Coaching: A Transformational Tool

by Rev.Timoth Sylvia, Professional Coach

“We all have within us a deep wisdom, but sometimes we don’t know we have it.”
~ Shakti Gawain

Some of the most rewarding experiences since adopting our three children have been the moments of sheer joy that come when witnessing our children accomplish something on their own. It could be as simple as learning to tie their shoes or something more complex such as middle school math. With each occasion there comes a moment of decision on behalf of the parent. Do I tie my child’s shoes for them? Or, knowing they have been shown how to tie them before… do I help to empower them to use what they already know to accomplish it themselves? Read more

What's In a Building?

by Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mae Magill, Pastor of Ashburnham Community Church (MA) ~ #3 in a series on the Small Church Collaborative

In my church’s case, there is (or rather was) a lot of stuff in our building. We’ve filled a dumpster with trash, donated to area non-profits, recycled more paper than seems possible. And we are not done!

Ashburnham Community Church has chosen to sell our building. It was a big decision, years in the making, and a very tough decision right up to the vote. The unanimous vote. We are excited for the Arts Center that will fill our space. We are anxious about the new way we will be church by renting back our sanctuary. And we are exhausted by going through our stuff.

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Sharing Leadership: a UCC Way of Being in Community

by Rev. Sarah Drummond, Dean, Andover-Newton Seminary at Yale University

Sharing Leadership is important in today’s UCC now more than ever. Our denomination is known for its stance on inclusivity and justice, which has attracted cherished new congregants and clergy who grew up in traditions where leadership was not shared but rather imposed from on-high. In our churches, we have done a better job supplanting top-down leadership than we have introducing and perfecting the congregational way. Sharing Leadership: a UCC Way of Being in Community provides guidance and hope for the possibility of well-led congregations. More

Entrepreneurial Mindsets in this Metamorphosis Moment

We are in a time of “metamorphosis,” says Marcia McFee, PhD, worship consultant and director of the Spiritual Entrepreneurship certificate at San Francisco Theological Seminary. The first in a series of excerpts from her summer 2021 webinar, this clip shares some of the key discoveries from her research sponsored by a Lilly Grant. It is time to “get curious” and develop a learning and listening orientation in order to more deeply connect with our purpose, and the possibilities in the neighborhood context where God has called us. Watch the clip

Where Do You Worship?

by Debby Kirk, Faith Formation Team Leader of the SNEUCC

Eighteen months of Covid has taught us that the church is not the building, and that physical distance does not necessarily mean spiritual distance. We have found sacred space on Zoom, shared prayers through a facebook chat box, and delighted in outdoor sanctuaries. We have connected even when we could not gather in person. We have found that on-demand virtual worship can have a broad geographical draw. Read more

Three Retreats, One Goal, a More Effective You!

2021-22 Series: Nov. 2-4, 2021 ~ Jan. 11-13, 2022 ~ March 15-17, 2022 Reminder: Registration closes Oct. 19

Tending the Fire is a retreat series focused on understanding church and organizations through the lens of Systems Theory. Human systems are complicated and churches are no exception. At their best, they draw out excellence in their people. At their worst, they become stuck - undermining and sabotaging even the most well-designed plans for change. Tending the Fire helps clergy "think systems" in their congregations and their personal lives, so they can lead change that lasts. Led by Rev. Barbara Lemmel, coach, consultant and ordained UMC minister Learn more and sign up

Retired Clergy Affinity Group: Sept. 20 Registration Deadline!

Are you considering retiring in the next year or two? Or did you already retire within the past three years? You are invited to a new Affinity Group, created just for you by The Center for Transformational Leadership! The Season of Jubilee Affinity Group is created in response to you, SNEUCC newly and nearly retired clergy. Retirement can be a time of excitement and anticipation. It can also be a time of anxiety and isolation. We invite you to become a member of this new cohort as we explore the many facets of a healthy and productive retirement while building a new network of support and engagement. Learn more and register.

Ministers of Color Affinity Group

Clergy and pastors of color comprise a tiny portion of the total number of authorized ministers in the Southern New England Conference UCC. This frequently leads to isolation, marginalization, and/or tokenism. The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program of SNEUCC and Together We Thrive have collaborated to create an Affinity Group for Ministers of Color. The Rev. Dr. Barbara Wilson, a highly respected professor, coach and minister based in Chicago, will serve as the primary facilitator for the Ministers of Color Affinity group. Registration deadline is Oct. 1. Read more and sign up