Spark: A Theological Convocation will provide an arena to reflect on Unitarian Universalist theology in a setting separate from denominational business or governance discussions. The goal is for Unitarian Universalist ordained and lay leaders to think about our shared clarity around mission and theology now and for the next part of the 21st Century.  Spark organizers hope participants will take these conversations home to their local congregations or regions, where the questions can take on further life - ultimately for perennial and sustained theological conversations across Unitarian Universalism that provide opportunities for covenantal understanding of mission and imagination.

Through a combination of keynote speeches and interactive panels and conversations, religious professionals and lay leaders will come together and help shape our shared theology in this critical moment. The growing list of worship leaders, speakers, and panelists includes:

• Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President, Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)

• Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, Director of Communications and Public Ministry, UUA

• Rev. David A. Miller, Senior Minister, UU Congregation of Fairfax, VA

• Rev. Connie Simon, Interim Minister, River Road UU Congregation

• Rev. Leslie Takahashi, Lead Minister, Mt. Diablo UU Church, Walnut Creek, CA

• Rev. Cheryl M. Walker, Co-Chair, UUA Article II Study Commission

• Rev. Dr. Rebecca Ann Parker, Theologian, Author and former president of Starr King School for the Ministry

• Rev. Kate Walker, Minister, First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh, PA

• Kathy Burek, former member of the UUA Board of Trustees

• Rev. Sara Lewis, Director of Community and Faith Development, Olympia UU Congregation (WA)

• Rev. Carol Thomas Cissel, Minister of Social Justice and Community Development, UU Church of Arlington (VA)

• Charles Du Mond, Co-Moderator, UUA

Music Director: Rev. Verdis LaVar Robinson, Minister for Growth, First Unitarian Church of Rochester; and Minister, UU Church of East Aurora

Performers: Bēheld, a group of women in the DC area creating music, community, and sisterhood. Members are Jen Hayman, Julie James, Norah Quinn McCormick, Loyce Pace, Meg Parker Young, Rochelle Rice, Nicole Rumeau, and Melinda St. Louis

Spark Program (Detailed descriptions coming soon)

Thursday, April 3 

5-7 pm - Reception and registration

7-8 pm - Opening worship

Friday, April 4 

8-9am - Continental breakfast and registration 

9-9:30 am - Opening worship

9:30-9:45 am - Welcome and conference overview

9:45-10:45 am – Opening speaker

10:45-11:15 am – Break

11:15 am-12 pm - Community conversation 

12-12:45 pm - Lunch

12:45-1:15 pm - Art, music, and regathering

1:15–2:30 pm - Group breakouts

2:30-2:45 pm - Break

2:45-3:45 pm - Group Sharing

3:45-4:30 pm - Wrap-up panel 

4:30 pm - Participants have dinner on their own (see restaurants listing)

Saturday, April 5 

8:30-9:30 am - Continental breakfast and registration

9:30-10 am - Opening worship 

10-11 am - Keynote speaker 

11-11:1 0am - Break

11:10-12 pm - Response panel

12-2:45 pm - Lunch 

12:45-1:15 pm - Art, music, and regathering

1:15-4 pm - Various panel discussions

4-5 pm - Wrap-up

5-5:30 pm - Closing worship