06/15/2021 - Philanthropic Autobiography
By: Generous Thoughts - StewardshipPhilanthropic Autobiography Dear Friends, Have you ever stopped to think about what inspires you to be generous? Do you have a plan for how and where you donate your ...
Blogs
Blogs
06/11/2021 - Clergy Communities of Practice Offer Nurture and Support
By: Karen ZielClergy Communities of Practice (or CCoPs) continue to build strong bonds and networks of clergy leaders who seek shared learning to deepen their ministerial skills. There...
06/10/2021 - An Interview with Jenn Kronholm Clark
By: Emily McKenna - Faith Formation and Christian Education Outdoor MinistriesIn this month's Discipleship Matters newsletter, Emily McKenna interviews Jennifer Kronholm Clark, Silver Lake Conference Center’s Program Director. Learn what's ...
06/08/2021 - Resources in Review- 2 Books on Leadership by Tod Bolsinger
By: Karen Ziel - Church Growth and Vitality Leadership DevelopmentKaren Ziel begins a monthly resource review blog for the Center For Transformational Leadership's, Innovation Now newsletter. In June, she reviews two very recent books ...
06/07/2021 - In Celebration of Faith Formation Leaders
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentThe last fifteen months have been stressful for you, your families, and your work as faith formation leaders. Everything shifted, and EVERYTHING related to your work had ...
06/01/2021 - Is it Time to Relocate?
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationJune 2020—Volume 28, Number 6 Copyright @ 2020 by Dana Horrell Typically the question of whether to relocate is precipitated by a building ...
05/27/2021 - 100 CT Clergy Urge Governor to Support Health Care Initiatives
By: Michele Mudrick - Conference staffThank you to the over 100 Connecticut SNEUCC clergy who signed a letter to Governor Lamont and Legislative Leaders urging them to support the following legislative ...
05/26/2021 - What is the Bottom Line for Coronavirus Safety?
By: Deborah RingenWow, keeping track of new guidelines in the pandemic response can be very confusing! How can we decide the best way to move forward? How do we balance caution and caring ...
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05/25/2021 - Don't Miss Out! Join Summer Staff Now!
By: Jennifer Kronholm Clark - Outdoor MinistriesWe have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in 2021 to make an impact on campers that will stay with them their entire lives. You have never been more needed. This is your ...
05/18/2021 - Generosity: That's What My Mother Taught Me
By: Generous Thoughts - StewardshipIn a compilation of stories from over 100 interviews with people who had been identified by their pastors as generous givers, Herb Mather in That’s What My Mother Taught ...
05/14/2021 - Our Divided Self
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - StewardshipDoes the following ring true in your experience? Is it generally the case at your church? Here is what we say through our stewardship practices: 10% belongs to God; the ...
05/13/2021 - An Interview with Judi Wallace
By: Emily McKennaEmily McKenna, Program Support Associate, sits down to interview Judi Wallace. Judi shares how she kept youth engaged with a special service project that took place in ...
05/11/2021 - Journeying Together - A Transition Time Reflection
By: Karen Ziel - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentA journey takes many forms in the life of faith and vocation. I'm grateful to have been called to work, to a ministry which is life giving and sustaining and prayerfully,...
05/10/2021 - Should We Gather or Not?
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffExcitement is growing, the desire to, “resume life as normal, pre-pandemic,” is strong, but is it safe? Southern New England Conference UCC states are beginning to ease ...
05/10/2021 - What Is the Best Age for Confirmation?
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationOR: Is Our Confirmation Model Still Valid for the 21st Century?
05/04/2021 - Why Online Giving?
By: Generous Thoughts - StewardshipBefore serving in my present capacity, I served as an Associate Conference Minister for the New York Conference. During that time, I coordinated worship services for ...
05/03/2021 - Opportunities to Learn are Part of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
By: James Ross II - Justice and WitnessMay is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (https://asianpacificheritage.gov/). ...
05/01/2021 - How Can We Overcome Barriers to Vaccination?
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationMay 2021—Volume 28, Number 5 Copyright @ 2021 by Dana Horrell The end of the COVID-19 pandemic and a return to normal life requires that a ...
04/29/2021 - Faith and Mental Illness: Mental Health Sunday, May 16, 2021
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffMental health conditions are on the rise. Before the pandemic it was reported that one in five adults in the US experienced a mental health condition. Now researchers ...
04/29/2021 - Justice and Love
By: James Ross II - Conference staff“Justice is what love looks like in person.” You likely have heard that oft-repeated adage by Dr. Cornell West. As West notes, Jesus urged his disciples to love their ...
04/26/2021 - How Congregations Can Support Nuclear Weapons Ban
By: Peter Kakos - Justice and WitnessIf you have not yet heard, World War III surreptitiously has begun. Our enemy is not a singular nor cluster of nations, but the insidiously deadly COVID 19 in all its ...
04/20/2021 - The Gift of God’s Presence During the Covid-19 Pandemic
By: Generous Thoughts - StewardshipI don’t know about you, but years from now when we are finally all vaccinated and the Covid-19 pandemic is a memory within our collective conscience, there are some ...
04/16/2021 - Supporting Programs for Equitable Vaccine Distribution
By: Deborah Ringen - Justice and WitnessWe can all pitch in to advocate for communities of color and vulnerable populations by publicly distributing information from the CDC and local public health officials ...
04/13/2021 - Thank You For Your Generosity!
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - StewardshipI want to publicly and enthusiastically thank the churches that have financially supported the mission and ministry of our Southern New England Conference (SNEUCC) and ...
04/06/2021 - Grant Funding Opportunities
By: Generous Thoughts - StewardshipDear Friends and Colleagues, At this moment it is clear that there is a great amount of need throughout our country. As development professionals, we are ...
04/06/2021 - Each of Us Has a Role to Play in Changing the Narrative About Guns
By: James Ross II - Justice and WitnessI want to begin with a thank you to the Biden Administration for focusing special attention on the dramatic increase in crimes committed against people of Asian descent ...
04/06/2021 - Let Anyone with Ears To Hear — Sowing the Seeds of Faith
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationSome [seeds] fell into good soil, and when it grew, it produced a hundredfold. (Luke 8:8, NRSV)
04/05/2021 - Communities of Practice Provide Support and Learning
By: Karen Ziel - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentAn invitation to faith formation and youth leaders to consider a monthly opportunity that could become, as one leader testifies, the very best part of my month! Read on ...
04/01/2021 - Readiness Is the Key to Congregational Change
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationApril 2021—Volume 28, Number 3 Copyright @ 2021 by Lauren W. Swanson These are difficult days for the church, but also days of real opportunity. The ...
03/31/2021 - Compassion: A Response to Racial Injustice and Health Disparity
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffApril 2021 National Health Observances include National Minority Health Month, and World Health Day, timely topics in the context of the coronavirus pandemic racial ...
03/30/2021 - Whatever the Outcome of The Chauvin Trial, the Need for Racial Justice Work Will Continue
By: James Ross II - Justice and WitnessWe must continue our work together to bring forth a United States of America in which each...
03/27/2021 - Platform-Shaped Digital Ministry
By: Eric ElleyIn this article rather than defining digital ministry as a broadcast of your Sunday service, your church might consider creating a worship service that has been designed ...
03/25/2021 - Rev. James D. Ross II: Living the Love and Justice of Jesus
By: James Ross II - Conference staffI am honored to serve as your new Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Southern New England Conference. In this role, I am charged with leading our ...
03/25/2021 - Saturday Meals for Asylum Seekers
By: Dawn Adams - Justice and Witnessby Dawn Adams SNEUCC Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Task Team You all have probably seen and heard about the growing humanitarian crisis at our southern borders. There...
03/24/2021 - What We've Learned from the Pandemic - Moving Forward
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationWhat will be the best ways to be the Body of Christ post-pandemic?
03/23/2021 - Strategically Generous?
By: Generous ThoughtsEver find yourself thinking, "too many nonprofits ask me for money!" Or, "why does the church have so many offerings?" The number of ways that we can make a difference in...
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03/23/2021 - Board President's Report to the 2021 Annual Meeting
By: Jocelyn Gardner Spencer - Annual Meeting Board of DirectorsBoard President’s Report SNE UCC Annual Meeting May 2021 The months since our last Annual Meeting in September 2020 have been eventful ones for our Conference and for...
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03/23/2021 - Treasurer's Report to the 2021 Annual Meeting
By: Calvin Price - Annual ReportTreasurer’s Report to the Annual Meeting March 11, 2021 As I write this report, we are just over two months into our second year of operations as a new Conference. Our ...
03/17/2021 - COVID-19 Vaccination: The Inside Story of a Nurse Vaccinator
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffRecently, I began volunteering to give COVID-19 vaccinations at a drive-through mass vaccination site in Connecticut. Currently my job consists of writing and teaching ...
03/17/2021 - Opening Our Doors to a Vaccine Clinic
By: Lauren LorinczThis past year has been difficult for so many of our churches. I serve as the Pastor of the Federated Church in Colchester, Connecticut and we formed a Reopening Team in ...
03/08/2021 - Celebrating Eastertide-The Great 50 Days
By: Karen Ziel - Faith Formation and Christian EducationEaster is not a single Sunday, but a season! While many congregations consider opening and the right moment to open, Karen asks, "Should the focus or intention of our ...
03/08/2021 - Confirmands Engage in Interfaith Exploration
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThe Interfaith Exploration was offered as an opportunity for SNEUCC youth to hear various stories of call. “God is persistent, even though we sometimes push God away.” ...
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03/08/2021 - Post-Pandemic - The Many Faces of Faith Formation
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentThe question to ask is, "How do we pass on the faith knowing what we know now?"
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03/04/2021 - Thank you God, for Cheese!
By: Kelsey DeCarlo - Faith Formation and Christian EducationRock-a-Thon is an annual tradition in our Church where our middle school youth group (Junior Pilgrim Fellowship, known as JPF) spends 24 hours in rocking chairs, learning...
03/01/2021 - How Can We Build Trust in a Vaccine?
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationHow Can We Build Trust in a Vaccine? March 2021—Volume 28, Number 3 Copyright @ 2021 by Dana Horrell The development of a vaccine for the ...
02/19/2021 - Email Security Tips for Churches and Pastors
By: Andrew Page - Leadership DevelopmentDrew Page offers some tips for churches and pastors to protect against email scams.
02/17/2021 - Generous Thoughts: Development Professionals Launch Stewardship Newsletter
By: Generous ThoughtsThis inaugural issue of Generous Thoughts features the Rev. Kent Siladi, Director of ...
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02/11/2021 - Lean Into Lent
By: Karen Ziel - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThis is an invitation to plan for the upcoming season and it's important themes with your whole heart and first and foremost, for you! This season is an invitation to ...
02/10/2021 - Connections & Common Bonds in a Sacred Space for Young Adults
By: Kristin PutneyMillennials’ Ministries is a great space for connections and common bonds for young adults who are looking for a Christian community of friends to engage with.
02/10/2021 - Digital Ministry in 2021
By: Eric ElleyAs we enter the second year of the pandemic’s effects, we are blessed with the increasing availability of effective coronavirus vaccines. As vaccinations become more ...
02/09/2021 - Youth Ministry in Pandemic Times (and Beyond)
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentWalking alongside teens on their spiritual journeys remains our focus.
02/08/2021 - Embrace the Questions
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThough they sometimes feel like a rejection of faith, adult mentors are called to honor the questions, to respond with openness, to testify to the mystery and the truths ...
02/01/2021 - Connect with Spiritual Seekers through the Arts
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationFebruary 2021—Volume 29, Number 2 Copyright @ 2021 by Dana Horrell Sandra Lommasson rediscovered the value of art in response to violent trauma. In its...
01/21/2021 - Get to Know Faith Formation Team Member Emily McKenna
By: Emily McKennaEmily McKenna serves as the Faith Formation Team Support for the Southern New England Conference. Read more here to learn about Emily's work and ministry.
01/21/2021 - Get to Know Faith Formation Team Member Kristin Putney
By: Kristin Putney - Faith Formation and Christian EducationKristin Putney serves as the Minister of Faith Formation, Children and Families for the Southern New England Conference. She is a member of the Faith Formation Team. Read...
01/20/2021 - Faith Formation Classes Offer Adaptive Skills During the Pandemic
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentHow do we navigate uncertainty while ministering to our congregations?
01/20/2021 - Get to know Faith Formation Team Leader Debby Kirk
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationDebby Kirk serves as the Faith Formation Team Leader for the Southern New England Conference. Read more here to learn about Debby's work and ministry.
01/20/2021 - Get To Know Faith Formation Team Member Debbie Gline Allen
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationDebbie Gline Allen is a Minister of Faith Formation for the Southern New England Conference specializing in children, youth, and intergenerational ministries.
01/19/2021 - Get to Know Faith Formation Team Member Karen Ziel
By: Karen Ziel - Faith Formation and Christian EducationKaren Ziel serves as the Minister of Faith Formation and Leadership for the Southern New England Conference. She is a member of the Discipleship and Innovation Teams. ...
01/12/2021 - Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 Can Benefit Churches
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - StewardshipInformation is available on how the CAA law relates to churches and religious groups.
