If you do not normally receive this newsletter, you are getting this issue because you attended Annual Meeting. Please scroll down for a delegate report and other Annual Meeting resources.  If you would like to continue to receiving this weekly newsletter, please visit macucc.org/subscribe.
the weekly emailing

Debbie Gline Allen, a Commissioned Minister of Christian Formation with a wealth of experience in the UCC, will begin serving as the Conference's Consultant for Christian Education and Youth Ministry on July 10.

"Debbie has resourced churches throughout New England as well as nationally and is a valuable member of the CE Certification Task team for the MACUCC," said Associate Conference Minister Ellie Richardson. "Debbie brings a wealth of wisdom, creativity and experience to her new role. Please join us in welcoming Debbie and do not hesitate to contact her when you have questions regarding Christian Education, Faith Formation and Youth Ministry."


CT, MA Conferences to Share Associate for Racial Justice Ministry
Toyan (TJ) Harper - the current Associate for Racial Justice Ministries for the Massachusetts Conference - will be expanding his role to serve in the same capacity for the Connecticut Conference beginning this August.

"We are so excited to welcome TJ to our CTUCC staff," said Connecticut Conference Minister the Rev. Kent J. Siladi. "This collaboration will help our Conference continue its commitment to racial justice ministry.  We are building on the work started by The Rev. Day McCallister and the Racial Justice Ministry Team.  TJ has had a tremendous impact already in the Massachusetts Conference, and we are overjoyed to partner with them in Racial Justice Ministries."

Harper has been working full-time for the Massachusetts Conference since last fall; he will now split his time between the two Conferences.

Annual Meeting Videos, Delegate Report, Online
Video of the Keynote Address
More items have been added to the Conference website regarding the 
first-ever joint Annual Meeting of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences that took place June 16 & 17.

New items include:
Visit the wrap-up page to find everything available.
2017 Annual Report Now Available
The Massachusetts Conference 2017 Annual Report is now available. Printed copies were given to all Annual Meeting attendees, and multiple printed copies will be sent to church leaders later this summer. They can also be requested or downloaded.

BLOG: VBS Follow-up is Vital!
By  Debbie Kolacki 

In many churches, summertime means taking a break from the usual Christian Education programming and focusing on special events such as Vacation Bible School (VBS). By now, VBS planning is well underway as staff and children look forward to having fun doing crafts, singing, playing games and, of course, learning about God's love for all of us. 

Whether VBS lasts for a week or is offered in a different timeframe, by the time it's over you might just want to collapse as VBS earworms play on and on in your head. But don't forget to follow up after your program so you can connect with new families and get feedback while it's still fresh in everyone's mind.
Registration for Confirmation Retreats Now Open
Each year, the Massachusetts Conference offers a series of Confirmation Retreats for the youth classes of churches in the Massachusetts Conference as well as other NE states.  These retreats fill quickly, so be sure to register your church's group early.

The retreats will be held:
Nov. 17 - 18,  Prindle Pond Conference Center, Charlton
Jan. 26 - 27,  Craigville Retreat Center
March 2 - 3,   Prindle Pond Conference Center
March 16 - 17, Prindle Pond Conference Center
March 23 - 24, Craigville Retreat Center
Upcoming Conference events
Sept. 21, at 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
All clergy who have joined the conference within the last year, or were unable to attend last year, are invited to attend and meet fellow clergy.
Nov. 9 - 11
Craigville Camp & Conference Center
Two day retreat intended for youth grades six and up. This is not a confirmation retreat.


See more at: macucc.org/events
Transitions
Classifieds
Other Events of Interest
July 5, 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Charlemont Federated Church
Charlemont Forum, as an outreach of the Charlemont Federated Church will offer a community reading of "What to the slave is the 4th of July?" by Frederick Douglass from his July 5th, 1852 speech.

June 30 - July 4
The First Church, Nashua, NH
 
UCC Musicians Association Summer 2017 Conference
July 9 - 12 
Simmons College, Boston
July 10 - 14
Craigville Retreat Center, Craigville, MA
 
Healthy Congregations
Aug. 25 - 27
First Congregational Church of Milton

The Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ
508-875-5233
macucc@macucc.org