ENews for the Northwest Region Words from your new ACM Dear Northwest Region,   I just finished meeting with clergy from Franklin Association, and I understand from them that most of you are used to calling yourself “Western Region,” except for Litchfield North that is certainly more used to being part of Connecticut Conference. There are so many changes afoot, and we yet find ourselves in the midst of much uncertainty. Still, I am glad to be here (or really, on the way there, as the movers come next week), and I do trust that God is in our midst—and is up to something.   I am looking forward to hearing all you have to tell me. One of the ministers on the Franklin call today reminded us that the stories we tell matter—including the ones where we say, “We’re forgotten”-- and that sometimes we need to find new ways to tell the story. Other ministers shared that we may be reminded of the ability we have to shape our own stories and to innovate solutions appropriate to our local contexts.   I think about the times in the Bible when it feels as if God is hard to find: Jonah in the belly of the fish. Moses waiting on the mountaintop. The disciples out to sea, no fish in the nets, their leader crucified. And yet God shows up… in God’s time, and calls each to a new way of being; of telling the story. I am gathering that part of my call is to be with you all in the waiting and the forming of how the story is shaped and told.   I look forward to meeting you where you are, though for a spell that will have to be online. I give thanks for all that has made you who you are, and to partnering with you to build on the legacies of the good folks who have come before to help co-create with God the future God hopes for us.   God’s peace, Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa Area Conference Minister, NW Region   February Ordination Anniversaries There are no anniversaries this month Please contact Deb Holmes if we have missed your anniversary.  Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5.

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.

COVID-19 2021 Update: Seeds of HOPE

Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister, and the Health & Wellness Team present the first in a monthly series of discussions: COVID-19 2021 Update: Seeds of HOPE. It is our purpose to promote health and wellness by providing support for all throughout the Southern New England conference UCC.  
The challenges faced by clergy, churches, and communities continue to change as the pandemic evolves. Uncertainty and anxiety are heightened as virus variants are discovered, COVID-19 testing methods expand, vaccines are rolled out, and people experience confusion and frustration. This webinar will provide practical information and resources to inform and support your congregation and community.  
Please click here to learn more and to register for the webinar.

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

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.

Pulpit Supply List for Western MA Region

Please email Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org for an updated copy of the regional pulpit supply list. A new list for the Northwest Region is being worked on.

TRANSITIONS