01/12/2021 - COVID-19 2021: Prolonged Uncertainty
By: Deborah Ringen - Justice and WitnessHere we are a little over a week into the new year. Our nation and our world continue to struggle under the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 12th all three states in the ...
01/12/2021 - Creativity and Spiritual Formation in a Time of Pandemic
By: Bruce Epperly - Church Growth and Vitality"The past ten months of pandemic can either be lost time or the time of our lives, or a mixture of both."
01/01/2021 - Build A Robust Network
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and VitalityJanuary 2021—Volume 29, Number 1 Copyright @ 2021 by Dana Horrell Whatever else it did, the COVID-19 health crisis forced congregations to consider ...
12/29/2020 - Farewell Thoughts
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Conference staffRev. Marilyn Kendrix shares her farewell thoughts as she finishes her time serving as Bridge Conference Minister of the Southern New England Conference.
12/28/2020 - Farewell Reflections
By: Donald Remick - Conference staffRev. Don Remick share his thoughts as the year and his time serving as Bridge Conference Minister come to a close.
12/22/2020 - The Birth of Love: A Christmas Message
By: Marilyn Kendrix Donald Remick - ChristmasA message from Bridge Conference Ministers Rev. Marilyn Kendrix and Rev. Don Remick
12/22/2020 - Substance Abuse Addiction: Help is Available
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffChristmas is the season for joy, right? Maybe, maybe not. For many it is the season for depression and stress. Expectations of happy family get togethers even in the ...
12/16/2020 - COVID -19: Clergy Are Trusted Community Messengers
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffFrom the CDC: "Community- and faith-based organizations, employers, healthcare systems and providers, public health agencies, policy makers, and others all have a part in...
12/15/2020 - Joy and Grief this Christmas
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffHolidays are usually a busy, joyous time to celebrate. Our religious and secular traditions provoke memories of years past spent with family and friends. Every year there...
12/09/2020 - Adaptation in the Season of Advent
By: Deborah KirkMusic is such an important part of the holiday season and church worship planners are going to great lengths to incorporate favorite carols. Some have made use of radio ...
12/09/2020 - Longest Night Liturgy Available
By: Peggy Matteson Deborah Ringen - Conference staffLongest Night services bring the opportunity of pastoral care to those experiencing loss, grief and pain even in the joyous time of Advent and the coming of Christ. This...
12/02/2020 - The COVID Pandemic and Opioid-Related Mortality: The Church Can Help
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffConnecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are among 40 states that have reported an increase in overdose deaths during 2020 as compared to 2019. The pandemic is ...
12/01/2020 - Tending the Light: An Advent Spiritual Practice
By: Dawn Adams - ChristmasSpiritual practices take many forms. For Rev. Dawn Adams and family, one form is to "babysit as flame."
12/01/2020 - Using Surveys to Guide Decision Making
By: The Parish PaperDecember 2020—Volume 28, Number 12 Copyright @ 2020 by Dana Horrell In A Field Guide to U.S. Congregations, Cynthia Woolever points out the many factors ...
11/25/2020 - Communications: One More Covid-19 Casualty
By: James SilverCo-vid 19 is a tough go for me and all those who have hearing challenges. God bless us that we are wearing masks for everybody’s safety, but my do they wreak havoc on ...
11/18/2020 - A Thanksgiving Prayer for Those Who Are Weary
By: Jessica McArdle Deborah Ringen - Conference staffGrateful for this sheltered place With light in every window Saying, "Welcome, welcome, share this feast Come in away from sorrow" ~ from the Thanksgiving Song, by Mary ...
11/17/2020 - Budgeting in a Time of Uncertainty and COVID-19
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Conference staff StewardshipHistorically, a church’s budget should have served at least three purposes: 1) provide financial guidance for the upcoming year; 2) place a limit on spending; and 3) be a...
11/16/2020 - 400 Years of Colonization, Doctrine of Discovery and Manifest Destiny
By: Kelly Gallagher - Conference staffFrom an address given by Rev. Kelly Gallagher for the Oct. 18 event 400 Years: Truth & Healing for the Next Seven Generations I stand in what is called today ...
11/16/2020 - Following Copyright Rules When Pairing Music with Virtual Worship
By: Daniel BrownellCopyright law has easily been the biggest challenge for my church to overcome
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11/12/2020 - Covid Update: Is your Church in the High Risk Zone?
By: Donald RemickFriends, This past week has had records set in the current Covid surge. We keep seeing new records across our region and across the country in terms of daily new cases, ...
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11/12/2020 - The Survey Says...
By: Donald RemickThe survey says: Last month we sent a survey our to all of our churches. We were checking in on what you were doing, what you needed, what was helpful and what you were ...
11/11/2020 - On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand, All Other Ground is Sinking Sand
By: Marilyn Kendrix Donald RemickMy hope is built on the love of God and the ever-present reality of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.
11/10/2020 - Inspiring Gratitude
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationWe know that gratitude is central to spiritual well-being, but recently, social scientists in various academic settings have affirmed that this practice enhances mental ...
11/10/2020 - The Twelve Days of Christmas - At Home This Year
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Christmas Faith Formation and Christian EducationPerhaps the biggest Christmas gift was can give ourselves will be the gift of experimentation, and being allowed to fail at designing “the perfect Christmas.”
11/06/2020 - Discipleship is Not A Paint-by-Number Project
By: Laura Kisthardt - Faith Formation and Christian EducationDiscipleship is not a paint-by-numbers! We might wish for clear instructions, a formula to follow, to encourage others to follow Jesus. But our faith is so much bigger ...
11/04/2020 - Dying With Dignity Legislation Update
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffOver the past months, I have written to you about the importance of advance healthcare directives and end-of-life care planning. These critical conversations with our ...
11/04/2020 - Thanksgiving During a Pandemic
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffOh God, how we long for a traditional holiday table where many extended family and friends have gathered in the glowing warmth of a feast and holiday decorations. We ...
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11/03/2020 - Church Leaders are Feeling Excitement over Major Adaptive Change Opportunities: A Look at Financial Survey Data
By: Lee GagenLast week Don Remick shared with us the results from the SNEUCC’s most recent COVID ...
11/01/2020 - Building Relationships in Livestream Worship
By: The Parish PaperNovember 2020—Volume 28, Number 11 Copyright @ 2020 by Dana Horrell Livestreaming a worship service extends its reach far beyond the physical gathering of...
10/28/2020 - Covid Survey Results, Continued
By: Donald Remick - Conference staffWord cloud created from most frequently encountered words from the survey. The larger the word appears, the more often it occurred. We received nearly 300 ...
10/28/2020 - Election Exhaustion / Election Resilience
By: Donald Remick - Conference staff1 John 2: 15 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. The love of the Father is not in those who love the world; 16 for all that is in the world—the desire of ...
10/27/2020 - Spreading the Word About the 'Super Cool Love of God'
By: Tiffany Vail - Justice and WitnessHave you seen the United Church of Christ in the news this week? We announced on Sunday that the Southern New England Conference had abolished $26.2 million in ...
10/26/2020 - "Wait. You did WHAT?!?!?" A Reflection of Joy
By: Shawn Fisher - Justice and WitnessWait. What? You just got rid of my medical debt? Yep. How much? All of it. Are you SERIOUS? Yep. But...I'm not even a part of your church. That's not the point. This will...
10/26/2020 - Congregations Can Support Mental Health
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffLast April, I wrote a blog titled Mental Health and Suicide Resources discussing the unique circumstances of the pandemic such as isolation, loss of a job, uncertainty ...
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10/21/2020 - Election 2020: A Lot of Folks Are Nervous
By: Donald Remick - Justice and WitnessIts on every news channel. It is all over Facebook, Twitter and Instagram . It pops up on your cell phone notifications. It is an election year unlike any other. ...
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10/21/2020 - What Churches Are Doing Now During the Pandemic
By: Donald RemickThis October our Conference sent out a survey to all of our Conference’s churches. We asked about many aspects of church life from worship to fellowship to ...
10/15/2020 - Just Breathe: Weaving Together the Creation Narrative and Communities of Color
By: Katherine Schofield - Environment Justice and Witnessby Katherine Schofield, Old South Church On October 11, Old South Church in Boston hosted...
10/14/2020 - Virtual Super Saturday is Almost Here!
By: Ellie Richardson - Conference programmingWe know you may be Zoom weary and treasuring days away from little boxes on computer screens. But if you are desiring community and a chance to come together with ...
10/13/2020 - What To Do with the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Landing
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThis fall is a perfect opportunity for confirmation programs to look back at our history.
10/07/2020 - A Library With A Rich Menu for Disciples
By: Jennifer deSimas Deborah KirkIn a recent interview, Jennifer deSimas, Director of the JP Webster Library related her work to faith formation. "One of my roles is to organize events that explore not ...
10/07/2020 - Breathing Life Into Theories and Practices
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentHow will you most effectively walk the path of faith with your congregation?
10/07/2020 - Innovations in Youth Ministry -Two Stories
By: Kristin Putney - Faith Formation and Christian EducationKristin Putney shares two stories of effective youth ministry in RI Congregations during the time of CoVid 19. Youth connections are sustained and deepened through ...
10/01/2020 - How to Foster Deep Listening Amid Political Difference
By: The Parish PaperOctober 2020—Volume 28, Number 10 Copyright @ 2020 by Dana Horrell Honest conversation about all matters, even politics, must be part and parcel of a ...
10/01/2020 - Important Documents – Does Your Church Know Where They’re Kept? (Part I)
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew Jonathan Guest - Conference staff Stewardshipby Jonathan Guest and David Cleaver-Bartholomew For many churches these are challenging and stressful times. Church members are concerned about worship, programs, and ...
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09/30/2020 - The Tech Behind the Annual Meeting
By: Ian Tosh - Annual MeetingThe Annual Meeting for the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ was held on September 26th remotely via a Zoom webinar. I moderated the meeting...
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09/29/2020 - Our Faith, Our Vote
By: Donald RemickThere was a time when leadership was chosen by casting lots. Our scripture tells stories of this. But in our time that decision is up to us. But it is no less an act ...
09/28/2020 - Celebrating Disability: A Step Forward to Creating A Community of Belonging
By: Candace Low - Conference programmingAccess Sunday is October 11 Each year, the second Sunday of October is designated on the ...
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09/25/2020 - Pastor Appreciation Day - October 12, 2020
By: Donald Remick“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching“ 1 Timothy 5:17 (NRSV) Each year a day is ...
09/23/2020 - I Don’t Want to Talk About It…Depression in the Wake of Covid-19
By: Jessica McArdle“In the middle of the journey of our lives, I found myself upon a dark path” ~ Dante I don’t want to talk about it.[1] Having served some years in parish ministry, I ...
09/23/2020 - When Clergy Face Depression We Can ALL Help
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffAll human beings experience feeling “blue” or “down in the dumps” sometimes. It may come as a surprise, but clergy are human too! It can be hard to admit that one might ...
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09/21/2020 - Covid, Heating, Ventilation and New MA Regulations: Winter is Coming
By: Donald RemickFriends, There is that fall chill in the air. It is the change of seasons. And with it comes new decisions we face in our church life. The current state of this ...
09/18/2020 - Learn How to Become a Just Peace Church at Super Saturday
By: Robert Loesch - Justice and Witnessby Rev. Dr. Robert Loesch Greetings to you in the name of the God of Light and the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. In their names, I invite you and your local church to...
09/17/2020 - Planning Annual Fall Pledge Campaigns
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - StewardshipIn today’s unprecedented context, when churches cannot worship in person and there is great economic uncertainty and social upheaval, it is quite reasonable to ask: How ...
09/17/2020 - Playlists! An Exciting Innovation
By: Karen Ziel - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentPlaylists! What are they? An introduction to the concept of Playlists as a new format for shaping faith.
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09/16/2020 - An Image of Hope
By: Gwen Lawson - Faith Formation and Christian EducationAlexa Odoy, a ninth grader at Congregational Church of Marlborough shares her creative talents. "The design is inspired by the story of Noah's arc, but the rainbows also ...
09/16/2020 - Boundary Training for Faith Formation and Youth Ministry Leaders
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentBlurred boundaries can result for lay staff who are also members of that congregation.
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09/14/2020 - Youth Join Race Equity Work at Newman
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationChristy Wynveen of Newman Congregational shares reflections on her new position as Minister of Faith Formation and recent youth study group on the book The Hate U Give.
09/02/2020 - Masks Are More Important Than Ever: Slow the Spread
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffPeople are getting out more as local restrictions ease allowing restaurants, businesses and schools to open with specific guidelines to reduce the threat of coronavirus ...
09/01/2020 - Getting Started with Livestreaming
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and VitalitySeptember 2020—Volume 28, Number 9 Copyright @ 2020 by Dana Horrell Livestreaming an event, whether a worship service or Bible study, can seem like a ...
09/01/2020 - Pilgrimage Through the Pandemic
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffThis interview captures the reality of the experience of COVID-19 and the theological reflection required to make sense of the world in the pandemic. The Rev. Karen ...
09/01/2020 - Use Your Voice to Promote Flu Vaccination this Season
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffFaith Community Nurses, clergy and lay ministers of health are trusted by the people of the congregation and community. The foundation of our faith encourages caring for ...
