Boards Approve New Conference Documents to Bring Before Delegates

Inspired by the vision discerned by the leadership of our conferences, and because they believe that there are unlimited faith-filled possibilities when we combine our strengths to live the love and justice of Jesus, the Boards of Directors of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences have all given their approval to a covenant agreement, set of bylaws, and a process for nominating a Board of Directors for a new, unified conference.

The "Covenant and Affiliation Agreement" is a legal document that creates a new non-profit charitable corporation made up of the three UCC conferences of southern New England. The bylaws would then govern that new entity. Both the agreement and bylaws will be brought before Annual Meeting delegates June 15 - 16, along with the slate of officers and Board members for the new Conference. The Boards are in the process of making nominations for that Board now.

Read more including the documents and some FAQs

Consultant Shares Insights from Focus Groups

In late January and early February, more than 200 people attended focus group sessions held in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts and online regarding the formation of a new, unified conference. The groups were convened by Jim Schnurbusch, President of orgstory, who has been engaged as a consultant for this process.

Read a summary of his findings

Deadlines Set for Annual Meeting Registration

The deadline to register for the second Tri-Conference Annual Meeting, being held June 15 - 16 at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA, is June 1. The deadline for discounted hotel reservations is May 15.

At this meeting, delegates of the three conferences will be asked to officially create the a new, unified conference (see article above). In addition, there will be dynamic worship and a keynote address by the Rev. Traci Blackmon, the Executive Minister of Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ.

Go to more information and registration

Many Voices, One Mission: Our Common Strength

By Tiffany Vail
Associate Conference Minister for Communications

Just over two years ago, I became the first shared staff person for the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences, managing communication for all three and also working with the team that has been planning the formation of a new, unified conference.

Because I’m in this unique position, I often get asked by folks in one conference what those other conferences are like.

There are, of course, differences. What we share in common, however, is even more important than where we differ.

Read more

Many Voices, One Mission is a new regular series highlighting the ministries of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences of the United Church of Christ.

Upcoming Events

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, 2:00 PM
Peace Dale Congregational UCC, Peace Dale, RI

Helen Bodell Ordination
May 20, 3:00 PM
Newman Congregational UCC?

Ecclesiastical Council - Linda Hartley
June 3, 3:00 PM
Newman Congregational UCC, Rumford, RI

Tri-Conference Annual Meeting
June 15 - 16
Mass Mutual Center, Springfield, MA
The second joint Annual Meeting of the Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts conferences. Traci Blackmon will be the keynote speaker.

Ecclesiastical Council for Chontell Washington
July 1, 3:00 PM
Beneficent Congregational Church

Eastern Regional Youth Event
July 19 - 22
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.

UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event 2018

Registration closes April 5!!

The theme for this event is “The Potency of Hope” and will take place May 1-3, 2018 at the Carefree Resort and Conference Center in Carefree, AZ The Keynote Presenters are the 2017 Antoinette Brown winners Rev. Loey Powell & Rev. DaVita McCallister.

Read more

Go to more information

Other Events of Interest

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.

Merciful Conversations on Gender Identity & Expression
April 24, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, East Greenwich, RI
Join the RI State Council of Churches for a chance to consider the expansiveness of God’s Grace, ruminate on the Wonder of Creation, and boldly tackle the specter of fear that so often separates us from the love of God and from one another.

Bradley Conference: Early Onset Psychosis
April 24, 8:30 to 11:45 AM
Bradley Learning Exchange, East Providence, RI
Practical, state-of-the-art education for behavioral health professionals and others who work with children, adolescents or adults.

Progressive Christian Worship Music Workshop
April 28, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
First Congregational Church, Meriden, CT
UCC minister, singer/songwriter, author, and Convergence Music Project CEO Bryan Sirchio will lead a fun, heart-warming and mind-expanding day.

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.

CT UCC Spring Boundary Training
May 8, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Church of Christ, Congregational, Newington, CT
Basic and Advanced Boundary Training for Clergy

PREACH IT! A workshop on thematic preaching & worship planning
May 31, 2018 at 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Woodridge UCC, Cranston
Rev Susan Cartmell, Massachusetts Conference minister and author of "Uncommon Preaching" will be coming to RI for the day to explore a different way to approach preaching.

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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