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Happenings Around Our Conference
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Rev. Ryan Henderson |
A few months ago my four-year daughter, Julia, starting taking Swim lessons, She loves the water!
It doesn't matter if; we are at a pool, or a lake, or a small plastic tub with a sprinkler in the back yard of our home. Julia loves to be in her bathing suit splashing amongst the peaks and valleys of the waves. Splashing water, Water balloons, Ice Cubes in drinks, and watching the sunrise over a water horizon brings back so many memories, for me, of time gone past and precious anticipation of days yet to be.
Sometimes it feels like summer should be the season of water, or lack of water. I crave the times where I can watch the ocean's scared rhythm, I have moments of thirst and think about those who do not have access to the clean cooling water, which I take for granted as I turn on my sink.
At some deep level of my soul I feel a connection to the "Water" places of life, or spaces that give life in the midst of the parched places of daily routines. I feel connected to looking out from the shore watching the sun rise. I feel connected to thinking about my baptism and the sacred waters of welcome shared in many of churches around New York, as we called those being baptized- Beloved. I feel connected to those ways we march or boldly stand-up for those without voice and sanctuaries that have lost their holiness due to senseless violence.
My prayer is that in the midst of this summer you make time to find the "Water" place of your life. The place that calms you, connects you, that reminds you that you are Beloved- Called, Named and Charged- to spread the Good News through our words, our actions and our BOLD faith for today.
In the Greatest of Hope,
Ryan
Reverend Ryan Henderson
Associate Conference Minister
Youth, Young Adults and Emerging Ministries
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NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT
is this week
200 Youth, Young Adults, Chaperones and Advisors from New York will travel to Orlando from Tuesday July 26 till July 30 to gather with almost 5000 from the United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ along with ecumenical partners from across the globe.
Please pray for the groups that are traveling back and forth. Thanks to all parents, churches, Associations and friends that have supported all the participants.. Make sure to Follow the New York Conference facebook feed for pictures and updates https://www.facebook.com/NYUCC/ or follow the hashtag #NYBelieve2016
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Sign Your Name to Support NY Conference Letter to Gov. Cuomo: "Stop denying our rights. Rescind your executive order now!"
Dear Governor Cuomo,
I am writing on behalf of the New York Conference of the United Church of Christ, a judicatory with 260 churches in the state of New York. For decades our denomination, the United Church of Christ, has been committed to supporting a just peace in Israel/Palestine. We have sought to build relationships with people of all faiths in the region - both Palestinian and Israeli - who share our desire for justice and healing. Through those relationships we have learned about the realities of the Israeli Occupation and the truly devastating impact it has on everyone in the region, especially Palestinians. We have asked ourselves and our partners in the region how we, as American Christians, can be in solidarity with those who are tirelessly struggling to end the occupation. One of the clearest answers was to use our financial resources to apply economic pressure to the structures supporting it. Keep reading and SIGN YOUR NAME in support!
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Donna Schaper Books on Sale
The following books are on sale from the New York Conference and include Free Shipping and Handling!
Approaching the End of Life - A Practical and Spiritual Guide
Regularly Priced $32.00 -
Sale! $20.00
Prayers for People who Say they Can't
Regularly Priced $16.99
Sale! $12.00
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Constitution and Bylaws Survey
A new survey out today is intended to include all voices of the wider church in the conversation about proposed changes to the United Church of Christ Constitution and Bylaws.
Take the survey >>
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Faith for a Fair NY 2016 Conference
September 25-27, Syracuse
New Yorkers of all faiths are compelled by our traditions to seek justice. How do we do so faithfully and effectively in a time of increasing inequality, poverty and ideological division?
Over three days of presentations, workshops, and small group reflection, we will:
- Build connections with other justice-seeking New Yorkers from different regions and faiths
- Build knowledge of issues and movements through a moral/faith-rooted lens
- Build the capacity to do justice work through skills training and strategic reflection
- Be energized and inspired to continue working for justice - or to get involved for the first time
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Pastoral Coaching Opportunity from the Center for Progressive Renewal
Attention church leaders, the start of the church program year is right around the corner! Use this summer as an opportunity to reboot and be renewed. We have created a diverse coaching program that excels in meeting you where you are and helping you figure out what to do next. Sign up for a free coaching session today.