08/31/2020 - When the Pastor is the Caregiver at Work and at Home
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster ReliefHow can clergy juggle family caregiving and the stress of serving their flock during a pandemic, racial injustice, hurricanes, and the divisive political climate? Even ...
08/24/2020 - Universal Charitable Tax Deduction for 2020
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Conference staff StewardshipAs part of the CARES Act that became law earlier this year, the government provided a new universal charitable tax deduction. The deduction allows taxpayers to deduct up ...
08/20/2020 - An Adult Education Model for Churches, with a Twist
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentIn this time of polarized opinions and beliefs, an attitude of humility toward our approach to the Bible and to each other is surely what God is desiring of us.
08/20/2020 - Congregation Climate Justice Voter Pledge
By: Barbara Darling - Environment Justice and WitnessI was delighted to see that Rev. Traci Blackmon, UCC Associate General Minister for Justice and Local Church Ministries and Pastor of Christ the King UCC in Florissant, ...
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08/18/2020 - Get Up, While We Hold You Down
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Justice and WitnessAs horrific as the video-taped murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis was, it was the orders shouted to Mr. Floyd that pierced my heart as I foolishly watched that video ...
08/17/2020 - Lifelong Faith Formation Thrives with Trained Leaders
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentWe owe it to our congregations to offer high quality faith formation and youth ministries, particularly during these uncertain times.
08/17/2020 - Stewardship, Choice, and Discipleship
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Conference staff StewardshipOne aspect of stewardship that struck me afresh the other day is that biblically speaking, stewardship is not presented as optional for us. In Genesis 1.27-28 we are told...
08/17/2020 - This is What Discipleship Looks Like
By: Andrew McKinnis - Young Voices ProjectBoth my church and Silver Lake have had an influence on my involvement with racial justice work. In 2018, upon entering freshman year I felt the need to be doing ...
08/16/2020 - Love Thy Neighbor
By: Katharine Howe - Young Voices ProjectI started my first semester as a Master of Divinity Student at Chicago Theological Seminary in February. Less than a month later I began working long hours at the Rhode ...
08/11/2020 - Flawed or Human?
By: Maya Wright - Young Voices ProjectIt's comfortable to identify ourselves with the ‘good people’ in the Bible. But what does it mean to identify ourselves with the flawed figures? As humans, we’re not ...
08/11/2020 - God Is Always With Us
By: Ella Ford - Faith Formation and Christian Education Young Voices ProjectBefore quarantine I found my days were full of school, sports, and homework. I barely had time to hangout with friends, let alone a minute for myself.
08/01/2020 - Hospitality: Offering a Third Place to Gather
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationThe emergence of a novel coronavirus has led in some regions to measures such as social distancing guidelines and prohibitions against physical gathering. Whether meeting...
07/28/2020 - Reflecting on the ADA After 30 years
By: Candace Low - Justice and WitnessI was thinking about the journey. Many of us did our advocacy alone...little victories each day along the way that you will probably never read about. In most cases in ...
07/27/2020 - Carrying One’s Faith onto the Public Square: Voting and Faithfulness
By: Jessica McArdle - Environment“ Whoever is faithful in a very little, is also faithful in much...” Luke 16:10 When serving in the parish, I quickly learned that the chief task facing a Stewardship ...
07/24/2020 - A Few Final Thoughts
By: Kent Siladi - Conference staffRev. Kent Siladi offers some final thoughts before his departure.
07/24/2020 - Dare To Be
By: Joy Utter - Justice and WitnessRev. Joy Utter shares thoughts on the late Congressman John Lewis.
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07/23/2020 - Care for One Another- Immunize!
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff“Dear children, let us love not with words or tongue but with actions and in truth” ~ 1 John 3:18 The novel coronavirus pandemic has caused uncertainty, fear, and loss ...
07/23/2020 - Giving young people an opportunity to thrive
By: Venson Jordan - Outdoor MinistriesCamp Ruggles and Irons Homestead. For 46 years now the sounds of children enjoying summer mark the flow of a long friendship.
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07/22/2020 - Phasing Forward into the Fall
By: Donald RemickWhen the pandemic first began your Bridge Conference ministers recommended the suspension of In Person inside worship for two weeks. As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, ...
07/09/2020 - The Conversation Continues: Update on Death with Dignity Legislation (MA)
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Justice and WitnessThe importance of conversation with loved ones surrounding one’s end of life choices for ...
07/07/2020 - Goo
By: Donald RemickI was raised on the butterfly metaphor. From kids’ books to Easter symbols. I’ve preached it. I watched it unfold in grade school terrariums. And I’ve used it as ...
07/07/2020 - Millennials’ Ministries Goes Virtual
By: Katharine HoweWhere is my place in the United Church of Christ after confirmation class? This is a question that I continue to ask myself as a young adult. I have noticed that young ...
07/06/2020 - How Does Your Garden Grow?
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationAt Silver Lake, campers have the opportunity to tend the community garden. Environmental justice is one of the elements of the mission statement and we teach about the ...
07/02/2020 - Bethany House in Chile Requests our Prayers
By: Christopher Ney - Justice and WitnessBethany House is part of the social ministry of the Pentecostal Church of Chile, long-term ecumenical partner of this historic Massachusetts Conference. Known in Spanish ...
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07/02/2020 - COVID-19: Where Have We Been and Where Are We Going?
By: Donald Remick - Conference staffIn the winter of 2020, the Southern New England Conference of the UCC was just beginning as a new legal and ecclesial entity. It was in this moment that news of a new ...
07/01/2020 - Care, Leadership, and Self-Renewal in Uncertain Times
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationWhen the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, it ushered in a prolonged period of uncertainty. Since that day it has appeared that ...
07/01/2020 - Dad and Maps
By: Susan TownsleyGo in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord ~ Judges 18:6 My husband always laughs that I will almost never say that I am lost. I may say ...
07/01/2020 - Don't Be A Goat!
By: Timoth Sylvia - Justice and WitnessI was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes, I was sick and you ...
06/30/2020 - Economic Justice and Stewardship
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Conference staffAt its core, stewardship is countercultural. It raises up God’s vision and economy for the world, an economy of abundance that tilts toward “the poor, the widow, the ...
06/24/2020 - Council of Conference Ministers Launch Webinar Series
By: Donald RemickThis is an extraordinary time. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly reshaped how we live, move and have our being in the world. And we are still learning, adapting ...
06/23/2020 - Ensuring the Journey of Faith for Young Adults Continues
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationDear Pastors, Youth Leaders, and Parents, As you celebrate graduates in your congregations, I join you in offering praise for the youth and young adults achieving this ...
06/17/2020 - It’s Hurricane Season: “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit.” - Luke 12:35
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster ReliefHurricane season 2020 has begun; amidst the coronavirus pandemic and racial injustice we ...
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06/12/2020 - EMPATHY
By: Marilyn KendrixIt’s Impossible to be a true disciple of Jesus without empathy. As I sat these past two weeks watching the peaceful protesters all across America marching out their ...
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06/10/2020 - I Don’t Want To Do This Anymore!?
By: Donald RemickI don’t want to do this anymore!? In the last several weeks I’ve heard this phrase several times. Sometimes it comes directly from individual clergy. More often is ...
06/09/2020 - Can Children Be Racist?
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian Education Justice and WitnessChildren can exhibit racist behavior as early as the age of five.
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06/05/2020 - Stewardship, Racism, and Justice
By: David Cleaver-BartholomewFor those struck by the juxtaposition of stewardship, racism, and justice, and are asking what they could have in common and how they are related, I respond: they have ...
06/01/2020 - Six Tools for Managing Volunteers
By: The Parish PaperAt its most basic level, managing volunteers means supporting their work in order to sustain their activity over time. The apostle Paul urges leaders “to equip the saints...
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05/31/2020 - There Are Precious Few Good Police
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Justice and WitnessThere are precious few good police. I know that this is a provocative statement.
05/30/2020 - Pay Attention. And Act
By: Donald Remick - Justice and WitnessFriends, During our weekly Bridge Conference Minister ZOOM last Thursday I offered some words related to the killing of George Floyd. Several folks asked that I make ...
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05/29/2020 - How can we do camp if we can't be together?
By: Jennifer Kronholm Clark - Outdoor MinistriesWhen we come together in the summer for fun and friendship, we do all of the camp things as a way to practice our faith, to learn and grow through our experiences with ...
05/28/2020 - A Reflection on Ahmaud Arbery’s Murder and Racism
By: The Rev. Dr. Donique McIntosh - Conference staff Justice and WitnessI avoided reading detailed accounts about it. I decided long ago that I won’t watch the videos. I couldn’t take one more painful thing in the midst of this pandemic; I ...
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05/26/2020 - All God's Children: Providing for the Lost Sheep
By: Candace Low - Justice and WitnessAuthor’s note: All God’s Children will be a regular feature as congregations navigate moving forward with new challenges. The purpose will be to address the issues of ...
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05/26/2020 - Caterpillars to Butterflies
By: Marilyn KendrixPhoto by Angela Menke Ballou. A few weeks ago, my colleague, Don Remick wrote about Resurrection and in his blog, he referred to the metamorphosis that takes ...
05/26/2020 - Not One Is Lost
By: Charles Ericson - Disaster Relief Justice and Witness"Our goal and mission should be to ensure that no one among us is lost." — Rev. Chuck Ericson
05/22/2020 - A Call to Stop and Pray Daily at 1:11
By: Cleo Graham Scott Spencer"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23: 4 There ...
05/22/2020 - Guidance for Returning to In-Person Faith Formation
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationMany faith formation and youth ministry leaders are wondering just how safe it will be to gather the children and youth in person.
05/22/2020 - Tips for Pastoral/Spiritual Care in Nursing Homes During Quarantine
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster Relief Justice and WitnessAs a faith community nurse I can relate to pastoral concerns around providing spiritual care during the pandemic. We are used to being with a person or family during ...
05/20/2020 - Following Jesus in Times of Uncertainty
By: Grace Winakor - Faith Formation and Christian EducationI hope I’m not alone when I describe the sinking feeling in your chest after another bad day, wondering if God is really listening, and wondering if it’s okay to really ...
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05/19/2020 - COVID-19: How Will We Vote in November?
- Conference staff Justice and Witnessby Lisa Chandler, First Church of Glastonbury (CT) Covid has changed everything. It shocks the senses when we realize that our normal routines and expectations are no ...
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05/15/2020 - For the Long Haul
By: Donald RemickWe are over 8 weeks into our pandemic requirements to Stay Home and Stay Safe. There is an often-used phrase: this is a marathon not a sprint. However, you have been ...
05/13/2020 - Bottom Line: Maintain Your Health - Mind, Body, and Spirit
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster ReliefAs we all focus on trying to prevent the spread of COVID 19, caring for our general health and well-being is sometimes neglected. Mental health concerns, chronic disease ...
05/13/2020 - Pediatric Healthcare During the COVID 19 Pandemic
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster ReliefExperts are learning more every day about the novel coronavirus. There are two issues to be aware of that impact parents and children in particular. While it was once ...
05/12/2020 - Zoombombing: It's Worse
By: Tiffany Vail - Leadership DevelopmentKing Street UCC in Danbury, CT, this weekend seemed to have done everything right. Someone still got in.
05/11/2020 - Renting Your Church Facilities: Planning Now for the Future
By: Bridget Johnson - StewardshipIsaiah 43:19: Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. While all of ...
05/11/2020 - The Good Samaritan - The Good Steward
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Conference staff StewardshipThe story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10.25-37) is one that many of us have heard at least a dozen times. But I wonder how many have heard it through the lens of ...
05/06/2020 - Riverside UCC Continues to Spread Light in the Dark
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Justice and WitnessJust about a year ago, I wrote about the Riverside Church making God’s love and justice real with the creation of their Lighthouse Shops. I wondered what the pandemic had...
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05/04/2020 - PHASING FORWARD: NOW What Do We Do?
By: Donald RemickWhat will phasing into worship and life as a community of faith be like for you? One more time: take a deep breath. Let it go. Notice where God is present to you in ...
05/01/2020 - Ideas for Supporting Mental Health and Faith Formation in Children: A Guide for Parents
By: Wendy Parker - Disaster Relief Faith Formation and Christian Educationby Wendy Parker As the world and this country struggle to cope with the upsetting and ...
05/01/2020 - Living More Deeply Into Who We Were Created To Be
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Conference staff StewardshipLast weekend, I discovered two writings that intrigued and excited me. They did so because they reveal generosity as a point where our scientific and religious worlds ...
05/01/2020 - Yes, Congregations Can Learn New Habits
By: The Parish PaperA regional church officer told of visiting a church with a puzzling worship practice. Whenever it came time to recite the Apostle’s Creed, worshippers turned toward the ...
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04/30/2020 - How Might You Extend an Offer of Prayer in Your Community? Here Are Resources & Ideas
By: Susan TownsleyHave you noticed neighbors and strangers requesting prayers on social media?
04/28/2020 - Resilience in the Face of Stress
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Conference staffLast week, the Bridge Conference Ministers extended their recommendation to suspend in person worship through the month of May. By now, after being safe at home for ...
04/24/2020 - What do Worry Time and a Good Meltdown Have to Do with Well-Being?
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster ReliefHour, by hour, day by day, week by week, month by month… how long will it take for life to return to some kind of normal or new normal? The federal, regional, and local ...
