We in the Southern New England Conference are blessed in many ways. Our congregations are supported by an experienced and innovative staff. Our clergy and lay leaders can take advantage of our Super Saturday events not just annually, but twice a year. And we have the only training program just for faith formation and youth ministry leaders in the entire United Church of Christ!

This kind of training is critical to the life and health of a congregation:

• It forms leaders who share their faith and love for this ministry in ways that make an impact on the lives of the people in their congregations;
• It supports both clergy and lay leaders in assessing, selecting, and adapting the best possible resources for their particular congregation;
• It provides theological and theoretical grounding in this ministry that keeps its leaders focused, and guides them in forming disciples of all ages;
• It places focus on appropriate spiritual development of children, youth, and adults; and
• It provides peer support in collaboration, networking, and relationship-building for the ministry of accompaniment with people on their journey of faith.

Who may participate in the Faith Formation Leadership Program?
ANYONE — lay persons, church staff persons, and authorized ministers — who wants to further their education and understanding about the Bible, theology, and Christian practices in the United Church of Christ. Everyone is welcome to take advantage of this opportunity to expand their experiences in the Christian faith.

This program is offered as both a Certificate program and as a series of classes that may be taken as stand-alone opportunities for those only interested in certain topics. Classes include a focus on faith formation and youth ministries.

Registration is now open for the 2020-2021 program year. All classes are available via Zoom. Each class is offered twice to allow participants to select the best date for their particular schedule. When the time comes that we may return to in-person gatherings, classes will be offered once via Zoom and once at Hadwen Park Congregational Church in Worcester, MA so that participants may choose either more peer connection or less travel time.

New this year is Boundary Awareness Awareness for Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Leaders, taught by Rev. Greg Morisse.
Also being offered:

• Making Disciples — Theories and Practices for the 21st Century with Dr. Joshua Lunde-Whitler

• Youth Ministry 101 — Practices for a Sustainable Ministry
 with Rev. Dave Stambaugh and Becky Stambaugh

• Networking in Youth Ministry — Resources & Social Media with Debby Kirk & Lauren Dube

• Developing Faith — Ages and Stages with Nancy Sides

• Faith Formation 101 — Practices for a Sustainable Ministry
 with Karen Ziel, C.M.C.F.

• Living into the Mystery — Worship and Sacraments in the UCC with Rev. Jenn Macy

Registration and more information may be found by clicking on the links on the Faith Formation Leadership Program webpage.

Those of us who minister in the church owe it to our children, youth, and adults to offer the best possible resources and support in faith formation ministries, particularly during these uncertain times. We owe it to our God as well. Join us this fall for making connections, honing your ministry skills, and igniting your passions for lifelong faith formation!