We are saddened and outraged by the murders of three black people by a white supremacist in Jacksonville, Florida on Saturday. We hold in prayer the families of the ...
You may have heard that the United Church of Christ helped birth the Environmental Justice...
School is out, children and adults are hiking, biking, picnicking, and generally enjoying God’s creation. It is fun and relaxing but outdoor activities might include some...
Rev. Dr. James D. Ross II I learned the term “whataboutism” recently, when a friend sent me an article from Allan R. Bevere’s blog “Faith Seeking Understanding.” ...
As an Open and Affirming Conference, we were delighted to represent the UCC at this year’s Trans Resistance March (TRM). Members from different ONA churches in the ...
Brooke Canada One of the things I often hear in conversations with our Open and Affirming Ministry Team and local congregations is their concern about ...
The International Transgender Day of Visibility (TDoV), which is observed on March 31, was first established by Rachel Crandall-Crocker in 2009. Appreciating the ...
Again, O Lord? Again, are we suffering the consequences of loving the freedom to own guns more than the freedom for children to go to school without being killed? It ...
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Four hundred twenty-eight in three months. Four hundred twenty-eight anti-LGBT ...
Part of the mission of the Southern New England Conference is to encourage local congregations and varied ministry settings, inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit, to ...
On February 18, youth and adults from four different congregations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island came together at Irons Homestead for a Youth ...
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had ...
I love the approach the First Congregational Church of Reading (MA) is taking to this Advent season. They are exploring the theme of “just angels” during this time that...
"This is why my Christian faith requires that I speak out to remind us that human rights belong to everyone as equally beloved of God. No exceptions. This knowledge is ...
COVID-19 is not done with us yet; we must stay aware. As congregations of faith, we are committed to caring for one another. Being informed and willing to resume masking ...
One of my friends told me about her wishes for a coming-out party when she was growing up....
It is hard to believe summer is almost over. With Labor Day just over a week away, many of us are preparing to for the new church year and all it will entail. If you have...
SNEC Health and Wellness Ministry has begun the process of becoming designated as a W.I.S.E. Conference by the UCC Mental Health Network. The UCC Mental Health Network ...
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When our ancestors wondered what gifts to bring before God, the prophet Micah replied that 'God has told you, O mortal, what is good. What does the Lord require of you ...
For all my life I have believed that all people deserve equality of human rights, access to healthcare and fair, equal treatment under the law and basic humanity of our ...
Covid-19, Monkeypox, and infant formula shortages are top news stories today. Congregations are praying, mobilizing resources, and considering what they can do to ...
Angry? Yes. Heartbroken? Yes. Shocked at violence like this? Yes. Not shocked that this violence continues? Yes. Wanting to turn away, to ignore the pain? Yes. ...
Vaccination, positivity, hospitalization rates, masking: what does this mean for my community? How do I decide what to do for myself, my family, my community, my ...
I love Easter. As I’ve often shared with folks, I adore much about it: Sunrise services, springtime pastels, Easter baptisms, and all of the pomp and circumstance that ...
If you’re reading this newsletter about justice for people in UCC churches, you probably won’t be surprised to know that I spend a lot of time in meetings. Meetings to ...
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In order to strengthen the ministry and advance the mission of SNEUCC, individual Area Conference Ministers (ACMs) will assume responsibility for shepherding particular ...
I’ve been reflecting on a news segment from a few years ago in which reporters interviewed restaurant owners about “meat-like” options for people who practice the ritual ...
Everybody’s got a right to live is one of the anthems the Poor People’s Campaign uses when engaging in direct action and other activities. The verses go on to proclaim ...
Remember the days of old, consider the years long past; ask your father, and he will inform you; your elders, and they will tell you. Deuteronomy 32:7 As February ...
This piece is adapted from a sermon Rev. Ross delivered at West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregational Church (MA) on Sunday, February 12. One of actress Mabel King’s ...
On Monday, I joined the Poor People’s Campaign at the US Capitol, where we demanded passage of the Build Back Better Act and the protection of voting rights. The hundreds...
This is adapted from a sermon that Rev. Ross delivered at Christ Church Dracut (MA) on Sunday, November 14. Greta Thunberg, the 18-year-old Swedish environmental ...
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“Health Equity is Social Justice.” This was the message from Tekisha Dwan Everette, Executive Director of Health Equity Solutions in Connecticut during her speech at the ...
Emma Brewer-Wallin, second from right, participates in the People vs. Fossil Fuels week of action in Washington, D.C. During the week of Indigenous Peoples’ ...
Be “a lighthouse in their child’s storm, the light that shines steadily in a predictable rhythm and doesn’t waver no matter how big the storm is.” This is the advice ...
“I’d like double shots please!” For those who are eligible to get the Covid-19 vaccine ...
A Message from the Minister of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion I’ve recently become obsessed with Netflix’s “Fastest Cars,” in which people who have transformed junkers ...
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“Patience is a virtue. Virtue is a grace. Grace is a little girl who would not wash her face.” Maybe you have heard this little poem by Dick King-Smith. My mother ...