04/24/2020 - When I Was Hungry, You Fed Me
By: John Hargrave"But princess, the peasants are starving. They have no bread." "Then let them eat cake." - Marie Antoinette (according to legend) During the Great Depression, it was ...
04/22/2020 - We’ve Dipped Our Toes in the Water, Now What?
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Church Growth and Vitality Conference staffThis period of no public worship has forced a great many of our churches to dip their toe in the water of online digital worship, and their experiences have ranged from ...
04/19/2020 - It's Hump Day
By: Donald RemickIt is that midpoint in the week when folks are…let’s just say it…crabby.
04/17/2020 - Domestic Violence: What You Need to Know
By: Deborah Ringen - Disaster ReliefAdvocates for people experiencing and surviving domestic violence agree that abuse related to physical distancing is on the rise. Calls to domestic violence hotlines have...
04/17/2020 - Mental Health and Suicide Awareness and Resources
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster ReliefEveryone in the world is experiencing the COVID 19 pandemic to varying degrees depending on your geography, but we all are undeniably experiencing change, uncertainty, ...
04/16/2020 - Creation Care E-News: 50th Earth Day Edition
By: Margaret Bullitt-Jonas - Environmentby Margaret Bullitt-Jonas Missioner for Creation Care This special edition of Creation Care Network e-news is brought to you in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth ...
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04/16/2020 - Inescapable Lessons Offer Invaluable Opportunities – Earth Day 50th & COVID19
By: James Antal - EnvironmentThis is not a dress rehearsal. The entire world is immersed in unrelenting, ...
04/16/2020 - Unexpected Money Can Become Unexpected Generosity
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - StewardshipDear Partners in Ministry, As you have probably heard, the federal government started distributing CARES Act stimulus checks of $1,200 per adult and $500 per dependent ...
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04/14/2020 - Discipleship in the Time of Pandemic: This Too Shall Pass
By: Marilyn KendrixThis past Sunday was Easter Sunday and like many folks around the Conference, I was feeling despondent because it was not going to be the Easter that I am used to. I was...
04/14/2020 - Spiritual Growth in a Time of Pandemic
By: Bruce Epperly - Faith Formation and Christian EducationI have found that my greatest spiritual growth has often occurred during dark nights of the spirit, brought about by personal and professional crises. In such times, I ...
04/13/2020 - It's "RESURRECTION"
By: Donald RemickThis past week, on Maundy Thursday I had an interesting conversation with Rev. Ken Orth, my spiritual director. He gave me a phrase that echoed with an interesting ...
04/13/2020 - The 50th Anniversary of Earth Day and the Challenges Before Us
By: Jessica McArdleA note from your SNEUCC Bridge Conference Ministers: This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day. And for the first time since that date we have seen evidence of ...
04/08/2020 - How to Care for Someone who is Sick with COVID-19
By: Deborah Ringen - Disaster ReliefFor many of us the Coronavirus pandemic has meant preparation, hand washing, covering your cough, social distancing, changes in daily routines of life. For some it has ...
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04/08/2020 - Worship Is Not The Point
By: Elizabeth Magill - Holy WeekThe first surveys that came out to pastors asking “how are you doing” in this Coronavirus age asked about what help we needed with worship. And during Lent, to not have ...
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04/07/2020 - Dear Beloved Clergy
By: Susan Townsley - Holy WeekDear Beloved Clergy: This Sunday, via some electronic means, you will be proclaiming the mystery of the resurrection. You will do this, even though you may have only ...
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04/07/2020 - Discipleship in a Time of Pandemic – Finding Your Purpose
By: Marilyn KendrixOn this past Thursday, we had Rev. Matt Crebbin, Pastor of the Newtown Congregational Church as a guest on our weekly COVID-19 Webinar (recording is here). Matt brought ...
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04/07/2020 - Holy Week in the Pandemic: Journeying in a Time Not Our Own
By: Susan Fowler - Holy Week“I go to the altar of God, to God who gives joy to me.” Why an altar? It marks the meeting place with the Holy. Whether a stone cairn or marble table, a mound of earth...
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04/07/2020 - Holy Week: The Same, and Different
By: Donald Remick - Holy WeekHOLY WEEK It will be the same. It will be different. This week in our sacred story we encounter the whole range of human emotion. The events of Holy Week are powerful ...
04/06/2020 - Look at the Birds of the Air
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationJesus gives us instruction for anxious times in the comforting words found in Matthew 6:25-34, reminding us to let go of worries about the future and suggesting instead ...
04/03/2020 - Wear Face Coverings, Not Masks, in Public
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster Relief Justice and WitnessExperts are speaking out in favor of a public advisory to wear protective face coverings when in public. They emphasize maintaining physical distancing, keeping our hands...
04/01/2020 - Enlist Specialists to Improve Outreach Ministry
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and VitalityLeading a congregation often demands the skills of a generalist, whether it’s the pastor or a team of lay leaders. Yet expert knowledge has its place. Specialists such as...
03/31/2020 - PPE - Help for the Helpers
By: Dawn Durning HammondIt is a remarkable time. Compassion and generosity are bubbling up nearly everywhere we turn. I keep picturing the Holy Spirit as kind of like my small children, years ...
03/31/2020 - Protect Incarcerated People in CT from COVID-19
By: Michele Mudrick - Conference staff Justice and WitnessI was on a webinar last week hosted by ACLU Connecticut and the Smart Justice Team, and since then there has been the first positive COVID-19 test of an adult ...
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03/30/2020 - Anticipatory Grief
By: Susan TownsleyGiven this pandemic, there is much about which I am sad. I miss my dog park friends, as the park was closed when too many younger people were found to be congregating. I ...
03/30/2020 - Discipleship in the Time of Pandemic
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Conference staff Justice and WitnessAs I sit reading the Sunday paper’s special sections on the third Saturday of the coronavirus shelter-in-place order, I can’t help but think about discipleship in this ...
03/30/2020 - It is to Grieve
By: Donald RemickGrief is complicated enough. It is even more difficult during this pandemic when we can’t say goodbye.
03/29/2020 - What’s Next in the Pandemic: Phases of Disaster
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefIn this moment, we will either confirm that we are irrelevant or we will demonstrate that we are essential.
03/27/2020 - Transition or Transformation?
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Church Growth and Vitality Conference staff StewardshipI frequently hear people express their strong desire for us to transition out of this pandemic and return to basically what life was before it struck. They just want to ...
03/26/2020 - Six Lessons Coronavirus Can Teach Us About Climate Change
By: Margaret Bullitt-Jonas - Conference staff Environment Justice and Witnessby Margaret Bullitt-Jonas and Leah D. Schade, co-editors of the book Rooted and Rising: Voices of Courage in a Time of Climate Crisis Earth Day 2020 comes at a ...
03/25/2020 - Communicating Coronavirus: Best Practices for Churches
By: John Hargrave - Disaster ReliefThis isn't the first time humans have faced a pandemic. After studying previous outbreaks like SARS and Avian Flu, the World Health Organization put together a thick ...
03/25/2020 - Communication: Messaging and Media in this phase of Pandemic
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefAs we are Staying Home and Staying Safe we are discovering new ways of being church. And we are discovering again the most essential elements of being the Body of ...
03/25/2020 - Loving our Neighbor as Ourselves During a Pandemic: Stop Stigma
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Disaster Relief Justice and WitnessAre you feeling scared, sad, disappointed, concerned you may become ill with COVID-19? Are you watching the news or scouring websites to find out how many new cases have...
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03/24/2020 - What Can I Do? Outreach in the Time of Corona
By: Deborah KirkChurches are invited to copy this post, add their own information, and disseminate it in their congregations. As the Coronavirus spreads from town to town and schools ...
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03/24/2020 - You’ve Been Innovating!
By: Susan TownsleyChurches are quickly adapting to online and electronic forms of giving, moving pastoral care to phone and Zoom, and making food collections available via drive-through.
03/23/2020 - Beware of Zoombombing
By: Tiffany VailAccording to a New York Times article, there’s a new type of malicious behavior proliferating called Zoombombing. This is when people find publicly posted links to Zoom ...
03/23/2020 - Essentials
By: Kent SiladiEssentials. In this time of a global pandemic we are using terms that attempt to characterize where we find ourselves in this challenging time. “Social or physical ...
03/23/2020 - Scarcity or Generosity?
By: David Cleaver-Bartholomew - Conference staff StewardshipAs the Coronavirus and its effects on people’s livelihoods has become more severe, I have been struggling with the question of how we can talk about giving to the One ...
03/22/2020 - Stay Safe. Stay Home
By: Donald RemickAs of this morning, four states have issued a Stay Safe, Stay Home instruction. Some call it Shelter In Place. It is the more stringent guidelines to reduce the spread ...
03/21/2020 - How To Improve Sound in Your Video
By: Andrew PageA brief guide to improving sound in your online videos.
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03/20/2020 - What Do I Do About Pastoral Care?
By: Donald RemickWhat do I do about pastoral care during a time of pandemic? What do I do about wedding and funerals? These are challenging questions in a challenging time. One of ...
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03/19/2020 - 'Be Not Afraid' About Church Finances During This Time
By: Charles KuchenbrodIn the Bible, Angels, God’s messengers, often arrive saying, “Be not afraid!” Some people may be anxious about the financial viability of their church as economic ...
03/19/2020 - Considering Our Legacy: Native American Boarding Schools
By: Kelly Gallagher - Justice and WitnessJesus called the children to him, saying to his disciples, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’ ~ Luke 18:16 ...
03/18/2020 - Lessons From Ministry in the Midst of a Disaster
By: Matthew Crebbin - Disaster ReliefBeloved Colleagues in Ministry, This is a message I wish I didn’t have to write. I do not want to know what I know. Because I learned my lessons about disaster ministry ...
03/18/2020 - Self-Care for Clergy: Prevent Burnout
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staff Justice and Witness“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and ...
03/17/2020 - Learning to Be The Church Virtually
By: Tiffany VailLet me just start by saying: I know this is hard. And frustrating. And exhausting. For the vast majority of our churches, providing worship or otherwise "being the ...
03/16/2020 - Discipleship
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Conference staff Faith Formation and Christian Education Justice and Witness“The local church exists to make disciples of Jesus” says our mission statement. Simon Peter, “Do you love me?” And of course, Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know that I...
03/13/2020 - Creating Online Media for Worship
By: Andrew PageWith the prospect of shutting down churches the obvious question arises: how do we worship now? Below are some helpful guidelines for creating video that may be put ...
03/13/2020 - That Hard Place
By: Donald RemickThat Hard Place I don’t like pain. I read a situation, analyze all the trajectories and options and work overtime to figure out how to get through things without causing...
03/12/2020 - Faith Formation Leadership Training Is For Today’s Congregations
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian EducationI have been wrestling with the term “Sunday School” for almost as long as I’ve been a Christian educator. I sometimes even take issue with being called an “educator” in ...
03/10/2020 - Stress and Coronavirus
By: Deborah Ringen1 Corinthians 1:4-9 Revised Standard Version (RSV) 4 I give thanks to God always for you because of the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus, 5 that in every ...
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03/10/2020 - What To Do For Church
By: Donald RemickFriends, Are you wondering what to do for church? This week the Governors of all three Southern New England states have declared a state of emergency related to the ...
03/02/2020 - Church and the Coronavirus
By: Donald RemickIt's been a busy week since we sent out a blog (below) on the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In that time we have received a lot of resources and guidance. We’ve seen the impact...
03/01/2020 - What is the Emerging Church?
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and VitalityIn a pub in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Peter Rollins and a group called the Ikon collective organized a religious event for visitors in town for a conference called ...
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02/26/2020 - Death With Dignity Act (MA)
By: Deborah Ringen - Justice and Witness“Every moment involves the divine call and human response. Although we believe that God is not the source of illness, divine wisdom is revealed in illness as well as in ...
02/20/2020 - Considering Our Legacy: Doctrine of Discovery
By: Kelly Gallagher - Justice and WitnessAs we continue through this year of 2020, as the Mayflower once again plans to sail into Boston Harbor, as we revisit the 400-year-old history that brought European ...
02/20/2020 - Explorers in Uncharted Territory
By: Donald RemickIt goes by many names: Uncharted Territory, Wilderness Wanderings, Liminal Space. None of them evoke feelings of fun and frolic. We don’t like uncertainty. We long for ...
02/17/2020 - Why Must We Grieve? Because We Love Another
By: John HudsonGrief: the sad and sharp feeling of losing someone that you love. We all grieve. It is inescapable, like the chill winds of February.
02/12/2020 - Faith, Common Sense and Reducing Panic
By: Deborah Ringen - Conference staffNews reports are filled with reports about the spread of illness and death due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n CoV). As I listen, I cannot help but see the ...
02/06/2020 - Environmental Ministries Team Demonstrates Against Proposed Compressor Station
By: Barbara Darling - Environment Justice and Witnessby Barbara Darling and Ted Wade, Co-Chairs Historic Massachusetts Conference Environmental...
02/01/2020 - Get to Know the Community through Mapping
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and VitalityWhen Pastor Alexis was hired to do community outreach for the church in a racially diverse, economically struggling neighborhood, church members told him, “This is a high...
