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Epiphany UCC continued its involvement in the wider church in 2005 through participation in various denominational committees and events.
Cluster 2 activities – Cluster 2 is the grouping of UCC churches on the north side of Chicago. Pastor Matt and different Epiphany members participated in several of the monthly cluster meetings. The current Dean of the cluster is Rev. Wayne MacPherson from Bethlehem UCC.
Chicago Metropolitan Association (CMA) activities – The CMA is made up of the six clusters of UCC churches in Chicago and near suburbs. Rev. Edward Goode, one of 2 CMA Co-Ministers, serves Epiphany and is well known to many of us. He preached at Epiphany once during 2005
Pastor Matt Fitzgerald serves as co-chair of Hospital Accountability Task Force of the CMA. This group grew out of the resolution that Epiphany passed several years ago about the Advocate Health Care System that is affiliated with the UCC. Epiphany’s Amistad Committee continues to play a big role in this effort.
Howard Nelson serves on the CMA Church and Ministry Committee that meets monthly to deal with issues such as ordination, the in-care process, ministerial standing, news churches and fitness reviews.
Illinois Conference – The Illinois Conference UCC is the organization of all UCC churches in northern Illinois from the six associations. Our conference minister is Rev. Jane Fisler Hoffman.
Epiphany supports the Illinois Conference UCC financially in several ways. Our gift to OCWM (Our Church’s Wider Mission) funds the activity of our denomination both in Illinois and the rest of the US. Epiphany has a long tradition of supporting the wider church through this basic support contribution. We also participate in a number of wider church special offerings like One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors in Need, and others.
Howard Nelson attended the Illinois Conference UCC annual meeting in June 2005 and served on the Planning Committee for that event.
Submitted by Howard Nelson |
