Responding to the Las Vegas Shootings

Prayer from UCC General Minister & President

By The Rev. John C. Dorhauer

Every lost life is a name, a history, a hope, a story - an unfulfilled future. Every lost life leaves behind loved ones who mourn and grieve and piece together a future of their own torn asunder by matters we cannot comprehend. I can't find words to capture this pain, this collective grief and anger. I cannot reach deep enough into my soul to express fully the pain, the anger, the rage, the confusion, the anxiety, the emptiness. When will it end?

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It is up to US to stop gun violence

By The Rev. Traci Blackmon
Executive Minister for Justice and Witness Ministries, UCC

"The worst mass shooting in modern American history."

We’ve heard these words before. We’ve heard them far too often only to have the next mass shooting supersede the former.

What we do already know, even if we refuse to admit it, is that this lone gunman was able to execute at least 59 people, and wound over 500 more, because our nation’s absolute refusal to enact responsible gun legislation provides easy access to high-powered assault weapons used to kill human beings.

A Word in Response to the Mass Shooting in Las Vegas

By The Rev. Matthew Crebbin
Senior Minister, Newtown Congregaitonal Church, UCC, Newtown, CT

First...DO PRAY...I know that many within and beyond the faith community will say that thoughts and prayers are not enough and this is true. But prayer will be needed for the journey ahead. It’s been nearly five years since the horror at Sandy Hook School and I would not have come this far without prayer.

Chapel Street Church donates $1800 to Houston SPCA

Elaine Hodgson, a member of Chapel Street Congregational Church, has successfully spearheaded a fundraiser to help the animals in Houston that are victims of Hurricane Harvey. She raised $900, which was matched by the RI SPCA, to make a total of $1800.

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Ecumenical YOUTH MUSIC Festival

“Engage in 3 Great Loves!”

**love of children * love of neighbor * love of creation**

rotation workshops: labyrinth, stone throwing, environmental guest speaker
pizza dinner * worship * outside concert & fire pit

Saturday, October 14, 2017, 3:30-8:00 PM

at Irons Homestead,
688 Snake Hill Road, Glocester, RI

Upcoming Conference Events

Boundary Training
Oct. 5, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Edgewood Congregational Church, Cranston
Each Authorized Minister must be Certified in Boundary Training every three years in order to maintain their standing. Register now by contacting the Conference office.

Cleo Graham Installation
Oct. 8, 3:00 PM
Beneficent Congregational UCC

Workday at Irons Homestead - Fellowship & Service
Oct. 15, 1:00 to 5:00 PM
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
Join with friends as we put away summer and prepare for the winter use of our facilities.

RI Minister's Association Meeting
Oct. 19, 10:00 AM to 12:00
Seekonk Congregational UCC

Super Saturday
Oct. 21, 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM
Keefe Regional Technical School, Framingham, MA
A full day of worship, workshops, continental breakfast, lunch, marketplace and closing worship. Keynote speaker is The Rev. Noel Andersen, UCC & CWS Grassroots Coordinator for Immigrants' Rights.

Interims - Racial Justice Training
Nov. 1, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham, MA
Racial Justice Training day just for interims to become familiar with the insights and concepts and how they might help in interim ministry.

Tending the Fire
Nov. 1 - 3, Irons Homestead, RI
Jan. 9 - 11, Framingham, MA
Feb. 27 - Mar 1, Silver Lake, CT
A series of retreats to help clergy “think systems” in their congregations and their personal lives, so they can lead change that lasts.

The Rhode Island Conference 211th Autumnal Meeting
Nov. 4, 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Central Congregational UCC,
Providence
The theme of this year's Autumnal Meeting is Grace in a Time of Change. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided. Online registration open.

More:
ricucc.org/events

Classifieds

More: ricucc.org/classifieds

Other Events of Interest

Lecture Series Commemorating 500th Anniversary of the Reformation
Oct. 11, 18 & 25, 6:00 PM
Churches in Providence
Featured speakers include scholars from Brown University, First Baptist Church in America, Providence College, Rhode Island College, and Stages of Freedom.

10th Annual Interfaith Conference on Climate Change
Oct. 16, 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Providence College
Rhode Island Interfaith Power & Light event featuring Tim DeChristopher, a prominent leader in the Climate Justice movement.

The Baha’is of Providence and Rhode Island - OPEN HOUSE
Oct. 22, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
International House, Providence
The event will include displays, short videos, children’s activities, and refreshments.

UCC Pension Board Financial Planning Seminar
Oct. 31, 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center,
Framingham, MA
Planned in collaboration with Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services®, this seminar is designed to provide tools and resources to lay and clergy to make handling their finances and planning for the future easier.

Preach It!
Nov. 6, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Pilgrim Church, Harwich Port, MA
A One Day Workshop on Thematic Preaching and Worship Planning

CTUCC Fall Boundary Training
Nov. 7, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Church of Christ, Congregational in Newington
Includes basic and advanced training for clergy.

(Still) Reforming
Nov. 8 - 10
Atlanta, GA
A national conference by the Center for Progressive Renewal aimed at empowering church culture, innovation and sustainability.

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