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Farewell Reception to be Held

An open house farewell reception for George Weavill, who is leaving the Conference staff after more than 45 years of faithful service, will be held Thursday, Feb. 8, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Conference Office, 8 Summer Street, Pawtucket.

Parking at the Conference office is limited. Please click here for information on where to park.


Boards Move Forward on Forming New Conference

WOODSTOCK, CT  - After spending two hours going over documents detailing the future operation of a new, unified conference, the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conference Boards of Directors on Saturday enthusiastically gave their stamp of approval to moving forward with the process. 

The three Boards voted to affirm “in all material respects” the proposed covenant of purpose, articles of incorporation and bylaws for the new conference. They also suggested some relatively minor modifications, and plan to vote on revised documents in separate meetings by mid-March. The documents will be made public no later than mid-March, in preparation for the June 15-16 joint Annual Meeting, where delegates will be asked to approve them.

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New Rhode Island Disaster Coordinator Announced

Barbara Currier Gregory has accepted the volunteer position of UCC Disaster Coordinator for the Rhode Island Conference, pending approval of the Board of Directors.  Barb is a member of the Slatersville Congregational Church in Northern Rhode Island.

She has served on SCC’s property committee and last summer’s vacation Bible School.  She currently volunteers for the North Smithfield Food Pantry, the Hospitality Committee and will begin a term as Deacon this year.  She retired  after 42 years in education in New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, most recently serving as Associate Director of Career Education at Bryant University. 

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Three Staffers to Offer Workshops at Women's Event

Three Members of the Rhode Island Conference staff will offer workshops at the New England Women’s Celebration in Portland, Maine, April 6 to 8.

Kristin Putney, the Conference's Christian Education/ Youth Ministry Resource Consultant will co-lead Art for the Soul:  Prayer Beads and More!, an opportunity experience prayer through motion, color, ribbons and beads.

Rev. Jennifer Geary, Irons Homestead Director, will offer: Intergenerational Community—Getting ALL the Women Together, explorin how the era in which one grows up affects one's understanding of community. 

And Peggy Matteson, Commissioned Minister of Congregational Health,  will offer: Welcoming People Experiencing Mental Illness to the Table, offering positive, easily implemented actions and activities.
 

The deadline for early bird discounted registration is Feb. 15 - register at: www.uccwomenscelebration.org. 


Upcoming Events

 

Online Together As One Focus Group
Feb. 8, 2018 at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

This online focus group session is an opportunity for people in the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences to help envision what a new, unified conference might look like.

Rhode Island Ministers Association
Feb. 15, 10:00 AM
Mathewson Street Church, Providence, RI

In addition to our usual fellowship time, a nationally known speaker will introduce us to the concept of organizing faith-based wrap-around support teams for people on disability seeking housing. 

Maple Sugar Camp
March 16 - 17
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI

For High School and Middle School Youth including supper, sliding and outdoor fire and making of maple candy, maple syrup and sugar on snow.

Super Saturday - Registration Now Open!
March 17, 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA

A full-day of worship, workshops and networking. Featuring Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Pastor, activist, preacher, and fierce advocate for racial equality, economic justice, and LGBTQ equality.

Sugar Eat - a Maple Sugar on Snow party
March 18, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI

A sweet fundraiser to benefit Outdoor Ministry at Irons Homestead. Adults: $5; Children: $3.

Ordination for Shelly Moses
April 29, 2018, 2:00 PM
Peace Dale Congregational UCC, Peace Dale, RI

 

Eastern Regional Youth Event
July 19 - 22, 2018
California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA

The Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences are collaborating to provide bus service to the event, for youth who have completed 6th grade up to 2018 graduates of 12th grade. Indicate your interest now.

 

Other Events of Interest

Suicide: Screening, Prevention and Response
Feb. 7, 12:00 to 3:00 PM
Bradley Learning Exchange, East Providence, RI

Part of a Mental Health Education Series for Faith Community Leaders and Members

Kingian Non-Violence Training
March 2 - 3
United Congregational Church of Westerly, UCC, Pawcatuck, RI

Learn how reconciliation is possible in the midst of conflict with trainer the Rev. Sharon Key.

Building Resilient Children & Adults
March 6, 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
First Unitarian Church, Providence, RI

Part of a Mental Health Education Series for Faith Community Leaders and Members

Early Bird Registration Deadline: Feb. 20
Leadership and Anxiety in the Church
March 6, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, CT

This event, sponsored by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, is designed to be beneficial for clergy members and laypersons who seek to understand congregational dynamics better and to learn ways to calm anxiety and heal broken relationships.

Unite to End Racism: Bus Ride to DC
April 4

The Rhode Island State Council of Churches is going on the road to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., to rally in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. and address the urgency of ending racism in America. Reserve your seat on the bus now.

Ecumenical Advocacy Days
April 20 - 23
Washington DC area

This year's event will focus on the uprootedness of our world. Through prayer, worship, advocacy training, and networking, we will seek policy changes that advance hope and overcome the devastating impacts of conflict, climate change and corruption on God’s people. Scholarships available for young adults - application deadline is March 2.


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Rhode Island Conference, United Church of Christ
8 Summer Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 724-7700
ricucc.org