Program

This event is now closed. Updates to this page pending information on 2025 Universalist Convocation.

Theme

A Principled Faith

Below is the program for the Universalist Convocation.

Friday, September 20

Time Event
3:00 – 6:00 pm Check-in (Additional check-in on Saturday morning)
5:30 – 6:30 Reception with the speakers
Social Time / Soda, Snacks
6:30 Please make your own dinner arrangements. Suggestions will be provided.

Saturday, September 21

Time Event
8:30 – 9:30 am Check-in Social Time Coffee/Tea, Muffins
9:30 – 10:00 Welcome comments; President Universalist Convocation, Minister of Eldorado Universalist Church
10:00 – 10:15 Invocation: Rev. Dr. Joel Tishken, Unitarian Universalist Church of Muncie, Indiana
10:15 – 10:30 Break
10:30 – 11:45 Keynote Address: Rev. Dr. Susan Ritchie. Topic: “How Universalists Have Talked About Principles and Faith.” Ritchie is the minister at the North Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Lewis Center, Ohio. She is also an Affiliate Professor of Theology & Director of the Unitarian Universalist House of Studies, Methodist Theological School of Ohio, Delaware, Ohio.
11:45 – 12:45 Lunch provided on-site (included in registration)
12:45 – 1:15 Group Photo
1:15 – 3:15 Panel Discussion: “Principles, Sacred Language, and the Future We Build.” Panel members, Rev. Dr. Joel Tishkin, Rev. Derek Parker, Rev. Richard Trudeau, and Rev. Dr. Susan Richie. The discussion will also include an open discussion among Convocation attendees. Follow this link to view a short biography of our speakers.
3:15 – 3:45 Celebration of 175 Years of Ministry. The members of the Eldorado Church invite all attendees to celebrate with cake and ice cream.
3:45 – 4:15 Universalist Convocation Business Meeting (all are invited to attend)
4:15 – 4:45 David Damico, Editor of the Universalist Herald.  The Oldest Continuously Published Liberal Religious Periodical in North America
4:45 – 6:00 Field Trip to First Universalist Church of New Madison. We will visit this historic Universalist church. Our tour will be conducted by Mike Ross, the congregation’s president. The church is located just five miles from our Convocation host. Directions will be provided. Address: 331 E. Washington St. New Madison, OH 45346
6:00 Please make your own dinner arrangements. Suggestions will be provided.

Sunday, September 22

Time Event
10:00 – 10:30 am Welcome
10:30 – 11:30 Worship Service, Rev. Derek Parker, host minister. Sermon: “If We Won’t, Who Will?”
11:30 – 12:30 Coffee Hour provided by members of the Universalist Church of Eldorado