ENews for the North Central Region

Last Sunday, the Central, MA Association held its first virtual ordination, of Bertrand R. Coté in the First Congregational Church of Holliston. Of course we all would have liked to gather in person, but the Holy Spirit did not let distance or our devices dull its palpable presence! And because of the virtual nature, family and friends of Bert from Quebec, Canada, could participate; what a blessing. Later that night, the First Congregational Church of Oxford celebrated its 300^th anniversary with an outdoor, distanced steeple lighting, complete with participants sitting in their cars and honking in celebration. I attended via Facebook live and again, I could sense the Holy Spirit strongly.
 
So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. ~Galatians 6:9
 
Most of us are exhausted from the last 10 months of pandemics, and truth be told, anxious about how much longer they will last. I want to remind you that God is already reaping a harvest from the good work you are doing! Sunday’s celebrations are just two examples. Take heart, children of God, disciples of Christ; the Holy Spirit is with you and moving among and through you!
 
In faith and hope,

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January Ordination Anniversary Dates

Churches are asked to make updates to the
National Data Hub by midnight March 3, 2021

The Data Hub will be available beginning noon, Wednesday, January 6, 2021. The deadline for entering data is midnight Wednesday, March 3, 2021.  Data Hub deadlines are related to publication schedules; late information may not be included in the 2021 Yearbook. Please click here for instructions on how to complete the important updates.

Updated Pulpit Supply List

Please email Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org
if you need a current pulpit supply list.

Coronavirus information:

Phasing Forward: How does the vaccine, the new Covid-19 variant and our growing weariness impact our Phasing Forward plans and how can we best care for ourselves and each other? SNE Conference Faith Community Nurse Debbie Ringen reflects on these questions and shares important resources in this blog article.
 

Covid Update: Is your church in a high risk zone?

Phasing Forward: Step By Step

Active Food Pantries and Outreach Meal for People in Need

The attached list is an updated list of churches in the Central MA Region that currently have active food pantries and outreach meals for people in need. Please email Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org to have your church information included or updated. Central MA List. New information added!

Worship Resources

Andover Newton Seminary at Yale is offering a “Seminary Sunday” service for local churches to use (this is for all churches, not just those served by ANTS alum). “We are suggesting that congregations use the service on either January 31^st or February 7^th, just so that it can be a relatively synchronous Seminary Sunday experience for congregations. That said, it could be used later in the winter, as well, though after that it might get a little dated. It is important to note that the service will include Communion, so we expect more congregations will use it the first Sunday of February. An ordained person – either Rev. Dr. Sarah Drummond or Rev. Dr. Ned Parker will lead Communion at the end of the service.” Click here for more information and to sign up.

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.