Executive Conference Minister Candidate Announced

The Rev. Darrell Goodwin – a pastor with experience in higher education and in varied ministry settings of the United Church of Christ – will be presented to Annual Meeting voters as the candidate to serve as the Southern New England Conference’s first Executive Conference Minister.

Rev. Goodwin currently serves the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota Conferences as an Associate Conference Minister, offering care and support to the pastors and churches in the Nebraska Conference and supporting the work of search and call across the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota Conferences.

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Executive Search Process Was Unusual

Bridge Conference Minister Marilyn Kendrix describes the search process, made unique by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic but one which, she says, "was so obviously led by the workings of the Holy Spirit."

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When the Pastor is the Caregiver at Work and at Home

Debbie Ringen, Transitional Minister of Health and Wellness, writes: How can clergy juggle family caregiving and the stress of serving their flock during a pandemic, racial injustice, hurricanes, and the divisive political climate?

Even in “normal” times family/work balance, meeting everyone’s needs, carrying the burdens of others, and the reality of the call to serve as a pastor takes a toll on one’s health and well-being. When one’s career centers on care for others, becoming a primary caregiver for a loved one requires even greater attention to self-care.

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Getting Started with Livestreaming

by Dana Horrell, The Parish Paper

According to a recent survey, the average consumer watches about ninety minutes of online video content per day. Eighty percent would rather watch a livestream video about a business or organization than read a blog or social media post. They feel it’s more engaging to watch something live than pre-recorded. This data may motivate church leaders to go deeper, learn more, and livestream more events as opportunities permit.

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Pilgrimage Through the Pandemic

An interview with the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, United Church of Christ’s associate general minister, captures the reality of the experience of COVID-19, and the theological reflection required to make sense of the world in the pandemic.

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Coming Up Online

Centering Prayer: A Spiritual Resource For These Times
Sept. 9 & 16, 2:00 PM
In this two-part webinar Terry Shaughnessy will introduce participants to the meditation/prayer practice known as Centering Prayer which has deep Christian roots, is easy to learn, and provides a tremendous resource for navigating these times of pandemic.

Conversation with the Bridge Conference Ministers: Music & Adult Faith Formation
Sept. 10, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Join Marilyn Kendrix and Don Remick as participate in an innovative adult faith formation model with Delvyn Case.

Practical Resources for Churches Free Webinars:

Engaging Zoomed Out Youth
Sept. 2, 7 - 8 PM

Virtual Choir Webinar Series
Sept. 8 - 25

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