Image

July 21, 2022

ACM Availability

Siblings in Christ: Thank you for the invitations to worship with you! I’m currently scheduled through 2022, but I’d love to begin scheduling for 2023. I am eager to visit with each of you, join you for life together, and even preach if you would like. Please reach out and let me know a few options of what might work for you and your congregation.  
 
Regardless of whether you’ve yet to meet in person, or have been meeting in person for months, we are all dealing with the ramifications of this pandemic in one way or another. I am praying for each of you and our congregations as you navigate how best to love, care for, and be present with one another. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Association Events

Metropolitan Boston Association

Susan Clinkenbeard ~ Ecclesiastical Council in person at Hope Central Church, Jamaica Plain and on Zoom on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 7:00pm.  Registration here.

Conference and Partner Events

 
 

 

Now available! 

Third annual meeting of SNEUCC videos and reports

This was third Annual Meeting of the new Conference - and the third time it was held online due to the pandemic. it was announced at the meeting that the Fourth Annual Meeting will be held in person at Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, on June 10, 2023.

The meeting, attended by almost 400 people, opened and closed with worship, and in between included a keynote address by the Rev. Patrick Duggan, speakouts, reports from the Treasurer and from the President, and updates from staff.  The meeting also included Ministry Engagement breakout sessions, where attendees could talk about faith formation and proportional giving, reimagining mission, learnings from the COVID pandemic, approaches to church governance and more. 
Find all of the videos, reports and materials here.


Clergy Boundary Awareness Training:
Clergy Health and Wellness

July 26, 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Online

Framed through the lens of clergy health and wellness, join in for a not-so-typical clergy boundary training. Click here to register.


Offerings from Practical Resources for Churches:

How to Recognize and Deal with Church Bullies

Tuesday, July 26, 2022
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Leader - David Woolverton

 
How Broad Based Community Organizing Might Transform the Church

Thursday, Jul 28, 2022
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leaders: Chris Dela Cruz, Shani McIlwain, Katrina Pekich-Bundy

Developmental Concerns Regarding Children and Youth and Covid

Tuesday, August 9, 2022
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Dr. Elizabeth Geiling, PhD, LMHC, LPC

 
What's Next for the Offering Plate?

Thursday, August 11, 2022
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leaders - Scott McKenzie, Jennifer Williams


Shaping Generations: Queer Justice & Love in the UCC
2022 National ONA Gathering

Friday, August 5, 2022 at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Saturday, August 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sunday, August 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
This event recurs Daily from Friday, August 5, 2022 to Sunday, August 7, 2022
 
All are welcome to join on Aug. 5-7 for the Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC first National ONA Gathering since 2019! The virtual event will celebrate the 50th anniversaries of the ONA Coalition and Bill Johnson’s ordination as the first openly gay man called to serve an historic Christian church as a minister of word and sacrament.  For more information and to register, click here.
 

Thursday, August 25, 2022
12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

People of all ages and all walks of life may experience suicidal thoughts and consider suicide as a solution for their suffering. When someone cares and is willing to ask questions the journey towards suicide may be interrupted, allowing time for intervention and treatment.  For more information and to register, click here.  *QPR INSTITUTE 2009 © 2nd Edition All rights reserved.  Contact Debbie Ringen, Minister for Health and Wellness, if you have questions about this program.


Members in Discernment Event

MESA is pleased to share that the Member in Discernment Digital Gathering has been rescheduled to August 26-28.  Registration for the rescheduled event is now open.  “Our Journey: Shameless Audacity” is a time for MIDs to connect with one another, meet the MESA team and other national leaders, and to grow in their knowledge of ministry in and on behalf of the United Church of Christ. There is no cost to attend, and this event is open to any MID who has not previously attended a national MID gathering.


MESA Zoom Trainings:

The MESA team will continue to offer live Zoom trainings for Committees on Ministry and others throughout 2022.  All trainings require advance registration; a confirmation email will then be sent to registrants with additional information.
 
