General Synod of the United Church of Christ
The UCC is comprised of 33 conferences. Every three years, conference delegates convene at General Synod.
Learn more about the United Church of ChristSpecial Meeting
Special Meeting of General Synod 35 – May 9, 2026
Location: Online
The United Church of Christ General Synod 35 has been called for a Special Meeting, planned as a virtual gathering on May 9, 6-9:00 p.m. ET.
The election of the Associate General Minister, Love of Church, is the only item of business. General Minister and President the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson notes that the meeting also affords an opportunity for gathering in community:
“By coming together in this moment, I hope that people will experience the connection of the church, the joy of worship, and the spirit of our polity,” Thompson said. “Sometimes, we are challenged by timing and convenience. Synod, whether online or in-person, whether gathering for days or a few hours, is an opportunity to worship, fellowship, and be reminded that we are the church – together.”
Special Meeting Frequently Asked Questions
About the Nominee
Rev. Jennifer Sowell
The Rev. Jennifer Sowell, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ with more than two decades of pastoral leadership experience, has been nominated to serve an unexpired term as the next Associate General Minister, Love of Church.
Sowell, who currently serves as senior pastor of St. John United Church of Christ in Collinsville, IL says this call to serve the national church is deeply personal.
“I still believe the church is the first place of resistance to and healing from the brokenness of our world,” Sowell said. “It is where we celebrate the rainbow of God’s diversity, repent when we fall short, and offer real healing to those who have been rejected. A thriving church can transform both lives and communities.”
Read more about Rev. Sowell in her biography and view her video introduction with special message in the following links.
A Conversation with Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson and Rev. Jennifer Sowell
Leaders who come together to nurture community often discover a shared vision rooted in how they live the values and mission they serve. This April, Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, warmly welcomes Rev. Jennifer Sowell, nominee for Associate General Minister for the Love of Church to have a conversation and lean into the Programmatic Priorities of the NMUCC in a two-part series.
During the April 29, 2026 dialogue at 6:00 PM EST, they will explore key programmatic priorities shaping the work of the NMUCC, including the cooperative work of Strengthening the Church across the UCC; Leadership Development, with a focus on cultivating faithful, skilled leaders to serv in a variety of contexts; and Climate Action, highlighting the church’s commitment to faith-based environmental justice, sustainability, and a just transition for all creation.
Then, the second conversation on April 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM EST, they will continue to discuss the programmatic priorities, including Spiritual Formation and ongoing learning rooted in faith, inclusivity, and theology; Reshaping the Narrative, exploring the narratives and stories of the UCC’s nearly seventy-year history; and Decolonization, focusing on the initiatives and efforts towards social change.
Register today to listen in and learn more about how these leaders love the church, lead with purpose, and grow into God’s unfolding vision.
Time
- Apr 29, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
- April 30, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
About General Synod
General Synod brings together faithful members of the United Church of Christ for inspirational worship, fellowship with friends (old and new), and public witness including through engagement with the business of the church. General Synod gatherings happen every three years during the summer. In between summer Synod gatherings, the General Synod may still be called upon to engage with business of the church.
General Synod 35 began in July of 2025, welcoming thousands from across the country in Kansas City, Missouri, and continues its role until July 2028 when General Synod 36 begins. General Synod 35 is called again for a Special Meeting in May of 2026.
“Into the Deep” is the theme of General Synod 35, based on Luke 5:4, which says, “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch’.” This theme guided our gathering in 2025, and will continue to guide the General Synod as our work continues.
