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

WORDS FROM YOUR AREA CONFERENCE MINISTER

Dear Northwest Region,   One of the things I learned about biblical interpretation in seminary was to test any given scripture’s teaching against the themes that appear in the rest of the canon. If a text goes against the major tenants of the Bible, perhaps one should wrestle with whether or not it is congruent with God’s overall messaging.   One of those themes is to welcome the stranger.   Many of you church leaders here in the Northwest Region are clamoring for information and coordination of the effort to help resettle Afghan refugees. Some of you are already up to your elbows in the interfaith efforts to offer support. I thank you for your heart.   Others of you recognize the need, but given the myriad of ministries on your plate and the challenges of gathering your flock despite the ongoing pandemic, just say you cannot right now. I applaud your good yeses and nos.   But I will remind you that we are woven together in covenant, and so if some of our churches are joining in this effort, then so are we all. Therefore I invite you, even if you are not on the front lines of this effort, to consider how your churches might support those who are.   Because I learned from the UCC’s new Minister for Refugee and Migration Services, Rev. Irene Willis Hassan, that this group of refugees will need our churches and agencies to work together in a coordinated fashion. Irene says:   The Afghan refugee crisis is unusual because of the sudden volume of individuals arriving all at once, and also that they are currently extremely restricted on what services are available to them through professional and governmental resources. The national setting of the UCC encourages collaboration to:  Avoid duplication of services (i.e., too many churches calling refugee offices asking for training and volunteer registration, which effectively decreases the functional capacity of already burdened offices); and   Equitably meet the enormity of need by combining resources (i.e, if one church can offer donations, one housing, one English training, etc., they could accomplish more together).   You may have more resources to help than you think. For example, from the UCC’s Welcoming and Advocating for Afghan SIVs and Refugees: A Toolkit:   One common problem that is somewhat unique to Afghan “SIVs” - Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs) -  concerns job placement. This unique population arrives with proficient English and, often, college-level education and well-paying careers.   Afghan SIVs in particular could benefit from professionals in your congregation who are willing to act as coaches to help them accomplish their career goals in the USA. To learn more about qualifications and process for this refugee category, please visit the USCIS website: Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) for Iraqi and Afghan Translators/Interpreters (state.gov)   There are further nuances about this refugee population that would be helpful to think through as your church contemplates how you might help. On October 12 at 10 AM there was a webinar co-hosted by Conference’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program and Team Global Hope at the UCC’s national setting, with partnership from the Conference’s Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Task Team. That information was recorded and will be available soon (if it is not already) on the Conference’s website. (i)   And just so you know—this is an issue germane to our region. According to Shannon Hanson, program manager for services for new Americans at Ascentria Care Alliance, Western Massachusetts expects 200 refugees to be divided evenly between Springfield and Worcester as well as another 150 evacuees expected by Jewish Family Services of Springfield. Of those 150, Jewish Family Services plans to settle about 60 people in Pittsfield.(ii) Another 300 are expected in the state of Connecticut.(iii) We are being called into covenant partnership not only by our faith, but also by the strangers in need of our support. [F]or I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me….   This welcome is one of the primary themes of our foundational texts. May we discern with our whole minds and hearts to see where we can lend a hand.   And if, indeed, you are one of the tired ones in need of succor, may the helping hands be there to support you, or go in your stead.   You are all, as are all those refugees, in my prayers.   Blessings, Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa Area Conference Minister, NW Region ogawaty@sneucc.org 508-782-8593 [i] The DEI staff realize that not all could make that time, so are planning another event soon after regular business hours so more working folks might participate.  [ii] Jim Kinney, “350 Afghan Refugees Expected ‘Any Day Now’ in Springfield, Worcester, Pittsfield,” MassLive, September 15, 2021, accessed October 6, 2021. [iii] Dave Collins, “300 Afghan Refugees Expected in Connecticut in Coming Months | Republican-American,” The Register Citizen, September 13, 2021, accessed October 6, 2021. One to One conversations with Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa The Rev. Ogawa will be resuming her bi-weekly coffee house hours to meet with clergy for 30 minutes on Wednesday afternoons. These can be scheduled by clicking here.  Please contact her Program Support Associate, Deb Holmes if you have questions or problems signing up for a meeting.

 

ASSOCIATION & CHURCH EVENTS (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Litchfield North)

Do we have your church leaders listed correctly?

Please have your church administrator (or whoever handles your church's email account) visit the Church Dashboard (part of the Southern New England Conference's data base) to make sure we're connecting with all the current leaders in your church. 

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Do you have questions about Proportional Giving (PG) – the new means by which we are asking churches to support the work of the Conference and the national setting?