Tuesday, July 26, 3:30 – 5:00pm ET, COM Café with members of the MESA Team
Join members of the MESA team for a more informal conversation about issues of interest to Committees on Ministry. This session will include information about some of the changing landscape of pastoral transitions in the UCC (and beyond), as well as conversation on topics generated by participants.
 
August 3, 5:00 – 6:30pm ET, COM Support Resources with Rev. Tara Barber
In a time where we are still feeling the impact of the pandemics' mental health crisis, it is important to be intentional about reaching out to authorized clergy to offer support. COMs, Associations, and Conference staff have access to a variety of support processes and resources. Let's talk through the formal processes found in the Manual on Ministry and share best practices for community partnering and resourcing.
 
August 10, 7:00 – 8:30pm ET, What New Ministers Should Receive on Day One, with Rev. Jeff Nelson
What do incoming ministers most wish they could know as they begin in a new setting? This webinar will be an exploration of documents, resources, and conversations that may best set up a minister for success, as well as how departing ministers, lay leaders, and congregations may participate in providing them to better ensure a good beginning.
 

Opportunities and Resources

Phishing Scams

Beloved, it has been brought to our attention by clergy that phishing scams continue to circulate.  Phishing is the practice of tricking an internet user (through email, text, or false websites) into revealing personal information, deploy malware, or solicit funds.  For example, you may get an email that looks like it’s from the pastor asking that you “urgently” purchase gift cards and email the cards’ codes.  The email will usually advise no phone calls.  However, this is a scam and upon closer inspection, the display name may be that of the pastor but not the actual email address. Your ACMs want you to be aware so that you can increase awareness in your congregations. A few quick tips:
  1. "When in doubt, check it out" – go directly to the real individual and ask.
  2. Look at the actual email address, not the “spoofed” display name (this is a good time to make the congregation aware of what the official email addresses are for clergy/staff).
  3. Slow down, especially on phones – be cautious of “urgent” requests.
  4. Never email/text sensitive information like passwords.

 


Conference, First Somerville launch Queer Pastoral Residency

The Southern New England Conference and First Church Somerville (MA) begin accepting applications today for the new Queer Pastoral Residency, a pilot initiative that will provide a “first call” opportunity for an LGBTQIA+ (queer) ordination candidate.
The resident will serve three-quarter time at First Church Somerville and one-quarter time with the Conference. The congregation and Conference are jointly funding the position.
 
“I could not be more delighted about the launch of this innovative program,” said Rev. James D. Ross II, SNEUCC Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “Both the Southern New England Conference and First Somerville will meet critically important staffing needs as we simultaneously expand our welcome and diversity. I believe this will move us closer to who we seek to be and is an invitation to us all to be transformed as the pastor called to this position lives into their call in supportive, affirming environments.” Click here to read and learn more.

 



Becoming WISE - mhn-ucc.org

What is a WISE Congregation? A WISE congregation has joined the mission to being Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in the Mental Health of the community and the wider world.
Learn more here:  www.mhn-ucc.org.

  

Racial Justice Advocate part-time position available

The Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ (SNEUCC), has a part-time opportunity for a Racial Justice Advocate. This position is funded for a maximum of two years.  The Racial Justice Advocate engages and supports local congregations, Conference staff and volunteers to enhance racial equity in all settings of the UCC and surrounding communities.  Learn more here


Conference Launches Justice Leadership Program

Adults who feel a call to work for justice or are eager to integrate faith and justice work into their lives in meaningful and transformative ways are invited to apply now for the Southern New England cohort of the Jubilee program, which will launch this fall.
Please click here to read more!

