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July 21, 2022 

A Note from your ACM

Blessed Memories
 
So, I am a couple days away from heading to our SNEUCC Silver Lake Camp to serve as Chaplain for Week 5 of this summer’s camping season.  Last night, two Dean’s for the week (Rev. Tina Walker Morin and Tracy Morin) and I began the camp adventure by planning, dreaming and of course, tie dyeing tee shirts! Nothing says “summer camp” like tie dyeing tee shirts. At least where I came from. And where I came from was “church summer camp”. Let me be clear, I do not believe I would be your Area Conference Minister, or any kind of minister, were it not for the faith formation and leadership development that began at our sister outdoor ministry setting in Connecticut, the American Baptist Churches Camp and Conference Center. 

So, all this summer camp planning, purchasing, and prepping is raising up in me the blessed memories of days gone by, days at my “dear summer home,” days where I met God in the faces of counselors and camp staff, days when I learned that it was cool to play guitar and a must if I was going to have a place in the world of camping ministry, days when God WAS love, and God was experienced in the camps beautiful nature-filled surroundings, at the all-camp morning watch, and even at the arts and crafts out-post. These memories, created over decades, from camper, to junior counselor, to camp staff to ultimately Camp Director (post ordination), live within me and continue to inspire and enrich my ministry.

Ahhhhhh... blessed memories! AND as I prepare to return to camp, I remember my first week as Dean at our “summer home,” Silver Lake.  And what a week it was! I learned that all the assumptions I had from my Baptist Camp summers were not easily transferable to the Silver Lake camp program. I had to completely relearn how things were done in the Dining hall for instance.  It took me a few days to realize that because the campers knew I wasn’t up to speed on the “how to’s” of everything Silver Lake, they did take advantage of my lack of experience. I won’t go into the details of their antics, just know it was a “live and learn” experience for me! And that week as Dean at Silver Lake reinforced again for me the importance of outdoor ministry in the overall faith formation ministry we do as churches, associations and as a Conference.

And so, even now I am packing my ukulele, my hand drum, my tie-dyed shirts, my walking shoes, my morning reflections, and a heart filled with hopeful anticipation about what holy magic might happen amidst the cedars, the smiles, and the campfires. My prayer is that week 5 will be one that will leave all campers and staff with hearts and minds filled with blessed memories that will carry them through until Silver Lake 2023.

Friends, for me it was church summer camp that formed my faith and gave direction and meaning to my life. What nurtured you? What blessed memories linger within your heart that help you remember that “you are loved, you are God’s, you belong, and that what you do matters?” And when was the last time you tie-dyed a tee shirt, just because?

This week please pray for all of us at Silver Lake; for health and friendships, for transformed hearts and opened minds, for cool swims in the lake and late-night walks under the stars and for unexpected God moments and a good night's rest. And from the porch of my Chaplain’s cabin, I will pray for all of you as well. Have a blessed week!!

Rev. Patty
 
Rev. Dr. Patty Kogut is the Area Conference Minister for the Southeast Region (Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim and Rhode Island Associations).

Rev. Kogut can be reached by email at kogutp@sneucc.org or CORRECT NEW PHONE: (508) 244-4416.
 

Clergy Coffee and Conversation

 

Join us for Clergy Coffee 

and Conversation 

Thursdays at 10:00am here

Regional News and Association Events

Barnstable Association

Barnstable Association Clergy are reminded to complete the Annual Clergy Information Review form.  Please contact Rev. Jennie Valentine with any questions. 
 

Old Colony Association 

Old Colony Association Clergy are reminded to complete the Annual Clergy Information Review form.  Please contact Rev. Dr. Virginia Child with any questions. 

Ordination ~ Shannon Hudgins ~ North Congregational Church, Middleboro, MA on Sunday August 14, 2022 at 3:00pm

Rhode Island Association

Save the date for the Rhode Island Association Clergy Retreat:

 

 

Register now for the Rhode Island Association UCC Summer Picnic on August 21, 2022!

 

 

Conference and Partner Events 

To see all upcoming events, go to the SNEUCC calendar 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:

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


Third Annual Meeting

Post-Meeting 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.


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.

 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!
 


Registration Now Open for 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 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.

Opportunities & 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.
For more information, please be reminded of these past articles from the Conference:
Email Security Tips for Churches and Pastors - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org)
Scammers Pretend to Be Local Clergy and Conference Staff - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org)
 

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!


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 Southeast Region, email Lynn Varney.
If you are interested in being included on the new Temporary Ministerial Coverage list please email Jill Ford.

 

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 Leadership Program Now Completely Online

The Southern New England Conference’s Faith Formation Leadership Program is undergoing similar types of shifts and changes as are happening in the church. Recently the decision has been made to offer this program completely online.  Read more here

Outdoor Ministries

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

Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA 
Irons Homestead, Gloucester, RI
Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA
Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Sharon, CT. 

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

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


Barnstable Association
Moderator: Rev. Nancy McHugh
Committee on Ministry
Chair:  Rev. Tina Walker-Morin
 

Pilgrim Association
Moderator: Rev. Mary Lou Gifford
Committee on Ministry
Chair: Rev. Kimberly Murphy

Old Colony Association
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaver
Committee on Ministry
 Chair:  Rev. Dr. Virginia Child
 

Rhode Island Association
 Moderator: Rev. Dale Azevedo
Committee on Ministry
 Chair:  Rev. Caroline Patterson

More

SNEUCC Classifieds

Major Gifts Officer, Southern New England UCC

Queer Pastoral Residency Program, Somerville, MA

Part-Time Music Director, Weymouth, MA

 Part-Time Youth Director,  Rehoboth, MA

Part-Time Music Director, First Congregational Church, Bristol, RI

Part-Time Sunday School Director, South Weymouth, MA

Part-Time Music Director, Duxbury, MA

Director of Faith Formation, Falmouth, MA

Lead Hospitality Associate - Edwards House(MA) and Irons Homestead (RI)

 

This week we pray for:

Pilgrim Congregational Church, Harwich Port: Rev. Helen Nablo

Pilgrim United Church of Christ, New Bedford: Rev. Donnie Anderson

Pilgrim Congregational  Church, UCC, Weymouth: Rev. Kathleen McCann

Barrington Congregational, UCC, RI:  Revs. Dr. Dale Azevedo and Racquel Ray

 

Temporary Ministerial Coverage    

If you are interested in providing Temporary Ministerial Coverage to churches in the Southeast Region (Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim and Rhode Island Associations) please contact Jill Ford at fordj@sneucc.org We have updated the process and expanded coverage. Ministers can choose what length of time they can provide local churches.  Thank you for being available for this important service to congregations!

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!    

Take a look!  

Find out more about Conference and Association transitions here:  

Clergy Transitions

Links

 

Subscriptions

This is an edition of the Southeast Region (including the Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim and Rhode Island 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.

Southeast Region ~ Area Conference Minister,
Rev. Dr. Patty Kogut

Associations: 
Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim, Rhode Island

kogutp@sneucc.org
New #: 508-244-4416

 

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

1 Badger Road
Framingham, MA 01702
781-369-1396
VarneyL@sneucc.org 
www.sneucc.org/southeast

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