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Thursday, January 5, 2023

Pastoral Relations Committees

Tuesday, January 17, 6:30-8pm

The relationship between pastor and people is vital to the health of the church. Both are responsible to see that this relationship functions well. The key is the Pastoral Relations Committee. If you don’t already have one, or know that yours could be better, come learn best practices for an effective Pastoral Relations Committee.

Appreciative Inquiry

Wednesday, January 25, 6:30-8pm

Appreciative Inquiry is a process of discovery that invites us to look into what most gives life through asking the right questions. Instead of, “What’s the problem?” it asks, “What’s the gift?” This process leads to positive change by providing a perspective that appreciates what is and evokes gratitude for whatever’s next. It intentionally focuses on Defining, Discovery, Destiny, Dreaming, and Designing with gratitude, faith and the Spirit’s guidance.

LGBTQ+ Ally Training

Saturday, February 11, 9am-12pm

We encourage you to share this flyer in your own newsletter and post on church news bulletin boards! See below for an insert designed to fit any size

bulletin. Most learning opportunities are free and via Zoom.

The UCC Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data began collecting data for the annual yearbook on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 12pm and will accept submissions through Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Your church can download instructions here. An email with further details has been sent! If you have any questions, need a hard copy of instructions or data forms mailed to your church, or would like a pdf version of the data forms to complete on your computer and return to our office, please contact Kellie Ramirez, Association Information Management and Media personnel, at registrar@livingwaterone.org.

24-Hour Active Clergy Retreat led by Revs. Kelly Brill, Luke Lindon and Brian Shields! Located at Bellwether Farm, beginning at noon on Monday, January 23. Cost include 3 meals and is $150 for a single room, or $125 for a shared room.

Give yourself a gift at the beginning of the new year - 24 hours away with clergy friends, new and old. Rekindle your enthusiasm for ministry through prayer, poetry, music, nature, chef-prepared food. Group sessions will give us the opportunity to talk about the challenges of ministry in this moment and recommit ourselves to healthy spiritual practices. We will offer plenty of free time for options including visiting the farm animals, yoga, conversation and games. Spend time alone or spend time in conversation - do what your spirit needs!

Space is limited, sign up today! Registration will close Monday, January 9, 2023.

Farewell to:

Jerry Kruse, who's ministry at First Congregational Church in Ravenna is ending January 15.

Installation:

Betsy Wooster

Sunday, January 22, 10am

The Federated Church

76 Bell Street

Chagrin Falls, OH 44022

Our present economic system is a train barreling toward increasing environmental disaster, but what would a sustainable economy look like? To answer this question from a place of faith and values entails prioritizing matters of equity, justice, and the common good. To help us cast an alternative vision for our economy, this webinar will feature our own Dr. Edith Rasell, who recently authored the book, “The Way of Abundance: Economic Justice in Scripture and Society.” The webinar will be on Wednesday, January 11th at 1pm. Register for this webinar to learn more!

United Church Homes Wisdom Conversation 2023

Boost the VITALITY of your church with Ministries for Older Adults! Pastors, educators, volunteers, and all who work with and among older adults are invited to attend this Zoom Meeting where you’ll learn strategies for building community, integrating older adult ministries with other church ministries, as well as developing leadership and service opportunities.



Learn more and register with this link!

A new year brings new opportunities to learn and grow in faith! PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is pleased to announce our January term online, asynchronous courses that are accessible and affordable for curious Progressive Christians. All courses are designed with the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers at their core, and are helpful to anyone who wants to develop spiritual and leadership gifts for use in the church and the world.

—United Church of Christ History and Polity, January 11-April 7; this course is designed according to the content recommendations of the UCC History and Polity Network Teachers group (12 weeks, $625)

—Practicing Our Faith in the Public Square, January 11-February 21(6 weeks, $325)

—Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian, January 11-February 21 (6 weeks, $325)

—The Art of Worship, January 11-February 21 (6 weeks, $325)

They will also offer a three week Introduction to Supervised Ministry for student ministers and their site supervisors who are participating in the PATHWAYS Supervised Ministry track.

For more information about PATHWAYS as an organization, our courses, and to register, please visit www.pathwaystheological.org.

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