Three Conference Staff members will be on sabbatical during parts of 2017. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Clough, Eastern Regional Minister, will be away January through March, Conference Minister the Rev. Kent Siladi will be away beginning in mid-February and returning after Easter, and Charlie Kuchenbrod, Executive Associate Conference Minister, will be taking a sabbatical in the summer of 2017.

Read about their plans and about coverage while they are away.

In response to the Presidential campaign rhetoric that so often targeted minorities and women, the Women's March on Washington is planned for January 21, the day after the 2017 Presidential Inauguration. A Connecticut Chapter of the Women's March has been organized to help those who are interested in joining.

New CTUCC Advocate Corps Member Anne Hughes reflects on her experience at the first meeting of the Coalition Against Casino Expansion in CT, held yesterday at the Conference office.

She writes: "While many (like myself) were unaware of the pending legislation to open up casino gambling to commercial venues and off-reservation towns in the state, by the time we left two hours later, we had collectively determined to sound the alarm bells to our communities, our circles of faith, and especially to our legislators, about the devastation and danger of problem gambling to our surrounding communities and the short-lived economic gains of part-time employment that casinos offer."

The Silver Lake Conference Center announced the release of the 2017 Summer Conferences Brochure on Dec. 15, allowing potential campers to check out what will be available. Online registration for all conferences will open January 15.

This month is the 125th anniversary of the death of Daniel Hand, a major benefactor of the American Missionary Association.  He believed the South's greatest need was the elevation of its Black population, primarily through education.

Conference Minister's Christmas Greeting

The Rev. Kent Siladi writes: "Our nation stands divided and questions about our future loom large for many people. In our society people are marginalized, being isolated from food, shelter, power and perhaps most importantly a sense of hope ... Surely we need the light this Advent/Christmas season." 

Registration is now open for the United Church of Christ General Synod, which every two years brings together thousands of faithful members for formal church witness, inspirational worship, and fellowship with friends (new and old). 

Synod is taking place June 30 through July 4 in Baltimore, Maryland. 

There is a discount for registering prior to Jan. 5th. There is also a special rate for seminarians.

Find out more about Synod

The Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences are collaborating to sponsor a trip to Youth@Synod for young leaders ages 13 to 18 who want to experience the vibrant diversity of the wider church.