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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
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Annual Meeting Information, Resources, Added to Website
Some important updates and materials have made available online in regard to the 218th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference, which is being held as part the historic joint Annual Meeting with the Connecticut and Rhode Island Conferences June 16 - 17 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.
Visit macucc.org/218AM for Massachusetts-specific materials, including the Advance Materials booklet and Delegate Guidelines.
This includes information on several votes that will be taken.
NOTE: The deadline for reserving a hotel room at the Hartford Marriott Downtown, which adjoins the Convention Center, is May 16th and rooms are filling up. Visit macucc.org/TriConAM for information on hotels, registration and other meeting detalls.
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By The Rev. Kurt Walker
Pastor, Chapel Street Congregational Church, UCC, Lincoln, RI
I love the UCC. Having been born and raised in the denomination, I learned from an early age what it means to be in covenant with one another. We UCCers stick together, recognizing we are bound together not only to God, but to one another as a member of the body of Christ, living and breathing in the world today. This is who we are and who we are called by God to be, and I am thankful for it.
Yet, we New England Congregationalist are a fiercely independent brood. An often heard quip is, ask ten UCCers who God is and you'll get sixteen different answers. That independence is part of our DNA, yet sometimes we forget that the Church universal can only thrive through the inclusion of new people, from new places, with new ideas, and a new vision for the future of the beloved community ...
As the delegates of the Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut Conferences of the United Church of Christ prepare to meet this June, many are fearful of an unknown future. Many are fearful of losing our independence. Many are fearful of losing our distinct individual identities. Still others are asking, "what's in it for us?"
Read more about the Together, As One proposal
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Antal Helps Lead UCC Contingent at People's Climate March in D.C.
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The United Church of Christ, as one of the official co-sponsors of the People's Climate March, was well-represented among the 200,000 in Washington DC this weekend.
Massachusetts Conference Minister and President The Rev. Jim Antal was one of the leaders of the UCC group, along with the Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice. Two retired Mass. Conference pastors, the Rev. Andrea Ayvazian and the Rev. Peter Ives, biked down with other cyclists from Massachusetts, joining many other MACUCC participants.
Read more
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Upcoming Conference events
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May 12, 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Online
Need some tips on writing or updating your Ministerial Profile? Here is your opportunity! Don Remick from Massachusetts, Barbara Libby from Rhode Island and Kent Siladi from Connecticut will be on hand to help.
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.
Authorized Ministry Luncheon
June 16, 12:00 to 3:00 PM
Hartford Marriott Downtown
This luncheon, a pre-meeting event to the Tri-Conference Annual Meeting, is an opportunity for authorized ministers, lay leaders and others to gather and share time in community with UCC General Minister & President John Dorhauer.
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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.
June 21, 2017 at 5:30 to 9:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
Beverly Weinhold will offer a presentation from a nationally recognized, evidence,informed sexual abuse prevention curriculum created by Darkness to Light.
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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Months after a Feb. 25 tornado ripped through Pumpkin Hollow, damaging structures and destroying one barn, a large crane could be seen Monday morning removing the bell from United Congregational Church of Conway's historic building.
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The Rev. Dr. John Terry called to First Church of Christ, UCC, Sandwich as Interim Pastor
Effective: May 1, 2017
The Rev. Ms. Lauren Lorincz leaving Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lexington as Pastor
Effective: April 30, 2017
The Rev. Mr. Charles Van Ausdall retiring from First Congregational Church UCC, Great Barrington as Pastor
Effective: April 30, 2017
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July 10 - 14
Craigville Retreat 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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May 9, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
The Epicurean Room, Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlborough
May 10, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Congregational Library, Boston
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