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Words from your Area Conference Minister
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Dear Friends,
During this Season of Lent, remember you are Holy!
You are holy and sacred
And utterly unique.
There are gifts you were born to give.
Songs you were born to sing.
Stories you were born to tell.
And if you do not give it,
The world will simply lose it.
It is yours alone to offer,
No one can give it for you.
And Dearest,
Listen, because this is important,
This wounded world
Needs all the songs we can pull from the air,
Every story that helps us to remember.
It needs every single gift, large and small.
And yes, Dearest,
This grateful world does rejoice
Every courageous time
We are true to ourselves and to our gifts.
And so it is, Dear Heart,
We embrace the song and the story
And all our gifts
Because the world has such great need
And because the world exceedingly rejoices
And because there is no sadder thing
Than to leave this world
Having never really shown up.
—Carrie Newcomer, A Permeable Life: Poems & Essays
Patty
Rev. Dr. Patricia Kogut
Rev. Dr. Patricia 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 or by phone at 508-244-4416.
Clergy Coffee & Conversation
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Join us!
Clergy Coffee and Conversation
Thursdays at 10:00am here.
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Association and Regional Updates and Celebrations
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Scholarship Available
The First Congregational Church of Harwich is pleased to make available a scholarship of around $500 from our Wood Fund this year. Ministry and Christian Education students who are members of congregations that are within the Southern New England Conference of the UCC are invited to apply for this scholarship to assist with the cost of attending seminary. Application forms are available online at First Church of Harwich website. (A link to the Wood Fund application is at the bottom of the page.) Application materials must be received by the First Congregational Church, UCC, Attention: Scholarship Team, 697 Main St, Harwich, MA 02645 by April 1, 2024. Please email Del Borah if you have any questions.
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Chatham Church becomes Open & Affirming!
We celebrate with Chatham and the whole Barnstable Association as First Congregational Church of Chatham recently voted at their annual meeting on January 21st to become Open & Affirming!
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Barnstable Association - Barnstable Assoc. Facebook Page
Moderator: Rev. Nancy McHugh
Committee on Ministry - Chair: Rev. Tina Walker-Morin
Old Colony Association - Old Colony Assoc.Facebook Page
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Ruth Shaver
Committee on Ministry - Chair: Rev. Dr. Virginia Child
Pilgrim Association - Pilgrim Assoc. Facebook Page
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Mary Lou Gifford
Committee on Ministry - Chair: Rev. Kimberly Murphy
Rhode Island Association - RI Assoc. Facebook Page
Acting Moderator: Rev. Bob Nolan
Committee on Ministry - Chair: Rev. Dr. Claudia Demick
South County Rhode Island Social Justice Coalition
You are doing great ministry! Let us help make sure others know about it. Tell us about your stories, news and event information. We’re waiting to hear from you. Email Lynn at varneyl@sneucc.org.
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Time to Visit Your Church Dashboard
You can make sure we are reaching key leaders in your church by having your church’s administrator or someone on the pastoral staff visit the Church Dashboard on our website. If you have difficulty logging into your account, please contact Nancy Stubbs.
February Ordination Anniversaries
15 Years
Rev. T. Joseph Marchio, 2/1/2009
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Church Milestones in 2024
Second Congregational Church, Cohasset - 200 years
Central Congregational Church, Attleboro Falls - 150 years
Please contact Lynn Varney if we have missed your anniversary. Ordination Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5, and church milestones are in increments of 25 years from 100 years on. If your church is celebrating a milestone anniversary, please let us know so that the Northeast Region can celebrate with you!
Throughout the Bible, spiritual renewal is lifted up again and again as essential to human wellbeing. Keeping the sabbath holy is one of the ten commandments. The 50-year Jubilee of rest is even extended to the earth. Jesus routinely stepped away from the demands of his ministry to pray alone. Self-care is not selfish; it is faithful. Click above for more information.
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Conference and Partner Updates
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Super Saturday is back!After a year or so hiatus, Super Saturday is back! You will notice familiar elements and new ways of doing things. SNEUCC Executive Conference Minister Rev. Darrell Goodwin will offer his wisdom about partnerships and building connections during opening devotions and an hour-long workshop in the afternoon. Onsite & Online options are available. Registration closes on February 26th! Walk-ins will not be accepted!
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Churches Asked to Report Data to National Setting
The United Church of Christ Data Hub is open, and churches are being asked to submit information on membership, attendance and finances between now and March 6th. Instructions related to the Data Hub can be found on the Conference website here: www.sneucc.org/datahub. Email invitations are also being sent to churches asking them to submit their information. Click here for more information.
