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Conference Staff Travel to Pause Due to COVID Surge; Events Moved Online

Executive Conference Minister the Rev. Darrell Goodwin announced on Jan. 5 that the Conference staff will pause travel to in-person meetings and worship events until February 14, 2022.

"We will still gather with you virtually, but to put the best interest of all first, we are discerning it is not advisable in relation to science, safety, and our faith for staff to gather in-person at this time," Rev. Goodwin said.

Rev. Goodwin also announced that Super Saturday, planned for March 19, and the June Annual Meeting will be moved online, using a new virtual platform. Rev. Goodwin's In-Person installation service, which had been scheduled to take place at Old South Church in Boston in April, has been cancelled.

Read & Watch 1 Min Read; 13 Min Watch

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2

Rev. Goodwin Asks for New Year Prayers

In a video released on Jan. 1, Executive Conference Minister the Rev. Darrell Goodwin ask the Southern New England Conference to join him in four New Year prayers.

Rev. Goodwin began by reminding viewers of a prayer request he made when he started serving a year ago. At that time, he asked folks to join him in praying for the Conference staff by sending in prayer shawls. He shared that all staff have been offered a prayer shawl, and he that he has sent pocket prayer shawls to the other Conference Ministers of the United Church of Christ.

For 2022, Rev. Goodwin requested the following prayers:

Week 1: Lay members and leaders within the SNEUCC
Week 2: All Authorized Ministers and MIDS in all settings of our conference
Week 3: All of our National and Local Covenant Partners
Week 4: All those serving in the capacity of Conference Staff

Read 2.5 Min Read; 10 Min View

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3

Using the Church's Digital Presence to Support the Community

Digital Minister the Rev. Eric Elley reflects on how church's can use their newfound digital capabilities, writing:

"As the Omicron variant surges, we are faced with opportunities to make the church’s presence more widely known and support the fabric of the local community at the same time."

"Omicron is presently shutting down, once again, in-person worship in many parts of our SNEUCC Conference.  Even if the same doesn’t happen to other artistic venues – such as coffee shops, bars, and dedicated performance spaces – many people are becoming increasingly cautious about going out to such spaces. Churches set up for digital streaming can fill the hole that is being created."

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4

Churches Asked to Report Data to National Setting

The United Church of Christ Data Hub is open, and churches are asked to submit information on membership, attendance and finances between now and March 2.

Instructions related to the Data Hub can be found on the Conference website. The national setting is also asking churches to fill out a supplemental survey related to worship during the pandemic. Congregations that submit both their Yearbook data and complete this survey will be eligible to participate in a drawing.

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5

Upcoming Events

January Environmental Ministry Calendar

Events and actions to stand for the environment, curated by Victoria Guest for the SNEUCC Environmental Ministries Team.

Read here


Safe Environments Webinar
Jan. 12, 7 PM - 8:30 PM
Online

This one-hour info session will provide orientation to Abuse Prevention Resources from the UCC Insurance Board. Sample templates for policies, background checks and screening, as well as training programs for teachers and volunteers will be reviewed. 

Quarterly Racial Justice Training
Jan. 15, 8:30 AM to Noon
Online

All are welcome to join us for this racial justice training facilitated by Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 

Observance of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan. 17, 1:30 PM
Online

Join us online for a time of worship, reflection, and facilitated conversation led by one of the 2022 SNEUCC Theologians in Residence, Rev. Dr. Diane Schmitz.

Lunch & Learn: Why Does My Church Need an Interim Minister
Jan. 20, 12:00 to 12:50 PM
Online

Led by Rev. Dr. James H. Latimer, PCC Coach and Founder, Coaching for Interims.

All events: www.sneucc.org/events

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Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ
Framingham, MA office: 508-875-5233
Hartford, CT office: 866-367-2822
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