The Massachusetts Conference is hosting seven listening sessions around the state this fall to gauge interest in the possible establishment of a Lay Academy or School of Ministry.

The Conference staff has been in conversation with sister conferences in the northeast about partnering to offer programs that are both relevant and transformational for lay leaders and clergy. But before moving forward with establishing such a program, Conference leaders want to hear from folks in the pews as to whether they feel there is a need for such a program.

"People's thoughts, 'love to haves,' ideas and best practices are important to us as we plan for future programs to support the people and congregations in the Conference as we live into the current and future church that God is calling us to," said Ellie Richardson, Associate Conference Minister for Lay & Clergy Development.

The session schedule is as follows. All sessions are 6:30 to 8:00 PM:

• Sept. 24: Worcester Area Missionary Society, 9 Institute Road, Worcester
• Oct. 15: First Congregational Church, 25 Park Place, Lee
• Oct. 16: Maple Street Congregational Church UCC, 90 Maple Street, Danvers
• Oct. 22: First Churches of Northampton, 129 Main Street, Northampton
• Nov. 5: Central Square Congregational Church UCC, 71 Central Square, Bridgewater
• Nov. 12: West Parish of Barnstable, 2049 Meetinghouse Way, Barnstable
• Nov. 19: Edwards House Meeting Center, 1 Badger Road, Framingham

These events are free, but registration is required. Register online using this form.