Super Saturday Offered a Vision of Heaven, Irish Tradition, and Lots of Learning and Networking
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It was quite chilly in Wilbraham, MA, but that didn't stop 600 people from attending Super Saturday at the Minnechaug Regional High School. And it didn't matter that the event fell on St. Patrick's Day; in fact Conference staff sported green outfits, hats, socks, necklaces, and even dyed hair to celebrate the day.
A large Celtic cross was a focus on the stage, and worship music was provided by three members of Banish Misfortune, who played emotion evoking, traditional Irish music.
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No Guns In School
By Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager
I remember the first time my school practiced a “Lock-down” drill. When the phrase came over the loudspeaker, we moved into position. My hands shook as I grabbed the special red key hanging to the right of my classroom metal door. Jamming the key into the keyhole, I turned it toward what I prayed was the locked position. I directed the four special education students in my Speech office to crouch near the closet away from the windows. My words came out in a hoarse, garbled squeal. Our assistant teacher closed the shades while I velcroed a laminated brown poster board onto our classroom glass door. Blocking out the morning sky, no one could see in or out. Finally, I joined my students in their hectic circle on the green linoleum floor.
You could’ve heard a pin drop save for my own heart beating wildly. In the calmest voice I could muster, I whispered, “Remember friends, this is just a drill.”
Just a drill.
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CTUCC Contingent to March Together at Hartford March For Our Lives
Conference Minister The Rev. Kent J. Siladi and others will meet at the
The Bushnell Park Carousel at 12y for the Hartford
March For Our Lives to the capital.
The students and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets all over the country this Saturday, March 24, to demand that their lives and safety become a priority and that gun violence and mass shootings in our schools ends today.
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Thompson Congregational Renews Community Roots
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By Greg Gray
Thompson Congregational, United Church of Christ is beginning a new chapter of her history. From the church’s founding in 1735, Thompson UCC was around fifty years before the town of Thompson even came into existence, and once the town was founded the church was there to serve the new community. So, saying that this is the town’s church just makes sense.
A generation ago the church even had a large part in founding the Thompson Ecumenical Empowerment Group (TEEG), and out of this ecumenical founding TEEG grew to become the social service agency for the towns of Thompson, Pomfret, and Woodstock with 41,707 people served by TEEG in the last fiscal year.
However, along the way the church lost touch with the community it served. Without being a vital, active part of the community the church went into years of decline, but today Thompson UCC has started a new chapter of community engagement.
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Many Voices, One Mission:
Stories We Need To Tell
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By Drew Page
News & Media Editor, Connecticut Conference, UCC.
I often tell my friends I have the dream job for a journalist because I get to tell good news, stories about people and churches making a positive impact on the people around them.
One great example is the story I wrote about Isaac Monts and Emily McKenna, two colleagues who facilitated a racial justice training at Southington High School. How many high schools can you name that bring in two individuals from a religious organization to help teachers recognize the racism that exists within their own walls?
That story has been read by just over 500 people.
You may be asking, "Is that good? How does it compare to other stories the Conference publishes?"
Well, the Connecticut Conference has 236 churches with over 60,000 members.
Less than 1% of the conference has read the story ... Telling a story is not a challenge; sharing the story to a wider audience is.
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Many Voices, One Mission
is a new regular series highlighting the ministries of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences of the United Church of Christ.
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The Sacred Work of Community Organizing
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By Anastasia Damyan
Young Adult Service Community
(YASC) intern
I have always imagined justice as a Godly concept about turning the world into a utopian society where there are no poor, hungry, hateful,or violent people. Yet, until this internship, I didn’t have any examples of what that meant in real and practical terms. I have known about loving every person from every walk of life. I have been taught to love with respect, humility, and hospitality. I was also familiar with the work of missions. But my work at
Christian Activities Council
(CAC) has been a revelation to me in understanding the God of justice and Jesus’ work in building the Kingdom of God on Earth.
When I first arrived at CAC, my expectation was a job coordinating great Christian events. I’ve come to discover my role as something less grand, but more meaningful. My job has been about meeting and talking to people in my surrounding community. In my five months working at CAC, I’ve had conversations with people about their personal lives and life journeys. That has included tenants with housing issues, parents invested in the health of their school, and people whom I've met along my way. I’ve learned to listen intently and with my heart, to make myself available for simple visits, and to have conversations that draw out the joy in the life of my neighbors.
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$15 Wage for Economic Growth in CT
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By David Biklen
Immanuel Congregational Church, UCC, in Hartford
The majority of workers in Hartford and other Connecticut cities are paid less than $15 per hour. That information is found in a 2016 report of the Boston Federal Reserve. An even larger percentage of women and persons of color in those cities earn less than $15. Surprisingly, more than 30% of all Connecticut workers earn less than $15.
