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As we look forward to the new year, join us in taking a look back at some highlights from 2016:
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Farewell Service for Eric Anderson
Feb. 24, 2016
Colleagues, friends, and family of the Rev. Eric Anderson gathered at First Church of Christ UCC in Glastonbury on Sunday to celebrate Anderson's 17 years of service to the Connecticut Conference UCC. The Farewell Service included singing, scriptures, and, appropriately, a great deal of storytelling and humor.
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Conference Launches New Website
Nov. 8, 2016
The Connecticut Conference has launched a brand new website designed to be both easy for users to navigate, and easy for Conference staff to consistently update with new information and resources.
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Dec. 7, 2106
The United Congregational Church of Bridgeport announced their decision to sell the church building and property to the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center (BICC) on Monday at a press conference in Bridgeport. The church will temporarily relocate in May and begin searching for a new home.
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Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut Churches Invited to Participate in Discernment
Feb. 23, 2016
The Conference Ministers and Board of Directors leaders of the three UCC Conferences of Southern New England invited the saints of the three states to contribute their ideas and insights about a future of mutual ministry. They provided an online survey, but more importantly, called for conversations in local church Councils and youth groups, in clergy fellowships and association meetings, and of course in meetings of the conferences.
Survey Indicates Support for Tri-conference Collaboration, Possible Merger
Nov. 28, 2106
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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A Year of Justice and Witness
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An Unplanned Lesson on Race Conversation
Jan. 14, 2016
When churches work together and collaborate on shared ministry, we should celebrate and share the story. A Second Hour conversation between Amistad United Church of Christ in Hartford and a church in Newtown should have been one of those stories. Instead of a celebration, however, the story is a lesson on racial conversations.
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Black Lives Matter Banner Defaced at SLCC
May 25, 2016
Conference leaders are calling for a renewed focus on combatting racism following an incident at the Silver Lake Conference Center, where a Black Lives Matter banner was intentionally defaced by an individual attending a weekend retreat.
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CT Churches Welcome Hundred Of Refugees
Sept. 6, 2016
More than 50 UCC Churches in CT are involved with refugee resettlement efforts. These efforts range from helping raise money, to providing the team of 10-15 people who will spend at least 40 hours per week in the first several weeks assisting the family.
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Dec. 7, 2016
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.
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Voices We Shared – Guest Blog Posts
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Oct. 3, 2016
By
Julia Burkey
Because we are in the business of repentance, I must confess a moment where I failed, where we failed, as a gathered body at General Association. Many of us were aware of our failure to name this verbal transgression during the workshop gatherings led by Carlton Mackey, but none of us said anything.
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Community Listening Sparks Hope and Healing
Nov. 17, 2016
By Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager
In my three years as pastor of the First Church, I had never met the majority of two hundred folks that gathered under our roof. "You are Welcome Here” is the message on our sign that greets all who enter our Church. Today was another chance to prove it.
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Nov. 18, 2016
By R. Maxwell Grant
If you're
not
a Christian and you're on my Facebook feed, chances are you're probably pretty mad at American Christians right now.
Take it from me: I'm a pastor, and I am
livid
.
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Nov. 20, 2016
By George Wentworth
So when the world seems too much, it is important that we find our way back to that table with the people we love, and that we go around the table to tell God and each other what we are thankful for.
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Spirit Calendar:
Days Ahead
The Rev. Kent Siladi writes: ""The new year starts on our Sabbath. How wonderful is that?"
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Spirited Wednesday: Then Joseph Got Up
The Rev. Zackary Mabe writes: "There is still more work to be done. Listen to God. Get up. Live the life of faith!"
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Jan. 8, 2:00 - 7:00 PM
First Church of Christ, Congregational, Hartford
CTUCC young adults are invited to engage in this food ministry at Center Church, helping with food prep, sharing a meal with city guests, and reflecting on the intersection of economic and racial justice issues.
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Jan. 18, 6:00 PM
CT Conference Office, Hartford
This workshop is for leaders in all settings (Pastors, Youth Leaders, Giv2 Coordinators and parents) who want to enliven programs through collaborative service work. Participants will be shown a variety of age-appropriate service projects and come away with tips for preparation, engagement and reflection.
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Jan. 20-22
Feb. 3-5
Mar. 10-12
Silver Lake Conference Center
The Conference sponsors four confirmation retreats each program year for youth who may benefit from a retreat experience as they prepare for the rite of Confirmation.
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Jan. 22, 3:00 - 5:00 PM
Connecticut Conference Office, Hartford
Orientation meeting for people interested in going on a service trip for adults to the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota.
representative from Simply Smiles will present an overview and answer questions.
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Jan. 29, 3 - 6 PM
First Church in Middletown
High School youth and their leaders are invited to a "No Bake-Bake Off contest." Test your cooking skills and build bridges with Muslim and Jewish youth in a time of fellowship and conversation.
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Stepping Stones Workshop-Rotation 2.0
Feb. 1, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
First Congregational Church of Guilford
Is your Sunday school program stuck in a rut?
Rotate your thinking
Join us as we explore new ways of creating a Rotational Model that works for you. Come for dinner, for great engagement and learning!
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Feb. 16, 6:00 - 8:30 PM
First Congregational Church of Simsbury
Dodgeball and bowling are great fun, but would you like to spend more time praying and worship with your youth group? Come for dinner and to explore this important aspect of our ministry with our young people.
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March 3 - 5
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Join us for a three-day interview and training session and become one of the future leaders of Silver Lake!
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Minnechaug Regional High School,
Wilbraham, MA
Keynote speaker will be
author, storyteller, and theologian.
Brian McLaren Workshop proposals are now being accepted.
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April 30, 3:00 - 5:30 PM
First Church of Christ Congregational, West Hartford
A dynamic worship service that will renew your spirit. All youth in grades 5 and up and their pastors, parents, or adult leaders are invited.
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Jan. 9 - 10
Nantasket Beach Resort, Hull, MA
A gathering of clergy and members-in-discernment of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences. 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
as we live into the Advent Season.
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Jan. 24 - 25, 2017
First Congregational Church of Westbrook
A non-partisan, two-day training for faith communities to better welcome, integrate and offer healing outreach to veterans in their local area.
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