Executive Conference Minister Candidate Announced The Rev. Darrell Goodwin – a pastor with experience in higher education and in varied ministry settings of the United Church of Christ – will be presented to Annual Meeting voters as the candidate to serve as the Southern New England Conference’s first Executive Conference Minister. Rev. Goodwin currently serves the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota Conferences as an Associate Conference Minister, offering care and support to the pastors and churches in the Nebraska Conference and supporting the work of search and call across the Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota Conferences. Click here to read more! September Ordination Anniversary Dates

25 Years
The Rev. Dr. Mary (Betsy) Waters

15 Years
The Rev. Sarah Hubbell

10 Years
The Rev. Matthew Carriker

Please contact Deb Holmes if we have missed your anniversary. 
Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5.

Association & Conference Events

September 16, 2020
Central MA Association Online Annual Meeting - New Information - REGISTER
Via ZOOM, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

September 20, 2020
Rev. June Cooper Honored by Al Filipov Peace & Justice Forum
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

September 22, 2020
Silver Lake: Golf Tournament
Registration begins at 7:30 AM

September 23, 2020
Ecclesiastical Council for Bert Cote
Via Zoom at 7:00 PM

September 24, 2020
Central MA Church Moderators Gathering
Via Zoom 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

September 26, 2020
All-Conference Online Gathering - DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER
Via ZOOM, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

September 29, 2020
"Tech Deacons" Gathering
Via Zoom 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

October 13, 2020
Boundary Awareness Training 2.0 - During Unprecedented Times
3:00 PM - 4:30 PM via Zoom

October 24, 2020
Super Saturday
Via Zoom starting at 10:00 AM

October 31, 2020
Super Saturday
Via Zoom starting at 10:00 AM

Proportional Giving (PG) Webinar   To: Church Treasurers and Financial Secretaries; Finance, Stewardship, and Mission Committees Proportional Giving(PG) is the new way of funding our common mission through the Southern New England Conference that is faithful, covenantal, aligned with our Conference’s mission and core commitments, and based on an understanding of generosity rooted in scripture. PG has replaced OCWM and Fellowship Dues; UCM; and Per Capita Contributions, as the new way we ask churches to give. Please join us for this informational webinar for more clarity. Bring your questions!   September 17 - registration and information October 6 - registration and information Will you be using your elevator when re-opening? For those churches that have opened or are contemplating opening are you using your elevator? The regional office has received a question on how the usage for elevators is being handled. Please email me at holmesd@sneucc.org and let me know if you are using your elevator and what safety/cleaning processes you are implementing. Looking for a new sign for our church The Federated Church in Hudson is looking to upgrade their existing sign to one with changeable letters. They are interested in used signs as well as new. If your church happens to be selling a sign with changeable letters or even an electronic sign please contact the church at: ffchudson@yahoo.com or 978-562-9207. Discipleship Opportunities at a Glance SNEUCC Events: Visit the Faith Formation Page National Events: National Youth Event - United Through the Extraordinary! 2 Racial Justice Rallies

Mission Opportunities

Fueling Inclusion, Voice, and Opportunity for All WAMS Works with individuals and community partners to inspire economic and education equity through social change. Click here to learn more about WAMS. Worcester Fellowship Please check their website for updated information.

Transitions

Click here to see all church transitions in the conference.

Obituaries

The Rev. Mr. Kenneth Wade Steere died peacefully Saturday, August 15, 2020, at his home in Groton Long Point CT.  Rev. Steere, husband of the late Eleanor Newell Steere, was born in Los Angeles, CA, the son of the late Edith Bowen Steere and the late Samuel Adams Steere.
Ken leaves his five children, Anne S. Moore and her husband Alfred S. Moore Jr., Emily B. Steere, Ret. Col. Kenneth W. Steere Jr. USAF Reserve and his wife Diane Seibert, Douglas N. Steere and his wife Lisa, and Sarah E. Steere and her husband John K. Menezes. He leaves 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews.
A private graveside service was held at the Noank Valley Cemetery.  A Memorial Service will be held when the restrictions on large gatherings are eased. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ken's name may be made to any library or food bank in his memory.? Please click here to ready more.

The Rev. Dr. Robert J. Wright, Jr. passed away on September 4, 2020. 
When more details are available, they will be posted here.

The Rev. Avery D. Post, president of the United Church of Christ from 1977 to 1989, died Monday, Sept. 7, at Kendal Retirement Community in Hanover, N.H. He was 96.
Through a career that also included heading the UCC’s statewide body in Massachusetts and pastoring local churches in three states, Post was known as an ecumenist, an advocate for social justice, and a skilled preacher. He led the denomination through years that included Cold War peace dialogues, racial-justice activism and support for emerging movements for women’s and LGBTQ rights and inclusion.
“Avery Post's passing saddens me deeply,” said the Rev. John Dorhauer, the current UCC general minister and president. “Through the years, I came to know this gentle soul as a poet, a theologian of nimble mind, a leader of great inner strength, a Christian of deep faith, and finally as a friend. He was generous with his time and gave me wise counsel and compassionate understanding in our calls and visits. He served the church so well, and honored us all through his time as president. I truly hope and desire that I can serve with the kindness, wisdom, and compassion he brought to the office.” To continue this article by Hans Holznagel please go here.

Please click here to view all SNEUCC Obituaries.

Classifieds

12 Clergy shirts (Free) - Belchertown, MA

Confirmation and Youth Group Leader - Marlborough, MA

Custodian/Janitorial Support - Spencer, MA

Executive Director, Worcester Area Mission Society - Worcester, MA

Please click here to view all SNEUCC Classifieds

Central Mass Association Information:

Association Meetings:

The Committee on Authorized Ministry:
Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9:30 AM.

The Board of Director's:
Meets the 3rd Thursday of each month at 2:30 PM

Both meetings take place at the association office located in Worcester.

Proportional Giving is new in 2020!

In 2020 the Association will only be sending pledge invoices to our churches for the Association portion of Fellowship Dues, which are currently $1.65 per member.

The Association will no longer be collecting and forwarding any portion of Conference support. This change also effects any church that was part of United Church Mission. UCM churches will be sent a pledge invoice for the amount that had been received from the Conference while part of UCM.

Please click here to read more on Proportional Giving