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WORDS FROM YOUR AREA CONFERENCE MINISTER
 

March 10, 2022

Dear Northwest Region,
 
We are in the thick of Lent.
 
The ashes have been given; Jesus has refuted the devil’s temptations to rule all the kingdoms of the world or hurl himself off a cliff; and he is still journeying to Jerusalem.
 
Meanwhile, the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, and reports of people (and doctors and nurses performing surgeries) huddled in basements crowd the airwaves.
 
More locally, I am meeting with churches in search who are struggling to find pastors to fill their pulpits. Lay leaders are tired, and the clergy are too. One church’s leadership actually asked me in anger this week, “Why don’t you fix it?”
 
I can answer with the usual polity answers—our denomination’s power for decision-making lies in the local church; covenant is a two-way street; mainline church decline….
 
But that’s not what they’re saying/asking. Underneath it all is despair and pain.

These are wilderness times.
 
And yet, as one who is called ”to inspire and provoke local churches and associations to discover how God is calling them to be the church in a new era,” I know my job is to help equip folks who are hurting similarly to see, if they are willing, beyond their perceived obstacles. To help them quit their wailing and gnashing of teeth and to discover within themselves where the possibilities lie.
 
I find myself thinking, “If only I could gather up all the churches who are really on the edge, and help equip them, and help them see each other face to face—that they could know that they are not alone, and that we Association and Conference folk really do care for them.”
 
And then I remember a few things—that is exactly what the Conference is trying to do. The Center for Transformational Leadership has a number of resources for churches, from Assess and Discern conversational tools to the Small Church Summit that just happened to rave reviews from attendees, clergy and lay alike.
 
Meanwhile, Northwest Region Association moderators are meeting monthly to share strategies on how to shore up churches and strengthen relationships.
 
Other churches are reporting large numbers of new members; many of you are cooperating with ecumenical and interfaith organizations to house Afghan refugees; and some are working with consultants to plan for what the church can be in these changing times.
 
And as for that gathering-in: Super Saturday, March 19, is chock-full with workshops on how to right-size your leadership structures; to engage your communities with justice; to put your building in service of social needs; to build consensus; and even to discuss your church’s mortality in order to improve quality of life. I think Rev. Sara Drummond, our keynote speaker and Dean of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, really gets it, and I cannot wait to hear her address, “Planning for a Better Babylon.”
 
We are always better and stronger together. I hope to see you on Super Saturday. Come to the table and be fed; to be gathered in by a mothering God; and to be reminded of the hymn,
 
Gather us in, the lost and forsaken
Gather us in, the blind and the lame
Call to us now and we shall awaken
We shall arise at the sound of our name.
1
 
Lenten Blessings,

 
Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa
Area Conference Minister, NW Region

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
(860) 761-7192
  

1. Marty Haugen, “Gather Us In,” 1982.


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 the first and third Thursday (new day) 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)

Does your church use an online directory?

The First Congregational Church in Lee is trying to evaluate different options for their next church directory and are intrigued by the online directories they have been coming across.  Dorothy, the administrative assistant, would love to talk with some people in churches who have used these, to get a sense of what their experience has been.  Instant Church Directory is one that keeps cropping up that looks pretty good.  Are there any churches in the Conference using this software or other online directories?  If you are able to help Dorothy please reach out directly to her at: ucc.lee.pr@gmail.com.


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. If you have problems logging into your account please contact Nancy Stubbs at stubbsn@sneucc.org.


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


Monthly 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 monthly vigil for Racial Justice. The vigils take place the first Saturday from 10:00 - 10:30 AM and will be earmarked with the ringing of the church bell.  Bringing a sign is also encouraged!


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.


2022  -  25th Annual Lenten Discussion Series

Anchors in the Storm: Getting through Difficult Times

Due to the continuing pandemic, all sessions will be offered live-streamed and in person if possible.  Please send an email to your pastor/church office or directly to Rev. Calvo for EACH week’s unique Zoom login link. Please click here for the entire list of weekly topics and host churches. 


Mark your calendars for the
Berkshire Association Spring Gathering!

The Berkshire Association is invited to gather on Sunday, June 5th at 2:00PM at the Canaan Congregational Church (1670 County Road Rt. 5., Canaan, NY). We will do a touch of business, but mostly worship and share in fellowship. 

