Welcome!

Welcome to new subscribers and old friends! We'd like to introduce you to Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and our new justice leader for the Southern New England Conference UCC  Read more here. We are blessed to have Rev. Ross with us! Read his reflection below.

Rev. James D. Ross II

Living the Love and Justice of Jesus

by Rev. James D. Ross II

I am honored to serve as your new Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Southern New England Conference. In this role, I am charged with leading our justice programs and staff as we seek to live into both the commitments of our conference and the commands of God. I have met the dedicated, experienced leaders of the task teams working on specific justice-related issues, and I look forward to meeting others of you as we lean into our work together. Read more

Also from Rev. Ross:
We Are Committed to Confronting Anti-Asian Violence 

Combatting Legislation Against Transgender Athletes

Good Friday Service Available to Churches A Good Friday service, Crucifixion and Black Death: A Seven Last Words Service of Lament, is now available for churches to download and use. The Seven Last Words service will place the traditional scripture texts of Jesus’ final words from the cross in conversation with those of seven black Americans killed by police or extrajudicial actors.  This service was organized and planned by the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team, with the participation and support of people throughout the conference, including staff members and local congregations. Please join us at 3 PM on Good Friday, April 2, when the service will be streamed on Facebook Live.  Service downloads available here   Earth Day Action Calendar The Environmental Ministry Team of the SNEUCC has compiled an Earth Day Action Calendar, sharing events coming up next month. Read about: Ecumenical Advocacy Days 350.org three-day gathering Diversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy Eco-America’s Climate Leadership Summit   Interreligious Eco-Justice Network program with Rev. Dr. Jim Antal  And more! View the calendar here: Earth Day Action Calendar.

Rev. Goodwin: My Faith Compels Me to Love

by Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister

"Jesus has called us to love. Jesus has called us to honor love. Jesus has called us to honor the full personhood of all of God’s children and to not declare or make any of us second class citizens," Executive Conference Minister the Rev. Darrell Goodwin said in a video released March 15. The Rev. Goodwin was speaking out in response to a statement issued by the Vatican, which said the Catholic Church would not bless same-sex unions.  Watch the video here.

Lucio Perez Leaves Amherst Church After 3-1/2 Years

By Connie Larkman, United Church News
“Oh happy day! Oh happy day! This is what it looks like when love wins!”

Those were the first words of the Rev. Vicki Kemper as Lucio Perez walked out the front porch of First Congregational Church on March 13. The Guatemalan immigrant had been living in sanctuary at the Amherst, Mass., United Church of Christ congregation for 3 ½ years. The father of four is now free to return home to his family in Springfield, legally protected by a stay of deportation.  Read more  Photo courtesy of UCC.org

Advocate Now to End the Torturous Practice of Solitary Confinement in CT Prisons

Support Senate Bill #1059

by the Rev. Allie Perry, Pastor, Shalom United Church of Christ, New Haven

In May 2019 at the historic Connecticut Conference’s last Annual Meeting, we took a clear stand, denouncing the human rights abuse and harms of solitary confinement. We unanimously passed the resolution of implementation entitled: End the Practice of Prolonged Solitary Confinement in Connecticut Prisons and Jails.  With that resolution we committed ourselves as people of faith to advocate for the end of the practice through CT’s prisons and jails.  Read more

Saturday Meals for Asylum Seekers

by Dawn Adams, SNEUCC Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Task Team

You all have probably seen and heard about the growing humanitarian crisis at our southern borders. There are many people who are seeking asylum, including unaccompanied minors, that have reached our borders looking for help. Under the new administration, these people are being processed and their cases considered. However, due to the extreme downsizing of our immigration system previously, there is a growing need for care and resources at our southern border.

 Some of you and your churches may be wondering how you can help. We, the Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Task Team of the SNEUCC, would like to offer an opportunity to you. Read more

Support the Work and Family Mobility Act 

by Bridget Spann, First Congregational Church of Williamstown, MA

In my role as community outreach organizer at First Congregational Church Williamstown, I work with six different immigrant families to connect them with community resources and support. Living in the Berkshires and relying on public transportation is a huge challenge, especially with groceries, laundry, or small children. Read more

Webinar: CT's Path to Health Equity

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted communities of color in disproportionately high numbers which highlights the disparity and inequality of access to healthcare. Social determinants of health (SDOH) such as housing, transportation, education, access to nutritious food, and exposure to pollutants have a major impact on health and well-being.

It is time for community organizations including communities of faith to participate in efforts to address systemic racism and inequity.  
Learn more and pre-register here.

COVID-19 Vaccination: The Inside Story of a Nurse Vaccinator by Deborah Ringen, Minister of Health and Wellness Recently, I began volunteering to give COVID-19 vaccinations at a drive-through mass vaccination site in Connecticut. Currently my job consists of writing and teaching as a faith community nurse and Minister of Health and Wellness for SNEUCC, not much “hands on nursing task.”  In years past I managed flu vaccine clinics for the towns surrounding the home care agency where I worked. Giving injections is second nature for me now.  Read more for hints about receiving your vaccine  Your news, events, and reflections are welcome! Please submit to Editor Karen Methot for consideration: methotk@sneucc.org. Thank you!