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Survey Indicates Support for Tri-Conference Collaboration, Possible Merger
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Over the last past 9 months, 555 people responding to a survey have indicated their support for the concept of a greater partnership or possible merger of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences.
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Post Election Vigil Spurs Increased Worship Attendance
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By Rev. Todd Weir
First Churches of Northampton
When we first planned a post-election vigil, our concern was about violence and acts of bigotry in the aftermath, and we wanted to pray for safety and hope. Northampton is a very liberal town and in general is welcoming to the LGBT community. In fact, the
First Churches of Northampton
and Edwards UCC are
Open and Affirming
, which means we welcome persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions into our full life and ministry. So it is no surprise that the local interfaith group thought there was need for a candlelight vigil immediately following the election in order to address potential concern and fear among the townsfolk.
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Giving Tuesday: Deadline for Giving Extended
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The Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island Conferences of the United Church of Christ participated in the #GivingTuesday generosity movement on November 29 and raised more than $3800. Donations will continue to be accepted through December 2. Gifts to the #GivingTuesday campaign will be used to support the Racial Justice Ministries of the three Conferences.
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Transforming the Attitude of Gratitude into an Action of Welcome for Refugees
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These days after Thanksgiving, let's move from giving thanks to offering acts of thanks giving. If, last Thursday, you sat around a table and gave thanks for your family and friends and joined in our annual tradition of sharing in a meal together, today let's extend that thankful attitude into the world through our actions. If you sat at that table and offered a prayer for those without - without food, without shelter, without home - then today, let's take action to offer food, shelter, and home to those who need it.
Right here in Massachusetts. Right now, there are refugees being resettled. They have left their home due to the ravages of war, persecution, and lack of resources.
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UCC Pension Boards Announce 2017 Rates
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The Pension Boards of the United Church of Christ has announced that 2017 rates will increase an average of 9% for health insurance, and 4% for dental insurance rates.
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Upcoming Conference events
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If you would like to share concepts and practices you've developed that are changing your congregation or community's mission and ministry, we invite you to consider submitting a workshop proposal. As a workshop leader, your registration will be free. I
f your proposal is accepted, you will offer a workshop designed to share your insights and create a space for learning and exploration.
Worship and Sacraments: A workshop for Christian Educators
Dec. 3, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Edwards Church, Northampton
This workshop, facilitated by Susan Crimer, is part of the Christian Educator Certification Program, but is open to anyone who would like to attend.
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.
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Lenten Workshop
Jan. 14, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
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.
April 3-7
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham
Work of the Congregation Training - Step 2
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Epiphany Retreat for Clergy, MIDs
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Jan. 9-10, 2017 ~
Nantasket Beach Resort
A gathering of clergy and members-in-discernment of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences of the United Church of Christ. Workshop will be led by the Rev. Dr. Alyce McKenzie, Director of the Perkins Center for Preaching Excellence, who will teach from her upcoming book,
Making a Scene in the Pulpit: Vivid Preaching for Visual Learners.
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The Rev. Mr. Craig B. Adams passed away on November 13, 2016 in Norway, Maine at the age of 75. Services will be held Friday, Dec. 2, 10 AM, at Wellesley Hills Congregational Church.
The Rev. Dr. Robert B. L. Singer Jr. died peacefully at home on November 25, 2016 at the age of 85. He was surrounded by his family.
A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Monday, December 5, at the First Congregational Church of Falmouth, 68 Main Street, Falmouth MA.
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Dec. 1
Congregational Church of Needham
A lecture, film screening, interfaith candlelight service and the AIDS quilt panels display are all part of the Needham interfaith observance of World AIDS Day. Other churches are invited to co-sponsor these events.
Alternative Gifts Fair
December 3 ~ 12:30-4 PM
Edwards Church UCC
The Alternative Gifts Fair is a unique holiday shopping experience for the community. All are invited to purchase gifts from one of the fair-trade shops or make gift donations in honor of your loved-ones to one of several great local and international non-profit organizations.
Dec. 6, 12:00 - 1:30 PM
The Congregational Library
A concert by
Renaissonics, accompanied by The Gropina Trio.
Renaissonics' newest program, Such Stuff As Dreams, is an enchanting voyage though the Renaissance imagination where the fantasies and genius of the age of Leonardo, Galileo and Shakespeare come alive through their music.
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