The Wider Church: United Church of Christ
The United Church of Christ consists of a network of churches all over the United States, and they work together through a democratic organizational structure at regional and national levels. The Association, Conference and General Synod are all voting, policy-making bodies, but individual congregations view these policies as advice rather than rules. Individuals and local churches are still free to disagree under the freedom of conscience principle.
Lake Edge is part of the Southwest Wisconsin Association. Each of the 53 local churches in the Southwest Wisconsin Association has delegates at the Association; these delegates are appointed by the local church Cabinet. (The delegates are not directly elected, but the local Cabinet is.) Through the Association, local churches organize together on projects and share resources. The Association has programs throughout the year, and two official governmental meetings per year. Anyone is welcome to attend the meetings (even if you're not a delegate!) to enjoy worshiping and meeting people from other area UCC churches.
The Southwest Association is part of the Wisconsin Conference. The Wisconsin Conference headquarters is near Madison in DeForest, which makes it convenient for us to join in! The Conference offers many mission and church development projects as well as some excellent educational resources and opportunities. Several members of the Lake Edge congregation have particularly enjoyed the Lay Academy program. Local congregation Cabinets also appoint delegates to vote at the Conference. Map of UCC conferences
The Conference delegates, in turn, elect from amongst themselves delegates to represent Wisconsin at the national United Church of Christ governing body, the General Synod. The General Synod meets every two years in a festive, spirit-filled event with worship, fellowship and education opportunities as well as policy-making. Anyone can attend, but only delegates can vote. The General Synod chooses the officers to manage the national UCC and makes decisions about the policies and vision of the church as a whole. See video from the 2009 General Synod meeting. The national UCC offers many ministries -- check out their website to find out more!