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Remick to Serve as Transitional Interim Minister and President
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The Massachusetts Conference Board of Directors announced this week that The Rev. Don Remick will serve as the Transitional Interim Minister and President upon the Rev. Dr. Jim Antal's retirement July 1, 2018.
The Board also voted to create an Associate Conference Minster Search Committee to seek a half-time ACM to minister "to the ministries of Jesus Christ in and through the churches of the Southeast Area" where Remick focuses part of his full-time ministry.
Remick will be coming into this position following the vote at the June Annual Meeting regarding the formation of a new Conference in unity with the Connecticut and Rhode Island conferences.
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Hurricane Update: Do You Have Ice?
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By The Rev. Don Remick
For the MACUCC Disaster Resource & Response Team:
Slowly, camera crews have gotten into the islands following the devastation of Irma. There were damaged (and many unlivable) homes and debris everywhere. And the power, in the tropical steam, was still out. One resident voiced a plea wondering if there was anyone beyond their shores who could bring ice to the island.
It's an image repeated throughout the Keys as roads reopen so folks can get back in to see the damage to their homes. In another section of Florida, a UCC church, with help from our national UCC Disaster Ministries, is creating and distributing ice along with canned goods and drinking water to their community still plagued by contaminated water and power outages. Our national Disaster Ministry staff is also working from Texas to Florida to the Caribbean to offer aid, assess damage and assist in the coordination of urgent and long-term recovery.
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MACUCC Joining Other Organizations in State House Climate Action
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The Massachusetts Conference is partnering with several other organizations to ask Gov. Charlie Baker to issue an Executive Order halting the construction of or plans for any new fossil fuel infrastructure in the Commonwealth.
In an attempt to sway the Governor on the issue, representatives of the different organizations will bear witness outside the statehouse every day. The Conference has taken responsibility for Fridays from Oct. 6 through Nov. 10.
Read more and find out how you can take part |
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2017-2018 Christian Educator Certification Classes Begin Soon!
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By Debbie Gline Allen
Christian Education & Youth Ministry Consultant
Three of the six classes offered in the Massachusetts Conference Christian Educator Certification Program are being taught this program year:
- United Church of Christ History, Polity, & Identity with Rev. Jonathan New
- Old & New Testament with Rev. Don Remick
- Basics in Christian Education & Administration with Corey Lincoln
We offer two onsite locations, one in eastern and one in western Massachusetts for your convenience. New this year is the option to take the classes via web conferencing! Just select that option when you register. However, we strongly recommend that you attend the classes in person, if you are able, to gain the most from face to face contact with the instructors and fellow educators.
Why should church education leaders become certified through the Massachusetts Conference?
- Certification serves as a validation of your knowledge and experience as an educator.
- You acquire access to a support system of peers and colleagues in ministry.
- You gain access to best practices and resources for educational ministries.
- You join other lay persons and church educators from southern New England in a spirit of learning, faith-building, and friendship.
- The Certification Certificate will indicate that the educator has achieved a level of proficiency through knowledge, experience, and training.
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Sept. 27, 6:30 to 8:00 PM
First Congregational Church of West Brookfield
Training for pastoral relations committee, best practices, and ways to be proactive in establishing a group. Led by Associate Conference Minister The Rev. Kelly Gallagher.
Racial Justice Training II
Sept. 30
Edwards Church, Framingham
Level II Racial Justice training. Participants must have successfully completed Level I to be eligible for this 8-hour course. The focus is Track A - Deep Dive of Institutional & Cultural Racism.
Churches Alive! Introductory Gathering
Oct. 4, 7:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
Come learn more about this year-long program, in which churches will work together to deepen the spiritual lives of their congregations, gain a clear picture of your church's potential and come alive in discovering your church's passion and vocation.
Oct. 14, 10:00 AM to Noon
Edwards House Meeting Center,
Framingham
An opportunity to network and share experiences with your MACUCC colleagues.
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Oct. 21, 8:00 AM - 3:45 PM
Keefe Regional Technical School,
Framingham
Registration is now open. The full-day event includes morning worship, two workshops, an optional lunch activity, continental breakfast, lunch, marketplace and closing worship. Speaker is Noel Anderson of Church World Service.
Oct. 31, 8:15 AM to 4:00 PM
Edwards House, Framingham
Planned in collaboration with Ernst & Young Financial Planning Services®, this seminar is designed to provide tools and resources to lay and clergy to make handling their finances and planning for the future easier.
Nov. 9-11
Craigville Retreat Center
Nothing planned for the Veteran's Day break? Teens grade 6-12 are invited to join us for this 2-day retreat as we live into being the hands and feet of Christ.
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Events Especially for Clergy
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Sept. 21, at 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
All clergy who have joined the conference within the last year, or were unable to attend last year, are invited to attend and meet fellow clergy.
Tending the Fire
Sept. 27-29; Nov. 8-10,
Jan. 3-5
Trinity United Methodist Church, Springfield
Tending the Fire helps clergy "think systems" in their congregations and their personal lives, so they can lead change that lasts. Participants must attend all three retreats.
Oct. 4 - 5
Pakachoag Church, Auburn
Level 1 Boundary Awareness Training (BAT) for anyone that needs to complete this requirement.
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Oct. 12, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
This day will begin with a morning focus on the Making It Real program in Massachusetts.
The afternoon will focus on the new UCC Local Church profile and some of our growing insights and best practices for filling it out.
Nov. 1, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
A Racial Justice Training day just for interims to become familiar with the insights and concepts and how they might help in interim ministry.
Tending the Fire
Nov. 1-3, Glocester, RI
Jan. 9-11, Framingham, MA
Feb. 27-Mar. 1, Sharon, CT
Tending the Fire helps clergy "think systems" in their congregations and their personal lives, so they can lead change that lasts. Participants must attend all three retreats:
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Sept. 26, 7:00 to 8:00 PM
This webinar will address how clergy and church leaders can support parents as they speak about faith at home with their children.
Helping Families Celebrate a Holy Advent
Oct. 5, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
As Christmas become more materialistic and frenzied each year, churches can help families to reclaim the season of Advent as a time of waiting in anticipation for the coming of the Christ child
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Ms. Nancy Rottman
called to Centre Congregational Church, UCC, Lynnfield as Pastor
Effective: Sept. 18, 2017
The Rev. Ms. Jamie Ruth Howard l
eaving Centre Congregational Church, UCC, Lynnfield as Interim Pastor
Effective: Sept. 17, 2017
The Rev. Ms. Nada Sellers c
alled to First Congregational Church, UCC, Ashfield as Interim Minister
Effective: Sept. 16, 2017
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Sept. 23, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Hadley Farms, Hadley, MA
Sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Chapter of Physicians for Social Responsibility
Oct. 7, 10:00 AM
Agape Community, Hardwick, MA
Co-sponsored by the MACUCC Justice and Witness Council.
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Oct. 21, 5:30-10:30 PM
Beechwood Hotel, Worcester
Sponsored by the LGBT Asylum Task Force
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