Celebrating with her, I share that The Rev. Tamara Moreland informed me that “after prayerful and careful consideration [she] has answered God’s call and is moving forward to serve wholeheartedly as pastor of the historic First Congregational Church of Norwalk, CT.”  The Rev. Moreland has submitted her resignation as Area Conference Minister for the Southern New England Conference UCC.
 
The SNEUCC is grateful for Rev. Moreland's faithful ministry and steady work since coming on board in December 2012 as an Interim Regional Minister for the Northwest Central Association (Hartford, Farmington Valley, Litchfield North, and Central) in the historic Connecticut Conference. Shortly thereafter, Rev. Moreland was extended an offer by then Conference Minister, Rev. Kent Siladi, to remain in that role. Her first assignment as a Regional Minister was to be with the Newtown Congregational Church the Sunday after the horrific Sandy Hook Massacre. Rev. Moreland recalls, “That experience taught me the power of the Ministry of Presence at crucial times in the life of the Church and Conference, and it shaped my ministerial formation as a Regional Minister.”
 
During her tenure, Rev. Moreland provided staff support to four associations and their Committees on Ministry as well as the Unified Fitness Review Committee (UFRC) as they sought to be faithful stewards of accountability. Other highlights from her time with the conference include providing staff support to key initiatives such as, Special Programs: Women in Ministry and Rape Culture, SLCC Chaplain and Ambassador and advocating for an ACM Community of Practice for clergy of color in the wider setting. When asked what will she miss about working for the conference, Rev. Moreland somberly replied, “I will miss my colleagues and friends who are committed to this Conference and to each other, and whose work makes a difference on a daily basis.”  I am delighted the Rev. Tamara Moreland will serve as a local church pastor in the SNEUCC and so we will still have her presence and ministry in this Conference albeit in a different role.
 
The Rev. Michael Ciba, ACM Team Leader reflected, “During more than eight years of service on the staff of the historic Connecticut Conference and then the Southern New England Conference, the Rev. Tamara Moreland has brought a pastor’s heart to her ministry. She has walked churches, associations, clergy and lay leaders through the most challenging yet joyful and hopeful times.  She has been a supportive and insightful colleague bringing insight, wisdom, compassion, a good sense of humor, along with a passion for justice and for the church itself.”
 
We will celebrate Rev. Moreland’s ministry in the SNEUCC and send her with our blessing and well wishes. Details are forthcoming. In the meanwhile, join me in extending congratulations and prayers as Rev. Moreland prepares to transition in April 2021 to her new call and next season of ministry.

Rev. Audrey C. Price, Ph.D.
Executive Minister for Strategic Operations