This compilation of information is intended to help delegates in reporting about the Annual Meeting to their congregations. Delegates should feel free to add their own reflections or highlight those items that members of their churches are most likely to find to be of interest. This information could also be shared through a series of updates.  If writing for an electronic publication, each linked item will lead to more information.

The 218th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference  was held as a part of the first-ever Tri-Conference Annual Meeting with the Connecticut and Rhode Island Conferences June 16 - 17 at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, CT.

At the meeting, Massachusetts Conference delegates:

• Voted overwhelmingly in favor of the New Conference resolution, meaning that Conference leaders will now develop a formal proposal for a new Conference which will be brought before a second joint Annual Meeting a year from now in Springfield, MA.  (Read more here.)
• Approved A Resolution of Christian Conviction: Expression of Opposition to Massachusetts Sentences of Life Imprisonment Without Opportunity for Parole.
• Approved a Proposed Vote Authorizing Sale of Land in Ashland.
• Approved a Proposed Merger Between the Congregational Church of South Deerfield and the Massachusetts Conference.
• Approved continuing to retain in the Conference 50% of Our Church's Wider Mission Basic Support, with the other 50% being passed to the national setting.
• Approved a 2018 Fellowship Dues rate of $19.50 per member, up from $19 in 2017.
• Adopted a $2.2 million budget.
• Approved continuing to give 30% of United Church Mission funds received to the national setting (this is basically equivalent to giving 50% of Basic Support and 0% of Fellowship Dues).

The meeting also included a dynamic worship service that focused on the Together, As One theme and a keynote address by United Church of Christ General Minister & President The Rev. John C. Dorhauer. A highlights video and a video of Dorhauer's address are available online.

• View the highlights video
• View the Keynote address

Also, the Massachusetts Conference held a Recognition Luncheon during the meeting at which time churches and individuals were recognized for their ministries:

• Eloise Clawson honored with Haystack Award
• Four Receive Christian Education Certifications
• Churches Recognized for Environmental Work, Stewardship
• Bold Ministry Initiatives Recognized