Announcing Our New Justice Center
 
City Mission is pleased to announce the new Co-Directors of The Reverend June R. Cooper Justice Center at City Mission. Together Chaplain Ylisse Bess (she/they) and Rev. Melissa Pace (she/they) will co-lead the social justice education, spiritual formation, and community engagement initiatives of the Justice Center. The Justice Center brings together participants in transformational learning, take mutual action to rebuild our communities, and advocate for collective change towards justice and equity. 
Read more here.  Visit City Mission's website


Information about Gun Violence from the Insurance Board, Church Mutual Insurance and Brotherhood Mutual - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org)

From the UCC Insurance Board:

Faith may be rooted in beliefs and theologies that are many centuries old, but preserving the future requires staying informed on the latest developments in technologies and initiatives that can help protect your church.
Insurance Board presents live, interactive webcasts that address a wide variety of topics essential to keeping churches and ministries safe; these trainings are led by industry experts from Insurance Board and its partners, including our denominational partners. Scroll to view upcoming webcasts and register or search our archived webcast to view previously recorded trainings.


New Blog Post:  Political Campaign Intervention Reminder  

Election Year Reminder:
Churches Can Be Political But Not Partisan

by Heather Kimmel | published on May 31, 2022
With the election year in full swing, Local Churches of the United Church of Christ can check out these great Our Faith Our Vote resources from the United Church of Christ Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C. In particular, the Guidelines for Congregations on Political Action can help congregations make informed decisions about how to be politically involved . . . without jeopardizing their status as tax-exempt organizations under Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Read more


Temporary Ministerial Coverage List replaces the
Pulpit Supply List

The Southern New England Conference has moved from a "pulpit supply list" to a new Temporary Ministerial Coverage List. The list contains Clergy and Lay people that are interested in providing Sunday Supply, Sabbatical Coverage, and Bridge Coverage. All the people included on the list have had a Criminal Background Check and are being required to have Boundary Awareness Training as well as Racial Justice Training. 
If your church is in need of a new list please reach out to the Program Support Associate for the Northeast Region, email Lynn Varney.
If you are interested in being included on the new Temporary Ministerial Coverage list please email Jill Ford.


The Nancy S. Taylor Leadership Fellowship Program 

Old South Church in Boston is seeking applicants for this inaugural fellowship!  Fellows will be immersed in the life of Old South Church and actively participate in worship leadership, committees and boards to learn about and to help shape our life together.  Old South Church is looking for candidates who are in their third or final year of seminary, called to action and to the ministry, who dare to be leaders in a changing world.  This is a part-time position, of roughly 15 hours per week with compensation. The Fellowship can begin in the summer or fall of 2022 and will run through the end of May 2023. For more information click here.      
   

 

Save the Date - Wednesday, September 14

New Location

Manchester Country Club - Manchester, CT

 

Includes Greens Fees, Lunch, Dinner and Beverages.

Register Now!

Thank you for your support of Silver Lake!

Download the tournament promotional flyer

 


Registration now open for the 2022 SNEUCC Justice Summit!

Saturday, September 24, 2022,
9 AM - 4:30 PM 

First Church of Christ Congregational in Glastonbury, CT 

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. For more information, contact Karen Methot at methotk@sneucc.org

 


For Such a Time: To Confront, Connect, and Create at the Intersection of Race and Gender A Clergywomen’s* Leadership Event of the Antoinette Brown Society

The UCC Clergywomen’s Leadership Event has been postponed at least twice during the pandemic, and we are excited to be offering the event this September 27-29 in Decatur, GA. “For Such a Time: To Confront, Connect, and Create at the Intersection of Race and Gender” is open to authorized clergywomen* in the United Church of Christ.  Registration is now open for the in-person and online gathering.  Early bird discounted registration ends July 1. (* This invitation is expansive to include all cis and trans women as well as non-binary people comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.)

 


 

Quarterly Racial Justice Training for all:
October 22, 2022

Both clergy and lay people are welcome to join us for this 3-1/2 hour, on-line racial justice training facilitated by Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 
This session will take place:
October 22: 8:30AM -12:00PM
 
Sessions are being offered via Zoom. The cost to attend is $10. Scholarships are available; contact Karen Methot.  Please click here to register.

