The UNCO format creates space for peer-to-peer learning, collaboration and creativity.
At the start, the whole group will gather together and be guided through creating an agenda using the ‘big board’. The exact process is not important to understand in advance – the process will become clear as it happens. The important part is that all those gathered will have the opportunity to put topics up for discussion. No session will be voted off or ‘won’t happen’ for some other reason. All sessions ideas are welcome.
What might make up a session?
The sessions will range from the formal to the informal:
- From the well thought out pre-prepared talks reflecting years of use in congregational or other contexts ie, a bible study format or how to have a conversation about introducing open and inclusive language to your church community.
- Others are spur of the moment ‘new idea’ topics that are be fun to talk about like zombie church or Geek God.
Is there anything I should do before arriving at UNCO to prepare?
Be actively thinking about what topics you might suggest for or collaborate with someone to deliver for a session. Although you’ll likely see session ideas and have new thoughts once arriving at the conference. But this conference gains its strength if all us come with some ideas and concepts that we want to discuss or share in sessions.
How do I convene a session?
The experts are the ones in the room at UNCO, we highly encourage all participants regardless of what ‘answers’ you might bring with you to a session to take the lead role convening sessions. You do not need to do preparation in order to convene a session. If you get an idea the day of the conference, it can be a session. There is no ‘right way’ to lead a session. However there is a bias towards interaction and discussion.
How should I dress?
You will find that our community is a relaxed group that wishes you to be comfortable. You will find most people dressed in jeans and T-shirts, but you might be the conference favorite if you come with a mohawk.
What about travel arrangements?
Each participant is responsible for their own travel arrangements. We do have travel information and tips for UNCOEast and UNCOWest on those event pages, and will try to help connect people with transportation as we are able.
Is there anything for my children during the conference?
We love having children and youth at UNCO! Kid UNCO is a time for children and youth to explore their own experiences of church and ministry through open and flexible forms of stories, prayers, worship and service. Like the adult experience at UNCO, what happens at Kids UNCO is not completely pre-planned, but responds to the younger participants of UNCO where and who they are.
We do encourage parents to register as early as possible so we can begin thinking about Kid UNCO sessions according to ages and needs of the participants. One thing to note: Kid UNCO is not just for kids! We encourage our adult participants to take the opportunity to take part in and learn from the Kid UNCO experience, especially if you are interested in what it looks like to integrate children and youth into the full life of the church.
Also, if you are a previous UNCO participant, we strongly encourage you to consider donating a session of UNCO time to Kids UNCO to help everyone have a full UNCO experience.The coordinators of Kids UNCO have deep and wide experience in ministry with, and care of, children and youth, working in churches, camps and schools.
They seek to provide both a safe and an open environment for all of the children and youth at UNCO. If you have specific questions about Kid UNCO, please feel free to contact Megan Dosher Hansen @megateer.
Typical Schedule
MONDAY
- 2:00 pm Check-in Begins
- 4:00 pm Welcome
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 7:00 pm Worship
- 8:00 pm Hangout
TUESDAY
- Breakfast served from 7:30-9:00 am
- 9:15 am Morning Prayer/Breakouts Decided
- 10:15 am Breakout 1
- 11:15 am Breakout 2
- Noon Lunch
- 1:00 pm Breakout 3
- 2:00 pm Breakout 4
- 3:00 pm Free Space
- 6:00 pm Dinner
- 8:00 pm Hangout & Silent Auction
WEDNESDAY
- Breakfast served from 7:30-9:00 am
- 9:00 am Pack-up Time
- 9:45 am Morning Prayer
- 10:00 am Sharing what we discussed learned.
- 11:15 am Breakout – Things that have legs.
- Noon Lunch
- 1:00 pm Taking it Home/Closing Worship
- 3:00 pm Go In Peace to Serve and Love the Lord