| A Note from your Area Conference Minister |
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Dear Friends in Christ:
As the falling of the leaves begins, as we continue to face the expected and unexpected challenges of ministry in our time, I pray that God will continue to bless you, your church, and its leaders.
Micheal Ciba
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| Regional News and Association Events |
Does your Church or Association have events or news that can benefit from being shared - Meetings, Ecclesiastical Councils, Ordinations, etc? This newsletter space is just waiting to be populated by your activity! Please share your events and news with Jill Ford, Program Support Associate (fordj@sneucc.org) to be included in future bi-monthly publications.
- Dawn N. Jefferson, a Member in Discernment in the New Haven Association, will be ordained on Saturday, October 30 at 3pm at Hope UCC, Alexandria, VA with a hybrid service. Dawn will then be installed at a later date by the Potomac Association. Anyone wishing to attend should reach out to the NHA for a zoom link.
- Rev. Lynn Dolan, pastor at Prospect Congregational Church, UCC, New Haven Association, will be installed on Sunday, November 7 at 3pm. The service will be in person and will also be live streamed from the church's FaceBook page. Clergy and Members In Discernment are invited to robe and process. Face masks are required for those not vaccinated.
The Southwest Region of the Southern New England Conference is comprised of:
- Fairfield East Association
- Fairfield West Association
- Litchfield South Association
- Naugatuck Valley Association
- New Haven Association
- New Haven East Consociation
The Pilgrim, Old Colony, Barnstable, and Rhode Island Associations of the Southern New England Conference, UCC, invite you to experience and learn from Diana Butler Bass. All are welcome to hear keynote speaker Diana Butler Bass at the Southeast Region Annual Fall Gathering. Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, popular speaker, inspiring preacher, and one of America’s most trusted commentators on religion and contemporary spirituality.
October 27th at 6:30 pm. (on Zoom)
Hope and Resiliency: Thriving Through the Pandemic
Registration is required - here is the link to the event page Annual Fall Fellowship - Southeast Region - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org) and to the registration page. (Registrants can register for the Diana Butler Bass portion only).
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.
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?
Visit our Proportional Giving webpage to get answers to questions you may have. Gone 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 the following dates: at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 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 David C-B for more information, including a link to participate in the 10/28 or 11/3 Proportional Giving Webinar.
Conference Staff to Resume Travel; Offices to Remain Shut
Southern New England Conference staff will once again be able to attend in-person gatherings when both they and the host congregation feel it is safe for them to do so. The Conference offices will remain closed for some time due to other issues, however. Click this link to read more, and to view an announcement from Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister, SNE Conference, United Church of Christ.
| Discipleship Opportunities |
with Rebecca Steven-Walters, Thursday, October 28 at 7:00 PM via Zoom
Learn how to infuse your worship with elements of story, song, and prayer that are accessible for all ages. Invite your worship team and register now.
The SNEUCC Faith Formation Leadership (Certificate) Program can be engaged either as a Certificate program or as a series of stand-alone classes. Please sign up at least two days prior to the class date. Read more about the program and be sure to share this information with leaders in your congregation. Fall Classes:
For more information, contact Debbie Gline Allen
For youth in grades 9-12 on November 5-7 . Go to silverlakect.org for information about upcoming events. Cost is $140 per person. Scholarships are available to defray cost.
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.
| Celebrations, Transitions and Obituaries |
Beginning in September of 2021, this newsletter will recognize and celebrate Ordination Anniversaries listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5 years, as well as milestone church anniversaries.
October Anniversaries
5 Years
The Rev. James Robertson
(Please contact Jill Ford if we have missed your anniversary.)
Transitions within the Southern New England Conference can be found here.
Obituaries within the Southern New England Conference can be found here.
A full list of classified postings can be found here on the SNE website. Some examples include: Church Administrator, Digital Minister, Organist/Choir Director, Director of Faith Formation as well as items for sale or free. Visit our classifieds web page for details of each listing. Church administrators are welcome to use the online template to submit information.
| Pulpit Supply Information |
Please email Jill Ford at fordj@sneucc.org for an updated copy of the regional pulpit supply list.
If you are interested in being included on the Southwest Region pulpit supply list please contact Jill Ford.
You are receiving this newsletter because we've identified you as a local church or you have standing in one of the associations in the Southwest Region of the Southern New England Conference. This newsletter will be sent around the 15th and 30th of each month. If you would like to unsubscribe or change your email preferences, please visit sneucc.org/subscribe and enter your email address.