We can all play a role in preventing suicide! That’s the message from the The National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, which has designated September as Suicide ...
Churches are welcome to use this prayer as part of their Labor Day service (Sept. 5) O God of Labor and God of Rest, we turn to you this Labor Sunday. We remember that ...
Several inquiries have been received regarding maintaining safe workplace practices for church office staff vaccinated and unvaccinated. The resources listed here offer ...
Perhaps you, like me, woke up Monday morning to every news outlet alerting you to the latest IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report on the catastrophe ...
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From your Faith Community Nurse, Minister of Health & Wellness Deborah Ringen Wow, it is August already! Summer days bring fun, family, vacations, and the realization ...
Millions of Americans who came to the United States as children, including many whose only memories are of life in this country, are again uncertain whether they will be ...
Beloved Church, I love rules. I like to think that my affinity for technical details and procedures is harmless, even charming. But I have recently been reminded that ...
Sunshine, heat, outdoor activities, flowers, birds, and bees, ticks, heat waves, humidity, and hurricane season, all are the joys and concerns of summer! Are you ready? ...
Dear Beloved, As I have sought to make meaning of both the public discourse about “critical race theory” and the ongoing effort to restrict voting rights, I have been ...
Join the SNEUCC Advocacy Corps to Make Your Voice Heard! I am often asked by church leaders and members: Should we be involved in “politics”? My answer is always the same...
Thank 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 ...
Excitement 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 ...
Mental 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 ...
“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 ...
April 2021 National Health Observances include National Minority Health Month, and World Health Day, timely topics in the context of the coronavirus pandemic racial ...
I 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 ...
Recently, 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 ...
Rev. Marilyn Kendrix shares her farewell thoughts as she finishes her time serving as Bridge Conference Minister of the Southern New England Conference.
Rev. Don Remick share his thoughts as the year and his time serving as Bridge Conference Minister come to a close.
Christmas 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 ...
From the CDC: "Community- and faith-based organizations, employers, healthcare systems and providers, public health agencies, policy makers, and others all have a part in...
Holidays 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...
Longest 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...
Connecticut, 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 ...
Grateful 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 ...
Historically, 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...
From 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 ...
Over 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 ...
Oh 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 ...
Word cloud created from most frequently encountered words from the survey. The larger the word appears, the more often it occurred. We received nearly 300 ...
1 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 ...
Last 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 ...
by Jonathan Guest and David Cleaver-Bartholomew For many churches these are challenging and stressful times. Church members are concerned about worship, programs, and ...
by Jonathan Guest and David Cleaver-Bartholomew In our previous article published on ...
All 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 ...
People are getting out more as local restrictions ease allowing restaurants, businesses and schools to open with specific guidelines to reduce the threat of coronavirus ...
This 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 ...
Faith 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 ...
How can clergy juggle family caregiving and the stress of serving their flock during a pandemic, racial injustice, hurricanes, and the divisive political climate? Even ...
As 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 ...
One 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...
Rev. Kent Siladi offers some final thoughts before his departure.
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“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 ...
The importance of conversation with loved ones surrounding one’s end of life choices for ...
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In 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 ...
At 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 ...
Hurricane season 2020 has begun; amidst the coronavirus pandemic and racial injustice we ...
I 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 ...
As 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 ...
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by 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 ...
As 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 ...
Experts 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 ...
The 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 ...
Last 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 ...
Last 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 ...
Hour, 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 ...
This 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 ...
Everyone in the world is experiencing the COVID 19 pandemic to varying degrees depending on your geography, but we all are undeniably experiencing change, uncertainty, ...
Experts 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...
I 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 ...
As 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 ...
I 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 ...
by 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 ...
Are 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...
As 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 ...
“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 ...
“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...
News 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 ...
Early 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...
"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
Friends, 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 ...
Not all prayer happens in sitting positions There are traditions that focus on stillness in motion. If you have ever paced to contemplate or resolve and problem you ...
Psychologists will tell us that one of the most basic drivers of human behavior is the need to find safety and stability. And churches are perceived as sanctuaries ...
The meeting began with the passing around of a relic- a button from the Poor Peoples Campaign march in 1968. Fingers grasped the round blue button with the picture of ...
Overwhelm: It seems to be a common word these days. News is full of stories that tap deeply into our compassion and concern. But they are so full of emotion that it ...
When Frederick Douglass was asked to speak about the “celebration of America’s independence” he delivered: “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”
To see 40,000 people gathered in Boston to counter-protest 30 or 40 Neo-Nazis and White Supremacists was remarkable. Even if some of our political leaders refused to call...
"In Ecclesiastes we are famously reminded that there is a time for everything." —Cecile Gilson
In the midst of Sunday's sermon at the Church of the Redeemer, UCC in New Haven, CT I heard my pastor (Rev. Dr. Shelly Stackhouse) preach about the Gospel of John text ...
Autophagy is a biological process in which certain elements within a living cell attack and destroy other materials within the cell... The early days of Lent are an ...
I sang these words at worship this Sunday in a hymn called “Gather us In”:
As the long Church Season of Epiphany comes to a close, we begin the Season of Lent this Wednesday evening, March 1st.