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 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 7, 2020
Building on Faith
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - virtual meeting

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! October 6 - registration and information Building on Faith A virtual lunch & lean on affordable housing during the COVID-19 crisis 12:00PM - 1:00 PM Wednesday, October 7th The Worcester Area Mission Society is partnering with Habitat for Humanity to bring members of the faith community together for a discussion and dialogue on affordable housing during the COVID-19 crisis. People of all faiths are invited to attend. Speakers include representatives from the Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, the Acton Community Housing Corporation, Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester, and Habitat for Humanity North Central MA. This event is virtual and will be facilitated using the Zoom online conferencing platform. Please click here to learn more. Trauma Training Tuesdays (TTT) offered by WAMS Trauma Training Tuesdays (TTT) are here for You. From the trauma of school disruption to the impacts of the pandemic on those in recovery, these training sessions offer insights into the many ways that people and organizations are continuing their on-the-ground efforts to support all who are struggling. Please see our website for the upcoming schedule and to view recordings of previous presentations. 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 Dr. Gordon Elon Ellis died on Sunday September 13, 2020, a victim of pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.  He is survived by his wife Diane, and two children, Ryan Ellis and his wife, Cindy, of Miami, FL, and Lyndsey Ellis and her husband, Christian Donaldson, of Arlington, VA. He also leaves a beloved granddaughter, Leilani Ellis, of Miami, FL; a brother, Mark Ellis, and his wife, Anne, of Athol, MA; a father-in-law, Russell Deane, of Bernardston, MA; and a sister-in-law, Sherry York, and her husband, Jim, of Ashford, CT; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Due to the dangers caused by the pandemic, A Celebration of Life Service will be held for Gordon Sunday, September 27 at 1:00pm on YouTube. Calling hours with the Ellis Family will immediately follow the service on Zoom. Updates will be posted on Gordon's Facebook page and the service can be searched on google that morning. Please click here to read more.

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