Experience the Magic of Star Island
For over 50 years, the UCC Star Gathering Conferences have welcomed individuals and families to experience rest, renewal, and connection on the breathtaking shores of Star Island. We host four enriching conferences each summer that bring together people of all ages for a week or weekend of spiritual growth, community, and fun. Join us on Star Island this summer — and become part of a tradition that has inspired generations.
Star Gathering 1 Family
July 27 - August 3, 2025
“A Week of Sundays” - Each of us faces such hectic schedules, making it difficult to prioritize rest. There is always more work to do: pressure to be productive, an ever-expanding to-do list, the tasks of caregiving and raising children, the calling to create a more just world for all. Perhaps we begin to wonder if we are human doings rather than human beings. Come to Star Island this summer for rest and join leaders Rev. Cat Allard and Rev. Ellis Miller at Star Island Family Gathering 1, where we offer you a full week of worship, crafts, activities, and recreation. Children are invited to attend morning chapel each day at 9 am, led by Rev. Sarah Gengler. Children up to age 14 meet in various groups around the island from 9:30 to noon each day for a morning of fun programming!
"On Star Island I experience a sense of community unlike any other. When Rev. Leslie Foley invited my family to attend a Star Gathering conference in 2008, little did I know that returning to Star annually would become a family tradition."
Sarah Hauser
Star Gathering 1 Youth
July 27 - August 3, 2025
“The Power of Intention” - What motivates your actions? Do you feel in control of your life, or are you often swept up in the rapid currents of modern demands, expectations, and distractions? In our social media age, agencies can feel out of reach. Join the Youth as we dive into the transformative power of intention. Together, we’ll reclaim the power in our lives by learning to live purposefully. Whether it’s sharing laughter, shedding tears, or soaking up the sun on the dock, we’ll embrace each moment with intention. The Youth Conference is for teens starting 9th grade through recent high school graduates.
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Star Gathering 2 Family
August 3 - 10, 2025
“Connection and Community in a Contested World” - Together, we will explore the deep connection we all have as fellow human beings and how this connection we share is the foundation upon which we can build communities of understanding, respect, and love. We are a joyful intergenerational conference that emphasizes community while celebrating everything that makes us unique. Reverends Angela Menke Ballou and Leah Robberts-Mosser will lead us in our morning program, inviting us to explore how we can nurture connection and community in a world that is becoming increasingly divided. Together, we will explore the deep connection we all have as fellow human beings and how this connection we share is the foundation upon which we can build communities of understanding, respect, and love. Children from infants through high schoolers participate in morning programs led by conference volunteers to explore Star Island history, conference traditions, arts, recreation, and the natural beauty of our island home. There are also structured evening activities for high schoolers.
Star Gathering Family Weekend
August 29 - September 1, 2025
“Roots & Wings: Embracing Growth” - Plant deep roots by engaging with sustainable practices that benefit the environment and our communities! Give wings to personal and spiritual growth through creative and reflective activities! This gathering is to inspire all ages with activities that foster a deep connection to our environment and inner selves. Join the Reverends Mandy Lape-Freeberg and Debbie Gline Allen as they help us lay down roots in tradition while exploring new perspectives that help us grow. This weekend is family-oriented and multigenerational. Most activities will be catered to a multigenerational audience, and there will be designated parent-helpers at most conference-run events if parents need assistance. There may be a few events where childcare is provided, but that is not the central focus of the conference.
“As a member of the Youth Conference in the 1980s, I remember looking forward to reuniting with my Star friends with such anticipation each year… And my children had the same wonderful experience as Youth 30 years later! There is a sense of independence and growing as an individual that makes the Youth Conference a truly valuable time in a teen’s life.”
Jen Johnson