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

Tax filing information for clergy from the
Pension Board

UCC 2022 Clergy Tax Preparation Guide for 2021 Filing Season An authorized minister's taxes are more complicated than the average person's because of their dual tax status. This guide leads you through a process for properly preparing your 2021 tax returns. This guide is also a valuable resource for church treasurers and financial people so that they can understand the unique nature of clergy compensation packages and requirements.

UCC Releases Stewardship Materials
for Year-Round Use

The United Church of Christ has made available new materials for stewardship that are designed to be used on a year-round basis.
“From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving” makes the connection between our experience of God and our generosity as disciples. It includes practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. The materials also provide resources for preaching and teaching about stewardship throughout the year. Please click here to read more.

Flag Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash

Getting Aid to Ukraine

The UCC, working through the ACT Alliance, is appealing for support for refugees and vulnerable people displaced within Ukraine who are unable to leave. Meanwhile, the First Church in Marlborough, MA, is working with Polish and Ukranian ecumenical partners to support those fleeing Ukraine. Read more here.  Donate here. Flag Photo by Max Kukurudziak on Unsplash

 

Racial Justice Workshop for
Authorized Ministers
May 14th at 8:30AM

This ?virtual racial justice training will be facilitated by Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Participants will receive a certificate documenting the hours of training completed. Members in Discernment are also invited to participate.
The cost to attend is $10. Scholarships are available. The next session is planned for Nov. 12. Questions? Contact Karen Methot at methotk@sneucc.org
Please click here to register

Lenten Prayers for Peace and Justice
This event recurs Weekly on Tuesdays from
Tuesday, March 8, 2022 to Tuesday, April 12, 2022

The daily barrage of bad news and life challenges leaves many of us anxious, broken hearted, weary, and longing for community. 
Join us for 30 minutes of scripture, music, and prayers for our world, one another, and ourselves. March 8 will focus on the crisis in Ukraine. Click here to register to attend.

Emerging Leaders Program

Trinity Leadership Fellows

Join a diverse cohort of emerging leaders on a two-year journey of faith-inspired, values-driven, and community-oriented learning and mentorship.

The Trinity Leadership Fellows Program is for individuals seeking to deepen the faith-inspired and values-driven mindsets and skills needed to effectively lead organizations and serve communities in contemporary society, while also building lifelong supporting peer and mentoring relationships. 
Please click here for more information.

Applications are due March 31, 2022 at 5:00pm Eastern Time.


Insurance Board's Legal Helpline In partnership with the United Church of Christ Association of Conference Attorneys (ACA)

Insurance Board announces the addition of a Legal Helpline through our partnership with the Association of Conference Attorneys (ACA) of the United Church of Christ. All Insurance Board participants can access legal counsel that will provide a free legal consultation and referral service. Ministries will benefit from connecting with attorneys who have an intimate understanding of polity and how issues are processed in observance of free church traditions. Contact the Legal Helpline at 800-437-8830 (prompt #7), or email your inquiry to legalhelpline@insuranceboard.org. As the only non-profit insurance provider serving six denominations through our exclusive covenant, our ministry continues to offer resources to protect yours.
Email The Legal Helpline: legalhelpline@insuranceboard.org (or) Call The Legal Helpline: 800.437.8830 (prompt #7). Click here for more information.


Clergy Compensation Guidelines - 2022

Updated Clergy Compensation Guidelines are now available. They allow you to use a worksheet to calculate a minister’s salary based on variables including median area income, experience, housing allowance/parsonage, etc. There is, conversely, a worksheet that allows you to type in what you can afford, and then breaks down what percentage of a full time call that equates. Learn more here, and please sign up for the webinar at 2 PM on February 16th that will go into more detail on the reasoning behind these guidelines, as well as how to use them!
 

Super Saturday

"A Future With Hope: Relevant, Prophetic and Transformative”

Due to the increase in Covid cases, Super Saturday is now Virtual.
Registration Deadline:  March 13, 2022
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND READ MORE!


Community Purchasing Alliance MA

Is a cooperative of faith and other values-based institutions, coming together to save money and get better service on essential services like electricity, waste removal, and janitorial – all while prioritizing contracts with Black-, Brown-, and worker-owned businesses. This spring, there are several opportunities to participate:
From Emma Brewer-Wallin, Minister of Environmental & Economic Justice: CPA MA is an exciting opportunity to deepen relationships and mutual care with other houses of worship and our wider communities. Through their group purchasing, churches – including smaller churches and those with tight budgets – are able to turn essential spending into ministry, by ensuring that those dollars stay in local communities.  

