UCCOSSN Annual Meeting

April 2005

Keynote Speaker  

The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer

John is pleased and honored to address the Office Support Staff Network, and will help us imagine ways in which our work can reflect our vision of becoming a multi-racial, multicultural church.  The keynote address will attempt to both inspire and inform, providing both spiritual insight and practical application.

John Dorhauer is a graduate of Eden Theological Seminary and recently received his doctorate of ministry degree from United Seminary of Ohio with a focus on Dismantling Racism.  He has served UCC congregations at Mayview and Lebanon, Missouri, joining the Missouri Mid-South Conference Staff in the fall of 2003.  John is married to Mimi, and they have three children.

Friday, Session #1

A.  Spiritual Gifts      by Rev. James Caughlan

What are spiritual gifts? In particular, what are your spiritual gifts? How do they fit in with your life?  This session will look at your passions, interests, talents and gifts as a way of piecing together how you can best serve God.

Jim Caughlan is pastor of Grace UCC in O'Fallon, MO. He has served churches in Illinois, Texas, and Missouri, and has led workshops at conference meetings in all locations.

B.  Your Website…Is it doing what it is supposed to do?       by Mike Miller

We will discuss the intent or focus of your website, the corporate image your site conveys, search engines and tips to allow users to find your website easier, reporting tools to detail the traffic that comes to your site and other advantages to making your website dynamic and appealing.  We will be online and visit actual websites to present differing aspects of a good website.  We will walk through an array of websites ranging from the simple, inexpensive "Brochureware" type to the high-end, technology savvy, dynamic, content-driven e-commerce websites.  We also will have an opportunity, time permitting, to visit suggested sites for review and discussion.

Mike graduated from Southwest Missouri State University in 1985 with a degree in software development and started The Miller Group right out of college. They will be celebrating their 20th year in 2005 and are excited about moving to a new, bigger, facility. He married his high school sweetheart, Rhonda, and has four wonderful kids.  Mike says: “My passions are being with my wife and kids and being involved in their school and sporting endeavors."

C.  Conflict in the Church: Challenge or Opportunity?    by Rev. Sheldon Culver

What do you say when issues in the congregation start to surface at your desk? When gripes and sniping become more intense? When folk turn to you to resolve their upset with the pastor or other congregational leaders?  Conflict in the church/office comes in many guises.  This workshop will provide an opportunity to look at the sources and dynamics of conflict within the church.  We will explore the stages of a developing conflict, and learn how to identify appropriate responses and resources, depending upon the level of the conflict.  And we will focus on the particular role of the church secretary/administrator who has to interface with the many “sides” of a situation.

Sheldon is a graduate of Washington University and Eden Theological Seminary, celebrating 30 years of ordained ministry in 2004.  She has served the UCC in many capacities: as a parish minister, Intentional Interim and is currently Associate Conference Minister.  Sheldon is also a certified Jungian analyst (she calls herself a ‘soul healer’) and works with individuals and communities as they seek healing of self and relationships.

Friday, Session #2

A.  What is your Technology doing for you today?       by Mike Miller

We will do a brief history of the current technologies available and present how these new technologies are becoming a required fiber in the fabric of many organizations.  We will discuss office equipment and the attacks that thwart user productivity.  Networking of office equipment and high-bandwidth Internet connectivity will be broken down into layperson terms.  The wireless products frenzy will be placed in perspective of a needed technology or a “cool” thing to have.  We also will have an opportunity, time permitting, to discuss suggested technology affecting you in your office place and on the road.

B.  Exploring “Safe Church” Issues  by Doug Dischinger

Includes recognizing the need to develop and initiate protective practices in our churches. When should protective practices become written policy and why?  The church as a safe workplace, and the role of church staff in the life of a “safe church” will be explored in this workshop.

Doug Dischinger, REA Insurance Agent, is responsible for handling Missouri Mid-South Conference, UCC Property and Liability Insurance for churches. Doug works closely with the folks at the UCC Insurance Board, a corporation that was formed for the purpose of enabling the Conferences of the UCC to collaborate together principally for the management and administration of insurance programs for the benefit of member conferences and organizations related to member conferences.

C.  Back to Basics – Ergonomics  by Logan Chiropractic College

This workshop will provide simple solutions to everyday problems, including how to avoid injuries at work and at home.  Stretching techniques will be presented and postural screenings offered.

Saturday, Session #3

A.  Newsletter time again? Need some suggestions?      by Cheryl Tibbetts

A Church Newsletter is one form of communication that is very important in the life of every church.  Come and learn more about what should go in a church newsletter, location of articles, cartoons, bloopers, etc.  Send one copy of your newsletter to me and I will critique it and give it back to you with my suggestions.  Send by March 1st to: Cheryl Tibbetts, Maine Conference UCC, P.O. Box 966, Yarmouth, ME 04096-1966,

Cheryl Tibbetts is the Editor of “MainStay” the Maine Conference UCC newspaper, and serves as the communication coordinator for the Maine Conference.  She has been at this position for almost 24 years as layout and design coordinator then became the Editor almost 15 yeas ago.  She is married, has 2 sons, and three grandchildren, two dogs and two cats and loves the UCC with all her heart,

B.  Employee Benefits          by Rev. Robert McGrath

What does Pension Board’s Program mean to you and your ministry? What is the “Pension Board – UCC”?  Investment, Insurance and retirement plans.  Benefits to you!

Rev. Robert McGrath is Director of Member Education for the Pension Boards – UCC.  A Vietnam Veteran, Rev. McGrath has served many UCC pastorates, worked in the Insurance industry, and as a financial broker bringing a wealth of knowledge to the Pension Boards.

C.  Spirituality of Art  by Rev. Dr. Martha Thierheimer

"A Spirituality of Art" workshop will provide an introduction into visual theology and the spirituality of creating or viewing art, as an individual or in the church.  The workshop will include a visual media presentation and stained glass panels for viewing.