As we look to General Synod 2025, I anticipate a time of spiritual renewal for the denomination, and by extension, local churches as we learn and vision together. I pray that as we consider all that aches in the world, this will be an opportunity to breathe new possibilities, a moment to listen for God’s call, strengthen our bonds across the denomination and beyond, while imagining how we can help build a just world for all.

The 35th General Synod of the United Church of Christ will take place July 11–15, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, gathering thousands from across the country for worship, fellowship, and setting the denomination’s priorities for our common ministry. And of course, we will be in the context of a great city known for its hospitality and great barbecue!

The theme, “Into the Deep” invites us to deepen relationships with each other, to explore what it means to go beyond surface expressions of faith and community.

I look forward inspirational worship, generative plenary sessions, and the wide variety of workshops covering topics like leadership development, climate action, spiritual formation, decolonization, and strengthening the church. The Synod will also be an opportunity for public witness, discernment of resolutions, and call to a greater collective of faith in God. I welcome hope.

May we witness solidarity and the amplifying of muted voices. May we recover our moral center and our commitment to action. I pray there will be connections with local activists so that we can join their movement while there. In the end, I will use this time with colleagues as an opportunity to discern new pathways, renewing our commitment to God’s reconciling work, and empowering Plymouth and all congregations to become centers of justice and hope in our communities.

-Rev. Dr. Kelle J. Brown