The Now
Young Adult delegates to General Synod 2017 were asked to create a group statement that reflected their Synod experience which could be shared with the Conference.
As part of this exercise, they were asked to select a name for themselves. Their tag: “The Now.”
Here is what they wrote:
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We are Young Adult Synod Delegates.
We come from: a place of hope; a place of love.
We come from unique backgrounds.
We come from dust and brokenness. We come from fear and hope.
We are hungry. We are leaders, nobody else.
Survivors, thrivers, teachers and learners.
We are human.
We are The NOW.
Read the rest of their piece
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Young Adult Delegates to General Synod 2017 with their "shepherds."
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Let's Engage in Conversation Together
An Open Letter to the First Congregational Church of Woodstock by Young Adult General Synod Delegate Brittany LaFleur:
I have been involved in our church for most of my life. I starting coming to our church when I was 5 and have grown up knowing and appreciating the church family that I have. While attending our church regularly, I taught Sunday School for several rotations, and I have also been a young adult delegate for the Windham Association of the Connecticut Conference. I am glad to say how welcomed I feel in my congregation, but I don’t always feel as welcomed in the wider church.
Read the full letter
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An Open Letter written to Mt. Carmel Congregational Church in Hamden by Young Adult General Synod Delegate Carly Chervenak
Times, hearts, and minds are changing-it's clear to see. We must catch up with God. This world can be cruel and harmful-leaving people with no hope. We, as a congregation, must give ALL the greatest hope of all- God. When I say ALL, I mean ALL. It is my hope that we may become open and affirming to all who enter our doors seeking hope and faith. After all, God's doors are open to EVERYONE.
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Nominations Open for Inaugural Silver Lake Award
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SHARON – The Silver Lake Conference Center Board of Directors is excited to announce that nominations for the inaugural Silver Lake Award are open!
This new award will recognize a “Silver Laker” who lives their life and faith in a way that reflects the formative experiences they have had at
Silver Lake Conference Center
. This person truly takes Silver Lake home with them beyond Low Road.
In addition to being shaped by Silver Lake, the Silver Lake Award recipient has given back time, treasure, and talent to Silver Lake, and has made a significant and sustainable contribution to the ministry of Silver Lake.
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Touchstones With History:
Connecticut Conference Celebrates 150 Years
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This year marks the 150 anniversary of the formation of the Connecticut Conference in 1867. What was going on for the two hundred years before that?
The Missionary Society of Connecticut had been formed in 1798 to send missionaries to the west- the new areas of the United States. Then in 1816 the Domestic Missionary Society was formed to “build up the waste places of Connecticut” (the famous phrase by Lyman Beecher). Both of these were voluntary associations formed by the actions of our General Association (of ministers).
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Clergy Transitions: July 2017
The following ministerial changes were reported to the Connecticut Conference in July 2017:
Rev. Fredd Ward was Called to serve as Pastor for East Hartford, South
Rev. Adrienne Armes was Called as the Acting Associate Pastor at Windsor, First
Rev. Nina Schmid was Called to serve as settled Pastor for South Windsor, First
Rev. Paul Goodman was Called as settled Pastor at Plantsville Congregational
Rev. Nicolette Siragusa was Installed as Pastor at Bolton Congregational
Rev. Carl Howard was Ordained at West Haven, First
Rev. Robert Ganung ended his term as Supply Pastor at Watertown, First
Ms. Lisa Eleck began her term as Bridge Pastor at West Suffield Cong’l
Rev. Donna Manocchio began her term as Bridge Pastor at Avon Cong’l
Rev. E. Carl Howard began his term as Associate Pastor at Dunbar United
Rev. Donna Cassity ended her term as Interim Pastor at Avon Congregational
Rev. Donna Cassity began her term as Interim Pastor at Oxford United
Rev. Matthew Laney ended his term as Senior Pastor at Asylum Hill
Rev. Dr. Damaris Whittaker ended her term as Pastor at Hartford, First
Rev. Fredd Ward began his term as Pastor for East Hartford, South
Rev. Nina Schmid began her term as settled Pastor for South Windsor, First
Rev. Holly Adams ended her term as Pastor at Norwalk, United
Rev. Richard Sears retired from ministry
Rev. Melinda Keck retired from her position as Pastor at Kent, First
Rev William Hawley retired from his position as Pastor at Plymouth, First
Rev. Dr. Donald Steinle, former director of Christian Activities Council, died 6/13/2017
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Spirit Calendar: House Divided
Sioux Wilusz
writes: "We must continually work at being an organization that cherishes our differences without losing sight of the fundamental beliefs that unite us."
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Spirited Wednesday:
Majesty of God's Rain/Reign!!
The Rev. Nina Barlow Schmid writes: "God’s purpose is accomplished as an 'everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.'"
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Upcoming Conference Events
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August 26, 11 AM to 5 PM
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
A cookout lunch will be provided, as well as time to participate in traditional Silver Lake activities, explore on your own, take a group decade photo, and join in worship.
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Aug. 29, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Details to be announced.
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Oct. 22, 2:00 PM
The Bushnell Center of the Performing Arts,
Hartford, CT
Salisbury Sinfonietta & the Conference
invite
Connecticut & Regional Church Choirs
to participate in a event for Remembering the Reformation Quincentennial, and Celebrating Unity Today.
A pre-concert talk titled:
Luther talks with Pope Leo X
will also be part of the day.
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July 13, Hidden Figures
July 27
42: The Jackie Robinson Story
6 - 9 PM, First Congregational Church of Woodstock
A FREE summer movie series open to the local community focused
on recent award winning films that explore race relations in society, followed by a facilitated discussion.
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Sept. 8 - 9
Sheraton Framingham Hotel & Conference Center,
Framingham, MA
One of four regional events to which Committees on Ministry, authorized ministers, and members of the UCC who are interested in the proposed changes to the UCC Manual on Ministry are invited to take part.
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