Together, As One Synod Resolution Advances
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The resolution that would bring the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences together into one conference is wending its way toward General Synod in June. A Synod subcommittee, after requiring some alterations, is recommending that the motion go forward to plenary.
The United Church of Christ Board will make the final decision on submitting the resolution to Synod in early March. The 32nd General Synod is being held June 21 - 25 in Milwaukee, WI.
The summary of the resolution states:
"This motion asks the Thirty-Second General Synod to recognize a new Conference in Southern New England and vicinity, provisionally called 'the TA1 Conference of the United Church of Christ,' and to grant it standing as a Conference of the United Church of Christ, terminating the standing of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences, the Associations of which will become Associations of the new Conference."
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Super Saturday Registration Deadline Approaching
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Super Saturday
March 16
Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA
A full day of worship, workshops and networking. The main speaker will be Rebekah Anderson, who has presented in various settings on disability theology.
Many Voices, One Mission: Liminal Space – The Road is Made by Walking
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By The Rev. Don Remick, Transitional Interim Conference Minister for the MA Conference, UCC
It was Mark Twain who observed that the only person who likes change is a baby with a wet diaper.
Well, that baby, and our God. Our God, who is constant, whose steadfast love endures forever, who is the same yesterday, today and forever; our God likes change. Not change for the sake of change; but change that leads us out of the delusions of the stability and security for which we so strive. Our most sacred stories speak of a God who moves us from Egypt’s slavery into the wilderness; talks with us in times of exile, drives God’s very self into a deserted place and walks through death to resurrection.
God may like change, we are not so fond of it. In a world that is increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, we long for some place of refuge, safety, security and stability.
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 Many Voices, One Mission is a regular series highlighting the ministries of the CT, MA and RI Conference of the United Church of Christ.
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7 Ways to Support Your Church Educator and Youth Ministry Leader
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By Debbie Gline-Allen, Christian Education & Youth Ministry Consultant for the Massachusetts Conference
Serving a congregation as a church educator and/or youth ministry leader is easy, right? All you do is prepare for Sunday programs and then show up to lead them, right? I’m being facetious, of course. Anyone who is familiar with ministry in a local congregation understands that whenever people are involved, many more hours are needed in order to support individuals, maintain effective communication, and stay current on the best resources available.
So what does a congregation need to do in order to support its church educator and/or youth ministry leader to serve the church most effectively? Here are 7 key ways that can ensure your congregation will receive the best from its faith formation staff person.
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UCC Racial Justice Ministry Book Discussion
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The United Church of Christ (UCC) Racial Justice Ministry will host its first online Book Discussion featuring, “Preaching as Resistance: Voices of Hope, Justice & Solidarity”edited by Phil Snider Thursday, March 7, 2019, 12 noon – 1 pm EST via live webinar discussion. You must register to participate. Registration includes a free book for the first 10 registrants.
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Conference Events
Youth Retreat: A Spiritually Healthy Relationship with Technology
March 22 - 24
Craigville Retreat Center
A retreat for youth grades 7 and up facilitated by Rev. Matt Carriker and Rev. Sarah Buteux. Through spiritual practices, reflection, and Sabbath-filled rest, we’ll explore how we can have a spiritually healthy relationship with technology.
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Human and Faith Development
Feb. 23, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Centre Congregational Church,
Lynnfield, MA
Led by Nancy Sides, Certified Christian Educator. Part of the Christian Education Certification program, this course is open to all.
Day of Prayer for Lucio
Feb. 27, 1:00 PM
First Congregational Church,
Amherst
Faith leaders are invited to gather with Lucio Perez , who has been in sanctuary for 16 months, for a prayer service.
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Confirmation Retreat
March 1 - 2
Prindle Pond Conference Center, Charlton, MA
Open to youth grades 8 & up currently engaged in confirmation classes.
Community of Practice for Christian Educators and Youth Leaders
March 2, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Edwards House Retreat Center,
Framingham, MA
Network and share experiences with your MACUCC colleagues.
Theories of Religious Education
March 9, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Edwards Church, Northampton, MA
A Christian Education Certification class, open to all.
Climate Change, Extreme Weather, and Vulnerability
March 10, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Old South Church, Boston
This summit will focus on the role of faith communities in helping their community members prepare for future climate impacts such as floods, extreme heat, and severe storms.
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Active Threat (Active Shooter) Training
March 16, 9:30 AM
Second Congregational Church, Beverly, MA
Training is presented by Blue-U Defense.
Preparing for the Search & Call Process
March 30, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, UCC
The morning session is the UCC Profile Workshop for all clergy. The afternoon focuses on Members-in-Discernment or others who interested in learning about the search & call process.
Church Treasurer Gathering for Metro Boston/ Northeast Area
March 30, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
First Congregational Church, UCC, Reading, MA
Please join us for a cup of coffee and conversation that will help define your role as church treasurer and answer all those questions you might have.
Theories of Religious Education
March 30, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Centre Congregational Church, Lynnfield
A Christian Education Certification class, open to all.
Application Deadline: June 3
Writer's Workshop - The Art of the Personal Essay: Make A Point. Change the World
Nov, 11 - 17
Warren Conference Center,
Ashland, MA
With the Rev. John Hudson. Good non-fiction spiritual writing makes a point, tells a story, shares a memory, constructs an argument and always gives life to an idea.
More: macucc.org/events
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Save the Date: The first Annual Meeting of new unified conference (Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island) will be Nov. 1 - 2, 2019, in Worcester, MA
Webinars
The following webinars are offered free of charge to members of the Massachusetts Conference through a partnership with Practical Resources for Churches. Click title to register. Find a complete list here
The Critical Importance of Relationships in the Church
Feb. 21, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Debbie Gline Allen will look at current research related to the relationship between intergenerational ministries and child/teen commitment to a faith community well into adulthood.
Transitions
Ms. Julie Avis Rogers leaving Church of the Covenant, Federated, Boston as Associate Pastor; called to Emerson College as Director of Religious and Spiritual Life and Campus Chaplain
Effective: 1/13/2019
The Rev. Ms. Virginia Child called to First Congregational Church of Wareham as Interim Pastor
Effective: 11/1/2018
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Classifieds
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Other Events of Interest
Peace Works: Silver Lake Summer Camp
June - August, 2019
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon CT
Registration is now open for campers in grades 4 - 12 to encounter God's love in creation; and to learn how to bring that love and justice into the world.
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Parish Leadership Day
March 2, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM
The Log Cabin, Holyoke, MA
The Episcopal Diocese of Western MA invites UCC partners to come for some new perspectives from the authors of Embracing Stewardship.
Soul Care: Caring for the Most Important Part of Your Ministry.
March 11, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Edwards House, Framingham, MA
A one-day Lenten retreat by The Center for Career Development and Ministry
Longing for Belonging
March 28 - 30, 2018
Barbara Harris Camp and Conference Center,
Greenfield, NH
Explore radical hospitality through fellowship, worship, faith formation and outreach. Participants will leave with a specific plan for how to engage the rest of the congregation in this work and how to get started.
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Letting Go: An NESC Stewardship Event
April 6, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Faith Community Church, Hopkinton, MA
This one-day program will feature TED-like talks with guided small group discussion, workshops on practical stewardship topics, a panel discussion on real-world experiences, meaningful worship, and fellowship.
"Generosity Transformed" Conference
April 30 - May 3
Indianapolis, IN
Need to energize and revitalize your church’s strategies for faithful generosity? Does your church find it hard to talk about money? UCC Church Building & Loan Fund would like to make you aware of this ecumenical stewardship conference.
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