Conference Leaders Issue Letter in Response To Anti-Islamic Propaganda
|
 Recently, many of our churches received a mailing from an organization called “ACT for America.” In a letter and accompanying brochure, the organization asks the question “Should Christians speak out against Islam as a religion which promotes violence and human rights abuses?”
As leaders of the United Church of Christ in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, our response to their question is a resounding “No!”
Read the entire letter, signed by leaders of the three southern New England Conferences, including Interim Conference Minister The Rev. Barbara Libby.
|
|
|
BLOG: Sitting in the Tomb and Practicing Resurrection: An Easter Theology for the Formation of the CT-RI-MA UCC
 By Kaeley McEvoy
A member of First Congregational Church of Woodbury, CT
Let’s be honest: if congregationalism were thriving in New England, we would not be thinking about dissolving three conferences and forming a new one. From my vantage point of a young seminarian who was raised in the UCC in Connecticut, I see it everywhere: our churches are dying, our pews are emptying, our seminaries are closing, and our budgets are dwindling.
However, I offer this harsh critique for an important reason, and actually for a theological reason: Good Friday is my favorite Christian holiday.
... Before making a commitment to forming a new vision for the United Church of Christ in New England we first need to take an honest look at why our churches are experiencing this death.
Read the full post
BLOG: Many
 By The Rev. Alison J. Buttrick Patton
Pastor, Saugatuck Congregational Church, UCC, in Westport, CT.
Here's the truth: Achieving oneness is not as simple as it sounds - and maybe not even as desirable. We can't even contemplate the oneness of God without mixing in a little Trinitarian thinking. Yes, of course God is One. But then there's the Christ, God-in-a-Body, not to mention that hard-to-pin-down Holy Spirit. Each of these members of the Trinity has their own personality, their own job description, their own story. Together, we say, they make One-God-in-Community. Because we love Oneness and we love community!
Read the full post
Synod Delegates to Consider Proposed Amendments to UCC Constitution and Bylaws
 Delegates to General Synod 31 in Baltimore June 30 - July 4 - will be asked to consider amendments to the United Church of Christ Constitution and Bylaws. The detailed amendments to these governing documents along with supplementary guides on the process and amendments themselves are available online.
Read more
Upcoming Conference Events
Click the Event Name for Complete Information
|
 There is space for a couple more people to attend this faith deepening event! Last minute registrations are being accepted but space is limited so register now.
Passion of Christ Retreat
April 13 - 15
Irons Homestead
An experiential retreat that begins with supper on Thursday evening and ends with breakfast on Saturday morning. Participants will encounter the last supper, crucifixion and death of Jesus through a variety of media.
Rhode Island Minister's Association Meeting
April 20, 10:00 AM
Central Congregational UCC, Providence
 Tri Conference Specialized Ministers Event
April 22, 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
East Woodstock Congregational Church, Woodstock, CT
Note: This event will be canceled if more registrations are not received by Thursday, April 13.
This event, featuring The Rev. Stephen Boyd, UCC Minister for Specialized Ministry, is open to Specialized Ministers and those serving on Committees on Ministry in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Boundary Awareness Training
May 4, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Edgewood Congregational UCC, Cranston
All authorized Rhode Island Ministers MUST complete this training every 3 years.
Ordination of Jametta Alston
May 21, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Edgewood Congregational UCC, Cranston
Classifieds
Orient Congregational Church, UCC, Searching for Relatives of Former Ministers
Elisabeth Von Trapp Available for Church Concerts
ricucc.org/classifieds
|
|
|
|
Other Events of Interest
Accessing Basic Needs for Families in a Changing Political Climate
April 17, 9:00 AM to 12:00
Save the Bay, Providence
A Round Robin of Social Service Resources for Faith Leaders to have an opportunity to learn at various topic tables and collect useful information to help members of their faith communities.
Webinar: Sanctuary: Frequently Asked Questions
April 18, 2:00 to 3:00 PM
Online
In this webinar, presented by the Insurance Boards, Heather Kimmel, General Counsel for the United Church of Christ, will address the current interest of faith communities in operating as sanctuary churches, the legal risks, and ways churches can minister to undocumented persons.
Interfaith Solar Initiative - Two Opportunities to Learn About Solar
April 23, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Newman Congregational Church, UCC, Rumford
The Interfaith Solar Initiative is a statewide multi-denominational effort designed to bring solar power to faith institutions, their members, and their communities. Come to learn more and talk to solar providers.
One CommunityRI
April 27, 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Mosaic Restaurant, Cranston, RI
A Dinner to Raise Funds for Muslim Immigrants to Rhode Island
Mental Health First Aid for Adults: Two Day Training
May 2 - 3
Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI
An eight-hour course held over two days that gives people the skills to help someone over age 18 who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
 46th Annual NEAUCE Conference: Toward Common Ground
May 2 - 4
Pilgrim Pines, Swanzey, NH
A three day event giving church leaders involved in faith formation a chance to refresh, rejuvenate and renew.
"From Bricks to Mortals": A Workshop on Innovative Building Use
May 5 - May 6
Andover Newton Theological School, Newton, MA
A 9-hour workshop led by the Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper.
 Disaster Chaplain Training
May 10 - 11
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA
This chaplaincy training is based on the National Disaster Interfaiths Network Disaster Spiritual Care training course, which trains and credentials faith leaders, spiritual care providers and institutional chaplains to volunteer as disaster chaplains or spiritual care workers in mass-care settings, or to serve their house of worship or local community during times of crisis.
 2017 Interfaith Poverty Conference
May 11, 2017 at 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Rhode Island College, Providence
The Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr. will be keynote speaker to the 2017 Interfaith Poverty Conference hosted by The RI Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty.
CTUCC Spring Boundary Training 2017
May 16, 2017 at 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
First Church of Christ, Congregational in Suffield, CT
Basic and Advanced Training being offered.
New England Women in Ministry Retreat and Annual Meeting
May 16 - 18
Miramar Retreat and Conference Center, Duxbury, MA
Singing God’s Song in Uncertain Times
Mark Your Calendar
Annual Meeting of RI, MA, & CT UCC Conferences
June 16 & 17, Hartford, CT
UCC General Synod
June 30 - July 4, Baltimore, MD
 Youth@Synod Youth@Synod
June 30 - July 5
Baltimore, MD
This event is for young leaders ages 13 to 18 who want to experience the vibrant diversity of the wider church. Participation is limited to 18 from the Rhode Island Conference.
Links
I want to:
Looking for helpful links to UCC Programs and Ecumenical Organizations?
Visit our Helpful Links Page.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
