The Connect and Learn Program is an annual event that comprises workshops and an inspirational speaker. The objective is to help and inspire officers in local units to better serve in their roles.
2025 Connect and Learn – “Bridging the Cultural Divide”
Katelyn McMeekin-Jackson led a discussion on how we can better bridge cultural, generational, language, gender, and other divides in our churches. Her discussion included how, in a growing, diverse community, we can develop awareness and skills required to live meaningfully with others of different backgrounds. Others participating in the discussion were Aton Abril (El Camino Real District – lay leader), Sun Hee Kim (Bay District – superintendent), and Tae Yoon (New Creation UMC – leadership development).
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ECRD Connect and Learn 2025 – Bridging the Cultural Divide Resources
2024 Connect and Learn – “Climate Change: You Can Be Part of the Solution”
Our main speaker was Gregory Stevens for Interfaith Power and Light. Gregory serves as the Northern California Director. As a former Baptist preacher, long time labor organizer, and interfaith community activist they bring a creative mix of skills to their team, strengthening the multi-religious responses to climate change. Gregory has a BA in Religion and Gender Studies from the University of South Florida, an MDiv from Claremont School of Theology and an MA in Anthropology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. They grew up in Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida, where their love for nature solidified into political and social activism for planetary healing.
Paul Finnegan also did a presentation on OhmConnect, a program that rewards you for saving energy in your home. Paul spent 37 years as an engineering manager in the semiconductor industry. He is now retired. Energy conservation has always been his passion. He was an early adopter of solar and has done many home improvements to increase energy efficiency and comfort. Paul was introduced to OhmConnect by his son and they enjoy competing with each other to see who can reduce energy usage the most.
2023 Connect and Learn – “Charter for Racial Justice”
The materials for entire Connect and Learn Program for 2023 are available on the 2023 Connect and Learn Materials page.
Our keynote speaker for 2023 was Jo Ann Lawson. Jo Ann is a member of the Western Region, Racial Justice Charter Support Team, United Women in Faith.
She was President of the California-Nevada Conference UMW from October 2012 to December 2016, and has served as Vice President of the conference and the Western Jurisdiction.
Jo Ann holds a degree in Business Administration and Management from San Francisco State University. She has a long history of work for non-profit organizations.
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2022 Connect and Learn – “Joy for the Journey”
In 2022, our keynote speaker for the Connect and Learn event was Marlene Ward. some “gifts and graces” that she wasn’t aware were hers. She admits that while she is neither a visionary nor an “imaginer,” she is a good organizer, and that is her strong point. She knows how to move the “pieces” around to make them fit. On the other hand, she knows that she is not a good proofreader, so she asks others for help in doing that. If you accept a leadership role, you do not have to be a one-woman band. If you would like to review Marlene Ward’s Presentation, it is available here.
Other presentations from the 2022 Connect and Learn May be downloaded or viewed from the Google Drive: