the weekly emailing
#GivingTuesday Gifts Exceed $4K
The Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Conferences of the United Church of Christ participated in the national #GivingTuesday generosity movement on November 29 and raised more than $4500. These gifts will be used to support the Racial Justice Ministries of the three conferences.

Consider Alternative Gifts for Standing Rock
Kelly Gallagher
By Kelly Gallagher
Associate Conference Minister

Some of the water protectors are planning to stay throughout the winter to safeguard the area. Many people are suffering.  As the winter comes on in North Dakota, we invite you to consider a gift to these Water Protectors who stand for all of us in this crucial time.


Super Saturday Worskhop 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.
Resolution Deadline for 2017 Annual Meeting is Feb. 16
The deadline for submitting resolutions to the 2017 Annual Meeting is Feb. 16, 2017. Resolutions may be related to procedure, courtesy, structure and organization, or issues of conviction. The Annual Meeting is being held June 16 - 17, 2017, at the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT.

Learn More
UPDATED: UCC Pension Boards Announce 2017 Rates
The Pension Boards of the United Church of Christ has announced that 2017 rates will increase an average of 9% for health insurance, and that dental insurance rates will remain unchanged. (A previous announcement that dental rates would increase by 4% was erroneous.) 
Go to the 2017 Pension Boards rates
Upcoming Conference events

Dec. 10, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham
An opportunity to network and share experiences with MACUCC colleagues. There is no fee but advance registration is required.

Lenten Workshop
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 minisry.

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
Obituaries
The Rev. Mr. James Avery Smith

The Rev. Mr. James Avery Smith 
The Rev. Mr. James Avery Smith died on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the age of 80 in Northampton, MA.  He served churches in Amherst and Pelham, MA, and as an interim minister at other churches. A memorial service will be held Dec. 28, at 11 a.m.at South Congregational Church, Amherst, MA, with a reception to follow.
   
Local Buzz
South Deerfield church celebrates memories before closing 

It was a day filled with laughter and tears for the crowd of about 50 gathered at South Deerfield Congregational Church on Sunday afternoon.

The tears were the good kind, the type that results from remembering the many years spent worshiping in the church together. The church will stop services after Jan. 8, and Sunday's event served as part of the healing and celebration process for those who have attended the church for much of their lives.
Read The Recorder article here
Transitions
Classifieds
Other Events of Interest
Dec. 10
United Congregational Church, Holyoke
Guest speaker will be Jennifer Weston (Lakota, Standing Rock Sioux). Doors open at 5 PM; dinner is at 6 PM followed by the teach-in from 6:30 to 8:00 PM. Entry is by donation.

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