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Prayer Calendar Released in Preparation for Vote
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Members of the Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts Conferences are being invited to enter into an intentional season of prayer between now and the historic
Tri-Conference Annual Meeting
being held June 16 - 17.
The Planning Team that developed the
United in Ministry and Ministry Case Statement
will be publishing a weekly Prayer Calendar, available online and via email, that includes, an introductory quote from the statement, prayer themes, a Scripture verse, and a prayer.
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Annual Meeting: A Time to Come Together
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By Sue Foster
Pastor of East Woodstock Congregational Church, Woodstock, CT
There is something powerful about singing together. Jesus sang with his disciples and assured them that when even just two or three of them were gathered together, he would be present with them also.
Imagine the power, therefore, of hundreds of voices joining together to sing God praise. That will be our experience when the Conferences of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island gather together in June. The congregations of southern New England will celebrate our shared faith on June 16th and 17th as the Hartford
Convention Center is transformed into a place of worship. The miles that separate us on a daily basis will be put aside as we come together for worship and work.
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Tornado Season Starts Early
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By Don Remick, Associate Conference Minister
On behalf of the MACUCC Disaster Resource Team
Tornado season started much earlier than usual and we already set a Massachusetts record for the first tornado in February. Weather forecasters herald this as the deadliest start to tornado season in years.
This predictable outcome of a changing climate is bringing devastation to families, homes and entire communities.
Sadly, with all the news that rises in this current political moment, those stories are quickly forgotten or moved to the back pages. But we are part of a family of faith that moves forward even as others move on. Your support of our faith family through OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission) and UCM (United Church Mission) allows our UCC to have the administration and infrastructure in place for that response. It also means that every dollar contributed to tornado relief can be passed along to those who most need it.
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"Embracing Stewardship" - Growing Better Stewards in our Churches
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By Jonathan New, Associate Conference Minister
"Why is stewardship so stinking difficult?"
As a local pastor and Conference stewardship staffer, it's a question I've often asked! That's one reason I'm so pleased Chick Lane and Grace Duddy Pomroy will be the keynoters at the upcoming stewardship Conference, "
Embracing Stewardship," hosted by the Northeast Ecumenical Stewardship Council (NESC) March 24-25 at the Boxboro Regency Hotel and Conference Center.
In "Embracing Stewardship: How to Put Stewardship at the Heart of Your Congregation's Life", Chick (author of the popular Ask, Thank, Tell) and Grace help us move away from the dead-end approach of viewing stewardship as "paying the bills" with a theologically rich but practically grounded manual on how to help grow better stewards.
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Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lexington
A fun and interactive information session about the New England camps connected to the United Church of Christ. Learn about kids camps, family camps, adult camps, art camps, and so much more. Sponsored by the Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC and Hancock United Church of Christ, both of Lexington.
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Upcoming Conference events
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March 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
April 8, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
An opportunity to network and share experiences with MACUCC colleagues. No fee but advance registration is required.
Limited Slots Remaining!
March 18, 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA
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A full day of workshops and networking. Keynote speaker will be author, storyteller, and theologian.Brian McLaren.
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 29, 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
A day of covenant for those clergy engaged in specialized ministries.
Spiritual Resilience and Resistance In a Time of Climate Change
April 1, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Trinity Church, Boston
Free retreat to explore a framework for the heart to help us become healers filled with compassion, energy, and hope. This retreat will include presentations, guided meditation, silence, and conversation.
Human and Faith Development
Apr. 1, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Centre Congregational Church, Lynnfield
and
Apr. 22, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Edwards Church, Northampton
A seminar in the Christian Education Certification program focused on the relationship with God as God becomes known to us. Open to all.
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April 3 - 7
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham
For those who have taken step one of the Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry Training, this five day course emphasizes the work of the congregation. Led by The Rev. Dr. Norman B. Bendroth and the Rev. Ineke Mitchell. Registration Deadline is March 24.
Opioid Crisis: What Do We Do Now? What Do We Do Next?
April 8, 9:00 AM
New North Church, Hingham
What can one person or one church do about this? Come and find out at the Southeast Area Missions Committee's Spring forum.
Boundary Awareness Training
April 27 - 28
First Congregational Church of Billerica
Two-day boundary awareness training for clergy.
June 7 - 8
Miramar Retreat Center, Duxbury
This overnight retreat, led by Matt Carriker and Susie Allen, is intended for people in all stages on the spiritual path (clergy and lay). Whether you feel like a beginner, or a long-time traveler, you will find nourishment here for your soul.
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. Registration now open!
Application deadline: Sat., June 10
Event: Nov. 13 - 19
Warren Conference Center, Ashland
Join author Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove in a writing workshop focused on both the craft of writing and the vocation of tending to words for the sake of faithful social change.
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The Confederate flag appeared last fall, displayed by a homeowner on a busy Boxborough street. What followed opened a window onto the meaning of symbols, the nature of neighborliness, and life in an era of protest and discontent.
Read More
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| Mr. Sheldon Keller called to United Parish of Carver as Interim Minister
Effective: Feb. 20, 2017
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July 9 - 12
Simmons College, Boston
This biannual conference seeks to nourish, inspire, and sustain church musicians. Attendees have the opportunity to sing in choir and play hand bells with incredible conductors; to worship in a variety of styles with our dedicated clergy partners; to learn in master classes, workshops, and reading sessions; and to be energized by concerts and fellowship with peers.
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April 6, 2017 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Pilgrim Congregational Church, Southborough
Showing of a documentary focused on six LGBT elders living in the Boston area.
Jazz Luncheon Social for LGBT Older Adults
May 9, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
The Epicurean Room, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlborough
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