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By Drew Page
For most clergy, the role of church pastor is a solo gig. Of the 235 UCC churches in CT, just over 40 have associate pastors. Of course, any church may have plenty of willing members, lay leaders, and volunteers ready to take on all aspects of church life. Yet there is one part of church life most of them will never fully understand: what it's like to be the pastor.
The Rev. Jeffrey Gallagher, senior pastor of United Congregational Church of Tolland, recognized the need to make connections with other pastors early in his ministry. While serving a church in Maine, Gallagher found other pastors and started to meet with them regularly.
"I've always had the belief that we as clergy can't be lone rangers," says Gallagher.
When Gallagher moved to Connecticut, he was excited to hear that there was a clergy support group — known as a Community of Practice — with which he could connect right away.
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Conference Minister to Start Sabbatical
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Conference Minister The Rev. Kent J. Siladi starts leave next week. He sent a letter via email to clergy and churches this week with details on his plans and on staff coverage during his absence.
Read the letter here
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Blog: The Importance of an Extravagant Welcome
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In the last two weeks, the Connecticut Conference has had five churches vote to declare themselves Open and Affirming.
Marking this moment, Cecile Gilson, Executive Assistant to the Conference Minister, writes: "It is more important than ever for us as people of God to welcome all into the safety and embrace of our church communities. Our LGBTQ friends are hungry for a place to worship just as they are, just as God created them."
Read more, including resources for churches considering ONA
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Bridgeport Church Continues Outreach Despite Ceiling Collapse
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By Tiffany Vail
The United Congregational Church of Bridgeport is determined to carry on in running its food pantry, soup kitchen and emergency overflow shelter despite a major ceiling collapse late last week.
"We are determined not to close any of these programs - we're just getting creative in how we do it," says Pastor Sara Smith.
Read more
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Heart Knowledge not Head Knowledge
In this interview, Dana Johnson, the new director of Children’s Ministry at Saugatuck Church, talks about her path to becoming a Faith Formation Leader.
Read more, including reflection questions
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The following ministerial changes were report to the Connecticut Conference in December 2016:
Rev. Fredd Ward was Called as part time Associate Pastor to Naugatuck, Congregational
Rev. Tomi Jacobs‐Ziobro was Called as Pastor to both Haddam, First & Higganum, Congregational
Rev. Rachel Bahr was Installed as Associate Pastor at Southington, First
Rev. Fredd Ward was Ordained at Naugatuck, Congregational
Rev. Thomas Gregory Gray was Ordained at Danielson, Westfield
Rev. Cheryl Caronna began her term as Pastor at Canterbury, First
Rev. M. Ashley Grant began her term as Associate Pastor at Milford, First
Rev. Jerry Smith began his term as Interim Pastor at South Britain Congregational
Rev. John Wilmarth ended his term as Pastor at Harwinton Congregational
Rev. Susan Pfeil ended her term as Pastor at Bridgeport, First United
See More
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Spirit Calendar: Thou Shalt Not... Be Angry?
Jennifer Kronholm Clark writes: "In a time when careless words can literally kill, we must be vigilant about not letting our anger fester."
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Spirited Wednesday: Divisiveness
The Rev. Jack Shackles writes: "We are called to do no harm to those whom Christ loves. With God’s help, let it be so."
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Feb. 12, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
First Church of Christ, Congregational,
East Haddam
All are welcome to join Part 1 of this conversation facilitated by two representatives of the CTUCC's Racial Justice Ministry. C
offee and light lunch served.
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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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Registration Now Open!
Minnechaug Regional High School,
Wilbraham, MA
A full day of workshops, networking and a keynote address by
author, storyteller, and theologian
Brian McLaren.
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March 24 - 26
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Whether you’re a yoga devotee or a novice, a seasoned singer or shy about your voice, we have a special place for you in our circle! A weekend of exploration and restoration, rather than performance and perfectionism.
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March 24 - 26
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
For youth in grades 6 - 8, experience nature’s renewal and its sweet gifts.
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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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May 5 - 7
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
From chopping wood to repairing buildings, moving picnic tables to raking leaves, there’s a project for everyone, high schoolers through adult.
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May 19 - 21
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Environmental justice and leadership training for youth in grades 9-12 who care about the health of their communities
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June 30 - July 5
Baltimore, MD
This event is for young leaders ages 13 to 18 who want to experience the vibrant diversity of the wider church.
Participation is limited to
18 from the Connecticut Conference - registration now open.
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Keynote Presenters at this two-day conference are Charles R. (Chick) Lane and Grace Duddy Pomroy. Chick and Grace provide two distinct but complementary voices, each supporting their shared conviction that stewardship belongs at the heart of each individual and congregation.
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