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SNEUCC Annual Meeting Resolution Deadline is March 22, 2024
The 5th Annual Meeting of the SNEUCC is scheduled for June 21-22, 2024 in Amherst, MA. The participation of our Associations, local churches, clergy and lay members is essential in this being a meaningful and impactful gathering. One way that happens is through the resolution process.
In the United Church of Christ, resolutions are one of the ways we corporately express our faith around moral, ethical, governance, policy, or religious matters. Resolutions are grounded in Biblical, ethical, and theological foundations, recommending a faithful response. They are adopted by General Synod, Conference Annual Meetings or Association Annual Meetings) and speak to (but never for) the rest of the church. It is then up to each expression of the denomination, from local church to Association, Conference, National Setting and Covenanted Ministries, to decide how (or if) to implement them in their contexts. Click here for more information.
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Resources for Black History Month
Here are some things to consider as you and your congregation observe Black History Month - and celebrate Black history all year long!
Note: this list originally was originally published by Rev. Dr. James D. Ross II in 2022.
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Look at your own community: Elevate stories about Black people, Black movement for justice, or Black organizations in your own hometown. Maybe check out a local museum that highlights some of this history. Invite congregants and friends to join you.
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Share stories about Black joy and celebration: Black history is not only about the traumas experienced by African Americans. Bring some other stories into your worship service. The National Museum of African American History & Culture offers a digital exhibit on Afrofuturism, a way of imagining the forward-facing possibilities of Black life.
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Remember that Black history does not begin [and end] with slavery: Check out some stories about Black life before the Middle Passage. Journey through this four-part series bringing together scripture, art and culture, and history -- beginning with ancient African civilizations through the present.
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The list continues here.
Lydia Fellows Opportunity for Bi-Vocational Clergy
As of February 1, 2024, the Massachusetts Council of Churches is accepting applications for the 2024 cohort in the Lydia Fellows program. This compensated fellowship will begin and end with an in-person retreat, and fellows will meet online monthly. You can learn more about the Lydia Fellowship program here, and then apply now. Deadline for applications the 2024 cohort is February 29, 2024.
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Clergy Boundary Awareness Training
Good professional boundaries allow ministry and those who do it to thrive with health and wholeness. Through the lens of clergy wellness, authorized ministers will renew their understanding of and develop skills for maintaining boundaries in an ever-shifting ministry landscape. Upcoming Trainings are online via Zoom:
The cost for the training is: SNEUCC Clergy - $65.00; all other Clergy - $85.00. If you have questions regarding the training please contact Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org or 508-244-4399.
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The UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special mission offering involves you in disaster, refugee/immigration, and development ministries throughout the world. When disaster strikes or people are displaced by violence or poverty, you are part of the response and recovery. Your contributions to One Great Hour of Sharing put you in the right place at the right time for the relief and recovery of the most vulnerable, meeting needs and addressing the underlying causes that create those needs. Order your OGHS materials here. FREE SHIPPING on all items. This year's suggested offering date is March 10.
2024 UCC Stewardship Materials Available
Materials for your congregation's 2024 stewardship efforts are now available. This year's theme is "Imagine Together," helping people understand the impact our congregations can make in our communities when we support them. Materials (both printed and digital) include eight complete worship services, hymn suggestions, sermon starters from eight different authors, and faith formation sessions for children, youth, and adults. Also provided are practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. Guidance for every step of your campaign help you make the most of these robust materials. Find more information here.
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UCC Announces Stewardship/Generosity Webinars and Workshops for 2024
The national setting of the UCC has announced the schedule for fundraising-related webinars to be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. There is also a Cultivating Generous Congregations Seminar which includes six sessions, beginning in February. Read more.
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Yale Youth Ministry Institute: Teaching Holy Troublemaking: Resources for Progressive Christian Formation
March 6, 12:00 to 1:30 PM • Online
Catching courage and hope from the stories we tell of beloved saints—both conventional and unconventional—who have faced challenges and managed to stay rooted in joy, justice, and the beloved community is enormously helpful.
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MESA Offering:
Thursday, March 14, 1:30 – 4:30pm ET, Retired Minister Boundary Training with Rev. Tara Barber
Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry.
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SNE Women's Connection Spring Gathering 2024
April 27, 2024, 9am
First Congregational Church, Portland, CT
The Role of the Church in Mental Health Care and Ministry
Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn, UCC Minister, will be the guest speaker and participants will gain knowledge about basic mental health and explore the variety of roles the church can play to create awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges. More information and registration form here.
