 |
|
Response to Charlottesville
|
|
A Message from Kent Siladi, CT Conference Minister
United Church of Christ and Council of Conference Ministers' Letter Condemns Racist Violence in Charlottesville, Demands Equality
Colleagues:
The events of this past weekend put a spotlight on the racism that is deeply embedded in our church and in our culture. We have work to do. We cannot simply point to others as "the problem." It is too simple and too convenient to make this an issue that only tackles the disgusting overt racism we witnessed in Charlottesville. The systemic roots of racism run deep in our society and in our churches. Our Racial Justice Ministry staff and Board are working to find ways for local churches and leaders to not only "talk the talk" but "walk the walk" that is necessary to eradicate racism.
The national officers of the United Church of Christ and the Council of Conference Ministers issued this pastoral letter today that includes resources to include in your times of worship. Let us continue to work for the beloved community that Jesus commands us to be.
|
|
A Report from Charlottesville by Kelly Gallagher,
Assoc. Conference Minister for Justice & Witness Ministry
I was at Charlottesville. Something tells me this will be a phrase that will be a part of the rest of my life.
The clergy call to Charlottesville came from a new organization - "Congregate" - that formed quickly in the face of the growing presence of the alt-right and white nationalists descending on Charlottesville over the last few months. Saturday's rally would have been the fourth, and largest, rally this year in Charlottesville of those who follow their god and gospel of hate, violence and fear. Indeed, some say it would have been the largest gathering of hate groups in decades.
Related: Read a sermon by Chip Hurd, member of MACUCC Racial Justice Task Team,
here.
|
|
Saturday: Stand for Love in Boston
by Kelly Gallagher
No one is sure what will happen in Boston on Saturday (August 19).
No one was sure what would happen in Charlottesville. What we do know is no matter what happens, there needs to be love in the streets.
There are many organizers and events making plans to stand for love and justice this coming Saturday in Boston. Things are changing by the hour so we are creating a web page that will hold information as we receive it. Information that can be broadcast widely will appear on our Facebook page, and other information about trainings and organizing meetings will be put up on our information page.
|
|
|
Resources for World Suicide Prevention Day
|
|
September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. On that weekend, September 8-10, the Action Alliance invites faith communities across the nation to pray for those whose lives have been touched by suicide. Learn more about the National Day of Prayer for Faith, Hope and Life here. Download a flyer here.
And watch the Action Alliance Day of Prayer video below!
|
|
|
Re-telling Stories of the Traumatized
|
|
In this October 5 workshop for clergy, Christina Belogour, co-leader of the Pastoral Counseling Center at Myrtle Baptist Church in West Newton, will briefly review a few basics of trauma and disaster work (e.g., the physiology of stress, trauma statistics, trauma types and disaster phases).
Trauma survivors were invited to share with the instructor those things they each would like to relay to "a room full of clergy" regarding ministry to other trauma survivors. Their stories will highlight which interventions seem helpful and less helpful in practice.
Learn more about this one-day workshop sponsored by the MACUCC Disaster Resource and Response Team here.
|
|
|
Faith Formation Classes for All*
*and those pursuing Christian Educator Certification
|
|
These classes are open to lay persons and authorized ministers who want to further their education and understanding about faith formation, and are part of the Christian Educator's Certification Program of the Massachusetts Conference.
|
|
|
UCC History, Polity, & Identity
Nov. 4
, 8:30 AM - Noon
Centre Congregational Church, Lynnfield
Dec. 9, 8:30 AM - Noon
Edwards Church, Northampton
Instructor: Rev. Jonathan New, Associate Conference Minister, MACUCC
|
|
 |
|
|
Old and New Testament
Mar. 3, 8:30 AM - Noon
Centre Congregational Church, Lynnfield,
Mar. 24,
8:30 AM - Noon
Edwards Church, Northampton
Instructor: Rev. Don Remick, Associate Conference Minister, MACUCC
|
|
|
|
|
Upcoming Conference events
|
|
Webinar: Aug. 21-Sept. 11
Join us for this three-week course as we explore ways to handle the challenges of the 21st century Sunday school such as declining enrollment, erratic attendance, competition with other activities, lack of volunteers, and budget cuts.
