Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, is an ordainable call, and is looking forward to her Ordination Service in Lakewood OH, on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
“Creating Spaces for Everyone: The Importance of Sensory Inclusion in the Church”-Pastors Michael & Tammie McCurry-Choir Room
Every person deserves the opportunity to experience worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth in an environment where they feel welcomed, understood, and valued. This workshop explores the importance of sensory inclusion training for churches and equips ministry leaders, volunteers, and congregations with practical strategies for creating a more accessible and supportive worship experience for individuals with autism, sensory processing differences, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, and other sensory-related needs. Participants will learn how sensory differences can impact an individual’s ability to engage in worship and discover simple, effective accommodations that foster belonging without compromising the church’s mission or worship experience. The workshop also highlights the vision behind Unity Worship Center’s decision to establish a dedicated Sensory Room. Attendees will hear how the church identified the need, developed a sensory-friendly environment, and embraced inclusion as an extension of Christ’s love. The Sensory Room serves as a safe, calming space where children, youth, and adults can regulate their sensory experiences and return to worship feeling supported rather than excluded. Through biblical principles, practical guidance, and real-world examples, this workshop will inspire churches to move beyond awareness toward intentional action, ensuring that every individual and every family can confidently say, “There is a place for me here.”
Pastors Michael and Tammie McCurry are servant leaders who love the Lord. They have been married for over thirty-seven years. They are the proud parents of six daughters; proud grandparents of seven grandsons and five granddaughters; and the proud parents in love (law) to four sons. In April 2007, God called the McCurry’s to begin conducting marriage and family enrichment seminars, workshops, conferences, and training courses. They have developed a course entitled Covenant Keepers which combines Biblical principles and real-life application in educating couples on maintaining healthy marital relationships. They are certified by Life Innovations as Marriage Enrichment Facilitators. They have co-authored two books, Under the Shadow: Our Journey with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Silence. They are the Pastors of Unity Worship Center located in Montgomery, Alabama. They hold dual standing with the Unity Church of Christ and the Church of God in Christ. Pastor Michael McCurry is a graduate of Troy University where he received a Bachelor Degree in Human Resource Management. He also holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration. He also holds a certification as a Domestic Violence Education Facilitator. Elder McCurry accepted his call to the ministry and preached his first message entitled “God Looks At Your Heart” in August 1996. He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ. On May 26, 2018, Elder McCurry founded Beta Alpha Gamma Christian Fraternity. He proudly serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of this anointed and appointed organization which focuses on promoting productive godly character in men through leadership development, youth to adult mentorship programs, and fellowship activities. Dr. McCurry is a graduate of Jacksonville Theological Seminary where she received the Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling degree. She holds a Master Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy; a Bachelor Degree in Social Science; and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is also licensed by the National Christian Counseling Association as a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor-Advanced Certified. Dr. McCurry accepted her call to the ministry and preached her first message entitled “The One That Escaped” in July 1998. She is a licensed evangelist in the Churches of God in Christ. Dr. McCurry has a passion for writing. She has authored a book entitled Building The Unbreakable Bond and co-authored Bruised But Not Broken. Dr. McCurry proudly serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tau Rho Mu Christian Sorority Inc. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Confidential Consultants LLC.
A Tent of Our Own Making- Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson- Sanctuary
The United Church of Christ can be described as a “big tent” where diversity exists and is welcome in many ways and forms. While our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, it also poses challenges which reflect the social contexts in which we live. The motto of the UCC is based on Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). What does it mean for us to live into the unity of the church in these days and times? The UCC was started and lives the ecumenical witness of being a united and uniting church, a visible expression of Christian unity. Join us for conversation and tools for living this ecumenical witness and being the church today, living with the many ways people show up, the variety of ways we worship, and the ways in which the Holy Spirit is manifested among us. We are the church, living and extending Christ’s love to all with radical hospitality.