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In Case You Missed It videos now available for local churches
We've launched a new video series called In Case You Missed It, and churches are being urged to share the videos with their congregations. The series will consist of short 45- to 60-second videos announcing programs or services available through the Conference. Churches are asked to include these in worship service offerings and newsletters, to let members know what is available to them.
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Pause for Prayer
Wednesdays at 12:30 pm via Facebook Live
Join us every week for a brief time of prayer led by Conference staff. Prayer is a fundamental act of Christian community, and we hope and pray that this space offers the Body of Christ the solace and strength it needs. You can read more here.
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Affordable, Accessible, Awesome
Are you busy with work, family, caring for others, standing up for justice but need a moment each day to deepen your faith and explore ways to hold on in a broken, fearful, too often violent world? We invite you to check out our online courses where community grows, questions arise, peace comes, and faith deepens. Courses offerings can be found on the website here. Now is a good time to look ahead to the 2024 course schedule and contact PATHWAYS with any questions you may have. Whether you would like to take one course or a whole program, PATHWAYS welcomes you.
Protecting Your Church: Considerations in the Wake of Civil Unrest
The foundation of mitigating risk is proper planning. Now more than ever, developing a disaster preparedness plan is critical. This plan should include all potential incidents (weather, chemical spills, civil unrest, and pandemics). Based on options for consideration provided by the Department of Homeland Security, we have provided information to help keep your congregation and church property safe. Without knowing specific information about a facility and its threat environment, it is not possible to recommend considerations that are specific for your house of worship. Insurance Board protects your ministry by offering resources to support it.
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Center for Transformational Leadership
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The Center for Transformational Leadership equips clergy and lay leaders, congregations and covenantal partners of the SNEUCC with resources, tools and support to create a new vision and do the transformative ministry they are called to do in the local church, local community and the world.
Lunch & Learn: Losing Our Building; Finding Our Soul
Online March 21, 12:00 to 1:00 PM
Learn how a 328-year-old historic congregation is becoming a church of the future by caring for people today- and putting their altar on wheels. Presented by The Rev. Sara Smith, Senior Minister of the United Congregational Church of Bridgeport.
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Three workshops for youth or confirmation classes: UCC 101, Playing Together for a Better World with Incredible Days, and RYE Preview. Cost is $50 per person and details are on the Super Saturday event page.
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Boundary Awareness for Faith Formation & Youth Ministry Leaders & Local Church Musicians
April 27, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM • Online
This introductory course will equip faith formation and youth ministry leaders with the basics of healthy boundaries.
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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence About Mental Health With Children and Teens
February 29, 2024 from 12pm -1pm via Zoom
Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund will host a discussion about her book: Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness with Children and Teens.( available at Chalice Press). You are encouraged to read the book yourself or organize a book group at your church. Bring your questions, thoughts and ideas to discuss with the author. Lund writes,"I am writing this book for my child and for my child’s children. When mental illness runs in families like mine, it’s important to be open and honest about our family stories of mental health (p. 27)"
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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 :
Silver Lake Summer Camp registration open!
View the schedule and learn more at https://www.silverlakect.org/summercamp
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Ongoing Updates
(Classifieds, Transitions and Obituaries, etc.)
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The Southern New England Conference maintains Temporary Ministerial Coverage (TMC) lists for all 6 SNEUCC regions. These lists contain 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 required to have Boundary Awareness Training as well as Racial Justice Training.
These TMC lists are regularly updated in real time. If your church is in need of a list for the Northeast, Southeast or Southwest Regions contact Lynn Varney at Varneyl@sneucc.org or for North Central, Northwest & South Central Regions: Deb Holmes, holmesd@sneucc.org.
If you are interested in being included on the new Temporary Ministerial Coverage List, please contact Jill Ford at fordj@sneucc.org.
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Please click here to view all SNEUCC obituaries.
Please click here to view all SNEUCC transitions.
To see all SNEUCC classifieds, click here.
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This month we pray for:
North Falmouth Congregational Church, N. Falmouth: Rev. Christina Williams
First Congregational Church, Fairhaven: Rev. Elizabeth McClure
UCC Congregational Church of Norwell: Rev. Leanne Walt
Central Congregational Church, Providence, RI: Rev. Patrick Faulhaber
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Southeast Region ~ Area Conference Minister,
Rev. Dr. Patty Kogut
Associations:
Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim, Rhode Island
kogutp@sneucc.org
Phone or text: 508-244-4416
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