the weekly emailing
Contacting Nearby New Folks in Time For Christmas
By Don Remick
Associate Conference Minister

Christmas is a season when many folks remember and think about moments of faith.  And for those who are new to your community, they may be looking for a church whose activities and worship services will reconnect them to those memories and can help to ground the season in spirituality. 

Mission Insite is one of the rich resources available to you because of your giving to our Conference.  And Mission Insite has a way for you to economically acquire a list of folks who are new to your community. 

Top 10 Church Emergency Preparedness Procedures
Estelle Margarones

As we approach the end of the calendar year, we'll find ourselves with lots of "Top 10" lists. Ours doesn't look back, it looks forward!  Your Disaster Resource Team encourages you to consider the Top 10 Church Emergency Preparedness Procedures  that you can employ now to ensure you're prepared in the event of an emergency or disaster.

Read More 
Interested in Becoming a Sanctuary Church?
Is your church interested in becoming a Sanctuary Church? Learn more about the tools that are available and learn how to sign up on the new Sanctuary Church page on the Conference website. Has your church already  voted to be a Sanctuary Church?  Visit this page to let the Conference staff know.
Blog: Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around
TJ Harper
By TJ Harper
Racial Justice Associate

In racial justice work, we must constantly remind ourselves of the Cloud of Witnesses that are working with us. And we must remind ourselves that in the midst of hopelessness, hope resides. Fall forward.

Blog: Standing Rock: Good Tidings of Great Joy
By The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas
Missioner for Creation Care
I am not a brave person. In fact, I am quite familiar with anxiety. I know what it's like to wake up wide-eyed in the middle of the night, imagining the future with dread. Deciding to go to Standing Rock was not easy.

 
Read her post and see pictures
Blog: Seeing is Believing
Patricia Berry
By Patricia Berry
Waiting on the platform at South Station for my train to be announced, I had the most amazing encounter with another commuter.  I bumped into a young Islamic woman student who was also finishing up the semester. We shared a booth once on the commuter rail in September ... Me, a Christian woman studying the Hebrew Bible; Her an Islamic woman studying world religion.
Last Day to Credit 2016 Gifts Approaches
Attention: Local Church Treasurers
All gifts and dues for this year must be received no later than January 17, 2017 to be  credited to 2016. This includes United Church Mission, Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support, Fellowship Dues and special offerings and directed gifts.

Learn More
Super Saturday Workshop Proposals Due by Dec. 31
Workshop Proposals  for the next Super Saturday, to be held Mar. 18 in Wilbraham, MA, are due be Dec. 31st. I f you have a concept or practice that has been transformative in your church, you are invited to share it by leading a workshop.
Featured Event 
Jan. 9 - 10
Nantasket Beach Resort, Hull
A gathering of clergy and members-in-discernment of the Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island Conferences of the United Church of Christ. Workshop Leader: The Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie, Director of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence. Clear, focused preaching has never been more essential; come to be inspired again and network with colleagues! 
Upcoming Conference events

Jan. 14,  9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Adam Hearlson
Adam Hearlson, Assistant Professor of  Preaching and Worship at Andover Newton Theological School, will discuss how the rich and sometimes ignored worship traditions of the past might be unearthed and renewed for our current worshiping communities.

Jan. 18 & 19, 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Harvard Divinity School
Enrollment is limited to 18 people per session and is on a first come first serve basis.
The cost is $75 for active clergy; $50 for retired and candidates for authorized ministry.

Jan. 18, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
A workshop for clergy, spouses, treasurers and trustees with Forrest "Al" Eaton, principal of Faith Financial, LLC and a leader of this workshop for many years.

Feb. 10 - 11,  Prindle Pond, Charlton
Mar. 10 - 11, Prindle Pond, Charlton
Mar. 17 - 18, Berkshire Outdoor Center, Becket
These retreats are offered for confirmation classes and their leaders.

Feb. 25, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Centre Congregational Church, Lynnfield
and
Mar. 25, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Edwards Church,  Northampton
An opportunity to focus on four foundational theories of religious education while creating one's own personal theory for use in the church setting, and acquiring the tools for adapting, revising, and using these theories in local church programming, community life, and for forming the faith. Part of the CE Certification Program, this workshop is open to all.

Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry Step Two: The Work of the Congregation
April 3 - 7
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham
For those who have taken step one of the Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry Training.  

See more at: macucc.org/events
A Christmas Commitment to Peace
In his Christmas message, United Church of Christ General Minister and President the Rev. John C. Dorhauer asks all of us to give a gift to the world.

Read his message on ucc.org

Transitions
The Rev. Ms. Michele Bagby Allan called to First Congregational Church, UCC, Norwood as Settled Pastor
Effective: Dec. 1, 2016

The Rev. Mr. Thomas Zoelzer l eaving First Congregational Church, UCC, Norwood as Interim Pastor
Effective: Nov. 30, 2016

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