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Dismantling Racism: Begin With These Resources
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Racial Justice Associate
Check out the revamped
MACUCC Racial Justice Website!
Most importantly, we have a
Racial Justice Rubric
that helps congregations discern what stage of racial justice engagement the church is in. Please use this resource to get the ball rolling. Then:
- Click on "Schedule a Meeting with TJ" to do so; this will be updated on a monthly basis.
- Click on "White Privilege" for recommended tracks and resources about the UCC White Privilege Curriculum.
- Click the red button for information on racial Justice trainings and/or sacred conversations.
- Additional changes include a weekly devotional on race, a weekly quote, and monthly video/article discussions.
As Lao Tzu said, "A 1,000 mile journey begins with one step." We have embarked on a spiritual journey toward unmasking, dismantling, and eradicating racism. Take the first step with these new resources.
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Fair Labor Standards Act changes may impact churches
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The Office of General Counsel of the United Church of Christ has issued a memorandum explaining recent changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The FLSA is the primary federal law governing employee rights. These changes may require some local churches to change their practices with regard to overtime pay for lay employees.
Church leaders are encouraged to read the memorandum, and also to note some Massachusetts-specific information posted here.
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Upcoming Conference events
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Oct. 22, Dec. 10, March 11, April 8; 10 AM
Edwards House Retreat Center, Framingham
An opportunity to network and share experiences with your MACUCC colleagues.
Last minute registrants welcome!
Oct. 27, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
In times when words are often used to build walls separating us one from another, you are invited to reflect on the meaning of hospitality while experiencing a spiritual practice of writing that can open the door of your heart. Writers and non-writers alike have appreciated this practice developed in a congregation by author Karen Hering who will lead this guided session.
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Nov. 5, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
Conference facilitators will present this training, which seeks to create a common language around racism, to unmask racism in our lives and in society, and to encourage long-term engagement in racial justice ministry.
Join us for a cup of coffee and conversa
tion
(9 AM - noon) that will help define your role as church treasurer (or assistant treasurer) and answer all those questions you might have.
February 18-28, 2017
Spend 10 days with youth from across the Massachusetts Conference UCC in the beautiful Andes Mountains worshipping and working with teens from the Pentecostal Church of Chile.
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Christian Education courses open to all
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The Christian Education Certification program begins in November, and each workshop offered as part of that program is open to anyone interested. Each workshop is being held twice - once in Lynnfield, once in Northampton.
The first topic to be covered is
Worship &
Sacraments, led by Merrill Noble, Director of Children's and Faith Formation Ministries at Acton Congregational Church. That workshop will be held Nov. 5 in Lynnfield and Dec. 3 in Northampton.
Learn more and register
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The Rev. Bascom was ordained in May 1954 and served churches throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts with his longest tenure at Faith United Church, Springfield. After "retiring" in 1993, he and his wife, Beth, returned to Springfield, and Eric continued to serve as interim pastor in several churches in Western Massachusetts as well as filling pulpits around the greater Springfield area. He enthusiastically led vespers at Reeds Landing and preached his final sermon in August at First Church in East Longmeadow.
The Committal of the Rev. Dr. Bascom's body will be held at the Springfield Cemetery on Saturday, October 22, at 10 AM. The Service of Thanksgiving for his life will then be held at Faith United Church, 52 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, at 1:00 PM.
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Resettle Together Belmont and Plymouth Congregational Church delivered 196 bags of warm winter clothes to the First United Baptist Church in Lowell on Oct. 14. Over 200 recently resettled refugees attended the event and filled bags with head-to-toe warm clothing.
Read the Wicked Local article
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To celebrate the 350th anniversary of First Church in Marlborough United Church of Christ, the Rev. Kazimierz Bem - or Pastor Kaz, as he likes to be called - led a service and reception Oct. 2.
Bem has a special place in the church's history that extends beyond serving as its 31st settled pastor. He is also the church's first openly gay minister.
Read the Boston Globe article
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Oct. 30, 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
First Churches of Northampton
The main speakers for this event are two working pastors, the Rev. Charles Taylor of the United Church of Ware and the Rev. Mike Clark, Recovery-Outreach Minister, Belmont-Watertown United Methodist Church. They will talk about the creative and very different steps they and their congregations are taking to help and heal members and neighbors who are affected by addiction. All in attendance will be invited to speak, connect with each other, share idea and lift up what they are doing
in their own faith communities.
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Nov. 5, 8:30 AM
Cushing Center, Norwell
Nov. 13, 2:15 PM
Heifer Farm, Rutland
Nov. 18 - 19
St. John's Soup Kitchen,
Worcester
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