In the Providence Journal

Interfaith vigil at R.I. State House lays out goals to fight poverty

Hundreds of activists, many of whom were clergy, gathered in the State House rotunda Tuesday afternoon, taking a moment to recover from the rain that pelted them as they marched in from the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Then, the long full sound of the shofar blowing in from the second-floor balcony called everybody’s attention to the business at hand.

During their Fighting Poverty with Faith Vigil, the Rhode Island Interfaith Coalition to Reduce Poverty laid out what goals they were hoping to achieve.

Read the story on the Providence Journal website

New! Tri-Conference Justice Newsletter

Ever Flowing Streams, a Justice & Witness E-Newsletter that has been produced for many years by the Massachusetts Conference, is being expanded to cover the Rhode Island and Connecticut conferences as well.

Subscribe here

Many Voices, One Mission:
This In-Between Time

By Debbie Gline Allen, part-time Christian Education & Youth Ministry Consultant for the Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ

Many congregations are longing for “The Good Old Days” — those days that our elders refer to when Sunday Schools were overflowing with children, youth groups were active and visible, and high school graduates returned to church after college. We need to acknowledge that those days are gone. Yet we don’t seem to want to admit that the ways we still form the faith for our children and youth (and adults) — inherited from those bygone days — can no longer meet the needs of today’s congregations.

For the past year and a half that I have been serving the historical Massachusetts Conference as its Christian Education and Youth Ministry Consultant, I have received at least one or two calls or e-mails a week from congregations wondering what to do to bring back their Sunday School or youth ministry program. Many hope that a new curriculum will do the trick, but what we’re experiencing is a much more complex issue than a one-size-fits-all solution.

Read more

Many Voices, One Mission is a regular series highlighting the ministries of the CT, MA, and RI Conference of the United Church of Christ.

Peer-To-Peer Recovery Course Supports Success

NAMI-RI is offering a Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education Course eight Tuesday afternoons in February and March for people experiencing a mental health challenge who would like some assistance.

This course is designed to encourage personal growth, encourage healing and further one’s recovery by setting personal goals and successfully following through with those goals that are set.

Read more

Upcoming Events

Racial Justice Awareness Youth Program
(for confirmation groups and 7th-12th grade)
Jan. 27, 12:45 PM to 5:00 PM
Seekonk Congregational Church, Seekonk, MA
Youth & Leaders are invited to a full afternoon of a Racial Justice Awareness (RJA) Program for confirmation classes and those in 7th grade-12th grade. Trained RJA facilitators will offer presentations including videos and guided discussions for youth to develop a strong voice as advocates of the future of change. Snacks provided; Free lunch option available.

Faith Formation Summit
Feb. 2, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Niantic Community Church, Niantic, CT
For Formation Leaders, Christian Education Board Members, Pastors and anyone dedicated to the work of forming disciples! Join the faith formation staff of the three southern New England Conferences for a time of learning, sharing, strategizing, and conversation designed to enrich our work in forming disciples.

Sliding with Faith! (6th-12th grade)
Feb. 10, 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Peace Dale Congregational Church, South Kingston, RI
Join in the faith and fun, gathering FIRST at Peace Dale Church for a faith filled program and then traveling over to Yawgoo Valley for tubing. Limited tickets. Register by Feb. 3.

Super Saturday
March 16, 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA
Registration now open! A full day of worship, workshops and networking. Keynote speaker is Rebehak Anderson, who has spoken widely on disability theology.

Sugar Eat - a Maple Sugar on Snow party
March 17, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
A sweet fundraiser to benefit Outdoor Ministry at Irons Homestead. Delicious hot maple syrup is poured over snow to create an instant candy. Served with dill pickles, plain doughnuts, deviled eggs and a variety of drinks. $5 adults; $3 children under 12.

NEAUCE 2019
April 30 - May 2
Pilgrim Pines Retreat Center, Swanzey, NH
The New England Association Of United Church Educators (NEAUCE) is inviting all Christian Educators and pastors to a 3 day retreat with workshops to relax and renew.

Classifieds

Conference Staff Position: Program Coordinator
The Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Conference, seeks a talented, entrepreneurial and experienced authorized minister to join our team as we implement Together We Thrive: Nurturing Pastoral Leadership projects funded through a five year grant received from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

More: ricucc.org/classifieds

Other Events of Interest

Speak Peace Symposium
Feb. 2, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Beneficent Congregational Church, Providence, RI
Dynamic community speakers unite to reflect and discuss the current state of affairs, and how we can contribute to establishing long-term peace and justice in our world.

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