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Staff Preaching Schedule
Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams
August 7 - Homer Community-wide Worship service
August 28 - Binghamton Eastside
August 7: Sayville Congregational UCC Sayville
August 14: Emmanuel UCC Massena
August 21: Walton First Congregational Church, Walton
Rev. Dr. Marjorie Purnine
August 28: Plymouth Congregational Church, Syracuse
September 18: Homer Congregational Church, UCC
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2016 UCC Office Support Staff Network Annual Conference
August 4 - 6 in Gaithersburg, MD
You are invited to the 2016 UCC Office Support Staff Network Annual Conference which kicks-off on Thursday, Aug. 4 with a welcome dinner at the Hilton Gaithersburg. The event continues on Friday at Rockville United Church in Rockville, Md. with breakfast, fellowship, break-out workshops, lunch, the keynote presentation and interactive workshop. The event concludes Saturday, Aug. 6 at the Hilton Gaithersburg with breakfast, fellowship, the UCCOSSN business meeting, a peer group workshop and lunch.
Click here to learn more and register...
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¡Missionworks!
August 26-28 in Indianapolis
¡Missionworks! is an experience for pastors, mission board members, and anyone interested in global mission to connect with the global work of the church. Over the weekend of
Aug. 26-28
in Indianapolis you will find out how to build on your congregation's existing passion for mission and receive tools for sharing about God's mission in the world. For more information go to
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Opportunities for Education
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Study of Islam
First Congregational United Church of Christ, 171 West Pulteney Street, Corning will be hosting a six week series on
Islam.
The series will be offered from
Sunday, June 10 - Sunday, August 14th, at 3PM. It will be based on the DVD lecture series The Great Courses - Great World Religions: Islam by John L. Esposito, professor of Islamic Studies at Georgetown University.
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Global Missionary Available to Speak
The
Rev. Judy Chan, who has served with Global Ministries for 22 years will be available to speak to congregations and groups around the New York Conference from
Saturday, Oct. 22-Wednesday, Nov. 9.
Western/Central Region: Oct. 22 - Nov. 1
Metro Area: Nov. 2-9
Judy serves with the Hong Kong Christian Council, as a communications Specialist in charge of Ecumenical Broadcasting Ministry and Editor of English publications and speaks fluent Cantonese. She has a powerpoint with pictures of her work and enjoys meeting with small groups.
If you would like to schedule Judy or have questions, contact Kay Woike at:
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Stewardship Committee
Stewardship Themes
Planning for the fall financial campaign should be starting soon. Choosing a theme is a good place to start. The best letters are usually ones written by the Stewardship team and speak about the work of the church. If you need some inspiration here are some links.
Please remember, do not use graphics without permission! Use google advanced image search and choose free to use and share.
This fall's stewardship webinars:
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
7:00 to 8:00 PM Eastern
Leader: Dana Ostomel
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
7:00 to 8:00 PM Eastern
Leader: Grace Duddy Pomroy
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
7:00 to 8:00 PM Eastern
Leader: Grace Duddy Pomroy
You can always call me or email me with Stewardship questions
631-486-4350
Charlaine
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Support the New York Conference
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Covenant Share
Covenant Share is the Special Offering approved by the New York Conference in 2013. This offering can be taken up any time during the year. Covenant Share is to be received in the manner as One Great Hour of Sharing and Neighbors in Need. The Covenant Share Offering makes possible ministries specific to the United Church of Christ in New York.
Click to Learn More and Support:
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Amazon Smile
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the
New York Conference of United Church of Christ
whenever you shop on AmazonSmile.
AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you know. Same products, same prices, same service.
Click to Sign Up:
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Donate Directly
Make your contribution to the New York Conference of the United Church of Christ today.
Join Us in Ministry:
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What's
Happening at Your Local Church?
Do you have an item of news that you would like to share throughout the New York Conference? Please email our Communications Coordinator at
[email protected] and send the details - preferably with links and pictures!
Please note that the New York Conference does not publish news related to fundraisers.
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