 |
Work Begins on Crafting New Conference Proposal
|
|
By Tiffany Vail
Associate Conference Minister for Communications
Just after the Annual Meetings of the Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut Conferences voted decisively on June 17 to move forward toward uniting into one Conference, Connecticut Conference Board Member Jocelyn Gardner-Spencer looked at Connecticut Conference Minister Kent Siladi and said "we have a lot of work to do."
That work began in earnest on Thursday, when 14 members of the three Boards of Directors and the Conference Ministers met in the approximate center of the three Conferences - Woodstock, CT - to begin mapping out what comes next.
|
|
|
I Could No Longer Remain Silent, and Was Arrested
|
|
By The Rev. Bart Cochran
Pastor of Southwick Congregational Church
On Tuesday, July 18, I was arrested in Washington, DC and charged with section 22-1307 of the DC criminal code: "crowding, obstructing, or incommoding." How did this happen to a small town UCC minister from Western Massachusetts?
Like many of us, I have become increasingly concerned about the issue of health care, particularly as it affects the poor and disabled in our country.
|
|
|
A Week Off From Worship Preparation!
|
|
By The Estelle Margarones
Pastor of First Trinitarian Congregational Church in Scituate
Co-Chair of the MACUCC Disaster ResourceTeam
September is Disaster Preparedness Month and your MACUCC Disaster Resource & Response Team encourages you to dedicate a Sunday in September to disaster preparedness. In order to help you plan a special service, we are making liturgical resources available to you to use as you wish. The order of worship includes a call to worship, prayers, selected scripture passages, hymn suggestions, a children's message, a call to giving, and information for bulletins.
|
|
|
37 Southern New England Youth Experience Synod
|
|
Youth from all over southern New England boarded a bus for Baltimore in the early hours of June 30. They had gathered at First Church in Windsor the night before to get acquainted and do some prep work for Youth @ Synod. This group was part of a collaborative effort of the RI, CT, and MA Conferences.
There were 37 in the group from Southern New England, representing 25% of the registrants for Youth @Synod. Though participants do not serve as voting delegates, these young leaders connect with the wider church and learn about social justice issues.
|
|
|
Super Saturday Registration Now Open
|
|
The next Super Saturday is October 21, 2017 at Keefe Regional Technical School in Framingham. 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.
|
|
|
Upcoming Conference events
|
|
Aug. 10, 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Online Webinar
Do you need a crash course in how to kick off your Christian Education programs? Join us as we discuss an effective schedule for communications, programming, staffing, facility maintenance, and administrative duties.
Aug. 22, 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Online Webinar
Led by Rev. Dr. Rich Melheim, founder and initiating force behind Faith Inkubators, FAITH5, and The Cross+Gen Movement. He is the author of two dozen books
Make It Plain: Authorizing Ministry for the 21st Century
Sept. 8 - 9
Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, Framingham, MA
One of four events being held across the UCC 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.
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.
|
|
 |
Sept. 27, 6:30 to 8:00 PM
First Congregational Church of West Brookfield
Training for pastoral relations committee, best practices, and ways to be proactive in establishing a group? Led by Associate Conference Minister The Rev. Kelly Gallagher.
Sept. 27-29; Nov. 8-10, Jan. 3-5
Trinity United Methodist Church, Springfield
Tending the Fire helps clergy "think systems" in their congregations and their personal lives, so they can lead change that lasts. Participants must attend all three retreats.
Boundary Awareness Training
Oct. 4 - 5
Pakachoag Church, Auburn
Level 1 Boundary Awareness Training (BAT) for anyone that needs to complete this requirement.
Oct. 14, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center,
Framingham
An opportunity to network and share experiences with your MACUCC colleagues.
Oct. 31, 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM
Edwards House, Framingham
Planned in collaboration with Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services®, this seminar is designed to provide tools and resources to lay and clergy to make handling their finances and planning for the future easier.
Nov. 9 - 11
Craigville Camp & Conference Center
Two day retreat intended for youth grades six and up. This is not a confirmation retreat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
.jpg)
