“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside everything that impedes us and the sin that so easily entangles us. Let us run with perseverance the race laid out for us. Let us not lose sight of Jesus, who leads us in our faith and brings it to perfection.”

Hebrews 12:1

On August 10, I was privileged to attend a potluck gathering at the home of Ed and Carol Coleman. It had all the hallmarks of a summer get-together—perfect weather, lively conversation and good, homemade food. With the exception of friends and partners, everyone in attendance had one thing in common: each of us had served, or was currently serving, in the role of “Moderator” at our church.

The UCUCC Moderator chairs meetings of the congregation and Church Council, and in many ways fills the role of “president” for UCUCC. However, the fact that we use the term “moderator” to refer to the the highest elected official in our organization is testament to our values as a Congregational church. It is the congregation itself that is the seat of power. The UCUCC Moderator does not “direct” the working of the church. Instead they serve as go-between, referee or arbitrator.

Ed Coleman, immediate past Moderator

So what happens when you put a group of UCUCC Moderators together for a meal? You get warm and deep conversation, thoughtful reflection, and a healthy dose of humility. Being Moderator is sometimes a difficult and time-consuming job. Think of “moderating” a congregation through a pandemic, for example, as Ed Coleman did these past two years. Or of the challenge of becoming open and affirming, or hosting a homeless encampment in the parking lot, or facing a budget shortfall.

Between dinner and dessert, each of the 16 Moderators in the group shared a memory of their time in office or a piece of advice for incoming Moderator Stephan Gerhardt and Assistant Moderator Tamara Roberts. Some recalled the depth of their challenges and others reported that all had been smooth sailing and enjoyable. Advice was heartfelt and practical:  Identify your go-to people and consult with them often, make sure you are taking care of yourself, trust in the wisdom of the congregation.

L to R: Tamara Roberts, Margaret Stine, Gail Crouch, Ed Crouch, Stephan Gerhardt, Margaret Klockars

Incoming Moderators Stephan Gerhardt and Tamara Roberts listened intently to each of their predecessors and asked plenty of questions. Both spoke about their gratitude at being part of a congregation with such a deep history of faithfulness and collaboration.

In true UCUCC potluck tradition, Alan Klockars composed a song to the turn of “So Long, Farewell,” from “The Sound of Music,” The words to the three verses were:

Hello, it’s me, I can’t believe they asked me,
I’ll “moderate,” whatever that job might be…

My year is here, the time so quickly fleeting,
I’m not the boss, I just chair lots of meetings…

So long, goodbye, I did my best now I’m through
And pass the torch, to you and you and you…

The experience of the Moderators present spanned nearly 40 years. Diana Holland (pictured at right) anchored that history, having filled the role in 1974.

It was the organizational genius of Betty Spieth that resulted in this meeting. She recalled a similar gathering around the time in the early 2000’s when she had been Moderator, and thought, “Wouldn’t this me a nice way to welcome and support our incoming Moderators?” Originally scheduled for June, the gathering was postponed because a member of the Coleman household came down with Covid. This time around, it was Betty herself  who fell victim, missing the fruits of her own organizing labor. We toasted her in absentia, and someone dropped off cake for her on their way home.

I left the gathering as the warm summer light began to fade. Driving home I thought of the verse from Hebrews about a “cloud of witnesses.” The original author of that verse may have been thinking of those who both lived and died for their faith. However, I reflected on how this gathering had embodied that spirit–a cloud/crowd of people willing to commit to the fragile ideal of a church community, an inclusive congregation in service to the kindom of God and the path of Jesus.

Not everyone will carry the honor or responsibility of being a Moderator, but each of us is a significant part of the body of Christ. Each of us has a “race to run,” and a role to play in this cloud of witnesses.

Many thanks to Jeff Roberts, for all images above.