The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson is the General Minister and President and the Chief Executive Officer of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Thompson is the first woman and first woman of African descent to serve as leader of the denomination. She was elected at General Synod 34 in 2023. She is a writer, poet and theologian who has contributed to numerous publications. As General Minister and President, Rev. Thompson is the spiritual leader of the denomination, representing the UCC ecumenically and speaking on behalf of the denomination. She is the leader of the denominational offices in Cleveland, overseeing the daily operations of the national offices which includes 115 staff persons and an annual budget of $22 million. Prior to this call, Rev. Thompson served in the national setting of the United Church of Christ for 14 years – two years as Minister for Racial Justice, eight years as Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, and four years as the Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive for Global Ministries. She was elected as Associate General Minister in 2019. Her passion for justice and equity has informed her focus on justice in the global context. This passion for justice is a catalyst for her global advocacy to reduce the marginalization experienced by African descendant peoples and other communities globally. She continues to participate in global forums, bringing her leadership to address a variety of issues including global racial justice, gender justice, and human rights. Before joining the national ministries staff in 2009, Rev. Thompson served in the Florida Conference United Church of Christ as a Pastor and on the Conference staff as the Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery. She also worked in the nonprofit arena for over 10 years in leaderships positions. She continues to contribute her time to the leadership and mission of several organizations, including Church World Service and Bread for the World. She is a member of the World Council of Churches Executive Committee and Central Committee, the National Council of Churches Governing Board, and she is the President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. She also serves on the United Church of Christ Board, United Church Funds Board, and is a trustee of the Pension Boards United Church of Christ. Rev. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College in New York, a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York. She also studied Public Policy at Duke University and earned her Doctor of Ministry at Seattle University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Heidelberg University in 2023. Her book of poetry, Drums in Our Veins, was published in 2022. Painting Rainbows with Raindrops, her second book of poetry, is pending publication.
Leave A Lasting Legacy: Planned Giving with FreeWill- Rev. Dr. Paul L. Ramsey- Fellowship Hall
Join Rev. Dr. Paul Leon Ramsey for an inspiring introduction to Together for Tomorrow and FreeWill, a partnership helping United Church of Christ members create lasting impact through legacy giving. In 2024, the Pension Boards–UCC partnered with the UCC’s National Ministries to launch Together for Tomorrow, a shared legacy initiative designed to help UCC members, pastors, and congregations plan for the future with confidence. Through this initiative, churches and individuals gain access to FreeWill, a free, secure, and easy-to-use estate planning platform that empowers users to create or update their wills and legacy plans in as little as 20 minutes. FreeWill makes it simple to support the causes and ministries that matter most. Participants can include planned gifts to National Ministries, their local church or conference, ministerial assistance programs such as The Christmas Forever Fund, and other charitable organizations they care about—ensuring their values continue to make a difference for generations to come. As the Pension Boards prepares to introduce FreeWill to the Southeast Conference in Fall 2026, this workshop offers a discussion about the platform and the opportunities it creates for churches and their members. Learn how planned gifts can strengthen ministry for the future, how FreeWill can facilitate both simple and complex charitable gifts, and how your congregation can successfully implement this valuable resource. Whether you are a pastor, church leader, stewardship advocate, or simply interested in leaving a meaningful legacy, this session will provide practical tools and inspiration to help you and your congregation build a stronger tomorrow.
Dr. Paul L. Ramsey joined the Pension Boards-United Church of Christ in 2020 and is the Director of Church Relations and Philanthropy for the Pension Boards United Church of Christ. Today, he is a bridge to churches and individuals on behalf of PBUCC and leads the Christmas Fund special offering working closely with conference partners and the UCC National Ministries to raise money for initiatives across the denomination. He is a member of the Board of Directors of The Council for Health & Human Service Ministries (CHHSM).
