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The newsletter will now be sent on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
WORDS FROM YOUR AREA CONFERENCE MINISTER
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Dear Siblings in Christ,
I have just returned from my annual summer visit to family and the town where I grew up. I always like to revisit the places of my childhood and this trip, I stopped by our family church, St. Peter Roman Catholic Church. I was flooded with memories as I walked into the hushed space, and a deep sense of gratitude for all the ways that church had shaped me. But I was also slightly disappointed; it didn’t feel quite as reverent or special as I remember it feeling. And then, I was flooded with other memories, these from adulthood and pastoring. I’ve been on the receiving end of that disappointment, when others have walked into the church I was pastoring and found it changed, either in actuality or perception. Sometimes, that disappointment was so strong, it overshadowed every other emotion; this was most often the case for people who had not had a sustained relationship with the church since their childhood. I confess that I used to be annoyed by these interactions. “Of course the church has changed! Thank God the church has changed!” I wanted to say. From installing electricity to new hymnals to an expanded understanding of who is called to ministry, the church is faithful when it responds to our still speaking God.
Our culture loves a binary, and sometimes we the church play along. Is change good or bad? Pick a side; it’s either or. The reality is that change is. Whether intentional or not, whether welcomed or not, whether organic or imposed, it happens. It is a thread of the very fabric of life. The value and meaning is in what we do with that. But change is not the only thread. So too is God’s steadfast love and mercy; so too is the mission that Jesus entrusted to us; so too is the Holy Spirit’s guidance and challenge; so too is the communion of the saints. These things and so much more make the beautiful tapestry that is the church.
In the coming month, two churches in the North Central Region will celebrate their 300th anniversaries. I marvel at all the changes these churches have gone through. I marvel at all the ways they have continued to proclaim the Good News in their time and place. None of it would have been possible if they had not relied upon our Triune God, and so I also give thanks for their faithful example of how to be the church. No matter how old your church is, I am sure you can marvel at the same things when you consider your own history and witness. I give thanks to God for each part of the Body of Christ, here and everywhere.
And I give thanks to God for chances to connect with the wider Body of Christ. Both of the Associations in the North Central Region will be having gatherings this fall. Please make sure you continue reading to learn more details about the Central, MA Annual Association Meeting on September 26th and the Windham Association Gathering at the Crop Walk on October 3rd. Both events will be wonderful times to reconnect, celebrate our shared mission, and be energized for the coming seasons of ministry.
In faith, hope and love,
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Rev. Elizabeth Garrigan-Byerly (she/her)
Area Conference Minister, North Central Region
(Central, MA & Windham, CT Associations)
Cell: 508-281-9776
CONFERENCE & REGIONAL EVENTS/INFORMATION
Please go to sneucc.org/events to see all posted events
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Sexual abuse prevention flyer from the Insurance Board
PROTECT YOUR MOST VULNERABLE CONGREGANTS
Failure to discover a sex offender can affect those in your care, your reputation, financial stability, and trust within the community.
Insurance Board has partnered with Praesidium to provide access to expert knowledge and targeted solutions to help you strengthen your abuse prevention efforts. Please click here for more information.
Monthly Zoom Conversation for Pastors in Churches Considering Closure:
Few church pastors and leaders ever anticipate or hope to engage in the process of ending a congregation’s active life. To support pastors in churches considering closure, Rev. David Schoen, Minister for Church Closure and Legacy in the UCC Church Building & Loan Fund, holds a monthly zoom conversation to address the experience and role of ministers in the closure process, difficult conversations, grief and conflict, missional and resurrection theology, and clergy self-care. Pastors are invited to contact David Schoen to participate: dschoen@ucc.org.
Caring for the Whole Self with Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson
Wednesday, August 18th @ 3:30PM - 5:00PM
Join Rev. Dr. Renee Jackson in exploring self-care and clergy support as part of Caring for all Creation. What does it mean to care for oneself as a minister? What does it mean to provide that care to one’s pastor or one’s colleagues? How can good self-care lead to flourishing ministries? Click here to register.
Saying No to Say Yes with
Revs. Tara Barber and Stephen Boyd
Monday, August 23rd @ 7:30PM - 9:00PM
In their book “Saying No to Say Yes” (written by David C. Olson and Nancy G. Devor), we are invited into a discernment process that engages our family of origin legacies alongside systems thinking and an astute sense of life in ministry. The authors write, “Part of our job as clergy is to model an understanding of who saves us—and for what. It is our job to preach, teach, and live a gospel that doesn’t depend on human over-functioning but on God’s grace. Ultimately, such a life enables us all to become masters of renunciation: saying “a hundred nos for the sake of an overwhelming Yes.”
While this is true for pastors, it is also true for congregations and other ministry settings. In a time where we face the tension between “going back” to how it used to be and forging ahead to a new way of engaging in ministry, it will be vitally important to discern what nos will allow us to say YES to the future God imagines. Take some time to read the book and join us in conversation with COMs, PPRCs, pastors, and congregational leaders. Click here to register.
