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Summer Newsletter Schedule

The next News You Can Use will be sent on September 5th. Please contact the regional office at holmesd@macucc.org if you have any questions.


AUGUST ORDINATION ANNIVERSARY DATES

No August Anniversaries. 

Please contact Deb Holmes if we have missed your anniversary. 
Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5.

CONFERENCE & REGIONAL EVENTS

September 15, 2019
Installation of Rev. Patricia Fox
West Stockbridge Congregational Church
45 Main Street
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
3:00PM

September 22, 2019
Installation of Rev. Peter Johnston
First Church of Monson, UCC
5 High Street
Monson, MA 01057
3:00PM

September 25, 2019
New to the Conference Gathering
Edwards House & Retreat Center
1 Badger Road
Framingham, MA 01702
11:00AM - 2:00PM

October 5, 2019
Super Saturday
Keefe Regional Technical High School
750 Winter Street
Framingham, MA 01702
8:00AM - 3:30PM

October 30, 2019
Western Region Retired Clergy Lunch
18 Broad Street
Westfield, MA 01085
11:30AM - 1:00PM

November 1 & 2, 2019
Southern New England conferences Annual Meeting
DCU Center
50 Foster Street
Worcester, MA 01608

CHURCH EVENTS & OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST


Hampshire Association
Summer Gathering

On June 23rd over 65 members from 11 churches in the Hampshire Association of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ celebrated a day of fun and fellowship at their first Summer Gathering BBQ at Conant Park in Southampton.
The afternoon included a brief devotional led by Rev. Ton Whiteside, a delicious BBQ meal by Tavern on the Hill in Easthampton, and the bluegrass gospel sounds of Barry Searle and the Crooked Ledge Band (pictured). While listening to the music, attendees had the opportunity to string prayer beads, play giant lawn games like Jenga, blow bubbles, and socialize with others from local churches.
Sometimes God's love and justice looks like people laughing and playing together. This was evident as we welcomed all, saying, "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here!" The purpose of the gathering was to develop, strengthen, and deepen friendships between the churches in the association, to enjoy a sunny summer afternoon, and to celebrate God's joy and abundance together as one. Many thanks to the Hampshire Association Executive Committee of the MACUCC for supporting this new venture! Please click here to see more pictures.


Church Treasurer Gatherings

Church treasurers are invited to attend an upcoming regional gathering for church treasurers! Please join us for conversation that will help define your role as church treasurer and answer all those questions you may have. The sessions run from 9:30-noon, and include coffee "and". New church treasurers are invited to stay for a post gathering Q&A session ending at 1:30 (you are welcome to bring a bagged lunch if you stay). All sessions cover the same material and you are welcome to attend whichever session fits your schedule. There is no charge to attend, but please sign up so we know how many to expect. Use the links below for additional information and registration:

Saturday, September 21: First Congregational Church of Stockbridge

Saturday, October 19: First Congregational Church of West Boylston

Saturday, November 16: Edwards Church of Northampton


Tri Conference Hispanic Celebration!

Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center
1 Badger Road
Framingham, MA 01702
Sunday, September 8th
10:00AM - 4:00PM

A celebration to build unity and relationships among Latino/a/x members of UCC churches in southern New England.
Join us on Sunday, September 8, for a day of fun and friendship! UCC Hispanic friends will gather from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, as we get to know each other, sing songs, worship our God, play games, enjoy a meal together, participate in activities, and build relationships and unity.
This event is free, but because there is limited space and we need to plan for food,pre-registration would be helpful for all who wish to attend, including children. Please let us know by Sept. 1.  Registration is now open! Sign up here!


A Night Out with the Legends
To benefit: Second Congregational Church, Westfield

Westfield State University
Woodward Center
577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA 01086
Saturday, September 28, 2019

Starring: Charlie Lask, Lisa Carter, Nicole Fuller, and Ray Guillemette Jr. "Live Band", Raffles, and Concessions! Doors open at 5:30PM - Show starts at 7:00PM.
Tickets @ the door: $25.00 Adults and $15.00 Students/Seniors.
Advance tickets: $20.00 Adults and $10.00 Students/Seniors.
Advance sale tickets available until 9/14/19.
For tickets and more information contact: 413-250-0685 or 413-572-5405. FLYER
 


RECURRING EVENTS


Journey
Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence (USNF)
220 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
3rd Thursday of each month
6:00PM - 7:30PM

Journey; a social and support group for people of all ages who identify as trans, gender queer, or two spirit will meet on the third Thursday of the month, 6-7:30 PM; Sept. 21st, Oct. 19th, Nov. 16th, and Dec. 21, 2017 at the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence(USNF) 220 Main St.,Northampton, MA 01060.  Allies, significant others, family, and friends are welcome too. Use the side entrance, and doorbell if needed, to be let in. We meet in a conference room downstairs. The group is free. Journey is an outreach ministry of the Haydenville Congregational Church, UCC.  For more info email: journeynorthampton@gmail.com


 

FREE ECUMENICAL OUTREACH MEALS

Please click here for a list of all locations offering Outreach Meals.

OBITUARIES

The Rev. Dr. Charles N. Gross died unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 30, 2019.  Chuck was Pastor Emeritus at the Maple Street Congregational Church in Danvers, MA.  He served there from 1986 to 2008.
A Memorial Service in celebration of the life of Rev. Dr. Charles N. Gross will be held at Maple Street Congregational Church in Danvers on Tuesday, August 13 at 11am, with a collation to follow in the social hall. 
In honor of Chuck's life and ministry, memorial gifts may be made to Maple Street Church in support of The Rev. Dr. Charles N. Gross Scholarship Fund.  The Scholarship, established in 2008 upon Chuck's retirement as Senior Minister, honors his years of service and devotion to the church and community.  Please send donations directly to Maple Street Congregational Church, 90 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923. Please click here for more information.

Please click here to view off MACUCC Obituaries.


CLASSIFIEDS 

Red Cloth Chairs - Auburn, MA

Administrative Assistant - Charlemont, MA

Youth Minister - Part-Time - Granby, CT

Malmark Handbells for Sale - Ludlow, MA

FREE- Two memorial boards - Whately, MA

Director of Family Ministries - Woodstock, CT

 Please click here to view all MACUCC Classifieds


 

Western Region of
The Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ

413-589-7034
holmesd@macucc.org 
www.macucc.org/western

Office Hours: 
Monday: 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: Closed