Legislative Advocate Issues Urgent Appeal for Calls to Legislators
Connecticut Conference Legislative Advocate Michele Mudrick is asking faith leaders in the Conference to call on their state representatives and senators, who are may be voting at any time on a state budget.

She asks that callers urge them to vote for a budget that protects HUSKY A parents ( with no eligibility reductions or cost-sharing) and SAGA ( State Administered General Assistance). This also means the budget needs to include increased REVENUE in order to protect these crucial Medicaid, basic need and other safety net services.

Hurricane Relief - Update from UCC
From ucc.org

Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida on Sunday, Sept. 10 with record-force winds and storm surges on the coasts. The storm continues to travel north. Millions of people in Florida evacuated or moved to approved shelters before the storm hit.

Hurricane Irma hit the islands in the Caribbean early on Sept. 6 and has caused widespread destruction and loss throughout the region. As Global Ministries partner churches or on-going partners through Church World Service are affected or responding, UCC Disaster Ministries is there – now and for the long term. 

Reflections
Spirit Calendar:   A Whole Bunch of Forgiveness

The Rev. Kent Siladi writes: "When someone causes us pain it is an instinct for most of us to want to hurt them back. Jesus wants us to practice '77' living."

Spirited Wednesday:  Forgive

The Rev. Rachel Beam writes:  "Forgiveness is painful and difficult work."

Registration Open for Tending the Fire Retreats 
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:

Nov. 1-3, 2017 , Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
Jan. 9-11 , Edwards House, Framingham, MA
Feb. 27-Mar. 1 , Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT

Confirmation Retreats Registration Open
Discipleship Matters

The Connecticut Conference sponsors four Confirmation Retreats annually, hosted at the beautiful Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT.

Join us for a great experience with activities, worship and fellowship appropriate for youth in grades 7 - 9 during their Confirmation year! These weekends are facilitated by trained teams of pastors and educators from throughout our state who work with youth in their own settings.

November 17-19, 2017
January 26-28, 2018
February 23-25, 2018
March 9-11, 2018 
Upcoming Conference Events
Registration Deadline Tomorrow!
Sept. 25 to 26
Heritage Hotel & Conference Center, Southbury, CT
Annual Clergy gathering with the theme: What the heck IS the future of the Church?  with   Rev. Dr. Sarah Drummond, Dean of Faculty at Andover Newton Theological School.
Sept. 29 to 30
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT
Connecticut Women of the UCC annual fall retreat open to women of all conferences.  
October 13 & 14, 2017 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Spring Glen, UCC, Hamden, CT
Join us for prayer, praise, testimony, and music that will lift your spirits. Friday preacher: Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith, founder and executive director of Crazy Faith Ministries . Saturday preacher: TJ Harper, Associate for Racial Justice Ministries, CT and MA Conferences.
Oct. 21, 8:00 AM to 3:45 PM  
Keefe Regional Technical School, Framingham, MA
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.
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.
October 25, 2017 at 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
First Church of Christ, Simsbury, CT
Come spend the day with author Paul Nixon to explore "Changing Ministry in a Hyper-Gutenberg World." Featuring: breakout sessions looking at various models of the church that are thriving; a panel of UCC leaders who are doing innovative ministry here in Southern New England; a panel of "Nones" and "Dones" finding meaning in the secular realm beyond the church.
October 27 & 28, 2017
First Church of Christ, Farmington, CT
First Church and the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center have partnered to offer this event with internationally known speakers from both faiths keynoting and workshops on specific topics providing opportunity for conversation and learning among Christians and Muslims.
Oct 27 - 29
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Catch up with old friends, make new friends, and work hard to prepare YOUR conference center for the winter. From chopping wood to repairing buildings, moving picnic tables to raking leaves, there’s a project for everyone, high schoolers through adult. 
Nov. 3 - 5
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT
A retreat for youth Thinking About Working for God. What are your gifts? How can you let your light shine in the world? Where is God calling you to serve?   Gather for a time of dreaming and discernment!
Nov. 7, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Church of Christ, Congregational in Newington
Save the date - details coming soon.
Nov. 18, 6:00 to 10:00 PM
Wallingford Country Club
Please join us for an evening of dancing, dining, fellowship, and fundraising for Silver Lake!  You can dress fancy, or campy, or a little of both! Includes a buffet-style dinner, live music and a silent auction.
Find a complete list of Conference events at: www.ctucc.org/events
Classifieds
Other Events of Interest
Oct. 31, 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham, MA
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.
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