"'She says she won’t, but I bet she will.' Before I was raped, these lyrics didn't faze me. In fact, this song was part of my playlist for running. But after I was raped, those lyrics made my stomach turn with agony. Because I said I won’t, and he still raped me."
Those were the words the Rev. Kari Nicewander (right) used in an invitation to fellow clergy this week, urging them to attend
A Presentation & Panel on Rape Culture & Violence
,
a Conference event being held
Nov. 16, at 9:30 AM at Spring Glen Church UCC in Hamden
. Nicewander is one of the panelists.
"Pastors need to know how to respond to people like me, when we tell the truth about what has happened to us. And pastors need to know how to respond to rape culture, when it tells our young men, 'You know she wants it,' and introduces the idea of 'slut seeking missiles' in major movies," she wrote.
"Clergy friends, please come to this event. I will be on the panel, and I would really appreciate your attendance," she wrote. "We need to know how to respond to survivors of rape and sexual violence, and how to confront rape culture. It is everywhere. And it hurts.
"
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Parish Paper:
Mistakes Churches Make During an Interim Ministry
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After thirty years of service, the pastor of Community Pine Church retired. For the majority of members, he was the only church pastor they had ever experienced.
Lay leaders quickly formed a search committee to get started on finding an interim pastor. Any step that might delay them seemed a waste of precious time. They feared the months between pastors could deplete resources and members' energy. After some discussion, the committee produced a vague document about the congregation and the kind of leader they were seeking.
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Spirit Calendar:
Unpleasant Tasks
Jennifer Kronholm Clark
writes:
"Whether it’s some administrative task at work or a dirty job at home, there are things that just have to get done.
"
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Spirited Wednesday:
Jesus the Gender Bender
Rev. Jack Shackles Jr.
writes:
"Look to the margins of your church, the margins of your community... We have a message to share with them."
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Spirited Wednesday:
Humble
Rev. Tim Haut writes:
"Our humble, ordinary lives can be the instruments of God's glory and grace."
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Nov. 3 - 5
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT
A retreat for youth Thinking About Working for God.
What are your gifts? How can you let your light shine in the world? Where is God calling you to serve?
Gather for a time of dreaming and discernment!
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Nov. 7, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Church of Christ, Congregational in Newington
Registration now open.
Morning Plenary with Rev. Ron Brown; includes basic and advanced training for clergy.
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Nov. 8, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
First Congregational Church Bloomfield
Come learn how to build or enhance your congregation's planned giving ministry at this workshop, led by Charlie Kuchenbrod, Executive Associate Conference Minister of the CT Conference.
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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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