Paul lives with his family in Denver, Colorado, and his home is just a few hundred yards from where he grew up. He is a longtime UCC bi-vocational pastor and nonprofit leader. The Pastor of Mayflower Congregational Church UCC in Englewood for the past 25 years and the former Executive Director (and current Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors) of A Little Help a Colorado nonprofit helping seniors thrive by connecting them with their neighbors. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Abilene Christian University; a Master of Divinity from TCU; and a Doctor of Ministry from Iliff School of Theology.
Disaster Ministry-Congregational Preparedness- Katie Howe- Choir Room
In this workshop participants will be invited to explore what preparedness might look like for them and their congregation, and the strategies that they might be able to support to be prepared for weather-related, technological, or human-caused disasters. We will explore what it means to show our love for our neighbors before and after disasters.
Katie Howe, MPH, MDiv, serves as the Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery with the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. She started this position almost three years ago. As a life-long member of the UCC, she is grateful to have a position that combines her passion of public health and preparedness work with her faith background. Over the past three years she has been working with churches and conferences across the UCC on all components of disaster preparedness and response, from local church preparedness workshops, emotional and spiritual care for people who have been impacted by disasters to long-term recovery for communities that experienced disasters many years ago. Katie is grateful that her position, as Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, is an ordainable call, and is looking forward to her Ordination Service in Lakewood OH, on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
Inspiring Generosity Through Story and Purpose- Rev. Michael Erwin- Youth Room
A strong Narrative Case is essential for any fundraising endeavor. This will be a hands-on workshop, and participants will learn a simple framework for turning project needs into a mission-centered narrative that inspires generosity. You will come away with a draft narrative case for your own church or organization.
Rev. Michael Erwin is a graduate of Presbyterian College and Louisville Presbyterian Seminary. He serves as the Executive Director of Good Samaritan, a private foundation in Evansville, Indiana, and President of Church Campaign Services, a national capital campaign resource for churches and church agencies. He has been married to Kathy for 34 years, and they have two adult daughters, Kennedy (Kathleen), and Natalie (Brandon). He lives in Dacula, GA.
Introduction to the Manual on Local Church- The Church Team- Herndon Tower
Covenant, Connection, Community…TOGETHER, we’ll review and reflect on the many ways the UCC’s New Manual on the Local Church can guide and lead us, as well as keep and hold us in our commitment to the Holy, our congregations, our Southeast Conference, and the National setting of the UCC. It’ll be engaging and enlightening—come join us!
The SECUCC Church Team: This faithful, yet motley crew has been working together for the past many years to lift up and lead our New Churches in the SECUCC. We’re excited to share that our vision and mission have expanded to care not only for New Churches, but REnewing Churches, Legacy Churches, and ALL of the Churches in our conference. We’re all excited to share the New Mannual on Local Church with YOU!
Budget Hearing- Small Classroom
This is an opportunity to dig deeper into the presented budget and ask questions about the how and why of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027.
Saturday, August 22nd
9:15 am-10:30am
Faithful Finances, How Money Choice Affect Human Rights- Stacey Pettice- Fellowship Hall
Explore how every day financial decisions impact human rights globally. This session will explore how investments and banking choices intersect with Indigenous rights, conflict zones and labor rights, and how responsible investors, such as UCF, advocate for justice. You will leave empowered to advocate for justice for all through your personal financial choices as well as the financial decisions of your church.
Stacey Pettice is a passionate Executive of Institutional Relationships at United Church Funds (UCF) where she is responsible for growing and managing over $1.5 billion dollars of faith based long term endowment assets. Stacey is passionate about supporting churches in finding socially responsible investment solutions to support their mission and ministry needs. She has extensive experience in the Financial Services & Investment industry; having worked in Private Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs and Fidelity Investments.
Stacey currently serves on the board of directors for Investor Advocates for Social Justice and Double Love Experience Church. Outside of work, she loves traveling the globe and has visited over 30 countries. She has a zeal for transformational development coaching and has a vision to touch, move and inspire as many lives as possible.
