Aiming to help churches manage their permanent assets more effectively, United Church Funds will hold its first-ever National Investor Conference, "Investing Responsibly in Uncertain Times," Oct. 22 and 23 in Chicago.

"The focus will be on what it means to be a prudent investor – how to prudently manage an endowment fund," says the Rev. Nelson Murphy, UCF director of investment development.

"It's all about helping churches feel more confident about the job they're doing managing their permanent assets. It's not something we do every day.

"We want to educate people about the stewardship of those gifts that have preceded us and those that, hopefully, will succeed us," says Murphy, adding that the event is not a sales conference. "We're not promoting anything here."

Geared toward current UCF clients and prospective investors alike, the event will begin with a Friday evening reception. Plenary sessions and workshops led by investment experts will take place on Saturday. Participants are invited to attend three workshops from the following topics:

• Reviewing Asset Allocation, Risk Tolerance & Time Horizon

• Understanding Alternative Investments

• Building Effective Investment Committees

• Considering Corporate Social Responsibility at UCF

• Refining Endowment & Spending Policies

• Developing an Effective Investment Policy"

• Raising Funds & Building Endowments

• Investing with the UCC

• plus programs especially for CHHSM leaders

Rick Mattoon, an economic advisor and senior economist of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, will offer the keynote speech. Also appearing will be UCF Chief Investment Officer Catherine Waterworth and former UCC General Minister and President John Thomas, who will address theological implications of investing in the contemporary marketplace.

The registration fee of $195 per person includes the conference and meeting materials, one hotel night at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at O'Hare Airport (free shuttle service) and all meals. Participants may add hotel nights at $99 per night including breakfast. To register, log on tohttp://www.unitedchurchfunds.org/.

Video Contest: UCF is currently accepting submissions from individuals, youth groups and churches for a video explaining what "Investing Responsibly in Uncertain Times means to them. Submissions must not exceed three minutes; deadline is Sept. 6. The winner will receive $500, with additional prizes to be awarded to runners-up. Selected videos will be highlighted at the conference and on the UCF website. For more details, log on to www.unitedchurchfunds.org.