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ENews for the Northwest Region


Dear Northwest Region,
 
I hope you all made it through your Ash Wednesday services, if you had them, with as much grace and creativity as you could muster. I for one was impressed with Center Church in South Hadley’s creativity in using water for a blessing. I gathered snow from the ground outside and used its melt as a blessing, feeling grounded in this place for the first time.
 
I had to laugh, though, at Rev. Lori Souder’s opening which included the admonition that “Lent is a time to leave our baggage behind.” When I heard those words, I was sitting in a camp chair with the computer on a cooler as a make-shift table, awaiting all the baggage—boxes really—of my life that would arrive the next morning. God does have a sense of humor, and I started to wonder how many of those boxes could have been left behind.
 
When we follow God’s call, the call usually includes something like “leave all that you have behind.” This past year has meant leaving so much familiar behind for so many of us.
 
I spent much of the last weeks, when I was not moving, hearing about the churches in your region, many of which are in transition, and your efforts to live into something new. And how for some congregations the change feels like too much.
 
Sometimes doing a new thing means leaving our baggage behind. I, admittedly, judging by the size of my moving truck, could do a little work in that area. I am already wondering how some of what I have can bless others. So I ask you, churches of the Northwest region, what do you have that could bless others? And what might you leave behind to do it?
 
Jesus, looking at [the rich man], loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’
Lenten Blessings,
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

3 upcoming service will be made available to local churches:
* Service of Seven Last Words for Good Friday, offered by SNEUCC.
* Service for April 11th, the Sunday after Easter, offered by the UCC Council of Conference Ministers.
* Pentecost Service (May 23rd), offered by SNEUCC. 

More information will be coming shortly and the full services will be provided well ahead of the dates for which they are intended.


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.


Raymond Fellows offer free pulpit supply


In 1883, Deacon Raymond established a Trust to hire a circuit-rider pastor to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our conference. This year, we re-envisioned the Trust to provide three preaching fellowships to Yale Divinity School students to focus more intensively on the art and craft of preaching while offering free pulpit supply to churches and pastors who welcome that support. 
You can contact Laurel Carr, laurel@godsacre.org if you would like to engage one of our Fellows for an in-person preaching engagement, or you can simply download and use any one of their sermons for your virtual services. 
Please click here to see the list of Raymond Fellows available for supply.
 


Active Food Pantries and Outreach Meals for people in need

The attached list is an updated list of churches in the Western 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. Western Region List updated 9/1/2020.


Weekly vigils for Racial Justice

The members of Center Church, UCC (First Congregational Church of South Hadley), One Church Street, South Hadley have been holding a weekly vigil for Racial Justice. The vigils take place every Saturday from 10:00 - 10:30 AM on the church lawn. People are asked to wear a mask and stand at least 6ft apart. Bringing a sign is also encouraged!


CONFERENCE & REGIONAL EVENTS

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Super Saturday(s) And It Came to Pass, Luke 2:15 - Living Into the Fulfillment of God's Promise
Virtually, March 13 & 20th
With keynote speaker Rabbi Elan Babchuck, we will gather to learn, share and grow together in faith and practice. We are also looking for local pastors and congregations to offer workshops. What exciting thing is happening in your church? What gift do you want to share with the wider church? Register by clicking on the date you would like to attend: March 13th or March 20th.

SAVE THE DATE!
May 8, 2021

Southern New England Conference Annual Meeting - A Virtual Meeting

Please go to sneucc.org/events to see all posted events.


Discipleship Opportunities at a Glance

Visit our Faith Formation page for updated information.


 

JOURNEY

Journey: a social and support group for trans and non binary individuals of all ages.  The group is facilitated by Yohah Ralph. We will meet online using Zoom on the first and third Thursdays of the month.  
If you have questions, or are interested in joining the group, please send an email to Yohah at journeynorthampton@gmail.com, and provide your phone number so we can have a brief conversation in advance.


TRANSITIONS

Click here to see all church transitions in the conference.


OBITUARIES

Please click here to view all of SNEUCC Obituaries.


CLASSIFIEDS

 Please click here to view all SNEUCC Classifieds


 
 
Southern New England Conference, United Church of Christ
Framingham, MA office: 508-875-5233
Hartford, CT office: 866-367-2822
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