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Rainbow Connections

True Colors Executive Director Robin McHalen greeted the energetic crowd like a pastor kicking off a revival worship service.  

“We are going to do something magic here,” she called. “For the next 48 hours, we are going to create a world that everyone wants to live in. We are going to make sure that every human being feels welcome here!  Turn to your neighbor and tell she/him/them ‘you belong here!’”

True Colors is an annual event that attracts over 3000 LGBTQ youth from across the state and around New England. 

This year the Connecticut Conference and Silver Lake Conference Center, as well as Immanuel and Tolland Congregational Churches, had tables that shared our extravagant welcome.

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Many Voices One Mission: Legacy Beneficiaries

By The Rev. Dr. Jonathan New, Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship & Financial Development for the Massachusetts Conference

Congratulations – if you’re reading this you’re a legacy beneficiary! 

I realized my own legacy recipient status reading CT Conference Minster Kent Siladi’s story of the closing of First Congregational Church of Stamford, CT – the church of his baptism, confirmation, and ordination – and its intention to be reborn as a new church in a different location.  I thought of the church that nurtured my growing up and into ministry – Trinity Church, Shelburne Falls, MA.  I also remembered First Congregational Church of Waverly, Belmont, MA, which merged with Senuri Korean Church just five years after hosting my ordination, then closed ten years later. 

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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.


Starting With Scripture: Mary's Hair

By The Rev. Timothy Haut, Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Deep River 

Her sister, 
Laying plates in their places
And straightening the napkins once more
Did not notice at first--
Nor did her brother, 
Still wide-eyed, fresh from the tomb,
Sipping wine
That had never tasted so sweet.
They did not notice 
As Mary
Stepped through the door
Letting down her long, black hair,
Shaking it free--
For her a tender, holy oblation.

The author is working on a collection of poems based on the lectionary cycle, including this one, Read the full poem here.
 

Starting with Scripture is a weekly devotional written by current and former clergy and church leaders of the Connecticut Conference, UCC. Subscribe to receive the reflection each Monday at: ctucc.org/subscribe.


 

 

Conference Events 

An opportunity to meet four elected officials who are members of CTUCC congregations at the Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT. RSVP to Michele Mudrick.


CTUCC Confirmation Retreat
April 5 - 7
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon CT

Join us for a great experience with activities, worship, and fellowship appropriate for youth in grades 7-9 during their Confirmation year.

InnoJazz: Gifts of Darkness
April 9, 3:30 PM to 4:10 PM
Online

40 minute innovation sessions to foster creative thinking.

Counselor Retreat at Silver Lake
April 12 - 13
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT

This retreat is open to all who will serve as counselors at Silver Lake, whether it’s your first time or your 20th time. 

Simply Smiles Mission Trip - Oaxaca, Mexico
April 13 - 20
Spend a week helping the kids who live at the Simply Smiles home for children in the mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico.

Retreats that Renew and Refresh!
April 25, 6:00 to 8:30 PM
First Congregational Church, West Hartford, CT

Explore ideas for your next retreat in this Stepping Stones workshop.

2019 Spring Action Weekend
April 26 - 28
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT

Catch up with old friends, make new friends, and work hard to prepare YOUR conference center for the coming season. 

91st Spring Gathering of CT Women of the UCC
April 27, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Huntington Congregational Church, Shelton, CT

Including workshops on interracial eco-justice, recycling, and visual aspects of worship. 

Stewardship Workshop
April 30, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Ellington Congregational Church, Ellington, CT

A best practices workshop led by Charlie Kuchenbrod, Executive Associate Conference Minister of the Connecticut Conference.

How Are the Children: Advocating for the Rights of Palestinian Children
April 30, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Palestine Museum US, Woodbridge, CT?

A workshop particularly for CTUCC clergy and religious educators, but open to all, on "How Are the Children," a new curriculum developed by the national United Church of Christ Palestine Israel Network.

Resolution Online Hearing for the Special Meeting of the CTUCC
May 2, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Online

Join Conference Minister The Rev. Kent Siladi and the Conference staff to hear about the proposed resolutions that will be presented at the Special Meeting of the CT Conference on May 18th.

9th Annual CTUCC Youth Revival
May 5, 3:00 to 5:00 PM
First Congregational Church in Bloomfield

Bring your youth group to this dynamic worship service with preaching by The Rev. Trayce Potter.

13th Annual Silver Lake Golf Tournament 2019
May 6, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
The Country Club of Waterbury, CT

Grab your buddies and your clubs and swing into summer with a day on the links, all while helping to support the Connecticut Conference's vital outdoor ministry.

Simply Smiles Mission Trip - South Dakota
May 11 - 18
Spend at week Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation working to restore hope for a better future.

Environmental Justice for All! Retreat
May 17 - 19
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon CT

For youth in grades 8 - 12 to explore how faith and justice intersect, learn about current issues in environmental justice and find their talents to make change.

2019 Special Meeting of the CT Conference
May 18, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
First Church of Christ Congregational in West Hartford

We will gather together as a historic Connecticut Conference in this transition year to worship, receive reports from Board and staff, consider resolutions, and celebrate the Living Waters award.

Save the Date: The first Annual Meeting of the newly formed Together, As One Conference (CT, MA and RI) will be Nov. 1 - 2, 2019, in Worcester, MA

Classifieds

 

Other Events of Interest

Wilderness Companions Speaker Series
Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT; 6:45 PM

April 4, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III
April 11, Rev. Dr. James Forbes

48th Annual NEAUCE Conference
April 30 - May 2
Pilgrim Pines, Swanzey, NH

Join Christian Education colleagues for worship, fellowship, and rich discussions.

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.

 
 

Connecticut Conference, UCC
125 Sherman Street, Hartford, CT 06105
Toll Free in CT: 866.367.2822 | 860.233.5564