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Registration Open for Historic Tri-Conference Meeting
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Registration is now open for the joint Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Conferences, taking place June 16 - 17 at the Hartford Convention Center.
At this historic, first-of-its-kind meeting, delegates and guests will:
- Worship and share communion with New England neighbors
- Explore the future of our church with UCC General Minister & President John Dorhauer
- Discern whether to endorse a new conference and move forward: Together, As One.
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Contributions Being Accepted for Conway Church
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By Don Remick, Associate Conference Minister
From the MACUCC Disaster Resource Team:
You may have heard and seen pictures of the damage from a tornado that touched down in the Conway region of our Conference. Our United Church of Christ congregation in Conway (United Congregational) experienced significant damage to its roof and structure and has currently been deemed unsafe for entry.
Your prayers for the congregation and community are welcomed. As of this writing there are no physical resources that have been requested, However, typically there will be unmet needs beyond insurance and emergency resources for this church and community.
If you want to pass along funds, please send them to the MACUCC and mark them for Disaster Recovery Conway, OR donate through our website. All of these funds will be used for the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of the church and community. Once those needs are met, any residual funds will be retained for future disaster response.
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The Parish Paper: Guide to Good Governance
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After months of meetings, the long-range planning committee of Epiphany Church submitted a report to the congregation's board. The report highlighted three important conclusions: (1) the average age of regular worship attendees is going up while worship attendance overall continues to decline; (2) action steps must be taken immediately; and (3) major changes are needed in ministry priorities.
After careful review, the board laid out five possible courses of action. How did Epiphany Church board members respond?
They chose sides, with each action plan attracting supporters and opponents. How are they going to move forward and make decisions?
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Register for Super Saturday by March 6
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Monday, March 6, is the registration deadline for:
Super Saturday is a full-day of skill building offering numerous workshops, a keynote address, worship, a marketplace of vendors and ideas and an opportunity for everyone to network with one another. This spring's Super Saturday is being co-hosted by the Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Conferences of the UCC.
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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.
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.
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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Administering a Meals on Wheels program isn't exactly the same as the biblical feeding of the multitudes, but work of the Central Congregational Church in helping feed local residents led to a bank account that recently produced a new paint job and other embellishments of the church's interior.
Learn More
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| The Rev. Ms. Jean Vandergrift called to Trinitarian Congregational Church, UCC, Concord as Designated Interim Pastor
Effective: March 1, 2017
Mr. Gary Grimes called to First Congregational Church, UCC, Chicopee as Designated Term Pastor
Effective: Feb. 19, 2017
The Rev. Mr. Robert L. Livingston leaving First Congregational Church, UCC, Chicopee as Bridge Pastor
Effective: Feb. 18, 2017
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Early Bird Registration ends
March 3!
Embracing Stewardship: 2017 NESC Conference
March 24 - 25
Holiday Inn, Boxborough
How to Put Stewardship at the Heart of Your Congregation's Life.
An Ecumenical Conference for Churches. 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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March 5, 2017 at 10:00 AM
Hopedale Union Evangelical Church
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March 17, 8:30 AM
Salem State University
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