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Attending a Women's March? Get Counted!
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The Massachusetts Conference staff is asking church members and clergy persons planning to participate in the Women's March on Washington on Jan. 21, or in the Boston March on the same day, to RSVP so the number of UCC participants can be counted and shared.
Whether you plan to march on your own, with another group, or with folks from MACUCC, please let us know you will be there.
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UCC web partner offering churches free website set-up
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In an effort to make online communication easier and more effective for every United Church of Christ congregation in 2017, the UCC's web partner, Ministry Designs, is giving away websites to every local church that needs one to kick off the New Year.
In this offer, which runs from January 1 through February 15, Ministry Designs is offering to help create a website for local churches using one of four designs created specifically for UCC. Churches will still be responsible for a minimal monthly hosting fee of $35, which also includes support, system updates, unlimited storage, unlimited pages, and unlimited emails.
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Last Day to Credit 2016 Gifts Approaches
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Attention Local Church Treasurers
All gifts and dues for this year must be received no later than January 17, 2017 to be credited to 2016. This includes United Church Mission, Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support, Fellowship Dues and special offerings and directed gifts.
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Resolution Deadline for 2017 Annual Meeting is Feb. 16
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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.
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Upcoming Conference events
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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, 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.
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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.
Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA
Keynote speaker will be author, storyteller, and theologian.Brian McLaren.
March 29, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
A day of covenant for those clergy engaged in specialized ministries.
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.
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The Rev. Mr. Henry M. Pascual called to
First Congregational Church UCC, Dalton,
as Pastor
Effective: Jan. 2, 2017
The Rev. Ms. Laura P. Biddle called to Nahant Village Church as Interim Pastor
Effective: Jan. 2, 2017
Ms. Belle Fox-Martin c
alled to West Stockbridge Congregational Church, UCC, as Bridge Minister
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The Rev. Mr. Shawn Bracebridge leaving
West Stockbridge Congregational Church, UCC, as Pastor
Effective: Jan. 1, 2017
The Rev. Mr. Robert Livingston c
alled to First Congregational Church, UCC, Chicopee, as Bridge Pastor
The Rev. Mr. Quentin Chin l
eaving First Congregational Church UCC, Dalton, as Interim Pastor
Effective: Dec. 30, 2016
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BLOG: The Meaning of Life? Meaning...and the Occasional Grill Cheese Sandwich.
By The Rev. John Hudson
I wished for the gift of happiness this past holiday season but instead, life gave me a much better gift: meaning.
Note: I am still absolutely happy about the panini maker my niece Emily gave me. It was exactly what I asked for and what I wanted. This January I'll no doubt be happy for warm grilled cheese sandwiches on chilly nights. But it's the meaning behind that gift I most cherish, what it represents and embodies for me.
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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.
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March 24 - 25
Holiday Inn, Boxborough
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