By The Rev. Kent J. Siladi
Conference Minister
We talk about covenant a lot in the United Church of Christ. We maintain that our polity is covenantal. The UCC Constitution and Bylaws were rewritten in 2000 to underline the connections between the "settings of the church" (Local church, Association, Conference and National). However, many among us spend a lot more time living as if we are not connected to one another. I have often said that a leader of the United Church of Christ can spend their entire ministry never saying the words "United Church of Christ," and there would be little to no repercussion for making that choice to be disconnected from the rest of the church.
The above is an excerpt. Read the entire message here
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Bulletin Inserts Available to Publicize Historic Meeting
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The Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences are making available bulletin inserts for churches to use to let members know about the historic Tri-Conference Annual Meeting taking place June 16 - 17 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.
This Annual Meeting marks the first time the three conferences will hold annual meetings Together, As One. And it is the first time since the United Church of Christ was formed in 1957 that delegates will be asked to endorse the idea of joining together to form a new conference.
Bulletin inserts can be downloaded, or bundles of pre-printed inserts can be requested for free.
Read more
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A Once-in-Three-Generations Opportunity
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By The Rev. Michael Ciba, Southwest Regional Minister
In the 12 years I have been a Connecticut Conference Regional Minister, in the weeks before Conference Annual Meetings, my message has always been: "you really, really, really, should attend this year's annual meeting and you really, really, really should encourage delegates from your church to attend."
But the 2017 Tri-Conference Annual Meeting on June 16 & 17 is so much more than another Annual Meeting! You really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really need to be there.
This is a "once-in-three generations" opportunity to discern how God is calling us to be the church in our time. Why would you want to be anywhere else?
Read the entire post
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Registration Open for Online Forums
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Leading up to the historic, first-ever Tri-Conference Annual Meeting of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences, Conference leaders will be hosting a series of five online forums, or webinars, open to anyone who would like to join a discussion about the proposal to form a new Conference.
The free webinars will be no longer than 90 minutes each (depending on the level of audience participation) and will be limited to 100 participants each. They will be held at various times on May 16, May 21, June 7 and two on June 8.
Go to the website for details and to register
TextLin
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In Partnership- An Interview with Participants in Vibrant Faith University
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This interview features two faith formation leaders currently serving CT congregations and participating in Vibrant Faith University, or VFU. VFU offers a certificate in Faith Formation for the 21st Century. “It will immerse you into the new world of faith formation.”
Sue Timony-Hall and Rosemary Lamie shared their experience with Karen Ziel, Minister of Faith Formation and Leadership for the CT. Conference.
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Clergy Transitions: May 2017
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The following ministerial changes were reported to the Connecticut Conference in April 2017:
Rev. Margret Hofmeister was Called as Pastor to New Britain, First
Rev. Edward Cormell was Installed as Sr. Pastor at Saybrook, First
Rev. Patrick Collins was Installed as Associate Minister at Greenwich, First
Rev. Kathleen Cunliffe was Installed as Sr. Pastor at Wallingford, First
Rev. Larissa Forsythe was Installed as Associate Pastor at South Glastonbury, Cong'l
Rev. Mary Elizabeth (Maeba) Jonas was Ordained at the Church of the Redeemer
Rev. Joe Tobin began his term as Interim Pastor at Meriden, Center
Rev. Isaac Lawson began his term as Associate Minister at Hartford, Immanuel
Rev. Russell Ayre, retired pastor, formerly served Derby Congregational
Rev. Vernon Phelps, retired Methodist Pastor who was one of our strongest advocates for Public Education.
Read More
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Spirit Calendar: We Are A People!
The Rev. Kent Siladi
writes: "We were formed as a people to make a difference. We were formed as a people to proclaim God’s extravagant love for all of God’s children.
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Spirited Wednesday: Perspective On Prosperity
The Rev. Paul Bryant-Smith writes: "This account of the first Christian martyr is a story of courage and grace, of faithfulness and strength."
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May 17, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT
Be present and oppose Casino Expansion in CT. Join the Coalition Against Casino Expansion in CT for Lobby Day at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
If you can't be present to lobby in person, please commit to calling and emailing your State Senator and State Representative on 5/17 to let them know you oppose expanded gambling in CT and are opposed to any new casinos being built in our state.
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Upcoming Conference Events
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May 12, 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Need some tips on writing or updating your Ministerial Profile? Kent Siladi, Don Remick, and Barbara Libby will be available by Zoom to help.
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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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May 21, 2 - 4 PM
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Come take a tour of camp, meet the Director, volunteers, and staff, roast a marshmallow, make a nametag, meet some new friends! All are welcome.
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May 28, 3:00 PM
Faith Congregational Church,
Hartford
A time of worship and celebration of the ministry of The Rev. Da Vita McCallister, who is leaving the Connecticut Conference staff after having served for nine years.
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May 31, 5:45 PM to 8:30 PM
CTUCC Office, Hartford
Join us to recognize our Thinking About Working For God Apprentices and the congregations that are nurturing them. A light supper will be provided followed by a program of testimony.
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June 6
Lyman Orchards Golf Club, Middlefield
Grab your buddies and your clubs and swing into summer with a day on the links, all while helping to support the Connecticut Conference's vital outdoor ministry.
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Tri-Conference Annual Meeting
June 16 - 17
Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT
The historic first joint Annual Meeting of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences. With UCC General Minister & President John Dorhauer as keynote speaker.
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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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May 13, 2017 at 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Rocky Hill Congregational Church
Jessica Steytler, librarian with the Congregational Library in Boston, will present a workshop on Archives 101.
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May 16 - 18
Miramar Retreat and Conference Center, D
uxbury, MA
Singing God’s Song in Uncertain Times; R
enewing our Bodies & Souls - Listening to our Muse;
elebrating Our Lives as Sisters in Ministry
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May 22 - 24
Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT
An opportunity for religious leaders to engage as communities of “moral deliberation,” to reflect and offer up practical opportunities for engagement in the public sphere.
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June 5 -
9, 6 PM - 9 PM each evening
Yale Divinity School,
New Haven
This weeklong course of evening sessions is designed for pastors, seminarians, lay leaders, and youth ministers to gather for fellowship dinners, lectures, and workshop breakouts to name and discuss some of the adversities our youth face every day.
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July 9 - 12
Simmons College,
Boston, MA
This biannual conference seeks to nourish, inspire, and sustain church musicians.
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July 10 - 14
Craigville Reterat Center, Craigville, MA
A full week including presentations, Bible reflections, daily worship services, small group discussions, singing, playing music and Keynote Speaker
Professor Lee C. Barrett.
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