01/28/2020 - Our Faith and Heart Health
By: Deborah Ringen - Justice and WitnessEvery February we see media messages about American Heart Month: Go Red for Women®, Know your Numbers, Warning Signs of a Heart Attack and more. We are told to eat lots ...
01/23/2020 - Why We Require Our Deacons to Attend Super Saturday
By: Beth Stotts - Super SaturdaySuper Saturday Inspires Dreams at Central Square Congregational Church in Bridgewater, MA
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01/14/2020 - Updates from Puerto Rico, Australia and others
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefWe have seen the news of ongoing disaster challenges around the globe. And folks have been wondering how to respond. We received an update from our UCC National ...
01/08/2020 - Changing Our Destiny
By: Kelly Gallagher - Justice and WitnessGiven the recent actions of our country – the assassination of a foreign leader justified as necessary to stop a feared attack – it is more important than ever to reflect...
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01/07/2020 - Youth Can Thrive in the Southern New England Conference
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationWe are fortunate in the Southern New England Conference to have a wide variety of support for local church youth ministries.
01/01/2020 - Repurpose Worship Space, Don’t Rebuild
By: The Parish Paper - Leadership DevelopmentJanuary 2020—Volume 28, Number 1 Copyright @ 2020 by Dana Horrell Having to deal with poorly designed or ill-suited worship space can be ...
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12/22/2019 - We Need to Share the Magic
By: Tiffany Vail - ChristmasWe have got to reach out into our communities – to people who have been hurt or shunned or ignored – and spread the light to them.
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12/19/2019 - A Christmas Cry
By: Dawn Adams - Justice and WitnessI did not expect this. The angel had warned me in a dream. We had to leave. I packed us up in the night. Herod’s men were coming with their swords drawn. We were barely...
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12/19/2019 - Be Not Afraid
By: Kent Siladi - Christmas"Yet again we need to hear the angel’s message. 'Be not afraid.'" — Rev. Kent Siladi
12/10/2019 - I Have Work To Do. So Do You
By: Donald Remick - Conference staff Justice and WitnessEarly in November, the Conference Ministers gathered in Birmingham for our fall meeting. But it was more than a meeting. We had been encouraged to read articles and books...
12/10/2019 - Wake Up, Turn Around, Enbridge
By: Gretchen Elmendorf - EnvironmentToday stirred some theology in my mind and spirit. Here’s a spiritual essay. I write out of my faith tradition with full respect for those of different faiths or no ...
12/01/2019 - Writing as a Tool for Community Engagement
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and VitalityDecember 2019—Volume 29, Number 12 Copyright @ 2019 by Dana Horrell Writing can help church leaders in their efforts to reach out to the community. Typically seen as a ...
11/21/2019 - Seizing the Opportunity to Re-Imagine
By: Susan TownsleyYou’ve probably been reading about church decline and the rise of the Nones, Dones and SBNRs (Spiritual But Not Religious) in the news. Here is just one such article: ...
11/19/2019 - What To Do with the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Landing
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationWhat do we do with the parts of our congregational history that include colonialism and slavery?
11/12/2019 - "Unless" - Looking at an alternative to Fossil Fuel
By: Lois Happe - Environment"Our dependence on fossil fuel, if left unchecked, will eventually render much of our world uninhabitable." — Rev. Lois Happe
11/12/2019 - What's a Pray-Ground?
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationA Pray-Ground in a service of worship allows children to feel connected to the rest of the Body of Christ.
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11/04/2019 - Breathe and Push and Breathe and Push
By: Kurt WalkerChoosing to actively engage in a community of faith is a lot like childbirth. It is about pushing and breathing. Constantly. Consistently.
11/04/2019 - Community Accountability in Restorative Justice
By: Brenda Nolan - Justice and WitnessFree public presentation on restorative justice and dialogue with Lauren Abramson, 1-3:30 PM Saturday, November 16, in Boston. For more information and to register, go ...
11/01/2019 - Learning to Love Variety in Worship Song Selection
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and VitalityAndrea, music director at The Blue Note Church, straps in and prepares to select song ideas for the worship team to consider as it prepares for Sunday. She decides to ...
10/30/2019 - The Power of Partnership
By: Shawn FisherWhen you work at partnerships, you build relationships... and through that you build community.
10/28/2019 - Three Things I Wish Every Church and Pastor Knew About Being Prepared
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefFriends, every fall emergency services focuses on disaster preparedness and fire prevention. For years I have spent part of my ministry in the field of Disaster ...
10/23/2019 - Faith Formation & Youth Ministry for All
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThe classes offered through the Faith Formation Leadership Training Program are open to ANYONE who wishes to further their education of the Church.
10/23/2019 - Step up, Step up!
By: Elise Kennedy - Faith Formation and Christian EducationYouth gathered at Silver Lake on October 11-13 for the annual Shine 4 Justice retreat. This retreat is a component of the 'Thinking About Working For God' program that ...
10/16/2019 - Getting Personal - A Devotional on Race
By: ivy tillman - Justice and Witnessby ivy tillman “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captive and ...
10/15/2019 - Can You Become a Better Church?
By: Charles KuchenbrodRidgebury Congregational Church’s pastor, Debbie Rundlett, invited Charlie Kuchenbrod, Executive Associate Conference Minister, to share some stewardship wisdom and a ...
10/10/2019 - Working to Dismantle Homophobia
By: James AdmansThis past weekend, I traveled from New York City to Framingham, Massachusetts to give my second-ever presentation at Super Saturday. Its purpose: answering God’s call for...
10/09/2019 - Youth Help Super Saturday Attendees Assemble 275 CWS Hygiene Kits
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian EducationTwenty-three youth from five Southern New England UCC churches and their leaders gathered for a Youth Program at the Super Saturday event on October 5th ready to put ...
10/04/2019 - National Youth Event Impact
By: Deborah Kirk - Faith Formation and Christian EducationI remember my first National Youth Event in 2008. I was working as a youth leader at a local church and had gathered a group to go to University of Tennessee. After an ...
10/01/2019 - Let's Take a Walk: The Ministry of Accompaniment
By: The Parish Paper - Justice and Witness Many Voices, One MissionWalking alongside someone in a time of need can be vastly reassuring. The ministry of “accompaniment,” often provided by churches in support for immigrants facing ...
09/24/2019 - No Longer Can We Put Off This Work
By: Victoria AllenI’ve never felt particularly called to focus my activism on climate change. I’ve tried to be mindful of my use of resources, but the movement itself, while obviously ...
09/22/2019 - Are We Changing or Transforming?
By: Ellie RichardsonAssociate Conference Minister Ellie Richardson reflects on the difference between change and transformation and asks which is happening for the Southern New England ...
09/18/2019 - Envisioning Racial Justice Brings Pain, Promise
By: The Rev. Dr. Donique McIntoshI started my ministry as the Racial Justice Team Leader with the soon-to-be Southern New England Conference just six weeks ago...
09/18/2019 - Get Up High!
By: Brendan Curran - Justice and WitnessIn the very midst of their destruction, the prophet Isaiah empowers the people of God. The people in exile feel abandoned by God because they have been severed ...
09/10/2019 - Hearing is Beautiful
By: James Silver"I wonder why I came to church today? I couldn't hear a thing." There were no microphones; or they weren't used properly.
09/03/2019 - Facing the Rising Sun Part 4: The Legacy of Judy Simmons
By: Cleo GrahamRev. Cleo Graham commemorates the 400-year anniversary of African slaves first coming to America by sharing stories about her own ancestors.
09/01/2019 - A Team Approach to Worship Design
By: The Parish Paper - Leadership DevelopmentAudrey Wells, director of Under the Tuscan Sun, describes how the use of non-professionals enriched the film crew’s effort to tell their story. For scenes in the town’s ...
08/29/2019 - Facing the Rising Sun Part 3: Slave, Midwife, and Legacy
By: Cleo Graham - Justice and WitnessRev. Cleo Graham commemorates the 400-year anniversary of African slaves first coming to America by sharing stories about her own ancestors.
08/27/2019 - And Now For Something New
By: Tiffany Vail - Conference programmingHere we are at the end of August, and there is indeed a plan for something new. I thought I'd share it, and I invite your feedback.
08/21/2019 - Goodbye
By: Chancellur Dixon - Justice and Witness Outdoor MinistriesChance Dixon shares lyrics from a song he created about the inclusive community that is fostered at Silver Lake
08/12/2019 - Facing the Rising Sun Part 2: Searching for Milo
By: Cleo Graham - Church History and Identity Justice and WitnessRev. Cleo Graham commemorates the 400-year anniversary of African slaves first coming to America by sharing stories about her own ancestors.
08/02/2019 - Our Planetary Cathedral on Fire
By: Margaret Bullitt-Jonas - EnvironmentThe fire in Notre Dame – literally, “Our Lady” – is over. But the fire on Mother Earth rages on.
08/01/2019 - Facing the Rising Sun Part 1
By: Cleo Graham - Church History and Identity Justice and WitnessRev. Cleo Graham commemorates the 400-year anniversary of African slaves first coming to America by sharing stories about her own ancestors who were slaves in America. ...
08/01/2019 - Learn More about Your Congregation through Focus Groups
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationFor church leaders seeking to better understand their congregation, it pays to listen. Everyone knows the value of one-on-one conversations, yet it might not always be ...
07/30/2019 - LGBT Asylum Seeker at the Border Released to UCC Church
By: Judy Hanlon - Justice and WitnessIn the middle of May, I received an email from Paralegal Erin Anderson from Al Otro Lago, an agency that works at the border to free folks in detention and provide ...
07/16/2019 - Value Our Families: Reuniting Families Act
By: Carla Dietz - Justice and WitnessRev. Carla Dietz shares her recent experience in Washington D.C. advocating for new immigration policy.
07/11/2019 - Celebration and Pride
By: Kathie Carpenter - Justice and WitnessCelebrate, Agitate, Activate - ONA35 On June 15, supporters of Open and Affirming gathered from around the Mass Conference to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the ...
07/11/2019 - Lights For Liberty Event Re-Cap
By: Carla Dietz - Justice and WitnessRev. Carla Dietz recaps the Lights for Liberty event held at First Church of Christ Congregational in Glastonbury on Friday, July 12.
07/09/2019 - Standing Up and Speaking Out for our Neighbor: Becoming an Immigrant Welcoming Church
By: Dawn Adams - Justice and WitnessWhat does it sound like when voices of over 625 churches in the new TA1 Conference come ...
07/01/2019 - Team Talk Can Strengthen Volunteer Ministry
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationTeam talk can build a strong ministry team. Of course, some may not think of conversation as an important task, viewing it as getting in the way of work and slowing it ...
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06/26/2019 - #UCCSynod Table
By: Timoth Sylvia - General SynodPhoto Credit - Peter Sylvia Table The word itself, spoken without context, allows those who hear it to see with their mind’s eye that with which the mind ...
06/26/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Together
By: Kent Siladi - Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"So now we move forward in faith together." — Rev. Kent Siladi
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06/24/2019 - #UCCSynod: Break the Silence
By: Dawn Sorensen - General SynodToday I spoke in front of the entire gathered body of General Synod 32, a body of about 700 delegates and a few hundred more gathered onlookers. I spoke in favor of ...
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06/24/2019 - #UCCSynod: Catching Clicks is Really, Really Hard
By: Matthew McCaffrey - General SynodSome 750 or so General Synod delegates are gathered in the “well of the House” at the Wisconsin Center. And, being the United Church of Christ, that means 751 different ...
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06/24/2019 - #UCCSynod: Challenges to Light a Fire
By: John Sharland - General SynodThere have been many references to fire during Synod. Pentecost. The burning bush. Challenges to light a fire for this cause or that cause - all deserving our serious ...
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06/23/2019 - #UCCSynod: Let’s Get To Work!
By: Holly Norwick - General SynodI was so excited for today. I was excited because it was Traci Blackmon day! She was coming to speak with us, the Together As, One group, over our breakfast caucus AND ...
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06/22/2019 - #UCCSynod: Healing and Community at the National Open and Affirming Gathering
By: Caryne Eskridge - General SynodGreetings from Milwaukee! My General Synod experience begins a few days before Synod ...
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06/22/2019 - #UCCSynod: Less-Visible Gatherings
By: Matthew McCaffrey - General SynodI’m not a breakfast person. (Yes, there are tribes that revolve around which meals are “us.”) So the prospect of hauling my tired, talked-out bones out of bed at O’Dark ...
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06/22/2019 - #UCCSynod: We Have Everything We Need
By: Holly Norwick - General SynodToday started early with our first Tri-Conference Caucus at 6:30 in the morning. We are off to a great running start though, despite the sleepy eyes and coffee groans, ...
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06/22/2019 - #UCCSynod: What If We Held a Banquet?
By: Mark Diters - General SynodBusy day, workshops just wrapped up…three plenaries into Synod 32…leaves many ‘lookin’ for the heart of Saturday night’. Today we heard from Matthew Desmond, personally ...
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06/21/2019 - #UCCSynod The Serious Work Before Us
By: Mark Diters - General SynodIt’s travel day…or yesterday was for me. Long, long…long, long…long, long… story short; ask some of the CT delegation how their connection in Chicago went. Two of us ...
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06/21/2019 - #UCCSynod: Rise and SHINE!
By: Holly Norwick - General SynodThe morning brought a buzz that resounded from the lobby of the hotel. I didn’t have anything scheduled for my time this morning but there was still so much to do. It was...
