| A Note from your Area Conference Minister |
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We accomplish in our lifetime only a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work. Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us. […] We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.” -Bishop Ken Untener of Saginaw (full text here)
I have been inviting you to imagine and live into the possibility that the best days of the church aren’t behind us, but ahead. To discern how the still-speaking God is revealing and welcoming us into new, perhaps more loving, impactful, and just ways of being.
I have witnessed such faithfulness, heart, and resiliency in clergy and lay leaders as we surf the waves of such turbulent and uncharted waters. For that, I thank you and give gratitude to God.
The fullness of the kin-dom of God is always beyond us and yet we experience it as we work to manifest it AND are wise enough to get out of God’s way when we find ourselves blocking it. The work involves us but is also beyond us; thus, let us welcome the wisdom of voices, experiences, and bodies currently not in the pew.
Beloved, continued blessings on this faithful and faith-filled journey discerning the magnificent enterprise that God is at work at in, with, and through our congregations.
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Blessings,
Isaac
Rev. Isaac Lawson (he/him)
Area Conference Minister, South Central Region
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:
"When in doubt, check it out" – go directly to the real individual and ask.
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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).
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Slow down, especially on phones – be cautious of “urgent” requests.
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Never email/text sensitive information like passwords.
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Communicate clearly how clergy/staff will and will NOT solicit congregants.
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)
| Regional News and Association Events |
What are you up to? Does your Church or Association have events or news that can benefit from being shared - Meetings, Ecclesiastical Councils, Ordinations, etc? This newsletter space is just waiting to be populated by your activity! Please send your events and news Roz Hooks to be included in future bi-monthly publications. The South Central Region of the Southern New England Conference is comprised of:
- Central CT Association
- Farmington Valley Association
- Hartford Association
- Hartford East Association
- Middlesex Association
- New London Association
- Tolland Association
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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.
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These Cross-Pollination Gatherings are intended for local church leaders involved in environmental ministries (green teams, creation care committees, etc). This is an opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and troubleshoot challenges. During the first gathering, we will hear from an SNEUCC Environmental Ministries Team member about the Green Congregation Challenge.
WHEN: Monday, July 18, 2022 at 6:30 PM - This event recurs Monthly on the 3rd Monday from Monday, July 18, 2022 REGISTER HERE
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National UCC MID Event Rescheduled:
With gratitude for patience and understanding during a time of illness, we are 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.
UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event:
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. (* 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.)
Allowing Others to Use Church Property: What Churches Need to Know
This year we have received a number of questions about third party use of property—both leasing and one-time or short-term use by individuals and groups. Earlier in the year I posted Leasing Church Property to a Tenant: What Churches Need to Know. Today I have posted Allowing Third Parties to Use Church Property: What Churches Need to Know. The first covers leasing and the second covers facilities use. These should answer some of the basic questions that are filtering up from Local Churches.
Additionally, I’ve recently posted articles on using photos of others in church media, and how to be political but not partisan. I hope you find these helpful.
This training, hosted by Revs. Tara Barber and Stephen Boyd, is geared towards clergy in the New England Region, it is open to ministers serving in specialized settings throughout the United Church of Christ. Serving in specialized setting requires particular attention to boundaries within the ministry setting and home church that are challenging and different from those serving as local church pastors. This training will focus on matters that relate specifically to issues that these ministers face, providing opportunities for clergy to reflect on best practices and growth in their practice of ministry. Tuesday, June 21, 6-9 Eastern. (Click on the title above to register)
The Nancy S. Taylor Leadership Fellowship
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 live together. Download this flyer for more information on this exciting new opportunity.
Conference Launches Justice Leadership Program
If you feel called to work for justice or are eager to integrate faith and justice work into your life in meaningful and transformative ways, apply now for the Southern New England cohort of the Jubilee program, which will launch this fall.
Read more about this program here.
Are you called to learn more or take action around Environmental Justice Issues? Visit the SNEUCC's Environmental Ministries web page for ideas and resources.
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Green Congregation Challenge
The Green Congregation Challenge is a step-by-step approach that helps churches take small, but consequential, steps towards protecting God’s Creation Learn more about the Green Congregation Challenge.
This month, we celebrate the efforts of the following congregations - and particularly note the first congregations to reach Level 4! Read more about recently-celebrated congregations here.
- Trinitarian Congregational Church, Concord, MA - completed Level 1
- Church of Christ Congregational UCC, Norfolk, CT - completed Level 2
- South Church, Andover, MA - completed Level 4
- Old South Church in Boston, MA - completed Level 4
- First Congregational Church, Southington, CT - pledged to begin work on Level 1
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A Word about Proportional Giving
You’ve probably heard me say before that what binds us together as a denomination is covenant, not creed or practice or structure but sacred relationship and commitment. I give thanks to God for the strength of our covenantal bonds and partnerships. Every conversation or meeting I have with individual churches or pastors is buttressed by our covenantal bonds and indeed would not be possible without them.
Proportional Giving is one of the key ways we express that covenant. Each church recently received a letter about PR from the Rev. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations. I want to personally thank you for your covenantal commitment to the work of the wider church through PG; it is essential to all the transformative things the conference is able to do. I hope you will make time to prayerfully consider how your church can be in covenant by contributing to Proportional Giving.
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UPCOMING EVENTS:
- June 16: Lunch & Learn for Leaders: Conflict & Community (REGISTER)
- July 11-15: Sacred Spaces, Sacred Times: Into the Future (REGISTER)
SPECIAL INVITATIONS:
- Small Church Roundtable Group (REGISTER)
- Time Capsule Teaser: A Conversation with Pastor Chris Solimene - Reflecting on the Pandemic (READ MORE HERE)
Save the Date: 2022 Justice Summit
Saturday, September 24, 2022
9AM to 4:30PM - First Church of Christ Congregational - Glastonbury, CT
Register by July 3 for Early-Bird Pricing!
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. Click this link for more information.
Quarterly Racial Justice Training OPEN TO ALL
The Racial Justice 101 workshop is designed as an overview session, grounded in the articulations of Christian faith and the belief that faithfulness to God mandates that we all work to bring forth justice for all of God’s people. It offers an introduction to racial formation; invites participants to consider the role of our country’s founding documents in constructing and framing U.S. racial realities; explores contemporary issues of racism; and introduces shared language for discussions of white supremacy. Throughout the workshop, participants are urged to use the lens of their faith and current ministry settings as they think about what they are learning.
MORE INFO HERE
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| Discipleship Opportunities |
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Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Are you spinning your wheels in your faith formation efforts? Feeling stuck or tired after countless pandemic pivots? Wondering about next steps and how to plan for fall?
Come and hear how one church overcame roadblocks, embraced the opportunities presented by the pandemic, and re-imagined a holistic vision for faith formation. Patricia Berry, Minister of Faith Formation and members of her team at United Congregational Church will outline the ways their congregation is living out a life-giving ministry model based on a grassroots process, shared power, and a theology of abundance. This workshop will discuss practical tools such as deep listening, identifying gifts and passions in the congregation, and alternative metrics. You'll gain insights for building intergenerational relationships and re-visioning a faith formation ministry that is led by the Holy Spirit.
Interested in attending? Register here!
The Faith Formation Leadership Program is taking its summer break, but will return in October 2022 with a new slate of exciting educational opportunities. Keep an eye on this space (and FFLP's website) in early June for information on how to register.
Interested in learning more about the 2022-2023 FFLP program year?
Click here!
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- Updated!-
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 Safety, Talking 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!
ReNew: The Green VBS: A product of Spark House, this 5-day curriculum based around Christ's Parable of the Sower. Intended for younger VBS-goers (pre-K through sixth grade).
Under Your Wing: Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of younger children: are you looking for a way to talk about bodily safety and physical development with your 5-7-year olds? If so, check out this video series from the UCC/UUA's Our Whole Lives (OWL) program. Afterward, you're welcome to explore the OWL K-1 Books and Media Recommendations for additional resources.
Look for more helpful materials and curated links under Make Disciples on www.sneucc.org.
The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with the following sites:
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA
Edwards House offers fully-equipped meeting space for working gatherings both large and small as well as a warm, intimate setting for small overnight retreats.
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
Nestled in the northwest corner of Rhode Island and where you can still see the stars at night.
Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA
This is a traditional summer day camp with over 50 years of experience in providing children safe, summer fun.
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT
With more than 60 acres of wooded land on lakeside shores, Silver Lake offers many opportunities for young people. The SUMMER 2022 CAMP BROCHURE can be downloaded here. Registration is now open.
Share the ministry of Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center with your community! To help you get the word out about Silver Lake’s exciting programs, visit www.silverlakect.org/promote for a collection of materials and resources. Read more about the exciting things happening and coming up at Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center.
- Save the Date for the 2022 Silver Lake Golf Tournament -
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
| Celebrations, Transitions and Obituaries |
Here we recognize and celebrate Ordination Anniversaries listed from 5 years forward in increments of 5 years, as well as milestone church anniversaries.
2022 Milestone Church Anniversaries
325 Years
First Church of Christ, Simsbury
300 Years
Church of Christ Congregational, Newington
United Congregational Church of Tolland
275 Years
First Congregational Church of Bristol
Congregational Church of Marlborough
South Congregational Church of Middletown
150 Years
South Congregational Church of Granby
(Please contact Roz Hooks if we have missed your anniversary
or if you have a specific date to share.)
Transitions within the Southern New England Conference can be found here.
Obituaries within the Southern New England Conference can be found here.
A full list of classified postings can be found here on the SNE website. Some examples include: Church Administrator, Digital Minister, Organist/Choir Director, Director of Faith Formation as well as items for sale or free. Visit our classifieds web page for details of each listing. Church administrators are welcome to use the online template to submit information.
Temporary Ministerial Coverage/Pulpit Supply
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Please send an to email Roz Hooks at hooksr@sneucc.org for an updated copy of the regional pulpit supply/temporary minister list.
If you are interested in being included on the South Central Region temporary ministerial coverage/pulpit supply/temporary list please contact be in touch with Jill Ford via email: fordj@sneucc.org for further details.
You are receiving this newsletter because we've identified you as a local church or you have standing in one of the associations in the South Central Region of the Southern New England Conference. This newsletter will be sent around the 15th and 30th of each month, with the exception of December 30th. If you would like to unsubscribe or change your email preferences, please visit sneucc.org/subscribe and enter your email address.
