General Assembly 2008: Ft. Launderdale, FL

The Reverend Jane Rzepka The Reverend Meg Barnhouse The Rev. Patty Franz, CLF's Director of Ministries for CLF Prisoner Members, takes a 'smoothie' break after talking with GA attendees about the CLF Prison Ministry. Lorraine Dennis, CLF's Executive Director, pushing a cart with plants and other materials for the CLF Worship Service from the CLF Booth to the Convention Center room where the worship was held. CLF staff members, Cindy Salloway (left), Beth Murray (middle) and Iris Hardin (right) are ready for the Exhibit Hall to open at this year’s General Assembly in Fort Lauderdale. The CLF sells chalice jewelry, UU-themed notecards and order of service covers, and books. Staff and volunteers also talk with many UUs about the CLF and it’s many programs.

CLF Worship Service

The Church of the Larger Fellowship (CLF) held its annual worship service at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly (GA) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Saturday, June 28, 2008. The Revs. Jane Rzepka (Senior Minister, CLF) and Meg Barnhouse (Minister, UU Church of Spartanburg, SC) preached.  Beth Norton (Music Director, First Parish, Concord, MA) coordinated the music. Denny Davidoff (outgoing Chair, CLF Board of Directors) participated in the service, as did Rev. Patty Franz and Dan Kane (the CLF’s Director for Prison Ministries and outgoing Ministerial Intern, respectively).  The Rev. Keith Kron, Director, UUA Office Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Concerns, presented the CLF with the UUA’s official designation of Welcoming Congregation during the service. 

Read more about the service at the UUA website.

CLF Ingathering

The CLF delegates, board members, staff and members gathered during the district Ingathering time on Wednesday, June 25th to meet and greet each other and to participate in the CLF Annual Meeting.  During the meeting, led by Moderator Nelson Simonson, those assembled approved minutes from last year’s meeting, approved (with the added votes of members who mailed their ballots to the CLF office) the slate of candidates presented by the Nominating Committee, said goodbye to Ministerial Intern, Dan Kane, and thanked Denny Davidoff for her six years of service to the CLF Board of Directors.  Lynda Bluestein, CLF Board Member and GA Planning Committee Member, introduced the meeting and gave some very helpful information and hints about GA in Fort Lauderdale.  Delegates signed up to volunteer in the CLF Booth in the Exhibit Hall and had a chance to caucus and get to know each before GA plenary sessions began.

Delegates Imari Kariotis and Carie Mendyk carried the CLF banner during the banner parade and opening worship that evening.

CLF Booth

Once again this year, the CLF had its booth in the exhibit hall.  CLF staff, Iris Hardin, Beth Murray, and Cindy Salloway worked in the booth with help from CLF volunteers and delegates.  To support our good work in the world, the CLF sells chalice jewelry, books, UU order of service covers and note cards; we are a perennial favorite at GA for those looking for quality, inexpensive keepsakes and gifts.  We also take the opportunity to talk with GA attendees about CLF membership and its programs.  Since GA registration was much lower than last year, there was less traffic than in previous years.  The booth staff took advantage of the more relaxed pace to enjoy many conversations with both those interested in the possibility of joining the CLF and with current members from California to Sweden! 

GA Opening Worship

On Wednesday, June 25th, the GA Opening Worship began with the annual banner parade.  The first plenary session was held to adopt rules for the Assembly.  The highlight of the service was the performance of  Sources:  A UU Cantata.  This choral work celebrates the six sources of our UU faith and was composed by the Rev. Jason Shelton, Minister of Music at the First Church in Nashville.  Lyrics are by the Rev. Kendyl Gibbons, Senior Minister at the First Church in Minneapolis.  The CLF became involved in Sources when we sponsored a grant application to the UU Funding Program to help pay for this performance.  The CLF Library houses the scores for Sources, and makes them available to congregations for just the cost of postage.  You can see the opening worship service on the UUA website.  Go to Jason Shelton Music to download printable versions of the scores, or contact Beth Murray at bmurray@clfuu.org for more information about borrowing the music from the CLF.

Last updated July 21, 2008