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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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“Stronger together.” “We’re in this together.” “We’ll get through this together.” These are some of the phrases that have permeated our pandemic experience, from hand drawn yard signs to corporate messages. It has been inspiring and uplifting, even as (especially as) we’ve continued to experience unprecedented division and divisiveness. As part of the Body of Christ, we take that one step further: we belong to each other.
“Because we belong to God, we belong to one another. Because we belong to one another and God, we are accountable to our covenantal relationships on earth as in heaven.” This is a phrase in Manual on Ministry (MOM), the guiding document for authorized ministry the United Church of Christ. I confess that before I became an ACM, I hadn’t read much of the MOM beyond what I absolutely needed to. In the last 9 months, I’ve read it weekly, if not more frequently. And that phrase continues to jump off the page at me. It has become my prayer and hope for all the work I do as your ACM, that my work may bind us together more faithfully so that we can be the church that God needs us to be.
The Area Conference Ministry Team of the conference had a retreat this week. In one exercise, we explored the “whys” behind our tasks. Covenant and “we belong to each other” came up repeatedly. It’s why we put together this newsletter, why we equip churches to move through pastoral transitions, why we collect documents to transfer ministerial standing, why we celebrate installations and ordinations, why we gather and share resources, why we pray with pastors and search committees and Because we belong to God, we belong to each other and because of this, we are responsible for and accountable to each other. This is the thing that connects us as a denomination, not a prayer book or specific theology or creed or historic founder but our covenantal relationships. When we take those seriously, we are most definitely stronger together, in this together and able to get through this together. What a blessing.
There is a lot of information in this newsletter. I hope you will read each piece also as an invitation to strengthen our covenantal relationships, that we may bind on earth, in the North Central region and the entire SNEUCC, what is bound in heaven.
Blessings,
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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
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).
CONFERENCE & REGIONAL EVENTS/INFORMATION
Please go to sneucc.org/events to see all posted events
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With the uncertainty of Covid,
the October Super Saturday will again be virtual.
Our priority is the safety of our attendees.
Building on God's Promises: A Time of Personal Renewal
3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and
that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.
Super Saturday Registration is Now Open!
Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM?
Register Early
Join us for Super Saturday on October 2, 2021 featuring Dr. Monica Coleman. Super Saturday is filled with a variety of virtual workshops, marketplace and networking.
This October, we will be offering some 1 Hour workshops and a few 1 Hour Midday workshops in addition to our standard 1.5 hours and extended workshops for those who want to be busy all day. Sign up for as many or as few as you like.
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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.
Racial Justice Training for Authorized Ministers - SNEUCC
Save the dates!
Wednesday, Sept. 22 and Thursday, Sept. 23, 9 AM to noon
This ?Racial Justice training focused on Microaggressions will be facilitated by Rev. James Ross, Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The cost to attend is $15.
Questions? Contact Karen Methot at methotk@sneucc.org.
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.
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.
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THE CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
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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.
Affinity Group for Ministers of Color
(Registration deadline is October 1st)
The group is open to all People of Color who are considered Authorized Ministers (UCC), Rostered Ministers (ELCA) or Parochial Ministers (Episcopal, WMA). This group is a collaboration between Together We Thrive and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program of SNEUCC. Please click here to read more and how to register.
ASSOCIATION & CHURCH EVENTS
(Central MA & Windham CT)
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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.
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
October 31, 2021
Ordination
William Ladd
First Congregational Church Natick
2 East Central Street
Natick, MA 01760
2:00PM
November 14, 2021
Installation
Rev. Candice Ashenden
Athol Congregational Church
1225 Chestnut Street
Athol, MA 01331
3:00PM
Drive Thru Breakfast!
Barre Congregational Church
30 Park Ave.
Barre, MA 01005
Saturday, September 11, 2021@ 8:00AM - 10:00AM
Please click on the attached flyer for your breakfast purchase options. This is a fund raiser for the church, come out and support your neighbor!
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DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE
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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.
Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA
This is a traditional summer day camp with over 50 years of experience in providing children safe, summer fun.
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.
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.
September Anniversaries
25 Years
The Rev. Paulette Harwood
10 Years
The Rev. Dr. Kazimierz Bem
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!
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The Rev. Leonard George Clough died on August 25 in West Hartford, Connecticut at the age of 101. Len was born in Somersworth, NH on February 12, 1920 to Arthur E. and Helen Piper Clough. He attended school in Orrington and Brewer, ME, and graduated with honors from Bates College in 1940 and the Yale Divinity School in 1943. He lived most of his life in New England with several years in New Jersey and Geneva, Switzerland.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Vincent Funeral Homes and a memorial service will be held on September 18, Noon, at the First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 S. Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107. In lieu of flowers, donations in Len’s memory may be made to Bates College. Please visit Len’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Please click here to read more.
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The Rev. William Henry West, of Old Saybrook, died peacefully at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford, on Thursday, August 26, after a long and valiant struggle with cancer. Rev. West was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Margaret. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth, and grandsons, Theo and Quinten Ewasko of Newtown, CT; and his brother, Robert, and sister-in-law Gail of Farmington, CT.
A service in his memory will be held at the First Congregational Church, 1 Church Street, Deep River, CT 06417, on September 25, at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the following organizations were near and dear to Bill’s heart. Donations can be sent to: Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Closer to Free Program, at yalecancercenter.org/gifts, or mail to Office of Development, PO Box 1849, New Haven CT 06508; First Church Congregational in Deep River, at deeprivercc.org, or mail to DRCC, PO Box 246, Deep River CT 06417; or Dylan’s Wings of Change “Wingman Program,” at dylanswingsofchange.org/donate, or mail to Dylan’s Wings of Change PO Box 3489, Newtown CT 06470. Please click here to read more.
Administrative Assistant - Northborough
Church Treasurer - Paxton, 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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