Women's Connection
Southern New England United Church of Christ
Saturday, September 18th @
First Congregational Church, Canterbury, CT.
Please click here for the flyer that has more information.
November 2021 Boundary Awareness Training 2.0 - Online
November 2, 2021: 8:30am to 11:30am
**Boundary Training is in high demand and spots are limited. Please do not sign up if you cannot commit to this date and time.
BAT 2.0 is a refresher course for those who have completed at least one boundary training offering in the past. It includes a review of the power and responsibility of ministerial relationships, particularly sexualized behavior in ministerial relationships, a review of the UCC Ministerial Code, and an in-depth conversation about confidentiality.
Click here for more information and to register.
SAVE THE DATE: BAT 1.0 (Foundations) will be offered over the course of two different days (previously done over three days) in January: 1/18-1/19, 9:00AM to 3:30PM both days.
Tech Deacons Meetups -
morning and evening options.
You are invited to join Rev. Eric Elley, Digital Minister, and other local church colleagues for weekly Tech Deacons Roundtable Discussions. During these gatherings we will provide an arena for churches to support one another by sharing ideas, bringing questions, and identifying new trends and opportunities in digital ministry. In these videoconferences, we will recognize that there won't be one expression of digital ministry to fit all churches. Yet now is the season for the sharing of ideas and experiences -- we all are endeavoring to figure out the coming season of digital ministry.
Every other Tuesday at 11am (7/13, 7/27...), and alternate Tuesday evenings at 7pm (7/6, 7/20...) Click here to find more information and ways to register for these ongoing discussions on the ever evolving landscape of digital ministry in the Southern New England Conference.
Giving USA 2021 Report
a blog by Rev. Dr. David Cleaver-Bartholomew
Giving USA, which issues the oldest and most comprehensive report on charitable giving in the U.S., recently released its report for last year. The report contains mixed and helpful news for religious organizations, such as local churches and Conferences.
On the positive side, giving in 2020 rose 5.1% in current dollars over 2019 to a whopping $471.44 billion. Adjusted for inflation the increase was 3.8%. Certainly nothing to sneeze at and very impressive considering 2020 was a pandemic year! Giving by individuals continued to be the biggest source of contributions accounting for 69%, or $324.10 billion.
On the concerning side, the “Individuals” slice of the contributions sector continues to decline. Over the last 35 – 40 years, giving by individuals as a percentage of overall giving has declined by 13% from 82% to 69%.
On the positive side, giving to religious organizations (defined as congregations, denominations, missionary societies, and religious media) grew by 1%, during a year when many anticipated that giving would decline significantly, and represents 28% of the overall recipient pie.
Please click here to read the entire blog post.
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Spiritual Memoir Book Group
United States of Grace
September 2, 6:30 - 8:00 PM
Join Liz Garrigan-Byerly in a discussion of United States of Grace by Rev. Lenny Duncan. Rev. Duncan explores growing up black and queer in the U.S. and challenges the country he loves to live up to its ideals.
Click here to register to attend September 8th book group
Resources for book purchases
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THE CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
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Tending the Fire
Three Retreats. One Goal: A More Effective You!
Series IV (2021-2022) dates are as follows:
November 2-4, 2021, January 11-13, 2022 and March 15-17, 2022
REGISTER HERE
Please contact Heather Ramsey-Mabrouk for information about the program content.
Questions about registration, payment or lodging should be emailed to Martha Whyte.
Downloadable Flyer
ASSOCIATION & CHURCH EVENTS
(Central MA & Windham CT)
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Windham Association's Annual Meeting!
Faith in Action: Windham Association Joins the Crop Walk!
October 3rd, 2:00PM @ Riverfront Walk in Putnam, CT
In lieu of our traditional annual meeting and potluck dinner, the Windham Association of the Southern New England Conference is gathering for a time of fellowship and service at the Windham County annual Crop Walk. As our first in-person event together since the beginning of the pandemic, this intergenerational act of service feels just right! Bring the whole church family to live our faith in action.
We will gather for fellowship and worship at 2:00 PM in the Farmer’s Market area. We will then walk with other faith communities to raise money for Crop Walk, Church World Service’s fundraiser for local and international hunger relief. Please let the Association know your church is attending by emailing Rev. Jane Newall at minister@fccbrooklynct.org. Then, please register your church as a team at https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/event/danielsonct, designating a team captain if possible.
Then, recruit donors, including matching corporate gifts. It is easy to share on facebook and to give on-line. And there are even old fashioned donation envelopes! They will be distributed at the end of August/beginning of September. Each church can designate the local hunger relief agency that you would like to receive 25% of the money your church raises. Also - the church that raises the most money gets to take home the coveted Hole In Shoe award for the next year.
Preparing for Fall Generosity/Stewardship Campaigns
It will soon be that time of year to start talking about stewardship and fall pledge campaigns. The Rev. David Cleaver-Bartholomew will be leading a discussion on Tuesday, September 14th at 7:00PM. Please join in us in conversation and learn more about the changed landscape of religious fundraising. There will be time to ask questions and share experiences. We are asking people to please register so that you receive the Zoom link for this event. Click here to register.