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06/21/2019 - #UCCSynod: Welcome to Milwaukee!
By: Laura Fitzpatrick-Nager - General SynodMy taxi driver and I made a surprising connection this morning en route from the airport. His name was Mustafa and he talked while driving and smiling about all of the ...
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06/20/2019 - #UCCSynod: Blessings
By: Holly Norwick - General SynodThe 8 o’clock hour here in Milwaukee offers a quiet excitement as I sneak by the check-in tables and make my way to the counter for my room key. It’s easy to avert ...
06/19/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Ready, Set, Go
By: Emily McKenna - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Our faith as Christians reminds us that for everything there is a season." —Emily McKenna
06/18/2019 - Children and Racism
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThis is a true story of how church educators stood up to a large publishing company to stop perpetuating racism through our children.
06/13/2019 - Faith Floods the Courtroom
By: Liza Neal - Justice and WitnessJesus said, “I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink.” Matthew 25:35a Dr. Warren receives a blessing from clergy. Photo by Liza Neal. “If you live ...
06/12/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: From the Inside
By: Charles Ericson - Conference programming Conference staff Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"There is an easy, sometimes playful energy of collegiality among us that can escalate into laughter or occasionally bring forth a tear. "— Rev. Chuck Ericson
06/10/2019 - A Memorial Reflection
By: Grace Winakor - Conference programmingTAWFG Apprentice Grace Winakor reflects on a recent memorial service she attended and a lesson she learned about relationships.
06/07/2019 - Becoming a Just Peace Church
By: Robert LoeschI invite you and your local United Church of Christ congregation to take the steps to become a Just Peace Church. Since 1985, the Just Peace Pronouncement at General ...
06/07/2019 - Casino Forum in CT: A Report
By: Grace O'Connor - Justice and WitnessGrace O'Connor Intern, CT Conference, UCC In the first event of its kind, a Forum on the Economic and Social Impact of Expanded Gambling was held at the Connecticut ...
06/05/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Partners
By: Karen Ziel - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"The best and most effective partnerships are formed in the context of communities, organizations, and families within whom these values and this way of being are deeply ...
06/01/2019 - Overcome Volunteer Burnout by Building Capacity
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentVital congregations reach out to strengthen the communities where they are located. Different denominations give different names for this ministry, including mission and ...
05/29/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: It's All About Relationship
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Faith is more caught than taught." —Debbie Gline Allen
05/22/2019 - Anti Nuclear Arms Resolution approved for Synod this June in Milwaukee
By: Peter KakosThe Synod Selection Committee has accepted our resolution “Calling for the U.S. to pull ‘Back From the Brink’ and Prevent Nuclear War.” It all began in the fall of 2017, ...
05/22/2019 - Is Your Church Approaching a Financial Cliff?
By: Charles Kuchenbrod Susan TownsleyIs your church approaching a financial cliff? Wondering how to avoid going off the edge? Read on for a primer on how churches wind up on the edge of the cliff, and to ...
05/22/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: A Community of Colleagues – and Colleagues in Community
By: Mary Nelson - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Sure, I can connect with *more* people online than I can in person, but these connections...
05/18/2019 - 2019 CTUCC Special Meeting: Conference Minister's Address
By: Kent Siladi - Annual Meeting Board of DirectorsText of the Conference Minister's Address at the May 18, 2019 Special Meeting of the Connecticut Conference, UCC.
05/18/2019 - 2019 CTUCC Special Meeting: Rev. Nicewander's Sermon
By: Kari Nicewander - Annual Meeting Board of DirectorsText of Rev. Kari Nicewander's sermon at the May 18, 2019 Special Meeting of the Connecticut Conference, UCC.
05/15/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Being Open to a New Way
By: Martha Goodman - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"I don’t know about you, but the simpler way isn’t always obvious to me." — Martha Goodman
05/10/2019 - U.S. Religious Leaders Issue “Religious Declaration of Unprecedented Human Emergency”
By: Margaret Bullitt-Jonas - Environment...The fossil fuel industry has spent millions of dollars trying to make the climate ...
05/09/2019 - A Short Time; A Big Opportunity to Witness
By: Grace O'ConnorAs a follow-up to my initial blog post at the start of my internship with CTUCC, here are some of my reflections on the past semester: It seems hard to believe that a ...
05/09/2019 - Stand up. Speak Up. It’s Time to Do Something
By: Skylar HainesThis is the testimony given at the 9th Annual Youth Revival May 5 at the Bloomfield Congregational Church A little over a year ago, I was sitting by my locker with all ...
05/08/2019 - Creating a House of Refuge for Trans Asylum Seekers
By: Liza Neal - Justice and Witness“The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord ...
05/08/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Innovate and Create
By: Susan Townsley - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Churches need to be more innovative. Clearly, the old way of doing things is not working, as demographic studies will show." — Susan Page Townsley
05/07/2019 - For the Healing of Our World
By: Kari NicewanderThis is one of a series of reflections on the joint gathering of the board members of Together, As One Board with the members of the boards of the historic Connecticut, ...
05/07/2019 - It’s a New Thing!
By: Cleo Graham - Board of Directors Together, As OneThis is one of a series of reflections on the joint gathering of the board members of Together, As One Board with the members of the boards of the historic Connecticut, ...
05/06/2019 - A Bittersweet Day
By: Timoth Sylvia - Board of Directors Together, As OneThis is one of a series of reflections on the joint gathering of the board members of Together, As One Board with the members of the boards of the historic Connecticut, ...
05/06/2019 - A Both/ And Moment
By: Lauren Lorincz - Board of Directors Together, As OneThis is one of a series of reflections on the joint gathering of the board members of Together, As One Board with the members of the boards of the historic Connecticut, ...
05/06/2019 - We've Arrived
By: Maxwell Grant - Together, As OneThis is one of a series of reflections on the joint gathering of the board members of Together, As One Board with the members of the boards of the historic Connecticut, ...
05/01/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Extraordinary Things
By: Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane - Church Growth and Vitality Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"As the Spotlight editor, I hear about individuals and church groups doing amazing things every day."— Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane
05/01/2019 - Tips for Starting and Managing a Worship Band
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality“How often, making music, we have found a new dimension in the world of sound, as worship moved us to a more profound Alleluia!”[1] The worship band represents a way of ...
04/29/2019 - Actual Justice: The Justice of our Faith
By: Jonathan Tetherly - Justice and WitnessWe call ourselves the Actual Justice Task Team. We began as the Innocence Commission Task Team. Having been scandalized by first degree murder convictions of two African...
04/25/2019 - Taking Action on Environment at Immanuel
By: Dorothy Lovett Buckley - EnvironmentDorothy Lovett Buckley shares thoughts on attending a conversation with Environmental Leader and Former MA Conference Minister the Rev. Dr. Jim Antal.
04/24/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Common Bond
By: Jennifer Kronholm Clark - Conference programming Environment Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries Together, As One"Once a pair identifies the common bond on their cards, they share with each other to discover a common bond between themselves." — Jennifer Kronholm Clark
04/17/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Redefining Social Matter in America
By: Toyan Harper - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"So often, people fail to realize the interconnectedness of our struggle, because individual liberties are mistaken as the liberation of all people." — TJ Harper
04/12/2019 - Cherish the Earth!
By: Barbara Darling - EnvironmentEarth Day is this month! April 22 is the day set aside—for almost 50 years—to raise awareness of the fragility and vulnerability of our planet.
04/10/2019 - An Amazing Haiti Trip
By Suzanne Swanson The RICUCC Haiti Task Force, in collaboration with the United Congregational Church UCC of Bridgeport, Ct., had a very amazing Haiti mission trip ...
04/10/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Hope
By: Charles Kuchenbrod - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"In the midst of an occupation by a repressive foreign power, where religious authorities were collaborators, where the economic system was unjust and income inequality ...
04/09/2019 - Making God’s Love and Justice Real at Lighthouse Shops
By: Marilyn Kendrix - Together, As OneSince coming to the Rhode Island Conference in July, I have traveled around the state, visiting with RICUCC churches, meeting folks and sometimes preaching the Word. ...
04/04/2019 - Seven Best Practices for Supporting Interfaith and Ecumenical Partners in Challenging Times
By: Gail Wright - Justice and Witnessby The Rev. Gail Wright Even before I became a member of the Interfaith and Ecumenical ...
04/03/2019 - Faith In the Home
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationEmpower the parents, grandparents, and caregivers in your congregation to take back their role as Christian educators and faith-formers in the home.
04/03/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Legacy Beneficiaries
By: Jonathan New - Church Growth and Vitality Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"What if legacy thinking guided all our church decisions?" — Rev. Jonathan New
04/01/2019 - Building Your Community Ties with a Block Party
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationSome neighborhoods feel more secure once neighbors have become acquainted. Church leaders wanting to get to know their community could organize a block party. It can be a...
03/28/2019 - We Are Not Facing the Big Issues Alone
By: Grace O'Connor - Justice and WitnessHearing from so many others who view climate change as a worrisome issue was helpful for me personally in recognizing that nobody must face it alone.
03/27/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: The Backbone of Silver Lake
By: Ryan Gackenheimer - Church Growth and Vitality Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries Together, As One"It truly is a life changing experience being a counselor." — Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer
03/21/2019 - Youth and Racism
By: Isaac Monts - Justice and Witness"At our last Conference Wide "Did You Know" Youth Racial Justice Program, there were many young people who didn't know." — Isaac Monts
03/20/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Cultivating Connections
By: Pamela Arifian - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Environment Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"The magic is in connecting their hearts and minds with wonder and beauty of the planet..." — Pam Arifian
03/20/2019 - Together As One: Catching a Breath and Watching the Winds Blow
By: Donald Remick - Together, As OneIn the midst of this season of Lent there is a calling to pause, listen and watch for the movement of the Spirit and breathe deeply the presence of God. In those ...
03/19/2019 - Talking with Children After a Tragedy
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationWith the news of last week’s shootings in New Zealand I again offer these resources for talking with children.
03/13/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Justice Is Local
By: Wendy Vanderhart - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Our most vital churches have a pulse on their neighborhood and are actively serving God’s people..." —Rev. Wendy Vander Hart
03/07/2019 - Grow: Part Two
By: Dan Smolnik - Church Growth and VitalityPart Two of Dan Smolnik's look at church growth patterns.
03/06/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: There Are No Easy Answers
By: Tiffany Vail - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"It’s never easy to admit you don’t have the answers." —Tiffany Vail
03/05/2019 - Come To The Water
By: Brendan Curran - Justice and Witness“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;” -Isaiah 55:1 Beloved Community,, As people of faith we meet our God in all the ways we put love for our neighbors, our ...
03/05/2019 - Restorative Justice: Building and Repairing Human Connections
By: Louellyn Lambros Brenda Nolan - Justice and WitnessThe MACUCC Restorative Justice Task Team advocates for restorative practices in all areas of our community life, whether within the criminal legal system, in communities ...
03/01/2019 - Media Technology for Worship
By: The Parish PaperRecent advances in media technology have brought sweeping changes to many aspects of everyday life, including church. In 2012, 35% of US congregations were using video ...
02/28/2019 - Grow: Part One
By: Dan Smolnik - Church Growth and Vitality"Across America, the Church is not disappearing at all." - Dan Smolnik
02/27/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: What Will Be
By: Michael Ciba - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"John the Baptist may be the right patron for 'Together as One.' " —Rev. Michael Ciba
02/27/2019 - Retreat!
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationCome outside with us to meet God through Christian community.
02/22/2019 - How are we Doing with Social and Racial Justice?
By: Brenda Nolan - Justice and WitnessDear Friends, How are we doing with social and racial justice? …as communities? …as churches? The UCC Restorative Justice Task Team is grappling with this question; we’...
02/21/2019 - Grieving and Rejoicing
By: Kent Siladi - Church History and Identity Stewardship"In my head, I know that churches are places where communities gather, and that many have a season of life and impact, and then reasons arise that means that the church ...
02/20/2019 - Many Voices One Mission: Liminal Space – The Road is Made by Walking
By: Donald Remick - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"One of the fundamental lessons of that road is liminal space. It is learning how to become comfortable with having more questions than answers." —Rev. Don Remick
02/18/2019 - 7 Ways to Support Your Church Educator and Youth Ministry Leader
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationHere are 7 key ways that can ensure your congregation will receive the best from its faith formation staff person.
02/18/2019 - Connecting Generations in Joy
By: Tracy Fouke Bausum - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThis joyful milestone reminds us that no matter where we are, God is faithful. It is a way to connect generations and build relationships.
02/13/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Collaboration and Communication
By: Andrew Page - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Through all this advanced communication – this collaboration – stuff gets done." — Drew Page
02/07/2019 - A Visit to the Capitol
By: Grace O'ConnorUrban Semester Intern, Grace O'Connor visits the Capitol with CTUCC Legislative Advocate Michele Mudrick and Rev. Dick Allen of South Glastonbury to meet Representative ...
02/06/2019 - An Ecumenical Partnership
By: Marisa Brown-Ludwig - Justice and WitnessRecently Rev. Marisa Brown Ludwig, pastor of First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, MA and long-time member of the Interfaith and Ecumenical Task Team of the MA ...
02/06/2019 - How are the Children?
By: Liza Neal - Justice and WitnessIn the words of Rev. Traci Blackmon, the children at the border "are not well." And we are their keepers.
02/06/2019 - Lent Is For Families
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationParents are the primary and most effective faith educators for their children. So let's help them to celebrate Lent at home!
02/06/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: We Must Move
By: Sioux Wilusz - Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission"We are map-less. But we cannot stand still." — Sioux Wilusz
02/01/2019 - What is Contemporary Worship
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentAt First Church, the newly arrived pastor faced a question over whether to continue holding its evening service, which utilizes a rock band, praise songs, and emphasizes ...
01/31/2019 - UConn Intern to Aid CTUCC in Justice Work
By: Grace O'Connor - Justice and WitnessDebby Kirk, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, will be overseeing the work of CTUCC's new intern, Grace O'Connor. Debby has this to say: " We are delighted to ...
01/30/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Ever Flowing Streams
By: Karen Methot - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"I find myself looking forward to working with people from our future tri-conference as we get to know each other and begin reaching out with resources shared, offers of ...
01/25/2019 - Ever Flowing Streams - Together as One!
By: Kelly Gallagher - Justice and Witness Together, As OneA message from Kelly Gallagher, ACM for Justice and Witness, Massachusetts Conference Greetings Ever Flowing Streams readers! It is with great joy that I announce to you ...
01/25/2019 - Snow and Ice? Offering Worship for Home
By: Matthew EmeryAfter the recent Sunday morning snowstorm coupled with bitter cold, many churches decided to cancel worship. Here is how one pastor offers worship at home when ...
01/25/2019 - We Are Still Here
By: Pamela Arifian Lindsey PetersonReflections from the first Indigenous Peoples March, January 18, 2019, Washington DC
01/23/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Sequined and Ready To Serve
By: Emily McKenna - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"God always sees us as sequined, so let’s get out there, sparkle, and get things done! " —Emily McKenna
01/16/2019 - I Felt Fear. But We Shall Overcome
By: Isaac Lawson - Justice and WitnessEditor's Note: The author took part in the Interfaith Freedom and Justice Ride 2019, a delegation of 37 Christians and Jews from Hartford who traveled together to ...
01/16/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: This In-Between Time
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries Together, As One"What do we do in this in-between time where the answers are not readily apparent, let alone within reach?" —Debbie Gline Allen
01/16/2019 - Seeing Is Believing
By: Stephen Camp - Justice and WitnessEditor's Note: The author took part in the Interfaith Freedom and Justice Ride 2019, a delegation of 37 Christians and Jews from Hartford who traveled together to ...
01/16/2019 - To Tell the Truth: Reflections on Alabama
By: Kari Nicewander - Justice and WitnessEditor's Note: The author took part in the Interfaith Freedom and Justice Ride 2019, a delegation of 37 Christians and Jews from Hartford who traveled together to ...
01/16/2019 - You Can't Change What You Don't Acknowledge
By: Kent Siladi - Justice and WitnessEditor's Note: The author took part in the Interfaith Freedom and Justice Ride 2019, a delegation of 37 Christians and Jews from Hartford who traveled together to ...
01/09/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Community
By: Mary Nelson - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries Together, As OneRev. Mary Nelson reflects on a day spent in support of a long-time Silver Lake friend as she waits at a hospital.
01/08/2019 - What Does Effective Intergenerational Worship Look Like?
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationEach congregation has a unique culture, and the process used to transition children into corporate worship will need to be an individualized one.
01/02/2019 - A 'Prosperous' New Year? No Thanks
By: Amy Lignitz HarkenHappy 2019! May it be a year of dignity, vigorous compassion, and robust declarations of God’s inclusionary vision. You may have your own desires for this new year. So ...
01/02/2019 - Many Voices, One Mission: Love Knows No Borders
By: Kelly Gallagher - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"As we look to acknowledge that the borders we have created may not be serving God’s call for us as church, it opens our hearts to consider other borders and boundaries ...
01/01/2019 - Defining Church Vitality - Let Me Count the Ways
By: The Parish PaperJanuary 2019—Volume 27, Number 1 Copyright @ 2019 by Herb Miller Most pastors, laypersons, and denominational leaders develop a personal theory that ...
12/26/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Where Two or Three Are Gathered
By: Karen Ziel - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"While leaders form bonds within their congregations; healthy relationships of mutual support among peers are essential."— Karen Ziel
12/21/2018 - First Church in Marlborough Brings Advent Home
By: Kazimierz Bem - Faith Formation and Christian EducationMost people know very well the tradition of lighting an Advent wreath at church. But First Church in Marlborough is doing something different - it encourages families to ...
12/19/2018 - A Pastoral Christmas Letter to Our Conference
By: Donald RemickFriends, I wish you darkness. Watch people, tell us of the night. This is such an interesting time of year. At least, here in New England. The days shorten. The ...
12/19/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Filling The Pages
By: Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane - Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"They are more than just balance sheets and income statements; they tell the story of the Conference and how our local churches have helped better the world over the past...
12/18/2018 - A Christmas Message from the Transitional Conference Minister
By: Marilyn KendrixOver two thousand years ago, a young woman gave birth to a baby and the world has not been the same since.
12/14/2018 - CAUCE Reflects-A Christmas Prayer to Last Throughout the New Year
By: Gwen McCannNot only do these words make a beautiful Christmas prayer but as we turn our attention to the New Year and new beginnings these are wise words to enact each day. - Gwen ...
12/12/2018 - Children and the Christ in Christmas
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationIt is my hope that our children will grow up knowing the true reason we celebrate Christmas. Let's get intentional!
12/12/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Intentional Christian Community
By: Ryan Gackenheimer - Church Growth and Vitality Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries Together, As One"What makes Christian Community different, however, is that in Christian Community we believe in reconciliation, the restoration of relationship, and welcoming folks back...
12/12/2018 - Restoring Hope One Smile at a Time
By: Charles Kuchenbrod - Justice and WitnessI am convinced that there are people in your congregation that will thank you for sharing this information with them! Read on! The Conference is organizing a week-long ...
12/05/2018 - JOMO - The Joy of Missing Out - Attention youth (and the adults who love them.)
By: Sarah Buteux - Faith Formation and Christian EducationMaybe you've heard of FOMO: the Fear of Missing Out? It's the fear that somewhere someone ...
12/05/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Ministry As Art
By: Susan Townsley - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"A minister needs time to think creatively and playfully." — Susan Page Townsley
12/05/2018 - Take a Stand Against Anti-Semitism
By: Andrea Ayvazian - Justice and WitnessDear Friends and Fellow Clergy, I am writing to you in the wake of the Tree of Life Synagogue massacre because I am heartbroken once again. The blatant targeting of ...
12/04/2018 - Don't Be One of "Those" Ushers
By: Timoth Sylvia"The meal hasn't changed. The story is still the same. Yet, our actions will speak louder than our words." - Rev. Timoth Sylvia
12/01/2018 - Getting to Know Our Neighbors
By: The Parish PaperHolding conversations with neighbors can provide church leaders with vital information about the community. A one-on-one interview takes the process a step further by ...
11/28/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Advocate Together
By: Michele Mudrick - Clergy Transitions Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Would you be willing to work with CTUCC in our efforts to promote environmental, racial and economic justice in our state?" — Michele Mudrick
11/26/2018 - La Posada
By: Elena Huegelby Elena Huegel At the grocery store yesterday, the smells from a newly arranged corner of the fruit and vegetable area transported me back to my early ...
11/25/2018 - God’s Words
By: Alison Buttrick PattonOne of the criticisms I often hear leveled against the Christian Church (maybe you’ve heard this one, too), is that the church is full of hypocrites, full of people who ...
11/21/2018 - California Wildfires
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefWildfires have become a regular plague for the people of California. The year began with sweeping fires in January. More lives and homes were lost in July. And now the...
11/21/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Doing Our Homework
By: Martha Goodman - Clergy Transitions Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"The church’s profile thus becomes first a tool by which a congregation understands itself and, then, a means by which it honestly reveals itself to a potential pastor." ...
11/16/2018 - Tackling the Climate Crisis Now: Clear Mind, Open Heart, Strong Hands
By: Margaret Bullitt-Jonas - EnvironmentI brought two props with me: a globe and an icon.
11/15/2018 - We’re In The Armor
By: Brendan Curran - Justice and WitnessThis piece is taken from the report given by Brendan Curran, Associate Minister at the Barrington Congregational Church UCC in Barrington, RI, to the 212th Autumnal ...
11/14/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: It Happens Outside
By: Jennifer Kronholm Clark - Conference programming Environment Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries Together, As One"God gave Creation over to humans as stewards, and it seems we’ve forgotten our duty to care for it." — Jennifer Kronholm Clark
11/13/2018 - This Is How We Grow Christians
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationChildren are constantly taking in what is going on around them, even when they don’t appear to be paying attention.
11/07/2018 - A Place to Call Home
By: Karen Methot - Justice and WitnessCommunity – that basic human impulse to be part of a group, particularly one that understands your struggles and offers support and friendship.
11/02/2018 - Disaster Preparedness should include an Emergency Pet Form
By: Kimberly MurphyWhen we are faced with an emergency or weather event that mandates the evacuation from our homes, we often have very little to no time in which to gather and pack the ...
11/02/2018 - Flag on a Wall
By: Shawn Fisher"The church - matters. Symbols - matter. Open doors - matter." - Shawn Fisher
11/01/2018 - How to Develop Habits for Well-Being
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentSeminaries and social work programs often ask their students to create a self-care plan. Not only does this send a message about self-care while pursuing a degree, ...
10/31/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Actions Matter, Now
By: Pamela Arifian - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Environment Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"The interconnectedness of justice issues and climate impact means that your action at every level matters." — Pam Arifian
10/31/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Exciting Stewardship
By: Charles Kuchenbrod - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Stewardship Together, As One"The stewardship committee often is placed in the church trustee/finance budget constellation of people. It belongs in the deacon/faith formation constellation of ...
10/29/2018 - Active Threat (Shooter) Training for Churches
By: Robert DonaldsonWe want to believe that houses of worship are safe spaces, yet we have been shown again that there are those that would desecrate religious places through violent ...
10/24/2018 - It’s All About Relationships…and Networking…and Resources
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationChristian Education Youth Ministry Communities of Practice provide opportunities to gather monthly to share resources, ideas, and support.
10/24/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: We Do Jesus Differently
By: Wendy Vanderhart - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"As the United Church of Christ...we do Jesus differently." —Rev. Wendy Vander Hart
10/17/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Irrelevant?
By: Toyan Harper - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"There seems to be, in many cases, a disconnect between what one’s perception of God is and how that perception aligns with the beliefs and actions of the Church." — TJ ...
10/16/2018 - Climate Change [Interferes] With What We…Care About *
By: Jessica McArdle - Environment* Quote from Professor Katherine Hayhoe, Climate Scientist and Evangelical Christian A blog by Rev. Dr. Jessica McArdle A few weeks ago, I attended a lecture ...
10/15/2018 - Our Faith is at Odds With Our Culture
By: Timoth SylviaIn light of recent events in our nation and in response to a concern raised that the #MeToo movement is becoming a permission-giving movement where false accusations can ...
10/10/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Cultivating Collaboration
By: Deborah Kirk - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"As we dedicate ourselves to building God’s kingdom, we must define what it looks like in the local community." —Debby Kirk
10/04/2018 - "This used to be a man's world."
By: Donald Remick - Justice and WitnessI was standing at the check-in counter for a routine medical appointment a couple years ago when I heard those words. They came from an older gentleman standing at the ...
10/03/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: More Frequent, More Intense
By: Donald Remick - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"And churches stay on the ground, involved in helping people find their way into a new normal, long after the news crews have moved on to the next disaster or lead ...
10/01/2018 - Don’t Disagree, Deliberate: How to Lead Community Conversations in Your Church
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Leadership DevelopmentThe church is no stranger to controversy. Chapter 15 of the Book of Acts describes a ...
09/28/2018 - Where will your Church be 10 Years from Now?
By: Donald RemickThe Body of Christ is eternal. It is alive and well across the globe. And for the institutional church, the road ahead may look substantially different from the road ...
09/26/2018 - Comfort and Children
By: Rachel Bickford - Disaster Relief Faith Formation and Christian EducationWhen it comes to emergency or disaster situations, once we know our families and pets are safe we are left to think about what we need to bring with us to either a friend...
09/26/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: Called and Sent
By: Michael Ciba - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"When the mission of the institution becomes sustaining the institution itself, the institution falls apart." —Rev. Michael Ciba
09/26/2018 - Youth Mental Health First Aid
By: Estelle Margarones - Disaster Relief Faith Formation and Christian EducationSeptember is national Preparedness Month and your Disaster Resource and Response Team invites you to consider the implications of emergencies and disasters on children, ...
09/25/2018 - Farewell from Sandy Tremblay
By: Sandy TremblaySo it's been a little over three weeks since my farewell gathering at The Rev. Kathy Henry's beautiful home and my exit from the Rhode Island Conference staff. I just ...
09/25/2018 - For the Least of These
By: Kelly Gallagher - Justice and WitnessFor I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you ...
09/25/2018 - Wrong Church!
