The Spring Leaders in Koinonia (LinK) Event was held recently at the national setting offices in Cleveland, Ohio. The purpose of the LinK Event is to strengthen relationships between the ministries of local churches, clergy, and lay leaders and the national setting of the United Church of Christ. This event welcomed a lively group of 35 licensed ministers who serve small rural churches, hospital chapels, and medium church settings in the West Central and Great Lakes regions of the United Church of Christ. Each licensed minister was nominated to attend by his or her conference minister to experience and engage in the national setting, with most making a first trip to the UCC national offices, affectionately known as the Church House in Cleveland. 
"Like most licensed ministers, the LinK participants bring significant life experience to their ministries, along with a passion for lifelong learning. Many combine the demands of ministry with full work and family lives," said Christy Trudo, Minister for Parish Life. "Overwhelmingly, this commitment was expressed by participants as a joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve the church they love." "I was truly inspired by the faithful dedication and ministry these leaders offered to the church," added Steve Sterner, Executive Minister of Local Church Ministries.
Throughout their gathering, the pastors interacted with one another through community-building, inspirational, and renewal activities, including the rambunctious Wider Church Global Ministries Trivia Game. LinK participants also discussed the implementation of ministry issues with the Rev. Dr. Marti Baumer, and examined UCC Polity from a regional perspective with the Rev. Dr. Ervin Milton, director of the Justice and Witness Ministries Franklinton Center at Bricks.
"Early on in the LinK event, we realized what an extraordinary group of authorized ministers was present. Each and all are serving in significant ministry settings – regardless of size – with people who are committed to being a part of the mission of God," said Dick Sparrow, Team Leader for Local Church Ministries. "While here in Cleveland, one of the things the licensed ministers seemed most appreciative of was the recognition of their ministries as being important to the United Church of Christ."
"We often think of LinK events as opportunities to encourage and inspire those who come to the Church House," said the Rev. John H. Thomas, general minister and president. "But this event, like others, became an opportunity for those of us who work at 700 to be inspired. I found myself deeply encouraged by the sense of call and vocation in our LinK participants."
A highlight of the Leaders in Koinonia event was the group’s introduction to the SING! Prayer and Praise song book, the outstanding collection of pipe-organ accompaniments from the New Century Hymnal CD set, and a review of The Indispensable Guide to Pastoral Care by Sharyl B. Peterson, a resource from The Pilgrim Press.
