the weekly emailing
Being Bold in 2016

In this issue of the Emailing, we look back at some of the top news stories and blog posts of 2016.

For more about the churches and staff of the Conference being bold in Vitality, Collaboration and Justice, be sure to check out the 2016 Annual Report.

A Year of Collaboration
The Conference Ministers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island announced the appointment of Tiffany Vail as the new Associate Conference Minister for Communications, serving all three of the UCC conferences of Southern New England.

Feb. 24, 2016
The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas has begun serving both  the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts  and the Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ as the non-stipendiary Missioner for Creation Care.

March 16, 2016
Is this a burning bush moment for the Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island conferences?  This was the question posed by Connecticut Conference Minister The Rev. Kent Siladi at Super Saturday, during a lunchtime fireside chat where leaders of the three conferences discussed the possibility of a merger.
A Year of Being Vital Churches in a New Day
May 23, 2016
Associate Conference Minister Wendy Vander Hart writes: "The brave, faithful members and leaders of  Sanctuary United Church of Christ  revealed what it means to be church this weekend in an article beautifully written for the Boston Globe. It is all there - the tenderness, the angst, the compassion, the passive aggressive behavior, the asking good questions, the looking for quick fixes, the trial, the error, the mistakes, the forgiveness, the death, the hope."

July 12, 2016
Associate Conference Minister Tiffany Vail explored what the new Pokemon Go phenomenon could mean for local churches, writing: "If yours is like most mainline Protestant churches in Southern New England, you've spent a lot of time and energy wondering how you can get those 20- and 30-somethings to come to your church. What if I told you they are quite literally at your doorstep?"
A Year of Racial, Climate and Economic Justice
May 25, 2016
Massachusetts Conference Minister and President The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal was one of 16 clergy arrested after entering the construction site of a natural gas pipeline in West Roxbury, halting the work there.

BLOG: Words Don't Matter - Black Lives Matter
July 7, 2016
Associate Conference Minister Kelly Gallagher writes: "I confess to many words and little action these two years of the Black Lives Matter movement, to kind thoughts and little deed, to pride in my progressive thinking with little progressive doing. It is time to do."

BLOG: What do we DO now? An invitation
July 8, 2016
Associate Conference Minister Wendy Vander Hart writes: "In the wake of yet more shootings that raise awareness of the racial divide in our country AND with a significant source of that strife stemming from white privilege, what can our churches do?  How can we be that transformative community that Jesus calls us to be and for which residents might rejoice?"

NEWS: Conference hires Associate for Racial Justice Ministries
Sept. 8, 2016
It is with great joy that we introduce you to Toyan Harper, Jr., our new Associate for Racial Justice Ministries for the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ. 

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. 11, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
Each Committee on Ministry is asked to send 3-4 representatives  to this gather for discussions around the Draft of a new Manual on Ministry.

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.

March 3 - 5
Craigville Retreat Center, Craigville
Teens grade 6-12 are invited to join us for a weekend retreat as we journey to the heart of Lent.  Through art, music, writing, and movement, we'll explore how we can use this season to grow in love for ourselves, our loved ones, our enemies, the earth, and God. 

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
Other Events of Interest
Jan. 14, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
United Parish in Brookline

Hosted by City Mission, an inter-generational event that is designed to empower participants with the tools to have brave conversations around the issues of race.

Embracing Stewardship: 2017 Northeast Ecumenical Stewardship Council Conference
March 24 - 25
Holiday Inn, Boxborough


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The Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ
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macucc@macucc.org