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Social Media Challenges Raise Funds for Conferences
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Inspired by a Super Saturday falling on St. Patrick's Day, leaders in the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences have issued challenges to their social media friends: donate to my Conference, and I'll go overboard with the wearing of the green.
It started when former Connecticut Conference Minister Davida Crabtree challenged current Conference Minister Kent Siladi to wear a shamrock-festooned suit jacket to Super Saturday if she could get 50 people to donate to the Connecticut Conference Friends of the Conference appeal.
Spurred into action, Massachusetts Conference Board of Directors Member Patty Kogut, pastor of the North Congregational Church in Middleborough, MA, said she would wear a full leprechaun costume if 50 people contributed to the Massachusetts Conference Friends of the Conference.
Then, in a drive spearheaded by her daughter, Rhode Island Interim Conference Minister Barbara Libby agreed to come to Super Saturday with her hair dyed green if at least $500 was donated to Racial Justice Ministries in that Conference.
More than $500 has been contributed in Rhode Island - meaning Libby will dye her hair. There have been 46 donors (4 away from goal) in Connecticut, raising $2,152.00. Patty Kogut has raised $381 through 14 donations in Massachusetts, putting her 36 donors away from the goal.
To make donations:
Rhode Island Conference Donation Page
Massachusetts Conference Donation Page
?Connecticut Conference Donation Page
(Share the online version of this article)
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 Faith Leaders Asked to Support Students
The Rhode Island State Council of Churches is calling on faith leaders to support students who plan a rally at the State House on Wednesday, March 14, at 2:30 PM - one month after the shootings in Parkland, Florida.
These students are calling for an end to gun violence. They have planned a rally at 2:30 PM on the steps of the State House, followed by a 3:30 PM press conference inside the State House addressing legislation that will keep people with concealed guns from school campuses and events.
Read more
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Youth Invited to Gather for March For Our Lives
Rhode Island Conference Christian Education/Youth Ministry Resource Consultant Kristin Putney is inviting Conference youth groups interested in attending the March 24 March for Our Lives in Providence to contact her.
March for Our Lives is led by students across the country who have said they are no longer willing to risk their lives waiting for someone else to take action to stop the epidemic of mass school shootings. The main march is being held in Washington, DC, but marches are being held in other cities around the country as well, including Providence. The Providence rally is 1 PM - 3 PM at the State House.
Putney will organize Conference youth who wish to march together. For more details, contact her at: mitchmoon12@hotmail.com
Many Voices, One Mission: The Why of Unity
By Kent Siladi
Conference Minister of the Connecticut Conference, UCC.
With this first edition of Many Voices, One Mission, the staff of the three “Together as One” Conferences (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island) are launching an experiment in sharing with you some perspectives of our collective ministries in the Conference setting of the United Church of Christ.
The Together as One “Mission, Purpose and Vision Statement” provides a powerful declaration of what brings us together as a people:
God’s Vision: United in Christ's love, a just world for all.
The Church’s Mission: United in Spirit and inspired by God's grace, we welcome all, love all, and
seek justice for all.
Our Purpose: To love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength
and our neighbor as ourselves.
Our United Covenant: Living the Love and Justice of Jesus.
Read more
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Annual Meeting Registration Open
2nd Tri-Conference Annual Meeting
June 15 - 16, 2018
Mass Mutual Center, Springfield, MA
Online registration is open - find out more
Put a Face on Southern New England UCC Ministry
Help your Annual Meeting planners put a face on Southern New England UCC Ministry by sending us three photographs of your community. These images should give a window into how you share God's unconditional welcome and live the love and justice of Jesus together. They will be shared at the meeting. Please send photos to RevHannahWCUC@gmail.com by April 15th.
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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.
Installation of the Rev. Burton Bagby-Grose
March 18, 3:00 PM
First Congregational Church UCC in Bristol
Installation of the Rev. Burton Bagby-Grose as the Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Bristol, UCC. Clergy are invited to robe and wear red stoles. All are invited to attend the reception following the service.
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.
 Passion of Christ Retreat
March 29 - 31
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
A retreat involving shared meals, time outdoors, an interactive Way of the Cross and a number of spiritual practices, including but not limited to art, music, meditation, movement, silence and sharing, will be offered. All participation is voluntary.
 Church: Alive & Thriving
Friday, April 13, 10 AM - 3 PM: Seekonk Congregational Church, UCC
Saturday, April 14, 10 AM - 3 PM: Barrington Congregational UCC
Rev. Chris Davies from the national UCC office, along with other leaders from southern New England, is coming to Rhode Island to lead four exciting workshops over two days and talk about exciting ministries in RI and beyond.
Ordination for Shelly Moses
April 29, 2018, 2:00 PM
Peace Dale Congregational UCC, Peace Dale, RI
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 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
The Evolution of Atonement
March 20, 7:00 PM and March 27, 7:00 PM
Warwick Public Library, Warwick
Author and UCC pastor Stephen Finlan will explore how the Jewish concept of atonement was adopted by early Greek churches, what Paul added, and how the idea has been adapted and revised over the past
two centuries.
Working with Survivors of Sexual Assault
March 29, 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM
Bradley Hospital, East Providence
Working with Children & Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities
March 29, 1:00 PM to 4:15 PM
Bradley Hospital, East Providence
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.
 UCC New England Women's (X) Celebration
April 6 - 8
Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland, ME
A celebration to reach women in the pews and to involve them in learning and sharing their faith beyond the local church and Conference setting.
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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.
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
May 7 - 11
Christ Church Cathedral, Hartford, CT
Presented by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC), this 5-day event is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. Register by April 6 for early bird discount.
National Open and Affirming Gathering
June 27 - 30
Cathedral of Hope, Dallas, TX
Living Our Covenant Beyond Boundaries. Keynote by the Rev. Justo González II, a leader in the UCC's Sanctuary Movement. Registration now open.
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