Who are low-wage workers? They are home health and nurse aides, substitute teachers and classroom assistants, fast food and other food service workers, ticket takers, ushers, dishwashers, janitors, cleaners and housekeepers, Bradley airport baggage handlers, cashiers, retail clerks, child-care workers, hotel desk clerks, and dozens more.
Low wages unnecessarily stress the state economy, government services, and workers and their families. The state can reduce each of these stresses by increasing the minimum wage.
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Starting With Scripture:
Love A Parade
The Rev. Dr. Mobby Larson
writes:
"Why the parade? Does Jesus need this acclamation? Or do we need it? Who is blessing whom, here?"
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March 31st is Deadline for Living Waters Award Nominations
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The Connecticut Conference is currently seeking nominations for the 2018 Living Waters Award, to be presented at the 151st Annual Meeting, June 15 & 16, 2018.
Persons honored by The Living Waters Award are those who work for justice, live ethically, build community, and promote the common good in their workplaces and in their communities. This award recognizes outstanding Christian ministry, life, and witness that is done OUTSIDE the church setting as an expression of one’s faith.
The deadline for submissions is March 31st.
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Upcoming Conference Events
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March 23 - 25
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
From tap to table, experience nature's renewal and its sweet gifts at Silver Lake!
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April 8, 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Harford Seminary, Hartford
The Connecticut Conference in partnership with Hartford Seminary offers this introduction to the three major world religions. Meet with seminary students to compare faith practices and traditions for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. There will be a panel presentation, followed by activity stations, and refreshments.
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April 11, 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Hartford Seminary, Hartford
A workshop with the Rev. Peter Miano, Executive Director, The Society for Biblical Studies. He has over 25 years of experience as a missionary and teacher in the Holy Land.
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April 20 - 22
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
A weekend of exploration and restoration with a focus on using our bodies and voices as meditation in order to arrive at deeper peace and understanding.
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April 22, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Faith Congregational Church, Hartford
dynamic worship service that will your renew your spirit. For all youth in grades 5 and up and their pastors, parents, or adult leaders.
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April 27-29
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Catch up with old friends, make new friends, and work hard to prepare YOUR conference center for the coming summer.
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April 28, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Mystic Congregational Church, Mystic
"I was in jail and you visited me." Five panelists will address various topics dealing with incarceration; time for questions and answers. After lunch, there will be a 90th celebration highlighting clergy women leaders.
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Registration Now Open!
May 18 - 20
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
An intentionally diverse conference for youth in grades 9 to 12 who care about the health of their communities.
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June 27 - 30
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon
Join fellow clergy for reflection, renewal, and worship in the woods.
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June 15 - 16
Mass Mutual Center, Springfield, MA
Registration is now open for the second joint Annual Meeting of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island conferences.
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April 4, 2018 at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Yale Divinity School, New Haven
Abounding Joy: Grace and its Consequences with Dr. Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne
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April 6 - 8, 2018
Portland, Maine
A chance for women to learn and share their faith beyond the local church and Conference setting. Includes numerous workshops and addresses by the Rev. Traci Blackmon, the Rev. Sarah Buteux, Leslie Adelson Lewin and others.
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April 20 - 23
Washington DC area
Through prayer, worship, advocacy training, and networking, we will seek policy changes that advance hope and overcome the devastating impacts of conflict, climate change and corruption on God’s people. Scholarships available for young adults - application deadline is March 2.
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April 20 - 22
Portland, ME
As many churches face shrinking resources, and shift from full-time to part-time paid leadership, do we see them as markers of failure or signs of emergent opportunities?
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April 21, 2018 at 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center,
Framingham, MA
Members-in-Discernment throughout New England are invited to this event to help understand how to navigate through the entire process within the UCC.
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April 22, 3:00 to 4:00 PM
First Congregational Church of Southington
The Milton and Katherine Chaffee Lecture on the Future of the Church this year will feature The Rev. Dorhauer, author, theologian and current General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
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April 28, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
First Congregational Church, Meriden
UCC minister, singer/songwriter, author, and Convergence Music Project CEO Bryan Sirchio will lead a fun, heart-warming and mind-expanding day.
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April 28, 1:00 to 7:00 PM
First Congregational Church, New London
One in a series of dinner parties with guests from local churches and guests from the New London Homeless Hospitality Center with a goal of building relationships across differences of economic status, culture, and race.
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May 1-3,
Pilgrim Pines, Swanzey, NH
This three day event gives church leaders a chance to refresh, rejuvenate and renew. Don't we all need that? Speakers:
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The Rev. Da Vita D. McCallister
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Dr. Pamela Shellberg
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Rev. Emilia Halstead
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May 7-11
Chirst Cathedral Church, Hartford
Conflict is normal and inevitable whether in the home, school, community, church or workplace. Leaders in all walks of life often have a responsibility to help others work through their conflicts.
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