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Come To The Water 

Vigils Planned to Protest Proposed Privatization of RI Water Supply

By The Rev. Brendan Curran, Associate Minister at the Barrington Congregational Church UCC in Barrington, RI

As people of faith we meet our God in all the ways we put love for our neighbors, our children, and creation into action.  In the United Church of Christ we understand environmental stewardship as our covenantal responsibility and privilege to care for the natural world as God’s creation.  As the United Church of Christ, we have acknowledged how we are only stewards of creation, and “The Earth Is The Lord’s, Not Ours To Wreck,” as surely as the Psalms of David sing, “The Earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” -Psalm 24.  We are obligated to care for creation in a way that preserves the abundance of life we’ve been given, for our neighbors, and for the children.

We have been, “established on the waters.”  The sacred water of creation, the building block of life, our life-source, and 70% of what constitutes our body, is given freely to all by the God of all creation.  And yet we are living in a moment when those who serve the interests of money are working to monetize, privatize, and sell 60% of Rhode Islander’s water; robbing God’s gift to all from the commons and restricting it to the hands of the few who would profit at the expense of misery for the many.

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Vigils:

March 21, Nathanael Greene Middle School, Providence, 6 - 7:30 PM April 6 & 13, North Scituate Public Library at 11 AM followed by a walk to the Scituate Reservoir until 12:30 PM

Three Conference Ministers Respond to United Methodist Vote

Connecticut Conference Minister The Rev. Kent J. Siladi, Massachusetts Transitional Interim Conference Minister The Rev. Don Remick and Rhode Island Transitional Conference Minister The Rev. Marilyn Kendrix issued a letter yesterday which reads, in part:

We stand in love: a decision, a choice, not just an emotion.  

And emotions are running high for many right now in response and reaction to the decision of the special session of the General Synod of the United Methodist Church ...  So our hearts go out to our siblings within the United Methodist Church.  There are many whose wounds are being freshly opened.  There are many who are even less certain of their safety and place within their treasured spiritual homes.   

Read the full letter


Many Voices One Mission: What Will Be

The The Rev. Dr. Michael Ciba, Senior Regional Minister for the CT Conference, UCC.

One of the icebreakers frequently used in the church nerd circles in which I travel is “who is the Biblical character you most identify with?”  My answer to this question has changed over the years.  For a long time, it was Jonah.  Jonah ran away from God’s call, only reluctantly said yes, was disappointed when things didn’t turn out the way he expected, and was more interested in his own comfort than the well-being of others.  I could identify with that. 

After I joined the Conference Staff, I began to identify more and more with the Apostle Paul.  Paul attempted to minister to a bunch of churches separated by distance:  offering encouragement, challenging harmful behaviors, reconciling differing perspectives on mission and ministry, trying to keep churches connected with one another and focused on God’s mission.  Seeing ministry through the lens of Paul’s words and deeds helped give me courage and strength to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities before me.

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

Super Saturday Registration Deadline Approaching

The deadline to register for Super Saturday, being held March 16 at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, MA, is approaching.

The event features a full day of worship, workshops and networking. The main speaker will be Rebekah Anderson.  Rebekah began investigating disability theology during an internship with the office of Congregational Assessment, Support, and Advancement of the UCC, and has presented on the topic at the National Church Leadership Institute, Eastern Regional Youth Event, and Super Saturday.

She is an alum of the Connecticut Conference's Thinking About Working for God Apprenticeship and the UCC's Young Adult Service Communities, and is in her first year at Union Theological Seminary.

Read more and register


Upcoming Events

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. 

Shine- Youth at Synod 2019
June 21 - 25
Milwaukee, WI

Youth at Synod is for young leaders ages 13 to 18 who want to experience the vibrant diversity of the wider church.

Save the Date: The first Annual Meeting of the new Together, As One Conference will be Nov. 1 - 2, 2019, in Worcester, MA


Classifieds

Music Director - Somerville, MA

Youth Fellowship Director - Tolland, CT

Church School/Communications Director - Kingston, RI

More: ricucc.org/classifieds


Other Events of Interest

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.

9th Annual CTUCC Youth Revival
May 5, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

First Congregational Church in Bloomfield, CT
All youth in grades 5 and up and their pastors, parents, or adult leaders are invited to this dynamic worship service that will your renew your spirit.  Come and lift your praises, celebrate vitality, and embrace diversity! 


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Rhode Island Conference, United Church of Christ
c/o Edgewood Congregational Church 1788 Broad St Cranston, RI 02905
(401) 724-7700
ricucc.org