Vision for New Conference Laid Out
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When the
Together, As One
planning team - a mix of board members and staff from the three southern New England conferences - began work this summer on hashing out a proposal to form a new, unified conference, they knew they needed to start with the "why."
The team members felt there was no point in figuring out governance or structure or bylaws until they could clearly articulate why the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences might want to join together to form a new conference in the first place.
The team has now developed a
Vision, Mission and Purpose
statement, with an accompanying Conversation Guide, A hard copy of the statement and guide is being mailed to each church in the three conferences, and is also available on the three Conference websites.
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Young Adults Serve Simsbury Church and Community
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The First Church of Christ in Simsbury has added three young adults to the church community this year to serve in their new Young Adult Service Community (YASC). The three interns will spend the year working for social justice causes, immerse themselves in the congregational community, and live together in their own 3-bedroom house provided by the church.
The Young Adult Service Community is a year-long experience sponsored by the United Church of Christ where young people ages 21-35 live together and serve a local church community and its partners, engaging in justice work, spiritual growth, and personal discernment.
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Spirit Calendar: Time for Risk
Rev. Susan Townsley writes:
"Now is precisely the time to risk the investment in creative, innovative, and daring ways to make good for God."
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Spirited Wednesday:
Be Prepared
Rev. Jonathan Chapman
writes:
"Don’t get caught unaware! Don’t let it sneak up on you! Be prepared!"
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Nov. 17-19, 2017,
Jan. 26-28, 2018,
Feb. 23-25, 2018,
Mar. 9-11, 2018
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT
A great experience with activities, worship and fellowship appropriate for youth in grades 7 - 9 during their Confirmation year!
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Nov. 18, 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Wallingford Country Club
Please join us for an evening of dancing, dining, fellowship, and fundraising for Silver Lake! You can dress fancy, or campy, or a little of both! Includes a buffet-style dinner, live music and a silent auction.
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Nov. 20, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Connecticut Conference Office, Hartford
A vigil hosted by the Conference Open and Affirming Ministry Team
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Dec. 1 - 3, 2017
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Two retreats: one for 4th - 6th graders and one for 7th and 8th graders. Celebrate Christmas, Silver Lake-style! Experience the hope of the Christmas promise with new friends and old as we create blessed community
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Dec. 7, 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Catholic Center, Bridgeport
A discussion on the economic and social impacts of the proposed casino in Bridgeport.
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Feb. 6, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
North Stamford Congregational Church
Part of the “Food for the Journey” program started in 2013 to help women ministers prepare for the season of Lent.
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The Connecticut Conference has received word of the death of
Clyde Work
. Mr. Work and his wife, Betsy, have been active lay leaders in the Conference for many years. A full obituary will be published when it is available.
A memorial service is planned for
Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 PM
at the First Congregational Church of Guilford.
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L
ocal Churches in the News
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Torrington pastor shares ‘A Tale of Two Churches’ joining together
If you have driven by United Congregational Church on 1622 Torringford Street in Torrington, you probably have noticed a new sign that proudly proclaims the presence of two distinct congregations. The sign is in two parts - an upper and a lower part.
The upper part boldly states, “United Congregational Church”, and the lower part declares just as boldly, “Unity in the Foothills”.
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SHARON - Silver Lake Conference Center seeks a full-time, year-round Administrator for our fast-paced summer camp and conference center office. Duties include summer camp registration, supporting camp and retreat programs, and general administrative and office tasks. This position works Tuesday-Saturday during the year and Sunday-Thursday during summer camp season.
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Nov. 19, 5:00 to 7:00 PM
United Church on the Green, New Haven
Free Screening of this award-winning documentary
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