.Proportional Giving webpage  to register or to reach out to get answers to questions you may have. You can also visit the SNEUCC's David C-BGone are the days of Conference Dues, OCWM Basic Support, United Church Mission, and invoices for Conference Dues. Rev. Dr. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations, will be hosting a webinar on this topic on four different dates: at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 6, 12, 28, and Nov. 3.  These webinars will explain what PG is, how to calculate it, and what it supports, and point to additional resources. Please contact

Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations

“The topics Jim Elrod addresses [in his book] are challenging, and the insights fresh and timely,…while his words are understandable and approachable. Financial sustainability is not easy or simple, but it need not be mysterious or overwhelming. This book would be a great group-read for congregational leaders and their pastors so that all can face their community’s financial futures together and unafraid.” – Sarah Birmingham Drummond, Dean, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School.
 
David C-B is looking for volunteers who would like to take Dean Drummond up on her suggestion and participate in a group-read of Jim Elrod’s new book, Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations.
 
The group will meet via Zoom for four sessions, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., on the following dates and discuss these pages each session: Oct. 7 (pp. 1 – 36), Oct. 21 (pp. 37 – 60), Nov. 4 (pp. 61 – 88), and Nov. 18 (pp. 89 – 111).
 
Here is a link to more info. about the book, its cost, and options for ordering it.  If you are interested in joining a discussion of this book, please reach out to David C-B.
Also, please note the following opportunities from Rev. Andrew Warner, Generosity Outreach Officer, at our national setting in an effort to promote good stewardship practices.

Congregational Economic Evaluation Tool

The survey helps leaders compare their stewardship and financial practices to other faith communities and to identify best practices they can implement. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HFCLWM3.
 

“Don't Beg - Rethinking the Stewardship Sermon”

A Bible Study for pastors as we think through options for sermons on stewardship for a fall pledge campaign. Henri Nouwen’s observation will guide us, “Fundraising is precisely the opposite of begging. Rather, we are declaring, ‘We have a vision that is amazing and exciting.’”  Oct. 6, 5pm Eastern Time.  Register at https://ucc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcsdO2trj0sG9M84H0b-dBX8RtjvP1-fKE_
 
Finally, if you have any questions about Proportional Giving, or need resources, here is the link to our Proportional Giving webpage. Remember we are not sending invoices to churches!

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Hampden Association Annual Meeting

October 17, 2021

3:00PM, hoping for in-person meeting

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Franklin Association Annual Meeting

November 14, 2021

First Congregational Church of Ashfield
429 Main Street
Ashfield, MA 01330

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Explore another facet of becoming a welcoming congregation...

 
W.I.S.E. ( Welcoming. Inclusive. Supportive. Engaged) is a U.C.C. initiative to
acknowledge and  breakdown the stigma attached to people with emotional or
mental challenges and to welcome them into worship.
To forward this initiative I am offering to come to your church and to give a biblically based sermon on the historic and current  stigma of mental/emotional illness, how we welcome or do not welcome  people with these challenges  into the pews, and a brief overview of W.I.S.E.. 
If you are interested in my coming to your church to give this sermon and/or if you have any questions please feel free to be in touch by phone or email.
Blessings,
Belle Fox-Martin, UCCLM
Contact Belle via email: bfoxm@roadrunner.com or phone: 413-298-0673

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United Congregational Church of Holyoke
restarts outreach events

The church is located at 300 Appleton Street, Holyoke
October 16th -
Community wide tag sale!
Please contact the church office at 413-532-1483 for more information.

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First Congregational Church of Whately
is celebrating 250 years of service!
Anniversary greetings can be sent to:
First Congregational Church, UCC
PO Box 247
Whately, MA 01093-0247

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Sharing the joy of 20 years of ministry with Rev. Liz Goodman and Monterey UCC.
Click here to see the photos!

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Creating Space Collective
Sponsored by the Canaan and West Stockbridge Churches

Creating Space Spirituality & Arts Collective is a faith formation program of the West Stockbridge and Canaan Congregational Churches, UCC. This unique approach to faith development focuses on the discovery and exploration of spiritual identity, and our relationship with the Divine, through the experience of creating art. This fall we have a number of new workshop series planned.

