Charging him to "lead us to be that transformed church – [one] that faces outward more than inward – that cares passionately and powerfully for those who have little voice," the Rev. Davida Foy Crabtree, Conference Minister for the UCC in Connecticut, commended the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black in his role as the UCC's General Minister and President at his installation service held April 17, 2010.

The service, attended by more than 500 UCC and ecumenical delegates from around the nation and world, was the culmination of a celebratory weekend marking the transition of the UCC's seventh national leader. Held at The Federated Church (UCC) in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Black's installation comes nine months after he was elected by the UCC's General Synod as General Minister and President.

Led in worship by Federated Church's musicians and an ensemble choir directed by the Rev. Scott Ressman, the service featured a sermon by the Rev. Arthur Cribbs, an affirmation of baptism with children sprinkling the congregation with water, gifts from ecumenical and ministry partners, and a commendation to ministry with accompanying charges.

"We are so thankful that you have laid down other burdens to pick up the burden of responsibility – and the joy of leadership – in this time," said Crabtree. Adding to her charge, Crabtree pledged the UCC's support to Black's wife, Patricia, saying, "Please know that this church loves you and know the sacrifice you are making."

"You have come to us at just such a time as this," Crabtree concluded after listing the many ways in which the UCC is facing current challenges, "when we need your leadership – your vigorous leadership."

Held in conjunction with the joint board sessions of the UCC's covenanted ministries, the weekend's festivities began with a celebration dinner and fundraiser for the UCC's strategic initiative fund. The dinner raised $35,000 – exceeding the $25,000 goal – for monies that will be used to further goals set by the General Minister and President.

"What I've been hearing is an eagerness for the United Church of Christ to seize the moment," Black told the attendees of the celebration dinner during his closing address. "Not just to tell others about the UCC, which we should and must do, but to be a vanguard of reintroducing people to a still speaking God. To a God who will reach, refresh and inspire those who are just about ready to give up on religion all together."

The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black (right) and Patrick Villier of Global Ministries partner CONASPEH (The National Spiritual Council of Churches of Haiti) commend the congregation in an affirmation of their baptism during Black's installation service as UCC General Minister and President. Photo Gregg Brekke

"The success of our new advertisement and the overwhelmingly positive response to StillSpeaking Magazine has added a high note to the weekend's activities," said the Rev. J. Bennett Guess, UCC director of communications. "Geoffrey's installation and these significant communications goals will certainly be a memorable time in the life of the UCC."