Synod Delegates Can Glimpse Vision for New Conference

Prior to considering the request of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences to join together to form a new conference, General Synod voters will have a number of opportunities to glimpse the vision for what lies ahead.

Right now, a resource paper developed by members of the Together As One Board of Directors and staff is available on the General Synod website. It begins with the statement:

Imagine…..

It is the year 2030, and people are asking “What happened here in southern New England? This part of the world is more just, more compassionate and peaceful than it was ten years ago. How is it that people are listening to one another more deeply, passing better laws, building healthier communities?”

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Environmental Resolutions to be Considered at General Synod 32

By Barbara Darling, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Environmental Ministries Team

The Environmental Ministries Team of the MACUCC is excited that there are environmental resolutions coming before General Synod 32. We unanimously endorse these two resolutions: Let Justice Roll Down – Declaring Support for the Green New Deal and Affirming the Intersectionality of Climate Justice with All Justice Issues and a Resolution Regarding the Use of Plastic Foam

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Becoming a Just Peace Church

By Rev. Dr. Robert Loesch

I invite you and your local United Church of Christ congregation to take the steps to become a Just Peace Church. Since 1985, the Just Peace Pronouncement at General Synod has inspired a grassroots movement of UCC congregations corporately to name and boldly proclaim a public identity as a justice-doing, peace-seeking church. Grounded in UCC polity and covenantal theology, the position focuses attention on alleviating injustice of all types using non-violence and calls us to offer the message, based in the hope of reconciliation in Jesus, that “peace is possible.”

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Conference Events

Registration Deadline: June 13
ONA 35 - Time to Celebrate!
June 15, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
The Plymouth Church, Framingham, MA
The ONA Ministry Team invites you to a celebration of 35 years of Open and Affirming in the Massachusetts Conference! The event will be a beautiful day of worship, music, small group workshop conversations, lamentation, healing, revitalization, imagination and empowerment. Registration is $10.

Spring Interim Gathering
June 18, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Congregational Church of Westborough, MA
Agenda for the Day: Together As One General Information, interim life in the new conference, Don Remick presentation: "Powerful Questions Can Change Your Church."

Active Threat (Active Shooter) Training
Sept. 21, 9:30 AM
Second Congregational Church,
Beverly, MA
This training is presented by Blue-U Defense.

Annual Meeting
Nov. 1 - 2, 209
DCU Center, Worcester, MA

More: macucc.org/events

Transitions

The Rev. Douglas Vooys called to Maple Street Congregational Church UCC, Danvers as Part-Time Designated Term Pastor
Effective: 6/10/2019

The Rev. Rick Chrisman called to Eliot Church of Newton as Interim Minister
Effective: 6/10/2019

The Rev. Laura Biddle called to Brookside Congregational Church UCC as Interim Minister
?Effective: 6/9/2019

The Rev. Susan Brecht retiring from Eliot Church of Newton as Senior Pastor
Effective: 6/9/201

The Rev. Ann Britton called to Union Congregational Church, UCC, East Bridgewater as Interim Pastor
Effective: 3/1/2019

More: macucc.org/transitions

Classifieds

Artist-in-Residence for common cathedral - Boston, MA

Minister for Community and Family Life (CE) - Methuen, MA

More: macucc.org/classifieds

Other Events of Interest

Standing Rock and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance
June 13, 2019 at 1:00 PM
Online Webinar
Featuring Nick Estes, who recently published the acclaimed book on Standing Rock and the long tradition of indigenous resistance.

North Shore Pride Interfaith Service
June 20, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Tabernacle Congregational Church UCC, Salem, MA

Clergy Camp
June 26 - 29
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon CT
Join fellow clergy for reflection, renewal, and worship in the woods.

2019 Craigville Theological Colloquy
July 8 - 12
Craigville Retreat Center, Craigville, MA
Faith & Science: The Choices We Make with Dr. Jennifer J. Wiseman and Professor Ron Cole-Turner.