Knitting as Spiritual Practice with Tempe Croke and Pastor Patty Fox October 14, 21, 28 and November 4; 1:30pm to 3pm  at the Canaan Congregational Church Grief Work through Collaging with Cheryl Hutto and Janice Shields November 2021 (dates TBD) at the West Stockbridge Congregational Church Creating a Personal Shrine/Spirit House with Jude Harrigan January 2022 (dates TBD) at the West Stockbridge Congregational Church  FLYER TO SHARE

Weekly Vigils for Racial Justice

The members of Center Church, UCC (First Congregational Church of South Hadley), One Church Street, South Hadley have been holding a weekly vigil for Racial Justice. The vigils take place every Saturday from 10:00 - 10:30 AM on the church lawn.  Bringing a sign is also encouraged!

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Journey

Journey: a social and support group for trans and non binary individuals of all ages.  The group is facilitated by Yohah Ralph. We will meet online using Zoom on the first and third Thursdays of the month.  
If you have questions, or are interested in joining the group, please send an email to Yohah at journeynorthampton@gmail.com, and provide your phone number so we can have a brief conversation in advance.

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CONFERENCE & REGIONAL EVENTS/INFORMATION Please go to sneucc.org/events to see all posted events

Martha Goodman, the Southern New England Conference Search & Call Associate, has provided some clarification around the application process for an Oxford background check. 
If you have UCC Standing as an Authorized Minister, and therefore have access to the national Profiles Portal, and are either preparing a Ministerial Profile for the first time or are renewing an expired or expiring profile, your Oxford background check should be requested through the national Profiles Portal [https://uccprofiles.ucc.org] and sent to the national office, NOT to the Conference.  Only the national office can attach your background check to your profile.  If you have your background check sent to the Conference, there will be a delay in getting your profile validated and distributed. 
 
The only people who should be having their background check sent to the Conference and not the national office are Members in Discernment not yet approved for ordination pending call, and ministers without UCC standing. 
 
For further information, contact Darrell Ludwig in the national office at ludwigd@ucc.org, or Martha Goodman at searchcall@sneucc.org.

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Scouting & Local Churches 

Concerns have been raised across the country about the liability of charter (host) organizations, including local churches, due to the Boy Scouts of America’s bankruptcy filing. Some insurance companies are changing their policies and some denominations, like the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church, are advising their local congregations to no longer be charter or host organizations. The UCC General Council, Heather Kimmel, advises that local churches interesting in hosting or continuing to host a Boy or a Cub Scout troop, “consult with their church’s legal counsel and also with their insurance company before signing any agreements to ensure that they are protected in the event of a claim for misconduct related to scouting.” We hold all our churches in prayer as they discern how best to serve the needs of the youth in their communities.

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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.

CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Conflict Transformation Workshop
Saturday, November 6th, 9:00AM - 4:30PM
Via Zoom

Conflict is a normal part of life, even in the church. Understanding this can help church members realize that they should not be surprised or ashamed when they experience conflict in their faith communities. What is important is how the conflicts that inevitably arise are addressed. The Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches workshop teaches some basic skills that will help participants manage conflicts within their congregations in a healthier manner. Please click here to read more and to register.

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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.

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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.

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DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE   Faith Formation Leadership Program classes will be starting up again Exploring Curriculum & Digital Resources (Zoom) - Faith Formation Leadership Program Saturday, Oct 23 2021 - 8:30 AM Implementing Intergenerational Worship - FF webinar Thursday, Oct 28 2021 - 7:00 PM Engaging Our Sacred Scripture's Story (Zoom) - Faith Formation Leadership Program Saturday, Oct 30 2021 - 8:30 AM Visit the Faith Formation webpage for more information.  OUTDOOR MINISTRIES 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.    ACTIVE FOOD PANTRIES AND OUTREACH MEALS The attached list is an updated list of churches in the Northwest 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. Northwest Region List. Pictured are members of Trinity Church Shelburne Falls. TRANSITIONS   Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Transitions.   CELEBRATIONS September Anniversaries 55 Years The Rev. Dr. Michael Penn-Strah The Rev. Charles Van Ausdall 40 Years The Rev. William Neil 30 Years The Rev. Todd Weir 20 Years The Rev. Susan Tarantino 15 Years The Rev. Dr. S. Derek Austin The Rev. John Heeckt 10 Years The Rev. Matilda Cantwell 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   Please click here to see all of the obituary listings.   CLASSIFIEDS Free and available for the next 2 weeks only Contents of a UCC Church including: (click here for pictures) Hymnals and bibles (Pilgrim, New Century and King James) Several brass Crosses Large cross and oil filled candle set Paraments Communion thimble server trays with covers, Communion plates and Communion supplies Brass candelabras Brass offering plates Carved communion table with table cloths Baptismal font Organist/Choir Accompanist - Ashfield, MA Handbells for sale - Ludlow, MA Pilgrim Hymnals - Northampton Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Classifieds.