AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

20 Ask a Question, Save a Life: QPR Gatekeeper Training - Standard 1.5 hours
QPR is an emergency mental health intervention for suicidal persons created in 1995 by Paul Quinnett. An abbreviation for Question, Persuade and Refer, the intent is also to identify and interrupt the crisis and direct that person to the proper care.” "Gatekeepers can be anyone, but include parents, friends, neighbors, teachers, ministers, doctors, nurses, office supervisors, squad leaders, foremen, police officers, advisors, caseworkers, firefighters, and many others who are strategically positioned to recognize and refer someone at risk of suicide."
Deborah Ringen MSN, RN-BC Minister of Health and Wellness, Certified QPR Instructor

21 Shoddy Planning or Shoddy Implementation? - Standard 1.5 hours Incredible implementation will not redeem a poor plan and yield the desired outcomes. Yet in the face of decline, many churches focus on implementation issues - doing better at things we have always done -  instead of questioning whether we have the right plan to get the outcomes we want. Why? Perhaps because letting go of old plans is hard and new plans are hard to come by or perhaps because we are not clear about the desired outcomes.
Charlie Kuchenbrod, Church Consultant, Fluent in both "business" and "church."

22 What's Consensus Got to Do Congregational Life?  - Standard 1.5 hours
Our Congregational polity is a strength, and yet sometimes we become confused about how to discern and make decisions together. We'll explore what consensus is (and isn't) and how it can be a faithful and fruitful decision-making model for churches. *Especially good for search committees.
Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly, Associate Conference Minister, SNEUCC

23 Churches in Transition  - 1 hour
We will discuss resources to help churches discern how to make decisions about the future of their buildings, especially if they are considering leasing/selling/sharing any part of their buildings. Partners for Sacred Places' recent guide for churches in Transition will form the foundation of the workshop.
Rev. Dr. Rochelle A. Stackhouse Pastor for 40 years and Senior Director of Programs at Partners for Sacred Places

24 The Pension Boards: Your Covenant Partner in Nurturing Vital Congregations  - Standard 1.5 hours (AM & PM Sessions)
The Pension Boards provides benefits for those who serve the church, but so much more: leadership programs, financial assistance, fundraising services, experts on socially responsible investing, and much more to come in 2022. This PB101 session will introduce you to the mission of this vital arm of the UCC, and ways in which we do and can impact the life of your church. Our guiding theme for this session and our work every day is "Matters to you...matters to us...impacts the world."
The Rev. Dr. Jonathan B. Lee PBUCC: Director, Church Relations and Operations Jonathan is responsible for clear communication and problem-solving between the Pension Boards and all settings of the UCC. Mr. Travis Marks PBUCC: Director, Generations University Travis directs the Pension Boards educational arm, interpreting the mission of the organization and arranging topic-specific learning experiences for the varied settings of the UCC.

25 Creating Our Church's Vision for the Future - Standard 1.5 hours
Whether your congregation is poised for a rebirth and renewal or feels it is approaching the end of its ministry, it is imperative to create and implement a strategy to successfully achieve that goal. This workshop will guide you through the Center for Transformational Leadership's resources that can help you determine your future direction and assist you on that journey.
Karen Ziel, Assistant Director, Center for Transformational Leadership

26 Customizing Faith Formation for Your Specific Congregation - Standard 1.5 hours
With the dramatic shifts that have affected congregational life over the past two years, planning for the future has become a seemingly impossible task. This workshop will provide an opportunity for faith formation leaders, youth ministry leaders, and pastors to walk through a process of discerning the best possible practices for faith formation in their specific settings, alongside colleagues with similar hopes and visions.
Debbie Gline Allen, Minister of Faith Formation for the Southern New England Conference

27 The Power of Clemency  - Standard 1.5 hours
The workshop will examine the role of clemency at the federal and state levels in reducing mass incarceration. The federal Fix Clemency Act will be discussed, the work of the New England Clemency Coalition will be identified, and local support suggestions for those returning from incarceration will be offered.
Danielle Metz, Clemency director; Sashi James, Lead Organizer; and Andrea James, Executive Director, all from the National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated women and girls.

28 A Discussion of Our Missionary Heritage and the UCC Apology to Native Hawaiians - Standard 1.5 hours
With an eye in transforming our understanding, this workshop will concentrate on the differences in local Hawai'i and National UCC contexts in reaction to the 1993 UCC Apology to the Native Hawaiian people for the church's role in the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy. Our discussion will include a summary of interviews of Hawaiian UCC Kahus (ministers) and retired staff and leaders of the Hawai'i Conference of the UCC (HCUCC) conducted between 2011 and 2013 as well as theologies of reconciliation as applied to this context.
Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa, Area Conference Minister, Northwest Region, Southern New England Conference, UCC

29 Jesus and Justice - Standard 1.5 hours
What was Jesus telling us about justice? You will discover/discuss the ingredients necessary for a more just world through 8-10 Gospel stories. Workshop leader will use her book, “A Challenging Peace in the Life and Stories of Jesus” to explore challenges, as well as gifts, that lead us into living the justice Jesus preached.
Rev. Cara B. Hochhalter, pastor and artist. Previously, a pastor of Charlemont Federated Church in MA, now doing pulpit supply in NY. Lives in Hyde Park.

30 You're ONA. What's Next? - 1 hour
ONA isn't a "one and done" undertaking; This workshop is designed for congregations that want to take the next step in their ONA journeys. In this interactive session, we will explore how God is calling us to move forward in our ONA covenants - to be relevant, prophetic, and transformative today and in the future.
Kathleen Mason, South Church in Andover. Member of the Southern New England Conference ONA Ministry Team, and Co-Founder of LGBTQ+ Welcoming Communities of Faith 

31 Just Love! Afternoon - Standard 1.5 hours
Our play is both a celebration of ONA and an invitation to churches to become ONA!  Discussion will follow the play.
Rev. Dr. Fran Bogle is a community chaplain and coordinator of the Just Peace Payers

32 Opening Doors Afternoon - 1 hour
Opening church doors to the community in a welcoming, inviting, deliciously different way. Engaging ministry that has local, simple and sharing time, space, grace and God's love at it's core.
Elizabeth Alletto, United Parish of Upton, Thought leader for Soul Fuel Ministry Team 

33 Communities of Faith and Mission-Aligned Housing & Community Development  - Standard 1.5 hours
As communities of faith explore options for monetizing assets and adapting under-utilized buildings or lots, there may be opportunities to do so in a way that remains mission-aligned and supports fellow community members in need. LISC Connecticut will discuss how houses of worship in Connecticut and around the country have independently or in partnership with others, constructed affordable housing and other community assets.
Kasey LaFlam, Program Officer of LISC Connecticut. Nonprofit professional with fifteen years experience in organizational development and community building.

34 Living Life - Even the End: Discover "My Values, My Wishes, My Dignity"  - Standard 1.5 hours
This important workshop, based on legal document "5 Wishes" encourages you to begin thinking about your end of life. Dying and death is a topic we would much rather avoid. Join others as we begin the conversation in a safe, non-judgmental space using stories, tools, and resources.
Rev Lee Atherton, End-of-Life, Grief, Resilience Coach

35 Call Waiting for Confirmands: Listening for Direction - Standard 1.5 hours How does God speak to me and what is my purpose? How can I bring hope to the world? Three young-adult panelists will share stories from their own faith journeys, as well as tips to help youth listen for guidance. Confirmands and their leaders are invited to explore the concept of call and think about what it means to be a disciple in today's world.
Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader for SNEUCC, is the facilitator for the program. Panelists are Sean Amato, Emily Carle, and Xaniyah Sanders.