A Christmas Message from Executive Conference Minister the Rev. Darrell Goodwin:
 
As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child into this world, we also hold that we are in need of hope as much as our forbearers of old. However, I am persuaded that this HOPE that we seek is bursting forth all around us, literally right before our eyes. Whether it's manifested in the passing of the Respect for Marriage Act ensuring that love has no bounds, the activism our churches engaged in sharing love with transgender youth and their parents, using coffee hour to send notes repudiating unjust laws and bills to elected officials of other states or gathering money, resources, and shelter for migrants and asylum seekers. I am convinced that HOPE is among us. 

In this Christmas Season, we walk in the assurance that collectively the members of the United Church of Christ in Southern New England are truly "Living the Love and Justice of Jesus". We have also been invited to be the manifestation of God's Love in and upon this earth. Walk in the celebration of a Church that is relevant, open to being transformed and transforming, uniting and united. Walk in a reality where God’s Spirit has been poured out upon all flesh, rejoice in the fact that yet again Christ has been birthed anew in YOU.

Merry Christmas,

Rev. Darrell Goodwin
Executive Conference Minister
Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