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WORDS FROM YOUR AREA CONFERENCE MINISTER
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March 24, 2022
Dear Northwest Region,
I went to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade this past weekend. Town after town where our churches are doing their best to be a witness to the love of Christ marched by: Holyoke, Westfield, Agawam, South Hadley, Chicopee, Easthampton, Granby, Springfield, and more, peppered with appearances from bands from New York to Philadelphia. I prayed for each church and pastor in each town as the banners went by; wondering how many of the folks going by were church members. One guy even leaned out of his car, waving, and said to me, “I know you from somewhere. Where do I know you from?”
I yelled back with joy, “CHURCH!” I had tears in my eyes at least twice at the sounds of marching bands; kids being kids; and the joy of people gathering after two years of covid-hiatus.
I felt the same way the first time I entered a church after the pandemic, hearing the organ strains and the harmony of voices raised in hymnal praise.
These years are teaching us what matters; and many of us are re-ordering our lives accordingly. But I think, if nothing else, we know that being in good relationship with others is so important for our spiritual and mental health. This is, after all, the core of our covenantal relationships.
See how good, how pleasant it is
for God’s people to live together as one! (Psalm 133, The Inclusive Bible)
This past week Rev. Goodwin and I facilitated the first of the SNEUCC Boundary Awareness Trainings. The foundational tenants of that curriculum include clergy wellness and right-relationship with God, self, and others. Lessons include mindfulness practices and tools to increase awareness of when we might be reaching the point of boundary transgression.
Judging from some of the comments we received, at least some were pleasantly surprised.
Have to admit I was a bit dubious and not entirely enthusiastic about spending half a day on zoom. BUT, it was well-constructed and well-presented and I was glad I did it.
It was a great training that reminded us that when we are taken care of we are far less likely to make poor decision[s]. I appreciated the idea that when we think of boundaries we should think about being in right relationship.
As you continue this journey in the compound wildernesses of pandemic; of Lent; of perhaps even re-ordering your life, I pray you God’s accompaniment and wisdom. I pray you good and right relationships. I pray you wellness. And if you need a refresher and some good, human, collegial connection, I recommend signing up for the next Boundary Awareness Training—and perhaps attending the next community parade. (Church floats, anyone?)
Lenten Blessings,
Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa
Area Conference Minister, NW Region
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
(860) 761-7192
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.
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ASSOCIATION & CHURCH EVENTS
(Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Litchfield North)
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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.
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CONFERENCE & REGIONAL EVENTS/INFORMATION
Please go to sneucc.org/events to see all posted events |
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.
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
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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.
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.
Quarterly Racial Justice Training for all:
May 18th & 19th
Both clergy and lay people are welcome to join us for this 3-1/2 hour, two-day on-line racial justice training facilitated by Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Completed session may apply toward racial justice training requirements for clergy.
This session will take place over two days:
May 18: 7-9 PM
May 19: 7-8:30 PM
Another session will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 22. Sessions are being offered via Zoom. The cost to attend is $10. Scholarships are available; contact Karen Methot.
Please click here to register.? |
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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.
Save the Date! 2022 Justice Summit
Saturday, September 24, 2022,
9 AM - 4:30 PM Location TBD
The 2022 Justice Summit is a one-day event hosted by the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ to inform, engage, and offer opportunities for connection among people interested in issues of social justice. This year's Justice Summit will focus on racial justice.
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CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
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The Center for Transformational Leadership
is thrilled to offer a new morning book group! Beginning in May, on the second Wednesday of each month, members of the book group will come together via Zoom to explore the theme of faithful change leadership through three books:
- Joining God in the Great Unraveling by Alan Roxburgh
- The Innovative Church by Scott Cormode
- Another Way: Living and Leading Change on-Purpose by Stephen Lewis, Matthew Williams, and Dori Baker
Discussions to be held May 11, June 8, July 13, between 7:15-8:30 a.m. over Zoom. Accepting Registrations now.
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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
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DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE
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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
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Boundary Awareness for Faith Formation & Youth Ministry Leaders (via Zoom) - Faith Formation Leadership Program
Saturday, April 2, 2022 at 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Developed by the historic Massachusetts Conference, this introductory course will equip faith formation and youth ministry leaders with the basics of healthy boundaries. This class will explore specifically the joys and challenges of ministering to and with children and youth while serving on a local church staff. Through reading, conversation, and case studies, participants will create their own guiding principles for ethical behavior in ministry. Required pre-reading (30 pages) will be distributed one month prior to the class session. This class is held via Zoom. Registration deadline: March 28, 2022. Click here to learn more and to register.
**Does not fulfill the Boundary Awareness requirement for clergy
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Visit the Faith Formation webpage for more information.
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
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ACTIVE FOOD PANTRIES AND OUTREACH MEALS
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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.
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Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Transitions.
2022 Silver Lake Award
Rev. David Peters is the 2022 Silver Lake Award honoree! The Silver Lake Award, nominated by the Silver Lake community, recognizes someone whose life has been visibly shaped by the core values of Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center and who, in turn, live their life and faith in a way that reflects the formative experiences they have had at Silver Lake. This person truly takes Silver Lake home with them beyond Low Road. We invite you to help us celebrate Rev. Peters’ ministry to Silver Lake on April 24, 2-4pm at Farmington Gardens in Farmington Ct. Information and registration at silverlakect.org/silverlakeaward.
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!
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Please click here to see all of the obituary listings.
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Church Administrator - Charlemont, MA
Children's Church Director - Haydenville, MA
Music Director - Haydenville, MA
Choir Robes (free) - Lee, MA
Co Youth Leader - South Hadley, MA
Director of Christian Education - South Hadley, MA
Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper - Wilbraham, MA
Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Classifieds.
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