Center for Transformational Leadership

 

SIGN UP HERE to receive the Center for Transformational Leadership's monthly newsletter, Innovation Now!  Read newsletter issues  HERE.

 

Discipleship Opportunities

 

Home Grown Faith Formation Leaders
In conversation with pastors and in looking over the current classified listings on the SNEUCC webpage, I notice that many congregations are seeking faith formation leaders for children, youth, and/or families.  The majority of these positions are half time or less, partly due to budget constraints and partly as a reflection of the numbers of children involved.  It is also true that there is not a pool of leaders poised to apply for these openings.  These realities call us to think creatively about how to staff this important ministry.

Instead of waiting for a veteran candidate to apply, why not cultivate one who may already be planted in your own backyard?  We often look outside our church family for staffing, but many of our most creative and passionate leaders grew out of their own local church setting.  You may be able to identify someone in your congregation who has heart for children, a mature faith, and willingness to learn.  With encouragement and accompaniment, a homegrown leader can have a powerful impact on your ministry.  Click here to read and learn more.

Faith Formation Resources

Several of the Faith Formation team's resource pages/lists have been updated with new and current material. These updated resources include Safe Conduct and Church SafetyTalking with Children and Teens about Tough Issues (including the war in Ukraine), and Vacation Bible School.

God's World in Community: a new resources from PA's GenOn Ministries that emphasizes intergenerational gathering and activities based on the Book of Acts. Fully available online!

Outdoor Ministries

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

Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA 

Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI

Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA

Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT. 

2022 Pride Family Day at Silver Lake

Saturday, August 27, 10am-5pm

Join us for a day of family fun for all ages!
Activities will include crafts, games, swimming, campfire, and more.
Tiered pricing: $50/$40/$30 per person, $150 family max.
Includes lunch and afternoon snack. Scholarships are available. Contact slcrc@silverlakect.org for details.
Register now!
 

Read more about the exciting things happening and coming up at Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center right here.   

 

Obituaries
The Rev. Leonard H. Warner, a longtime resident of Norwood, MA and recently of Franklin, MA, passed peacefully at home July 14, 2022, surrounded by his family.  He was the pastor of The First Congregational Church of Norwood for 28 years, retiring in 2001.  He had previously served at Chaffins Congregational Church in Holden, MA from 1965-1973.
Rev. Warner’s funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 23rd at 11:00am at The First Congregational Church in Norwood, 100 Winter St, Norwood, MA.  To read the full obituary, click here
 
Please click here to view all SNEUCC obituaries. 
 

Celebrations

No July Anniversaries

Please contact Lynn Varney if we have missed your anniversary.  Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5.  If your church is celebrating a milestone anniversary, please let us know so that the Northeast Region can celebrate with you!

Let us know!

 

You are doing great ministry! Let us help make sure others know about it. Tell us about your stories, news and event information. Don’t be modest!  We’re waiting to hear from you. Email Lynn at varneyl@sneucc.org.

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.
 

Called to Serve

 
UCC Opportunities 
 
Find opportunities online.
Search by keyword, Conference, or type of position:
Volunteer - Missionary - Musician - Summer camp staff - Pastorate - Chaplaincy. The Spirit moves in many directions! 
  
 
This week we pray for: 

St. Mark Congregational Church, Roxbury:  Rev. Alert Whitaker

Stratford Street United Church of Christ, West Roxbury:  Revs. Enid Watson and Abigail Henrich

Christ Church United, Lowell: Rev. Henry Schoenfield

Lao United Church of Christ:  Rev. Ted Rasakham

Find out more about Conference and Association transitions here:

Transitions

More...

 

Subscriptions:

This is an edition of the Northeast Region (including the Metropolitan Boston and Northeast Associations) E-Newsletter that will be sent every other week.

 
If you would like to unsubscribe or change your email preferences, please visit this link and enter your email address.
 
 

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

21 Church St.
Winchester, MA 01890
781-369-1396
VarneyL@sneucc.org 
www.sneucc.org/northeast

Office Hours: 
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM