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Dreamers and Star Gazers!
Every year, the first weeks of January remind me and us of the dreamers and the star gazers that called us to be brave and bold, resilient and resourceful, fierce and faithful. Martin Luther King Jr and other Civil Rights leaders had a vision and a dream of a time that was “not yet’ and believed “holy” possible. The Magi, we are told, were star gazers and followed one bright star because they believed this beautiful celestial manifestation would lead them to the Messiah. Though “not yet” they trusted that this future reality was “holy’ possible. And so they set off.
Friends, who among us is not in need of Dreams and Stars to follow? As we continue to evolve out of this Covid Pandemic, many are realizing that our old dreams and dimming stars are not leading us to a new place, but rather they are leading us to a place of frustration and despair. Our old plans, hopes, and dreams were what guided our path in the past, yet they may not be what is needed to lift us into this new reality that may be “not yet” AND is “holy” possible.
I am drawn to the image of the Day of Pentecost, when a band of Jesus followers, grieving, exhausted, and not sure what was next, were lifted up by Peter’s words. He quoted the prophet Joel and reminded all that OUR God is a God of restoration, revival and renewal. Where we see death and endings, God will pour out God’s spirit on ALL people and sons and daughters will prophesy, youth will have new visions and elders will dream new dreams.
I know for me, when I am despairing about the future, it is because I am seeing it through only my eyes AND I have learned that when this happens I need to get out of the way and allow God to work in me, through me, and around me AND let the Holy Spirit, in her infinite wisdom plant the new seeds of visions and dreams, and set stars in the sky bright enough that we take notice and are inspired to march toward a new future, believing that God is still speaking, acting, reviving and renewing.
May it be so!
Blessings,
Rev. Patty Kogut, ACM
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.
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Clergy Coffee and Conversation
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Pause, breathe and connect.
Coffee and Conversation
Thursday at 10:00am here.
Regional News and Association Events
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Conference and Partner Events
To see all upcoming events, go to the SNEUCC calendar here.
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In a pastoral letter sent to churches, moderators and clergy, the Council of Conference Ministers and the Alliance of Associate Conference Ministers for the UCC encouraged every setting to “give permission and blessing for two consecutive weeks away for renewal leave, not counted as vacation time” in 2023.
"Everyone in judicatory ministry has witnessed the compounded weariness and stress experienced by our authorized ministers over the last almost three years," said Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly, Executive Minister for Area Conference Ministry. "And while it may feel as though we are on the other side of the peak of pandemic, the impact remains." Read more here.
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Lunch & Learn for Leaders 2022-2023 Workshop Series
Lunch & Learn for Leaders is a monthly series hosted by the Center for Transformational Leadership. Every third Thursday, join us at noon for an hour-long session of learning and discussion. Each month we will offer a bite-size opportunity to learn valuable concepts and practices from a subject expert. Our wide-ranging topics are relevant to areas of mission and ministry that you, our clergy and lay leaders, have indicated are timely for your congregations. The Lunch & Learn for Leaders series is offered at no cost to participants through your proportional giving!
February 16, 2023: Discerning Your Church’s Future
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Racial Justice Cross-Pollination Gatherings
 The SNEUCC adds to its series of justice gatherings, now with a network focused on racial justice. These sessions will take place on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM via Zoom. The first session will be held on Jan. 23, 2023.
These Cross-Pollination Gatherings are intended for local church leaders involved in racial justice ministries. This is an opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and troubleshoot challenges. Join us!
Questions? Contact brewer-walline@sneucc.org.
Image by Maicon Fonseca Zanco on Pixabay
2023 STEWARDSHIP Resources
Webinars offered from 6:30 to 7:30pm Central Time
Jan. 25, 2023 – 3 Best Practices: Set a New Year's Resolution for Increasing Giving. Register here.
Mar 22, 2023 - Changing Landscape of Giving: What we can learn from Millennial and Gen Z Donors. Register here.
All Stewardship Webinars offered in 2023 by the National UCC Office are listed here.
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Environmental Justice Youth Retreat
Saturday, February 18, 2023 at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (raindate March 25th)
Nature & Neighbors is a day-long environmental justice retreat for youth, which will include exploration of environmental racism and environmental justice; engaging scripture and spiritual practices that inspire and sustain action; and experiencing God’s Creation firsthand at Irons Homestead, one of the beautiful outdoor ministry sites affiliated with the Conference.
Middle and high school groups of any size, or individual youth with an accompanying adult, are welcome to sign up. Program cost is $75 per participant – please contact Emma Brewer-Wallin (brewer-walline@sneucc.org) for sliding scale rates. We want you to participate and cost should not be a barrier! More information and to register here.
From MESA
Monday, February 6, 6:00 – 9:00pm ET
This training, hosted by Revs. Tara Barber and Stephen Boyd, 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. *Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry.
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From Practical Resources for Churches
Thursday, February 16, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EST
Leader - Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund
Join author, advocate, and pastor Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund for conversation, stories, and practical steps about how faith communities can offer support and hope to children, teens, and their families living with mental health challenges.
Last call for registrations!
Register your group for a facilitated retreat in 2022-2023! Chose from seven dates and three great locations.
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Pastoral Residency Program
Wellesley Village Church invites all those interested in learning more about Wellesley Village Church and the Pastoral Residency Program to join us on one of two nights on Zoom to hear a short presentation and to ask questions. The next information Sessions will be held on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 5:00pm. Click here for more information.
Antoinette Brown Award Nominations
Celebrating the life and ministry of Antoinette Brown and all women in ordained ministry, the national setting announces that nominations for the Antoinette Brown Award are open until January 31, 2023. Nomination forms can be found here, and visit the ABS webpage for more information and to support the work of the Antoinette Brown Society.
UCC New England Women’s Celebration
Growing in Grace will be held on March 17-19 in Manchester, NH
Keynote Speakers are
- Dr. Marcia McFee
- Rev. Dr. Velda Love
- Rev. Karoline Lewis, PH.D
Early bird registration discount is good until February 1st.
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Data Hub Instructions for Churches for 2023 Yearbook
Churches can now upload their data to the Data Hub for the 2023 Yearbook. The deadline for entering data is midnight Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Data Hub deadlines are related to publication schedules; late information may not be included in the 2023 Yearbook. Click here for more information.
Save the Date: SNEUCC Annual Meeting Slated for June 17 in Worcester, MA
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The Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives, has announced that the Annual Meeting of the Southern New England Conference will be held in-person Saturday, June 17th, a the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.
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UCC History & Polity Classes
Exploring the history, polity and theology of the United Church of Christ through Convergence. Online and on demand. Use the code POLITYONDEMAND to get 15% off. More information here.
A new year brings new opportunities to learn and grow in faith! PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. is pleased to announce our January term online, asynchronous courses that are accessible and affordable for curious Progressive Christians. All courses are designed with the Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers at their core, and are helpful to anyone who wants to develop spiritual and leadership gifts for use in the church and the world.
For more information about PATHWAYS as an organization, our courses, and to register, please visit www.pathwaystheological.org. |
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New Search & Call Journey
Website Launched
The Area Conference Ministry Team is delighted to announce the launch of our new and enhanced webpage for the Search & Call Journey. As part of discerning who will be their next partner in mutual ministry, congregations also engage in vital conversations and discernment about who God is calling them to become and how God is calling them to serve.
The team has designed a 5-step process, built off the resources offered by the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Team at the National Setting. It includes an orientation video and updated and downloadable documents for each phase. Read more here.
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, reach out to the Program Support Associate for the Southeast Region: Lynn Varney: Varneyl@sneucc.org
If you are interested in being included on the new Temporary Ministerial Coverage List, please contact Jill Ford at fordj@sneucc.org.
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 - *REGISTRATION OPENS Jan. 29th AT NOON*
Pilgrim Day Camp is currently updating the website for 2023! Our rates, dates, and hours are updated for summer 2023.
Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Sharon, CT
Silver Lake has delayed registration for summer camp, and is working on gathering staff and volunteers - positions are here: https://www.silverlakect.org/employment
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.
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SNEUCC Classifieds
This week we pray for:
The Congregational Church of South Dennis, UCC: Rev. Deborah Mahaney
The Congregational Church of South Dartmouth, UCC: Rev. Emily Kellar
Christ Congregational Church, UCC, Brockton: Rev. Jeff Kardisco
Woodridge Congregational Church, UCC, Cranston:
Rev. Scott Spencer
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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!
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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.
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Southeast Region ~ Area Conference Minister,
Rev. Dr. Patty Kogut
Associations:
Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim, Rhode Island
kogutp@sneucc.org
New #: 508-244-4416
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