The newsletter will now be sent on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.

Words from the ACM
 
“Overwhelmingly heartbreaking.” That is the phrase, and feeling, that has come to me over and over again over the last few weeks. Between the U.N. climate change report, another natural disaster in Haiti, the humanitarian, diplomatic and moral crises in Afghanistan, the delta variant and all the danger and uncertainty it is bringing to our lives, and personally known tragedies, my heart aches, and I am overwhelmed by that ache. My spiritual practice these last few weeks has been to keep my heart open to the ache, especially when I want to turn away from it. Whenever I encounter the heartbreak, I say to myself, “stay open; be present.”
 
Now rest—deep, holy rest—is essential to our wholeness and our ability to act with compassion; Jesus went away to pray and rest more than once. There are times when we need to rest from the aches of the world. But I recognize that my desire to turn away is less about holy rest and more about self-protection. And so my prayer has been that I can keep my heart open, not to take on the sins of the world but to live and act from a place of solidarity.
 
Often, I wonder, “How in the world did Jesus do it?” How did he pour out so much love and grace, again and again, even when he himself was depleted? How did he have the courage and strength to stay firm in his mission in the face of such opposition? How did he walk toward the cross? His divine nature surely has something to do with that. But there is little comfort or guidance I can glean from that. So I look to his human nature. And what I see is an open heart, one that refused to close up to the pains of the bodies surrounding him, the injustices and oppressions of the world, to the hard-heartedness and cowardness of his disciples. Somehow, it did not consume him; it transformed him. And I think it has the power to do that to us too.
 
Because our open hearts take in everything. They also take in the beauty and glory of this amazing creation. They take in the grace and mercy that abound in everyday actions. They take in the ever expanding reign of justice and inclusion. They take in relentless hope that is part of our DNA as people of faith.
 
The fall is turning out to not be what most of us expected. Months ago, we planned for, hoped for, longed for, the fall to be a time of returning to things loved and missed, whether that was in-person worship and singing, full classroom and extra-curricular activities, or daily living that did not involve hyperawareness of social distancing. The Delta variant has not only upended those plans but shifted what we’ve thought was best practice. Thank God for scientists and the quick and thorough research they are doing to enable our understanding to continue to evolve as the virus evolves. But we are weary of sorting through it all and making decisions. Like a body under stress, we’re more susceptible to illnesses, and we’re seeing more familial and communal conflict and negative behavior. We need a lot of things to get us through this moment, and one of them is open hearts.
 
May it be so for you. May it be so for those around you. May it be so for all of us.
In God’s peace,

Rev. Elizabeth Garrigan-Byerly (she/her)
Area Conference Minister, North Central Region
(Central, MA & Windham, CT Associations)
Cell: 508-281-9776

Covid-Related Resources: 
Many clergy and churches have reached out in the last few weeks to ask for guidance on best practices in light of the Delta variant. Anecdotally, I can say that churches are generally taking a few steps back from where they were this summer in their plans to return to full in-person activity. That means that if they were worshipping in person, unmasked, they are now masking; if they were about to return to the sanctuary, they are now staying outside or remote. Because each of our settings is so contextual, each will need to make decisions that are best for themselves. The Conference’s plan as set earlier in the summer is to have staff continue to work remotely through September. With a staff of 50, interacting with over 600 churches across 3 states, this makes sense for our context. After Labor Day, our leadership will discern if that needs to continue. The Central, MA Association decided in the spring to request that all Association events (and we have a lot this fall!) be hybrid through October. We will be discussing in September whether we need to expand that through the end of the calendar year. We trust the discernment you will make in your context. To aid you in that, here are the latest resources from the Conference and those to whom we look for wisdom.
 
A word of comfort and hope from Rev. Goodwin (video)
 
Guidance for Church Offices and Gatherings
 
Coping with the Ongoing Pandemic
 
Latest from the Wisconsin Council of Churches, leader in pandemic related theology & practice 

Clergy Gatherings Restart in September!
9/14, 10/12, 11/9 and 12/14 

North Central Clergy serving in all settings are invited to join us monthly to give and receive support and engage in holy conversation. Facilitated by ACM Liz Garrigan-Byerly, gatherings will be virtual on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month, from 1-2:30pm. An email with the zoom link will be sent to all clergy in North Central the day before each gathering.

 
Connect with your ACM

Whether you are a pastor, lay leader, MID or covenantal partner, I welcome the chance to meet with you virtually one on one. To schedule a time, click here and follow the instructions. If none of the times work for you, then please email Deb Holmes (holmesd@sneucc.org). 

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.

Sexual abuse prevention flyer from the Insurance Board

Saturday, September 18th @
First Congregational Church, Canterbury, CT.
Please click here for the flyer that has more information.
Click here for the registration form.
 

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.

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

New Affinity Group for Nearly and
Newly Retired Clergy being formed

Please see the attached document for all of the details on how to participate in this new group which will have its first gathering on September 30th.
Click here to learn more.

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

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 VIRTUAL MEETING @ 3:00PM 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

DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE 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.   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 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.   PULPIT SUPPLY INFORMATION   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 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. TRANSITIONS   Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Transitions.   CELEBRATIONS   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! OBITUARIES 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. CLASSIFIEDS Hospitality Associate - Edwards House(MA) and Irons Homestead (RI) Seeking 6' Grand Piano for Sanctuary - Grafton, MA Administrative Assistant - Northborough Church Treasurer - Paxton, MA Christian Educator Director - Paxton, MA Minister of Music - Southborough 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.