Giving Tuesday Drive to Support Racial Justice Ministries
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Together as one, the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences are asking people to make contributions in support of Racial Justice Ministries on
#GivingTuesday
, November 28, 2017.
#GivingTuesday
is a global effort of small businesses, corporations, non-profits, and individuals to harness the collective power of individuals, communities, and organizations to celebrate generosity.
The three conferences, which are moving toward joining together to form a unified conference, first engaged in
#GivingTuesday
together last year, and raised more than $4,500 for racial justice ministries. Conference leaders hope to double that this year.
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Radiant Youth SHINE at Silver Lake Retreat
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Youth who attended last weekend’s annual SHINE retreat were surrounded by images of light at Silver Lake. Blazing orange leaves stood out amidst a forest of evergreens, the shimmering full moon cast light across the ball field, and dancing flames of a campfire provided warmth and light. A group of high school students from CT and MA conferences gathered for time of discernment on how they are being called to let their light shine in the world.
“Youth often feel overloaded with school assignments, tests, college applications, and busy sports schedules. Retreat is an important spiritual practice where we take time away from normal activities and step back to listen for the voice of God,” said Debby Kirk, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries. “We tried out various disciplines such as testimony, compassionate listening, prayer walks, and journaling.”
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Responding to Sutherland Springs
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Conference Ministers: "How Long O Lord?"
An excerpt from a letter by Kent Siladi, Jim Antal, and Barbara Libby
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As leaders of our three Conferences we do not have easy answers or quick solutions. We feel the same frustration and anger that the cycle of violence in our country seems to never end. We do believe that the purpose for which we are joined together is to make this world more just, more loving and more compassionate. We do believe that our purpose is to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We embrace the vision of the United Church of Christ that says, "United in Christ's love, a just world for all."
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After Sutherland Springs: A Reflection
By The Rev. Maxwell Grant
Senior Minister of the Second Congregational Church UCC in Greenwich,
Despite the common sadness and horror we all feel in the face of tragedy, we continue to talk past one another when it comes to responding to gun violence.
It’s time for a different conversation.
We want the court of public opinion to adjudicate whether guns are “the solution” or “part of the problem”.
But it’s not that simple.
Instead, I wonder what might happen if we began a broader conversation on
fear.
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Resources Available for Your Church
In most churches the only ones who can observe who is coming into worship is the pastor in the pulpit, maybe the choir from the loft, and possibly the greeters or deacons at the door. Most of the congregation is facing the other direction. There are ways to prepare your church to respond to a situation like this, however.
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Time for Churches to Mark Transgender Remembrance Sunday
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By Greg Gray
Chair, CTUCC ONA Ministry Team
It is hard to believe how time has flown by since we all met together in June for Annual Meeting in Hartford. At Annual Meeting we accomplish many things for the work of the church, but from my perspective the most important accomplishment was when we passed “
A Resolution of Implementation Recommending Churches of the Connecticut Conference Mark Transgender Remembrance Sunday
.” Just as a friendly reminder November 20th each year is Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), and our resolution asks that each church mark the Sunday prior to TDOR as Transgender Remembrance Sunday. This year that Sunday will be November 19th.
The statistics are staggering! Each year the list of trans individuals killed for no other reason than their gender expression is so long that it defies explanation. This year is no different. There are 25 names in the United States alone, and with a couple of week to go it is possible, if not likely, that this number will continue to increase.
Two Related Events:
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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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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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Spirit Calendar: Grant Me Justice
Michele Mudrick writes:
"There is no justice in using addictive gambling machines to obtain revenue from our most vulnerable residents.
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Spirited Wednesday:
Poking Assumptions
Rev. Nicolette Siragusa
writes:
"All this – poking at my soft and tender places, calling me to consider ideas about God’s realm that challenge my assumptions – makes me wonder whether we mean it when we pray, ‘thy kingdom come."
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Nov. 16, 9:30 AM
Spring Glen Church UCC, Hamden
A free program to equip local Church leaders with resources and connect them with community partners so they can respond to the culture of rape and abuse and harassment. With Presenter Rev. Dr. Sharon Ellis Davis and panelists The Rev Dr Molly Louden, The Rev Kari Nicewander, and
Mary Jane Foster.
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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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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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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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