By: Timoth SylviaRecently, we received ... a note of thanksgiving for our church’s openness in playing a role in the burial of the author’s brother. It was a genuinely heartfelt note… and...
09/19/2018 - Many Voices One Mission: The Sometimes Difficult, Always Important, Evolution of Language
By: Tiffany Vail - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Language – and the evolution of language – is a fascinating thing. It can also be a ...
09/18/2018 - Resilience
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefThis month is Disaster Preparedness month. You will find another great resource here: Disaster Resiliency (PDF) written by Judy O'Donnell. And we have seen that ...
09/18/2018 - Spiritual Development - Children Are "Smarter" Than We Think
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationChildren are capable of understanding way more about God than we tend to give them credit for.
09/12/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Face To Face
By: Andrew Page - Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"I find that face to face communication can save time and improve the clarity of a discussion." — Drew Page
09/11/2018 - Disaster preparation: here it comes -- again
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefFriends, It has been a year since hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. And, as I write this, hurricane Florence is bearing down on the mid Atlantic coast with 2 more ...
09/10/2018 - Being Prepared - Making an Evacuation Plan
By: Lucy CostaSeptember is Preparedness Month and your Disaster Resource and Response Team brings you a wealth of resources. We offer you a bulletin insert prepared by team member ...
09/07/2018 - CAUCE Reflects- Welcome 'Home'
By: Tracy Fouke Bausum - Faith Formation and Christian Education"Every Sunday becomes an opportunity..." — Tracy Fouke Bausum
09/05/2018 - Being Prepared: Disaster Supply Kits
By: Lucy CostaSeptember is Preparedness Month and your Disaster Resource and Response Team brings you a wealth of resources. We offer you a bulletin insert prepared by team member ...
09/05/2018 - Best Practices for Staffing Your Faith Formation Ministries
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationYou have discerned that your congregation needs to hire a Christian educator and/or youth ministry leader. So now what do you do?
09/05/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Viability
By: Jonathan New - Church Growth and Vitality Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One"Churches are closing and it’s time to break the silence." — Rev. Jonathan New
09/01/2018 - Checking Up on Clergy Health: Assessing the Cost of Sacred Work
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership DevelopmentMany people feel called to their work and respond to job demands in ways that reflect a sense of vocation. But do we expect clergy to perform their calling with even ...
08/28/2018 - Blessing the backpacks? Include an emergency contact card!
By: Lucy Costa - Disaster ReliefSeptember is Preparedness Month and your Disaster Resource and Response Team brings you a wealth of resources. As we head back to school and back to church, we offer you ...
08/27/2018 - Do Not Cross
By: Jeffrey Lukens - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian EducationRev. Jeff Lukens created a communion liturgy to address the "healing and wholeness" needed in a time when news about immigrants and their families is often disturbing and...
08/22/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Too Shaky To Stand? Then Kneel
By: Sioux Wilusz - Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission"You are in control of your own movement. And when you get good and comfortable, Rock The Boat." — Sioux Wilusz
08/22/2018 - Three Christian Educators Provide a Legacy
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationThe season of retirement has come for three longtime Christian educators: Merrill Noble, Ruth Ann White, and Nancy Sides. Well done good and faithful servants!
08/15/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Strangers At Our Doors
By: Karen Methot - Church History and Identity Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission"And all of us can pray."— Karen Methot
08/08/2018 - Charlottesville, One Year Later - A Liturgy
By: Kelly Gallagher - Justice and WitnessAs we approach the anniversary of the events in Charlottesville caused by white supremacy and hatred, let us take a moment to reflect on where we stand today as people of...
08/08/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: God Showed Up
By: Emily McKenna - Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission"If that’s not God showing up, I’m not sure what is!" — Emily McKenna
08/07/2018 - Innovation is a Perennial Call to the Church
By: Susan TownsleyOnly churches of innovation, refreshed tradition, and creative service ministry promise to move us to the future.
08/01/2018 - How to Raise Money for your Community Projects
By: The Parish Paper - Faith Formation and Christian Education StewardshipA congregation’s community project often starts with someone’s idea or dream, followed by a plan designed by a core team, and then, a group of volunteers willing to roll ...
08/01/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Forming the Faith of 21st Century Congregations
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Church History and Identity Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Many Voices, One Mission"We need to stop believing that teaching the Bible in an educational setting will bring ...
07/30/2018 - Immigration Tears Turned to Hope
By: Dawn Adams - Justice and WitnessWe read about families at the border being split up. We weep. We cry. We wonder what we can do (see one idea here). The work at the border is indeed important and ...
07/26/2018 - Lessons from a Deviation
By: Rebekah AndersonThere are some spaces in which I feel less than human, less than myself, and it's important to begin conversations like the one we're about to have by reminding us that ...
07/25/2018 - Innovate!
By: Donald Remick - Conference programmingEinstein is quoted as saying: “No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.” It is one of my favorite quotes. (And though there is ...
07/25/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Grown-ups at Camp!
By: Mary Nelson - Church History and Identity Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries"This community-building thing we do works for grown-ups, too!" — Rev. Mary Nelson
07/18/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Let's Not Keep God Waiting
By: Kelly Gallagher - Church History and Identity Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One Tri-Conference Annual Meeting"Now is the time to get at it." — Rev. Kelly Gallagher
07/17/2018 - When Tragedy Strikes, Churches Respond
By: Donald Remick - Disaster ReliefFriends, As I write this, the local news this morning is leading with a story of a police officer killed in the line of duty in Weymouth this past weekend. Officer ...
07/12/2018 - Keeping Watch – How Vigils Can Prepare Us for the Next Chapter
By: Jessica McArdle - Disaster Reliefby Rev. Dr. Jessica McArdle [The first Passover] was a vigil held by the Lord…to bring God’s people out of the land of Egypt.~ Exodus 11:42 Then Jesus said, ‘My soul is ...
07/11/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: The Rite of Confirmation
By: Karen Ziel - Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Many Voices, One Mission"If faith formation is to be relevant and transformational, it must be renewed and reimagined by every generation." —Karen Ziel
07/04/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: The Road Toward Justice
By: Toyan Harper - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission"The only fact that matters is that we persist; that we do not turn from the path we have chosen." —TJ Harper
07/02/2018 - "New England’s Hidden Histories" in the News
By: Margaret Bendroth - Church History and IdentityYour congregation's history matters - and not just to the people in the pews.
07/02/2018 - At Such a Time as This
By: Donald Remick - Conference staffFriends, On July 1st I stepped into a new role as your Transitional Interim Conference Minister. It was only one day after many of you had participated in rallies that ...
07/02/2018 - Could Your Church be an Emergency Shelter?
By: Steven Aucella - Disaster ReliefDuring the Winter 2018 storms, a well-known disaster response organization reached out to local churches to see if any of them could offer shelter accommodations to about...
07/01/2018 - Inviting, Informing, and Including Newcomers
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Leadership DevelopmentIn the 1950s, a new church start pastor challenged every member to invite two newcomers each month. Members enthusiastically committed to such a plan and the pastor’s ...
06/27/2018 - It’s Not About the Numbers
By: Wendy Vanderhart - Justice and WitnessAs I stood with my sign for the Poor People’s Campaign on the Washington DC Mall listening to voices and stories from people on the margins of our society, I kept looking...
06/27/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Vote Your Values
By: Ryan Gackenheimer - Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries"The Bible is a not a book free of politics." —Rev. Ryan Gackenheimer
06/25/2018 - A Reflection on the TAWFG Internship Experience
By: Amanda Simpson - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership Development" Even though I didn’t understand the language being spoken, I clearly understood the purpose and meaning behind the act of giving praise, acknowledging our blessings, ...
06/24/2018 - A New Family
By: Isaac Lawson"It is often too easy for faith communities to whitewash Jesus’ subversiveness." - The Rev. Isaac Lawson
06/24/2018 - Goliath and David
By: Jocelyn Gardner Spencer - Justice and Witness"You and I, every one of us, has resources within us that can, that must, be put to use in the quest for justice." - The Rev. Jocelyn Gardner Spencer
06/20/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Paying Attention
By: Martha Goodman - Church Growth and Vitality Clergy Transitions Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission"High touch—paying attention—reduces these anxieties." —Martha Goodman
06/19/2018 - Job Openings at Irons Homestead
By: Jennifer Geary - Outdoor MinistriesForest Day Camp at Irons Homestead is ready to roll. Campers arrive on Monday to take part in a fun-filled summer. Our program director Kim Hancock and head counselor, ...
06/19/2018 - Summer Offers a Little Extra Time to Look at Your Curriculum Materials
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationBefore you head to the beach, bookmark this blog to use when you review the curriculum materials you're using.
06/13/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Uncomfortable Work
By: Michele Mudrick - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Justice and Witness Many Voices, One Mission"When have you been uncomfortable, but did/said/stood up for [your work] anyway?" —Michele Mudrick
06/13/2018 - Ministry Through Music
By: Dori Hall - Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership Development"I have often felt as if I can see God in the faces of the congregation when I am singing." — Dori Hall
06/11/2018 - Religious Leaders’ Symposium on Climate Crisis – A Few Takeaways
By: James Antal - EnvironmentWhen the leader of one of the world’s major faith traditions convenes two hundred leaders who have given their lives to combat climate change, an endless flow of creative...
06/11/2018 - World Religious Leaders Confront Climate Crisis
By: James Antal - EnvironmentJim Antal presents His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with his book Last week, the religious leaders of a quarter of the world’s population confronted ...
06/07/2018 - Covenant
By: Amy Lignitz Harken - Together, As OneIn the crucible of a collective — be it a family, a village, or a denomination — we learn who we are. We learn what drives us bonkers and what makes us happy, how we are ...
06/06/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Beyond The Vote
By: Ellie Richardson - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Together, As One Tri-Conference Annual Meeting"We can talk until the cows come home about structure, process and strategy and get stuck in the weeds missing the fundamental nature of what is truly important in ...
06/05/2018 - I Believe and Trust That It Is Time to Come Together, As One
By: Barbara LibbyIn March of 2017 I wrote a newsletter lead that revealed how strongly I felt about the possibility of the Rhode Island Conference UCC, the Massachusetts Conference UCC, ...
06/01/2018 - Making the Nursery a Place of Belonging
By: The Parish Paper - Church Growth and Vitality Faith Formation and Christian Education“Where is the nursery?” That is often the first question when young parents visit a new church. At a minimum, they expect their question to be answered with confidence, ...
05/31/2018 - “Melt Me, Mold Me, Fill Me, Use Me”
By: Kurt Walker - Together, As OneThis is the third in a series of four blog posts looking at the Vision, Mission and Purpose statement drafted for a new, unified Conference. Delegates from the ...
05/30/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Connected
By: Jennifer Kronholm Clark - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission Outdoor Ministries"Our response to each new challenge has come from that core mission: intentional Christian community." —Jennifer Kronholm Clark
05/29/2018 - Talking with Children About Difficult Topics
By: Debbie Gline Allen - Faith Formation and Christian EducationWhile advocates speak out for child safety, who is paying attention to how the children are processing the violence they see in the news?
05/24/2018 - Time to Dig a New Foundation Together
By: Jack Perkins Davidson"A Conference merger can be a bureaucratic quagmire, or it can be a ministry. We just need the right foundation." —Rev. Jack Davidson
05/23/2018 - Keep Your Eyes on the Man in the Handcuffs
By: Kate Layzer - Justice and WitnessThis story is about what we bore witness to in court the day after our arrest. I share it because I think it’s urgently important in this life to shed our illusions. I ...
05/23/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Born for Such a Time as This
By: James Antal - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission"Because we have been born in a time such as this, we have this opportunity to bear witness to the truth." —Rev. Jim Antal
05/18/2018 - The 8th Annual Water is Life Walk Begins on the Housatonic (Howsatunnuck) River
By: Pamela Arifian Lindsey Peterson - EnvironmentEvery year, Grandmother (Uncí) Carole Bubar-Blodgett, of Wabanaki lineage, takes four ...
05/17/2018 - Setting Aside Old Boundaries to Offer an Unconditional Welcome
By: Maxwell Grant - Together, As OneThe word that gets me in the proposed vision statement for the new, unified Conference is “unconditionally.” — Max Grant
05/16/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Collaborating In Covenant
By: Deborah Kirk - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Faith Formation and Christian Education Leadership Development Many Voices, One Mission"The blessing of a caring community will be realized in countless ways." — Debby Kirk
05/10/2018 - Always Mindful
By: Kent Siladi"There are days when it feels like the tasks for the day are overwhelming." —Rev. Kent Siladi
05/10/2018 - Is Carbon Pricing a Spiritual and Ethical Imperative?
By: Margaret Bullitt-Jonas - EnvironmentIt’s unusual to see a scientist, a politician, an economist, and a religious leader sitting together at one table to discuss climate change. Yet that’s just what happened...
05/09/2018 - Clergy, Environmental Activists Invited to Sign Letter
By: James AntalThree months ago, I attended an unprecedented gathering of Massachusetts religious leaders and climate scientists to discuss the shared imperative to address the climate ...
05/09/2018 - Many Voices, One Mission: Inspired To Do
By: Jonathan New - Church Growth and Vitality Conference programming Many Voices, One Mission"As with all charitable giving, church people are inspired to give when they understand and believe in the church's mission, know how it's making a difference, and have ...