Central MA Association is conducting their
annual information review.
50% of the clergy have responded! Please complete the information review so that we can get to 100%
"Because we belong to God, we belong to one another. Because we belong to one another and to God, we are accountable to our covenantal relationships on earth as in heaven." (Manual on Ministry)
"Persons with ministerial standing in the United Church of Christ are obligated to participate in an Association's processes of support and accountability in order to maintain standing." (MOM p. 119)
If you have standing in the Central MA Association, then please click here to complete the online form. Please contact Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org if you have any questions or problems with the online form.
September 19, 2021
Installation
Rev. Charley Eastman
Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC
15 Common Street
Southborough, MA 01772
3:00PM
September 26, 2021
Central MA Association Annual Meeting
First Congregational Church of West Boylston
26 Central Street
West Boylston, MA 01583
3:00PM, Hybrid meeting (in-person & virtual)
October 3, 2021
Windham CT Association Annual Meeting
Riverfront Walk, Putnam, CT
2:00PM
October 17, 2021
Installation
Rev. Jen Munroe-Nathans
Congregational Church of Littleton
330 King Street
Littleton, MA 01460-1253
3:00PM
October 24, 2021
Installation
Rev. Marilyn Wilcox
The United Church of Clinton
109 Haskell Avenue
Clinton, MA 01510-2735
3:00PM
November 14, 2021
Installation
Rev. Candice Ashenden
Athol Congregational Church
1225 Chestnut Street
Athol, MA 01331
3:00PM
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DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE
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NEW! Health & Wellness Conversation on August 26
Fall Guidelines for Faith Formation Gatherings
With Debbie Ringen, SNEUCC Minister for Wellness and Dawne Quinn, Director of Academy for Young Children at First Church West Hartford, CT. This webinar will address Covid-19 safety considerations for children’s ministry programs in the local church. Please register in advance to receive the Zoom link or access the recording. The program is from 1 to 2 PM on Thursday, August 26.
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Faith Formation Summit
SNEUCC Faith Formation Summit: Relationship, Resilience, and Re-Entry from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday September 18, 2021. Grow your adaptive leadership skills! Free for all FF CoP Facilitators!
For more information, contact Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader
OUTDOOR MINISTRIES & MISSION OPPORTUNITIES
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The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with the following sites:
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA
Edwards House offers fully-equipped meeting space for working gatherings both large and small as well as a warm, intimate setting for small overnight retreats.
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
Nestled in the northwest corner of Rhode Island and where you can still see the stars at night, Irons Homestead offers religious and educational groups a sacred space to lean into nature and connect more deeply with God and one another.
Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA
This is a traditional summer day camp with over 50 years of experience in providing children safe, summer fun. PDC is located on 113 acres of sprawling fields and woods at the SNEUCC Framingham property. The camp ensures fun, and emphasizes a warm welcome for each child, care for the natural world, and respect for the differences among us.
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT.
With more than 60 acres of wooded land on lakeside shores, Silver Lake offers many opportunities for young people to take risks and try new things with the support of an intentional Christian community.
Fueling Inclusion, Voice, and
Opportunity for All
WAMS Works with individuals and community partners to inspire economic and education equity through social change. Click here to learn more about WAMS.
Worcester Fellowship
Please check their website for updated information.
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PULPIT SUPPLY INFORMATION
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Please email Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org for an updated copy of the regional pulpit supply list.
If you are interested in being included on the North Central region pulpit supply list please contact Deb Holmes.
ACTIVE FOOD PANTRIES AND OUTREACH MEALS
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The attached list is an updated list of churches in the North Central Region that currently have active food pantries and outreach meals for people in need. Please email Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org to have your church information included or updated. North Central Region List.
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Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Transitions.
August Anniversaries
15 Years
The Rev. Dr. Kevin Downer
Please contact Deb Holmes if we have missed your anniversary.
Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5.
If your church is celebrating a mile anniversary please let Deb Holmes know so that entire North Central Region can celebrate with you!
The Rev. Al Turner, Pastor Emeritus of South Congregational Church East Hartford died on Sunday, July 18, 2021 after a long period of declining health. He is survived by his beloved wife Charlotte. When more details are available they will be posted here.
Hospitality Associate - Edwards House(MA) and Irons Homestead (RI)
Seeking 6' Grand Piano for Sanctuary - Grafton, MA
Church Treasurer - Paxton, MA
Christian Educator Director - Paxton, MA
Minister of Music - Southborough
Music Minister - Southbridge, MA
Administrative Assistant - Spencer, MA
Church Musician (Part time) - Worcester, MA
Please click here to view all SNEUCC Classifieds
| ASSOCIATION MEETING INFORMATION |
Central Mass Association Meeting Information:
The Committee on Authorized Ministry:
Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9:30 AM.
The Board of Director's:
Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2:30 PM
Windham Association Meeting Information:
Monthly Council meeting:
Is held on the 4th Thursday of each month at 2:30 PM.
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