Conferences, Celebrations and Calls to Action
Read staff reflections below of CRS’ powerful fall programming and enjoy photos and recordings! We thank our partners and all those who took part in the 2023 Illinois (IL) Conference United Church of Christ (UCC) Annual Celebration, the 2023 A Gathering of Communities (GOC) conference, and our 141st Annual Membership Assembly.
2023 Illinois Conference United Church of Christ Annual Celebration – Reflection from Development & Communications Associate Tyla Gross
On November 3 to November 4, CRS cosponsored the 2023 Illinois (IL) Conference United Church of Christ’s (UCC) Annual Celebration. I traveled from Indiana to Yorkville, IL for this large gathering of clergy, ministers and organizations from multiple states.
While CRS Board Member and Acting Associate Conference Minister of the IL Conference UCC Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff and CRS Executive Director Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton led a workshop on anti-racism challenging participants to create a more inviting and inclusive culture, I networked with religious leaders and promoted CRS’ work to address issues of racism and poverty as well as the investigative journalism of The Chicago Reporter.
Following the series of workshops at the conference, I attended a lively banquet honoring retired pastors and their years of dedicated service, including Rev. Bobbie McKay from Glenview Community Church who paved the way for women in worship. This was an event filled with prayer, upbeat and soothing jazz music and chalice awards. What a momentous occasion!
2023 Illinois Conference United Church of Christ Annual Celebration – Reflection from Associate Organizer Biliah Mandela
I had a wonderful time at the conference; one of the things that stood out to me was the participation in our table display trivia game and how much information was known already. On our trivia wheel we provided questions of differing variety. Some as simple as “When is Pride Month?” and some with more difficulty like “What is the main purpose of the district councils?” Of the people who played the game, it seemed like the answers flowed easily and for the questions participants did not know, they were especially excited to find out the answer as well as learn more about the overall subject.
The level of excitement with a strong desire to gather more details invigorated me. People like Anthony Oakson and CRS Board Member and IL Conference Minister (UCC) Rev. Molly Carlson were individuals who shared a strong personal story around key items CRS works on. One story being of increased accountability on police and the other being a story of likeminded individuals who after the COVID-19 pandemic are craving to dive back into the fray of equality for the community. To hear them talk and share after the game showed me just how passionate they were and how something they had worked on directly ties to our key items.
The overall excitement of coming together to work on something was a testament to how people and organizations want to effect real change across the states. While playing the trivia game it felt like iron sharpening iron where both parties were able to come out of it a little bit stronger. We made great introductions and I believe the spirit of continuing the good works was shared by the team and everyone we were able to meet.
141st Annual Membership Assembly – Reflection from Communications Coordinator Chris Groza
On November 9, CRS hosted our 2023 Annual Membership Assembly via broadcast on YouTube. This was a virtual reflection and celebration of our work together with member congregations, coalition partners and community members in building Beloved Community this past year.
Our line-up of speakers included dedicated CRS Board Member Rev. Dr. Carmin A. Frederick-James, religious leader Rev. Dr. Beth Brown, civic organizer Sis. Fasika Y. Alem and immigration and labor law expert Rev. Craig B. Mousin. The event also centered diverse community voices who provides powerful testimony on migrant and refugee solidarity and the importance of asylum aid.
In the last month, as I embarked on frequent travels for the lead-up to our Annual Membership Assembly, I found myself deeply immersed in a series of transformative encounters. These journeys brought me face-to-face with a diverse array of individuals—from faith leaders and organization directors to migrants—each sharing their potent stories and calls for action. Engaging with these individuals wasn’t just a privilege; it was a profound learning experience, offering me invaluable insights into their impactful endeavors within Chicago’s vibrant communities. This experience was truly enlightening and a great honor, elevating my respect and appreciation for those dedicated to the noble cause of bettering Chicago.
A Gathering of Communities – Reflection from Development & Communications Associate Tyla Gross
In partnership with Communities United, CRS cosponsored the A Gathering of Communities: Strategizing for a Healing-Centered City conference on November 11 on the University of Illinois Chicago’s beautiful campus. This was an annual, intergenerational event around building community and brighter futures.
CRS Executive Director Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton presented the sacred libation ceremony and honoring of the land ritual to begin the conference. Shortly after the opening ceremony, there was a panel about the importance of working together to find solutions to injustices, especially for youth mental health. Attendees then separated into classrooms for strategic workshops. Musical performances occurred before and after keynote address given by Dr. Fayth Parks and the gathering closed with next steps for developing a healing-centered city.
This conference was a true learning experience. From my workshop, I gained knowledge about the performance of the self and identity and how people can go against societal labels to better themselves and their communities. The event was an opportunity to meet so many individuals that CRS has worked with in the past and also make new connections.
Although these events have passed, please share our Facebook and Instagram posts about them with your networks. When posting on social media, use these hashtags to increase our engagement and outreach:
#CRSAMA2023
#GOC2023
#AGatheringofCommunities
#HealingThroughJustice
P.S. Save the date for our 2024 AMA in Jerusalem from November 17 to November 24.