Faithful and Welcoming Churches- FWC-An ECOT Network- Rev. Dr. Bob Thompson- Herndon Tower
According to the UCC's Ministerial Excellence, Support, and Authorization (MESA), 34% of UCC members are politically "conservative," 32% "moderate," and 28% "liberal." FWC is a network of UCC churches, clergy, and laity who are Evangelical, Conservative, Orthodox, or Traditional (ECOT). Whether one of those descriptors fits you or you simply want to understand and connect with ECOT sisters and brothers, this workshop will help.
Rev. Dr. Bob Thompson is President of Faithful and Welcoming Churches. He served as Senior Pastor of Corinth Reformed Church (UCC) from 1993-2023. After retirement, Bob and his wife, Linda, moved to the Wilmington, NC, area, where he is currently interim pastor at Windermere Presbyterian Church (PCUSA).
Building a Conference Disaster Response Team- Katie Howe- Youth Room
Come to this workshop to learn more about being involved in disaster ministries in the Southeast Conference might look like. The Southeast Conference has a history of many different types of disasters (winter storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires), and it's crucial that we strengthen our ability to prepare for, and respond to disasters locally in our own community, and surrounding communities. All types of skills are necessary for building a conference disaster team, whether that is communication, organization, or construction, if you have a skill you'd like to share we'd love to discuss how we might be able to support that.
Katie Howe, MPH, MDiv, serves as the Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery with the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. She started this position almost three years ago. As a life-long member of the UCC, she is grateful to have a position that combines her passion of public health and preparedness work with her faith background. Over the past three years she has been working with churches and conferences across the UCC on all components of disaster preparedness and response, from local church preparedness workshops, emotional and spiritual care for people who have been impacted by disasters to long-term recovery for communities that experienced disasters many years ago. Katie is grateful that her position, as Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, is an ordainable call, and is looking forward to her Ordination Service in Lakewood OH, on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
“Creating Spaces for Everyone: The Importance of Sensory Inclusion in the Church”-Pastors Michael & Tammie McCurry-Choir Room
Every person deserves the opportunity to experience worship, fellowship, and spiritual growth in an environment where they feel welcomed, understood, and valued. This workshop explores the importance of sensory inclusion training for churches and equips ministry leaders, volunteers, and congregations with practical strategies for creating a more accessible and supportive worship experience for individuals with autism, sensory processing differences, ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, dementia, and other sensory-related needs. Participants will learn how sensory differences can impact an individual’s ability to engage in worship and discover simple, effective accommodations that foster belonging without compromising the church’s mission or worship experience. The workshop also highlights the vision behind Unity Worship Center’s decision to establish a dedicated Sensory Room. Attendees will hear how the church identified the need, developed a sensory-friendly environment, and embraced inclusion as an extension of Christ’s love. The Sensory Room serves as a safe, calming space where children, youth, and adults can regulate their sensory experiences and return to worship feeling supported rather than excluded. Through biblical principles, practical guidance, and real-world examples, this workshop will inspire churches to move beyond awareness toward intentional action, ensuring that every individual and every family can confidently say, “There is a place for me here.”
