Optional Dining Events

Optional Dining Events are ticketed luncheon and dinner events, hosted by a variety of organizations across the wider United Church of Christ. Tickets are required and may be purchased during General Synod online registration.

Optional Dining Events (Alphabetical) (by Date)

Andover Newton Theological School & Yale University Divinity School
Andover Newton and Yale: a new partnership! "Join the President and Dean of Andover Newton and the Dean of Yale Divinity School for a chance to catch up on recent developments in this proposed new partnership. A great time to see friends, reflect on the future of theological education and the Church. Martin Copenhaver, Sarah Drummond and Greg Sterling will welcome you warmly!
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$34.00

Central Atlantic Conference
Rev. John Deckenback Memorial Crab Feast
Join us as we fill Eutaw Street in Baltimore to have some serious fun in honor of the late Central Atlantic Conference Minister, John Deckenback. A band will be playing, and there will be various mallets and utensils to help pry open the Maryland crab for its delicious meat. Steamed Maryland blue crab is a signature dish in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Our Crab Feast will have all of the trimmings and plenty of things for non-crabbers too.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Eutaw Street
$50.00

Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago Theological Seminary Alumni/ae and Friends Luncheon CTS is a community of passionate, committed individuals making a real difference in our world. Alumni/ae and friends, old and new, are invited to join CTS for lunch and conversation with a dynamic speaker to be announced.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

Chicago Theological Seminary
Sunday Funday Pub Crawl
Chicago Theological Seminary invites alumni and friends to join us for a #Sunday Funday Pub Crawl. Ticket price includes food and drink tickets at each location. A #CTS pub crawl t-shirt will be provided.
Sun. July 2 4:30 - 6:30 pm - Locations to be announced
$55.00

Claremont School of Theology
Claremont School of Theology Alumni/ae and Friends Lunch
CST Alumni/ae and Friends join us for a social gathering to reconnect as fellow alumni/ae or make new friends!
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$25.00

Council for American Indian Ministry
CAIM Lunch
Join us for a wonderful time and share a meal with all our "Relatives". Hear the stories of our ministries and updates in Indian Country.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Convention Center
$42.00

Ecumenical Partners
Ecumenical and Interfaith Dinner
The Ecumenical and Interfaith dinner is sponsored by the Office of the General Minister and President. The dinner event includes the presentation of the Divine Pathways Interreligious Achievement Award and the Avery D. Post Ecumenical Award. The speaker for 2017 is Bishop Ilse Junkermann of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany.
Fri. June 30 Dinner - Convention Center
$50.00

Eden Theological Seminary
Eden Theological Seminary Lunch
Friends and alumni of Eden Theological Seminary are invited to gather for lunch,
fellowship, and updates on the transformational ministry of the Seminary. Please join us!
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

Faithful & Welcoming
Christ in the UCC
What would it look like for us to refocus our shared identity on the person and work of Jesus Christ rather than sexuality or other issues? In this 500th anniversary year of Luther's 95 theses, Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) invites those longing for a deeper Christ-focus to share your longings and ideas.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$25.00

Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University Alumni Gathering
Alumni from Heidelberg University, a UCC-related school, will gather for lunch and an update on exciting new developments. Prospective students are encouraged to attend.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

Lancaster Seminary
Lancaster Theological Seminary Luncheon
Meet friends, reconnect with classmates and colleagues, and catch the excitement about what God is doing at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

McCormick Theological Seminary
McCormick Theological Seminary Gathering
Join your fellow McCormick Alumni/ae for an afternoon of great food, networking and conversation with the Alumni/ae Director.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Pratt Street Ale House (206 W. Pratt Street)
$20.00

Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization
Chaplains and Specialized Ministers Luncheon
Enjoy good food, fellowship and a short program on various types of ministry in specialized settings. For those already in specialized ministries or for those interested in a future career in settings such as the military, VA hospitals, educational institutions, police and fire departments, retirement homes, prisons, pastoral counseling, pastoral education, and other hospital settings.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization
UCC Polity Teachers Network
Teachers of UCC History, Polity, and Theology are invited to meet and network with one another! New resources from the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) Ministry Team - including current revisions of the Manual on Ministry, will be presented.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization & The BTS Center
Regional Theological Education Consortium Luncheon
For deans, directors, students and faculty of Regional Theological Education Programs - and all others who are interested. Join us as we share innovative ideas and best practices for "grassroots" theological education.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

Ministers for Racial, Social, and Economic Justice
MRSEJ Fellowship and Focus Luncheon
We gather to develop relationships within and across racial, social, and economic lines, as well as garner new Covenanted Individual Mission Partners (CIMP’s) and Church/Organization Mission Partners (COMP’s) with a theme “Continually Committed to Justice” (Hosea 12:6, MSG).
Tues. July 4 Lunch - Phillips Seafood
$25.00

Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC
Open and Affirming Coalition Banquet
The ONA Banquet is the signature event for Open and Affirming churches at General Synod. Join us to celebrate the rapid growth of our LGBTQ - affirming family, and learn how ONA churches are growing in numbers and spirit. The famous ONA Coalition Choir will perform.
Sun. July 2 Dinner - Convention Center
$65.00

Pacific School of Religion
Pacific School of Religion Dinner
Gather with PSR current students, faculty, staff, alums, and friends for a time of fellowship, breaking bread, and sharing news about the school! Make it a PSR night by joining us for dinner before hearing the inspiring words of President David Vásquez-Levy at plenary Monday evening. Celebrate our 150 years of boldly preparing spiritually and theologically rooted leaders for transformation in and beyond the church! .
Mon. July 3 Dinner - Convention Center
$45.00

UCC Health, Wholeness & Human Service Ministries
UCC Health, Wholeness & Human Services Luncheon
An uplifting lunch and program of inspiring ministries, visionary leadership and engaging opportunities that make a difference. Sponsored by the UCC Health and Wholeness Advocacy Office, Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, UCC HIV & AIDs Network, UCC Disabilities Ministries, UCC Mental Health Network and UCC Faith Community Nurses.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$42.00

UCC Historical Council
UCC Historical Council Luncheon
An informal gathering for those who share an interest in the heritage and history of the United Church of Christ. Lee C. Barrett, Mary B. and Henry P. Stager, Chair in Theology, and Professor of Systematic Theology will be the featured speakers.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

Union Theological Seminary - NYC
Union Seminary Alumni/ae Network
Union Theological Seminary's Alumni/ae Network invites alums and friends to a lunch gathering to meet with President Serene Jones.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$32.00

United Black Christians
United Black Christians Luncheon
United Black Christians of the UCC luncheon will include speakers, current information on the programs of UBC and entertainment.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

United Samoan Ministries & PAAM
Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries and the United Samoan Ministries Luncheon
IN MINISTRY TOGETHER PAAM and the USM making a commitment to be in ministry together.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
United Theological Seminary Alums and Friends
Come and meet United's new president, Dr. Lewis Zeidner. Enjoy a meal with fellow United alums, friends, students and staff.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$30.00

Optional Dining Events (Date)

June 30

Ecumenical Partners
Ecumenical and Interfaith Dinner
The Ecumenical and Interfaith dinner is sponsored by the Office of the General Minister and President. The dinner event includes the presentation of the Divine Pathways Interreligious Achievement Award and the Avery D. Post Ecumenical Award. The speaker for 2017 is Bishop Ilse Junkermann of the Evangelical Church in Central Germany.
Fri. June 30 Dinner - Convention Center
$50.00

July 1

Andover Newton Theological School & Yale University Divinity School
Andover Newton and Yale: a new partnership! "Join the President and Dean of Andover Newton and the Dean of Yale Divinity School for a chance to catch up on recent developments in this proposed new partnership. A great time to see friends, reflect on the future of theological education and the Church. Martin Copenhaver, Sarah Drummond and Greg Sterling will welcome you warmly!
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$34.00

Chicago Theological Seminary
Chicago Theological Seminary Alumni/ae and Friends Luncheon CTS is a community of passionate, committed individuals making a real difference in our world. Alumni/ae and friends, old and new, are invited to join CTS for lunch and conversation with a dynamic speaker to be announced.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

Claremont School of Theology
Claremont School of Theology Alumni/ae and Friends Lunch
CST Alumni/ae and Friends join us for a social gathering to reconnect as fellow alumni/ae or make new friends!
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$25.00

Faithful & Welcoming
Christ in the UCC
What would it look like for us to refocus our shared identity on the person and work of Jesus Christ rather than sexuality or other issues? In this 500th anniversary year of Luther's 95 theses, Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) invites those longing for a deeper Christ-focus to share your longings and ideas.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$25.00

Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization & The BTS Center
Regional Theological Education Consortium Luncheon
For deans, directors, students and faculty of Regional Theological Education Programs - and all others who are interested. Join us as we share innovative ideas and best practices for "grassroots" theological education.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

UCC Historical Council
UCC Historical Council Luncheon
An informal gathering for those who share an interest in the heritage and history of the United Church of Christ. Lee C. Barrett, Mary B. and Henry P. Stager, Chair in Theology, and Professor of Systematic Theology will be the featured speakers.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

Union Theological Seminary - NYC
Union Seminary Alumni/ae Network
Union Theological Seminary's Alumni/ae Network invites alums and friends to a lunch gathering to meet with President Serene Jones.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$32.00