Environmental Internship

The Southern New England Conference, UCC is pleased to announce an Environmental Justice Internship for 2022-2023. The Environmental Justice Intern will help us create and lead school-year programming for youth or other church groups, hosted at two of our Outdoor Ministry sites, Silver Lake in Sharon, Connecticut and Irons Homestead, North Scituate, Rhode Island.  Click here for more information.

Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs

Details and application materials for the 2022 programs are now available!  Eligible congregations will be able to apply for grants of up to $50,000 each to support a renewal program for their pastor.  Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used for congregational expenses associated with the renewal program.  Applications are open now through April 27, 2022.  Click here for information and applications. 
Some of your colleagues in this region have received this grant in the past, including Rev. Rich Knight. If you have a question about the application process, feel free to contact him.

SNE Women's Connection
Spring Gathering 2022

 

  • Theme: Is There Room at the Inn?  
  • Date:  Saturday, April 30, 2022  
  • Place:  First Church of Christ Congregational 1652, 74 Main St., Farmington, CT 06032
  • Group Activity
  • 2022 Recognized Women Awards
  • Worship and Communion

Registration form here.  Nominations for Church Women Recognition Awards here


Pentecost Book Study to Look at 'Generosity, Stewardship and Abundance'

The Rev. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, will host a book study online Wednesday evenings from April 27 through June 1.
The study will look at Generosity, Stewardship and Abundance by Lovett H. Weems Jr. and Ann A. Michel, a book described as being "a practical guide that is both theologically rigorous and spiritually edifying."  Read more here.


CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Negotiating a Liminal Season

March 29th, 7:00 PM 
Online

Are you experiencing a sense of ambiguity or disorientation? Liminality refers to the quality of ambiguity or disorientation that occurs during transition, when a person or group of people is in between something that has ended and something else that is not yet ready to begin. During this webinar, we introduce liminality and explore the challenges and opportunities facing organizations in liminal space. We will explore this pandemic season as a liminal season requiring a unique leadership stance and a different body of leadership work. Click here to read more and to register

DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE

 

Talking About War with
Children & Teens

I long for a day when the stories of violence our children and youth see in the media will be a distant memory. Viewing images of war, death, and loss in the news these days is practically unavoidable, even for children. If parents are protecting them from these images, they are no doubt still hearing about it at school and from their peers.
So let us take a moment to reflect on best practices for talking with children and teens about tragedies, in particular the current tragedy the world is experiencing — the war in Ukraine. How can we answer their questions about what is happening in the news in ways that will not overwhelm them? How can the adults who are closest to them provide guidance in ways that will keep them calm and feeling safe?
Please click here to read more


- Faith Formation Leadership Program 2021-2022 -
Now offered only on Zoom!

The Southern England Conference's Faith Formation Leadership Program offers multiple sessions of five to six different classes that may be taken "a la carte" or for the purpose of working toward a certificate in Faith Formation Leadership. For more information about the certification program, click here.

Visit the Faith Formation webpage for more information.

OUTDOOR MINISTRIES

The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with the following sites:

Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA

Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI

Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA


Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT.

The 2022 Silver Lake summer camp brochure is available online now & will be in mailboxes in January! View and download the brochure
REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 15 

 
Summer staff at Silver Lake - APPLY NOW! - https://www.silverlakect.org/summeremployment

Spend the entire summer living in an inclusive community, learning, growing, making memories and changing lives.

Know someone that would be a great fit? Encourage them to apply!
Summer Staff work six days per week for approximately nine to ten weeks during the summer. Applicants for Summer Staff must be at least 16 years old.

Positions include: Camp Family (leadership development program for 16- and 17-year-olds), Resource Staff, Waterfront, Adventure Team (A-Team), Kitchen, Maintenance (ETF). Read the job descriptions - https://www.silverlakect.org/summerjobdescriptions
 

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

March Anniversaries

10 Years
The Rev. Bart Cochran


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

 

Church Administrator - Charlemont, MA

Choir Robes (free) - Lee, MA

Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper - Wilbraham, MA

Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Classifieds.

 

 

Northwest Region of
The Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ

508-244-4399
holmesd@sneucc.org 
www.sneucc.org/northwest

Office Hours: 
Monday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: Closed