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An Open Letter to Roger Goodell
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Dear Mr. Goodell,
We don’t know each other. I am writing you as a leader of a group of people to encourage you to think a bit more creatively about your considering some type of requirement in the NFL which would
require players to stand
during the national anthem.
I would encourage you to think about leading this strategy in a different way. Some kind of punitive solution is only going to alienate you and the NFL from a lot of people who would like to see a different approach to the issue.
Mr. Goodell, why not meet with the players who are choosing to kneel and ask them, “What might we do TOGETHER to use our public voice to address racism in our culture?” Can you imagine what it would look like for you to exercise leadership which asks those who feel excluded to offer their perspective?
I find that when I take the time to listen to those who are expressing concerns that I learn a lot.
You can change the narrative. Think about it.
Respectfully,
The Rev. Kent Siladi
Conference Minister
Connecticut Conference, United Church of Christ
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Seminarians, Musicians, and Students Receive Scholarships
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HARTFORD – The Connecticut Conference awarded several scholarships during the summer months. The recipients included seminarians, musicians, and students from Historic African American Churches.
Two Members In Discernment (MID) Scholarships were awarded, two individuals received the Cynthia Wheeler Carr Scholarship for 2017, and 15 young people received Historic African American Churches scholarships.
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Friday and Saturday
October 13 & 14
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Spring Glen, UCC, Hamden, CT
Join us for prayer, praise, testimony, and music that will lift your spirits. Friday preacher: Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith, founder and executive director of
Crazy Faith Ministries
. Saturday preacher: Rev. Dr. Keith A. Bolton, Senior Pastor of the Liberty Christian Center International in Hartford.
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Click above to view the invitation from the Rev. Keith Bolton to attend the 3rd Annual CTUCC Revival
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Combating Fear with Education
By
Khamis Abu-Hasaballah
Co-Founder and President of the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center
I confess. I never felt hate or discrimination towards me. Perhaps it’s my oblivious nature to these things, or it may be because for every apparent feeling of hatred directed at me, I have felt overwhelmed in a sea of love and caring from everyone around me.
One of my children, however, was not so lucky.
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Spirit Calendar:
Does It Matter Enough?
Isaac Monts
writes:
"No matter the circumstance, as the body of Christ, YOU are called to speak up and speak out against the injustices that marginalized communities face today."
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The
Rev. Bradley J. Bergfalk
writes:
"The method doesn't really matter as long the heart of the one who worships gives praise to God."
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Oct. 21, 7:30 PM to midnight
224 Ecospace, Hartford
An evening of jazz, food, wine, and dancing featuring internationally acclaimed jazz bassist Nat Reeves and his ensemble. Half of your ticket price will go to scholarships to send youth to General Synod.
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Oct. 21, 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM
Keefe Regional Technical School, Framingham, MA
This full-day event includes morning worship, two workshops, an optional lunch activity, continental breakfast, lunch, marketplace and closing worship. Keynote speaker is The Rev. Noel Andersen, UCC & CWS Grassroots Coordinator for Immigrants' Rights.
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Oct. 26, 10:00 to 11:30 AM
CTUCC Office, Hartford
Interim Ministers are invited to join Tom Clough and Jay Terbush for a candid conversation about the future of this shared ministry.
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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. 1-3, 2017
, Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
Jan. 9-11
, Edwards House, Framingham, MA
Feb. 27-Mar. 1
, Silver Lake, Sharon, CT
Series of three retreats to help clergy "think systems" in their congregations and their personal lives, so they can lead change that lasts.
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Oct 27 - 29
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Catch up with old friends, make new friends, and work hard to prepare YOUR conference center for the winter. From chopping wood to repairing buildings, moving picnic tables to raking leaves, there’s a project for everyone, high schoolers through adult.
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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. 16, 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Spring Glenn Church UCC, Hamden,
Join the conversation about
what we as the Church need to know about Rape Culture and Violence and how do we respond?
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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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Local Churches in the News
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The members of the Ivoryton First Congregational Church were joined by three local congregations for one last Sunday service at the historic building on the Falls River in Ivoryton on Oct. 1.
While the mood could have been somber for long-time Ivoryton Congregationalists as they said goodbye to their beloved church, the support of the First Congregational Church in Essex, the First Baptist Church in Essex, and the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centerbrook led to a final sermon amid an optimistic air.
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New location!
Oct. 22, 4:00 PM
Asylum Hill Congregational Church, Hartford, CT
This interdenominational concert celebrates the unity emerging today throughout Christianity, while also remembering the 500th anniversary of the Reformation launched by Martin Luther’s nailing of the 95 theses to the doors of the Castle Cathedral in Wittenberg, Germany.
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October 25, 2017 at 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
First Church of Christ, Simsbury, CT
Come spend the day with author Paul Nixon to explore "Changing Ministry in a Hyper-Gutenberg World." Featuring: breakout sessions looking at various models of the church that are thriving; a panel of UCC leaders who are doing innovative ministry here in Southern New England; a panel of "Nones" and "Dones" finding meaning in the secular realm beyond the church.
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October 27 & 28, 2017
First Church of Christ, Farmington, CT
First Church and the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center have partnered to offer this event with internationally known speakers from both faiths keynoting and workshops on specific topics providing opportunity for conversation and learning among Christians and Muslims.
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October 28, 2017 at 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Spring Glen, UCC, Hamden
The annual Climate Change Summit, sponsored by the Inter-Religious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN), features a keynote speaker and several workshops.
The focus of this summit is on water, both on land and the oceans.
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