Note: All online CE courses are listed on the MACUCC event calendar by selecting "PRC Webinars" in the colored section.
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.
Faith at Home: How to Support Cautiously Christian Parents
Sept. 26, 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Online Webinar
This webinar will address how clergy and church leaders can support parents as they speak about faith at home with their children.
Resource for Pastoral Relations Committees
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.
Super Saturday
Oct. 21
Keefe Regional Technical School,
Framingham
Registration is now open. The full-day event includes morning worship, two workshops, an optional lunch activity, continental breakfast, lunch, marketplace and closing worship. Speaker is Noel Anderson of Church World Service.
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 Retreat Center
Nothing planned for the Veteran's Day break? Teens grade 6-12 are invited to join us for this 2-day retreat as we live into being the hands and feet of Christ.
Through service, spiritual practices and Sabbath-filled rest, we'll explore how we can take care of others while taking care of ourselves.
This two-day retreat is intended for youth grades 6 and up, and will commence Thursday evening and conclude Saturday at 5:30 p.m
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
The Rev. Mr. Jonathan Goodell called to The Dover Church as Pastor
Effective: Aug. 15, 2017
The Rev. Ms. Karen Gale called to Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lexington as Interim Pastor
Effective: Aug. 15, 2017
The Rev. Mr. Jonathan Goodell leaving Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lexington as Interim Pastor
Effective: Aug. 14, 2017
The Rev. Mr. Lawrence Gipson called to Old South Union Church, Weymouth as Associate Pastor
Effective: Aug. 7, 2017
Ms. Barbara Hesse
called to Second Congregational Church, Westfield as Pastor
|
|
|
Aug. 25 - 27
First Congregational Church of Milton
A two-day training event to equip pastors and lay leaders with skills that help them to reduce anxiety in their interpersonal relationships, thus allowing congregations to function in healthier ways.
Oct. 7
Agape Community, Hardwick, MA
St. Francis Day will be celebrated at the Agape Community, 2062 Greenwich Road, with a sacred water ceremony. Guests include: Chief Arvol Looking Horse, Standing Rock, Lakota, Dakota, Nakota Nations; Beatrice Menase; and Kwe Jackson. Bring your own lunch. Click here for flyer.
Sustainable House Of Worship (SHOW) Workshop
Oct. 15, 1:30 to 5:30 PM
First Church of Christ in Longmeadow
Clergy, lay leaders, building & creation care committee members invited to attend sponsored by Mass. Interfaith Power & Light.
|
|
|
|
Oct. 21, 5:30-10:30 PM
Beechwood Hotel, Worcester
The Gala will feature a full buffet dinner, cash bar, silent auction, raffle, and dancing to the music of Dale LePage, Central Massachusetts' favorite crooner! Jazz saxophonist Willie Sordillo will provide music for cocktail hour. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet some of the asylum seekers and hear their stories of courage.
To support this unique ministry of Hadwen Park Congregational Church, UCC in Worcester, visit this page.
A member of Trinity Church of Northborough is creating woven, waterproof plastic mats from plastic bags, to help homeless members of Worcester Fellowship stay warm and dry. Sabina Terrades welcomes bag donations and helping hands!
This weekend only: free stuff!
The Union Congregational Church, UCC, 80 Main St. in Maynard, is having its own garage, yard, building contents give-a-way! They have a Baptismal Font, book display rack, books for children and adults, Bible reference books, Bibles, hymnals, children's chairs, nursery items, etc. Come on down and see if there is anything in the building that you would like. August 19-20, 11-2. Or contact Ruth (978-897-2522). Entrance is on the left rear of the church.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
