 from
the Minister & President
Catalyst Project: time
of testing becomes growth opportunity
By Nancy S. Taylor
March, 2004
What is the unique calling and ministry of the United Church
of Christ? I serve on a national task force addressing this
question. Our work is prompted by what is widely regarded as
both a time of crisis and opportunity for the UCC.
The crisis is not news. It is, immediately and urgently, a
financial crisis. Just as immediately, but far more urgently,
it is a crisis of vision, faith and Christian discipleship.
For Christians, however, every crisis is an opportunity …a
time of testing becomes opportunity for growth and transformation.
It is out of this hope that the Catalyst Project was born.
The Catalyst Project is an emerging renewal movement of the
UCC to challenge, equip and embolden us as messengers of the
Gospel. It envisions new initiatives around UCC identity and
theology combined with a bold call to Christian stewardship.
Why? To inspire and fund ministry, mission and outreach in
local churches, conferences and the national setting that will
extend our response to the call of Jesus Christ to ministries
of justice, peace, and reconciliation.
In his article, “Pastors
weigh in on UCC identity, fundraising effort,” United
Church News editor,
Ben Guess, reports on a recent Catalyst Project event at which
90 UCC clergy gathered to talk, pray, worship and imagine a
new future for the UCC.
 |
| Catalyst Committee members from throughout the Conference
being consulted in Cleveland about a UCC identity and stewardship
initiative. From left: Peter Cook, Ute Molitor, Tony Green,
Jean Sangster, Dale Proulx, Michele Rogers-Brigham. Not
pictured: Liz Goodman, Skip Waterbury. They joined regional
Catalyst committees in late January at the Thomas Dipko
Leadership Conference on the Catalyst Project. |
The Massachusetts Conference was represented at that meeting
by eight clergy: Skip Waterbury, First Congregational UCC,
Winchester; Dale Proulx, Ashburnham Community UCC; Tony Green,
Canaan Congregational UCC; Peter Cook, Plymouth Church UCC,
Framingham; Ute Molitor, UCC Congregational, Boxborough; Michele
Rogers-Brigham, Federated Church UCC, Orleans; and Liz Goodman,
Monterey UCC.
If you see them, thank them for devoting time to these conversations
and ask them about their experience and reflections. Each expressed
hope in the promise of the Catalyst Project. Each also asked
searching questions, and offered observations, critique and
recommendations that are helping to re-shape and refine the
Catalyst Project as it continues to evolve.
While the Catalyst Project is a work in progress, we know
it will demand our time, talents and means. The national setting
has devoted two million dollars to this effort. Additionally,
each Conference is being asked to help fund the project. The
MACUCC Board of Directors is considering whether to participate
and at what level.
The Catalyst Project is based on the conviction that God is
still speaking and that, with renewed determination, clergy
and laity across the UCC are listening to the voice, judgment
and call of God. Out of this time of crisis and opportunity,
perhaps a more faithful witness will be born. This is our hope.
|
Return
to main page