United Samoan Ministries & PAAM
Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries and the United Samoan Ministries Luncheon
IN MINISTRY TOGETHER PAAM and the USM making a commitment to be in ministry together.
Sat. July 1 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

July 2

Eden Theological Seminary
Eden Theological Seminary Lunch
Friends and alumni of Eden Theological Seminary are invited to gather for lunch,
fellowship, and updates on the transformational ministry of the Seminary. Please join us!
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University Alumni Gathering
Alumni from Heidelberg University, a UCC-related school, will gather for lunch and an update on exciting new developments. Prospective students are encouraged to attend.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

McCormick Theological Seminary
McCormick Theological Seminary Gathering
Join your fellow McCormick Alumni/ae for an afternoon of great food, networking and conversation with the Alumni/ae Director.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Pratt Street Ale House (206 W. Pratt Street)
$20.00

Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization
Chaplains and Specialized Ministers Luncheon
Enjoy good food, fellowship and a short program on various types of ministry in specialized settings. For those already in specialized ministries or for those interested in a future career in settings such as the military, VA hospitals, educational institutions, police and fire departments, retirement homes, prisons, pastoral counseling, pastoral education, and other hospital settings.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

UCC Health, Wholeness & Human Service Ministries
UCC Health, Wholeness & Human Services Luncheon
An uplifting lunch and program of inspiring ministries, visionary leadership and engaging opportunities that make a difference. Sponsored by the UCC Health and Wholeness Advocacy Office, Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, UCC HIV & AIDs Network, UCC Disabilities Ministries, UCC Mental Health Network and UCC Faith Community Nurses.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$42.00

United Black Christians
United Black Christians Luncheon
United Black Christians of the UCC luncheon will include speakers, current information on the programs of UBC and entertainment.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities
United Theological Seminary Alums and Friends
Come and meet United's new president, Dr. Lewis Zeidner. Enjoy a meal with fellow United alums, friends, students and staff.
Sun. July 2 Lunch - Convention Center
$30.00

Chicago Theological Seminary
Sunday Funday Pub Crawl
Chicago Theological Seminary invites alumni and friends to join us for a #Sunday Funday Pub Crawl. Ticket price includes food and drink tickets at each location. A #CTS pub crawl t-shirt will be provided.
Sun. July 2 4:30 - 6:30 pm - Locations to be announced
$55.00

Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC
Open and Affirming Coalition Banquet
The ONA Banquet is the signature event for Open and Affirming churches at General Synod. Join us to celebrate the rapid growth of our LGBTQ - affirming family, and learn how ONA churches are growing in numbers and spirit. The famous ONA Coalition Choir will perform.
Sun. July 2 Dinner - Convention Center
$65.00

July 3

Central Atlantic Conference
Rev. John Deckenback Memorial Crab Feast
Join us as we fill Eutaw Street in Baltimore to have some serious fun in honor of the late Central Atlantic Conference Minister, John Deckenback. A band will be playing, and there will be various mallets and utensils to help pry open the Maryland crab for its delicious meat. Steamed Maryland blue crab is a signature dish in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Our Crab Feast will have all of the trimmings and plenty of things for non-crabbers too.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Eutaw Street
$50.00

Council for American Indian Ministry
CAIM Lunch
Join us for a wonderful time and share a meal with all our "Relatives". Hear the stories of our ministries and updates in Indian Country.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Convention Center
$42.00

Lancaster Seminary
Lancaster Theological Seminary Luncheon
Meet friends, reconnect with classmates and colleagues, and catch the excitement about what God is doing at Lancaster Theological Seminary.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Convention Center
$40.00

Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization
UCC Polity Teachers Network
Teachers of UCC History, Polity, and Theology are invited to meet and network with one another! New resources from the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization (MESA) Ministry Team - including current revisions of the Manual on Ministry, will be presented.
Mon. July 3 Lunch - Convention Center
$35.00

Pacific School of Religion
Pacific School of Religion Dinner
Gather with PSR current students, faculty, staff, alums, and friends for a time of fellowship, breaking bread, and sharing news about the school! [if slated for Monday dinner, please include this text: Make it a PSR night by joining us for dinner before hearing the inspiring words of President David Vásquez-Levy at plenary Monday evening.] Celebrate our 150 years of boldly preparing spiritually and theologically rooted leaders for transformation in and beyond the church!
Mon. July 3 Dinner - Convention Center
$45.00

July 4

Ministers for Racial, Social, and Economic Justice
MRSEJ Fellowship and Focus Luncheon
We gather to develop relationships within and across racial, social, and economic lines, as well as garner new Covenanted Individual Mission Partners (CIMP’s) and Church/Organization Mission Partners (COMP’s) with a theme “Continually Committed to Justice” (Hosea 12:6, MSG).
Tues. July 4 Lunch - Phillips Seafood
$25.00