Pastors Michael and Tammie McCurry are servant leaders who love the Lord. They have been married for over thirty-seven years. They are the proud parents of six daughters; proud grandparents of seven grandsons and five granddaughters; and the proud parents in love (law) to four sons. In April 2007, God called the McCurry’s to begin conducting marriage and family enrichment seminars, workshops, conferences, and training courses. They have developed a course entitled Covenant Keepers which combines Biblical principles and real-life application in educating couples on maintaining healthy marital relationships. They are certified by Life Innovations as Marriage Enrichment Facilitators. They have co-authored two books, Under the Shadow: Our Journey with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) and Silence. They are the Pastors of Unity Worship Center located in Montgomery, Alabama. They hold dual standing with the Unity Church of Christ and the Church of God in Christ. Pastor Michael McCurry is a graduate of Troy University where he received a Bachelor Degree in Human Resource Management. He also holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration. He also holds a certification as a Domestic Violence Education Facilitator. Elder McCurry accepted his call to the ministry and preached his first message entitled “God Looks At Your Heart” in August 1996. He is an ordained Elder in the Churches of God in Christ. On May 26, 2018, Elder McCurry founded Beta Alpha Gamma Christian Fraternity. He proudly serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of this anointed and appointed organization which focuses on promoting productive godly character in men through leadership development, youth to adult mentorship programs, and fellowship activities. Dr. McCurry is a graduate of Jacksonville Theological Seminary where she received the Doctor of Ministry in Christian Counseling degree. She holds a Master Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy; a Bachelor Degree in Social Science; and an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is also licensed by the National Christian Counseling Association as a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor-Advanced Certified. Dr. McCurry accepted her call to the ministry and preached her first message entitled “The One That Escaped” in July 1998. She is a licensed evangelist in the Churches of God in Christ. Dr. McCurry has a passion for writing. She has authored a book entitled Building The Unbreakable Bond and co-authored Bruised But Not Broken. Dr. McCurry proudly serves as Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tau Rho Mu Christian Sorority Inc. She is also the Chief Executive Officer of Confidential Consultants LLC.
A Tent of Our Own Making- Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson- Sanctuary
The United Church of Christ can be described as a “big tent” where diversity exists and is welcome in many ways and forms. While our diversity is one of our greatest strengths, it also poses challenges which reflect the social contexts in which we live. The motto of the UCC is based on Jesus’ prayer “that they may all be one” (John 17:21). What does it mean for us to live into the unity of the church in these days and times? The UCC was started and lives the ecumenical witness of being a united and uniting church, a visible expression of Christian unity. Join us for conversation and tools for living this ecumenical witness and being the church today, living with the many ways people show up, the variety of ways we worship, and the ways in which the Holy Spirit is manifested among us. We are the church, living and extending Christ’s love to all with radical hospitality.
The Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson is the General Minister and President and the Chief Executive Officer of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Thompson is the first woman and first woman of African descent to serve as leader of the denomination. She was elected at General Synod 34 in 2023. She is a writer, poet and theologian who has contributed to numerous publications. As General Minister and President, Rev. Thompson is the spiritual leader of the denomination, representing the UCC ecumenically and speaking on behalf of the denomination. She is the leader of the denominational offices in Cleveland, overseeing the daily operations of the national offices which includes 115 staff persons and an annual budget of $22 million. Prior to this call, Rev. Thompson served in the national setting of the United Church of Christ for 14 years – two years as Minister for Racial Justice, eight years as Minister for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, and four years as the Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive for Global Ministries. She was elected as Associate General Minister in 2019. Her passion for justice and equity has informed her focus on justice in the global context. This passion for justice is a catalyst for her global advocacy to reduce the marginalization experienced by African descendant peoples and other communities globally. She continues to participate in global forums, bringing her leadership to address a variety of issues including global racial justice, gender justice, and human rights. Before joining the national ministries staff in 2009, Rev. Thompson served in the Florida Conference United Church of Christ as a Pastor and on the Conference staff as the Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery. She also worked in the nonprofit arena for over 10 years in leaderships positions. She continues to contribute her time to the leadership and mission of several organizations, including Church World Service and Bread for the World. She is a member of the World Council of Churches Executive Committee and Central Committee, the National Council of Churches Governing Board, and she is the President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches. She also serves on the United Church of Christ Board, United Church Funds Board, and is a trustee of the Pension Boards United Church of Christ. Rev. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brooklyn College in New York, a Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC, and a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York. She also studied Public Policy at Duke University and earned her Doctor of Ministry at Seattle University. She was awarded an honorary doctorate from Heidelberg University in 2023. Her book of poetry, Drums in Our Veins, was published in 2022. Painting Rainbows with Raindrops, her second book of poetry, is pending publication.
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