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Dear Leaders,

This month, we are opening with a reflection titled 

Journeying Together - A Transition Time Reflection 

from Karen Ziel, Minister of Faith Formation and Leadership.

As her journey takes many forms in the life of faith and vocation, Karen shares a little bit about her compass with you, what guides and guards her heart as she prepares to accept a new role here in the Southern New England Conference, UCC. (7 min read) 

We offer you this prayer –

Loving God,

We ask your blessing on our staff in this time of transition, especially our colleague Karen who begins an exciting new chapter in her ministry.  We give thanks for her leadership, wisdom, and her faithfulness.  She has nurtured so many in the local church and we are grateful that her gifts will continue to grace the Southern New England Conference.  Bless us that we may live the love and justice of Jesus more fully.  May we cultivate an eye for your spirit among us, an ear attuned to your guidance, and a compassionate heart, that we may share your good news and heal a hurting world. Amen

                ~ Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader

Reflections

An Interview with Judi Wallace
(17 min read)

Emily McKenna, Program Support Associate, sits down to interview Judi Wallace. In her 9 years as First Church of Guilford, CT’s Director of Children and Youth Ministries, she has curated best practices on maintaining high numbers of youth, and nurturing adult volunteer relationships. Judi shares how she kept youth engaged with a special service project that took place in April. Find out how she does it all!
 

Would you like to share your story with Discipleship Matters?
Be our next featured leader! E-Mail mckennae@sneucc.org


What Is the Best Age for Confirmation?
(5 min read)

Debbie Gline Allen, Minister of Faith Formation, Youth and Families 

One of the responsibilities of your Faith Formation Team is to field questions and requests for resources and best practices in the many-faceted ministry of faith formation in our local congregations. With planning for the return to on-site programming, many are asking questions and looking for help with Confirmation. Because you asked, Debbie answers! “What is the best age for Confirmation?”

Accompanying Video - "The United Church of Christ in 3 Minutes"

News & Views

Summer Mission Work
Meets Youth @ Synod
(4 min read)

Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader 

Debby shares the story of Rev. Jennie Valentine of the Barnstable Association, and how she shifted gears when the pandemic restricted plans for summer travel for mission work. Learn how she organized a local service-learning option that also includes a connection to the UCC General Synod!


Summer Church With Children Beyond VBS
(11 min read)

Kristin Putney, Minister of Children and Families

No more screen time! Children and families just want to be outside and away from the computer screen. Read how three faith formation leaders use faith-filled options for summer church with children and other resources.


Youth Express Theology In Six Words
(4 min read)

Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader
 

Can you define your faith in six words?  SNEUCC Confirmation Students rose to the challenge at the recent Confirmation Enrichment program sponsored by the Faith Formation Team. The fourth in a series called Nurturing Faith, this session focused on United Church of Christ values and beliefs.

Resources for the Local Church

SNEUCC's Pentecost Worship Service
is Ready to Download!

Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly, Area Conference Minister for the North Central Region, has coordinated this “plug and play” worship service. She says, "At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit united the followers of Jesus in shared praise and mission. We hope that these worship resources will do the same for the churches of the Southern New England Conference. Come, Holy Spirit, come!"

Worship segments are pre-recorded. Full service or individual elements are now available for download and congregational use. The videos will remain available on the website and can be on Pentecost Sunday, or any time that is convenient. 

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Support Strengthen The Church!

Strengthen The Church is a special offering on Pentecost Sunday
to support these Discipleship ministries of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ:

  • New! Center for Transformational Leadership
  • Outdoor Ministries (including Silver Lake Conference Center, Irons Homestead, and Edwards Retreat Center)
  • Faith Formation Ministries

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Vacation Bible School resources are here

 Confirmation Resources can be found by scrolling down on this page

United Church of Christ Resources for Teens webpage

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Upcoming Events
 
An online gathering on for youth leaders to learn about Youth @ Synod, a summer leadership opportunity for teens.
Chapel of the Heart 
May 23, 2021
An online devotional space on 2nd and 4th Wednesday mornings at 9 am. 

Children's Spirituality Summit
an Intergenerate Event Partnership
May 24-26, 2021

The Children's Spirituality Summit is a Christ-centered and ecumenical organization of scholars and practitioners dedicated to promoting informed practice regarding children's spirituality. Currently CSS meets biennially and represents a broad range of Christian faith traditions. 

This summit's key purpose is to create opportunities for dialogue and collaboration between researchers and practitioners through our gatherings and publications. 


NEW! Designing Hybrid Faith Formation for the Post-Pandemic World 
June 10, 2021
A webinar for clergy, faith formation leaders, and children’s ministry teams.
June 14, 2021


NEAUCE 2021 "50 Year Celebration" Recap 
Kristin Putney, Minister of Children and Families shares about this virtual event: keynote speakers, worship, workshop, music, artistry, comedians and more!
 
 
 

Faith Formation Team:

Debbie Gline Allen, 508-603-6601
Debby Kirk, 860-377-2675
Emily McKenna, 860-761-7114
Kristin Putney, 508-336-9355
Karen Ziel, 860-917-9541