South Central Region Newsletter May 30, 2021

From the South Central Region

Bridge Area Conference Minister

Rev. Rhonda Myers

Hello South Central Region,

By now I’ve had the chance to meet with the Exec. Board, Council, or Committee on Church and Ministry of each of the seven Associations in the South Central Region. Thank you for welcoming me into your conversations as you support the churches and pastors in your care during these unsettled times.

A frequent topic among you is how to safely resume worshiping in person. With so many factors to consider, there is no “one size fits all” answer for every church. As you continue to discern your way forward, keep in mind that each person in your congregation will have to determine their own threshold for what feels “safe” for them, given their own vaccination status, vulnerability of household members, etc. Consider continuing to offer an online worship option for those who are not yet ready to return to your building. Please also remember that as Christian communities of faith, we want to be mindful of the impact gathering in person will have on our neighbors where our churches are situated, and the neighbors where our congregants reside. May your continued discernment be shaped with love and Spirit led.

Please refer to the latest information on the Southern New England Conference website: https://www.sneucc.org/coronavirus.

You may also be interested in this June 1st panel discussion regarding Congregational Singing, hosted by Practical Resources for Churches (PRC): webinar registration here.

or this one on Maximizing Hybrid Worship, also hosted by PRC:
link here to register for this webinar.

Blessings and peace,
Rhonda

Rev. Rhonda Myers, Bridge Area Conference Minister, South Central Region MyersR@sneucc.org

Conference Events and Resources

Pentecost Worship Service

The Spirit is always moving among us! On Pentecost, we celebrate that and attune ourselves to its presence. The SNE Conference is providing a complete Virtual Pentecost Service that you can use in part or whole. All segments are NOW AVAILABLE for download here.

Silver Lake Worship Videos Available
The Silver Lake Conference Center has made a complete virtual worship service available for churches that they may use - in whole or in parts - to celebrate their church's participation in outdoor ministry. Click here for more information.

Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Would you like for Rev. James D. Ross II to join your congregation for a Sunday service? Rev. Ross would be thrilled to join you as a guest preacher or participant in other ways. To arrange, please contact Karen Methot at methotk@sneucc.org or Rev. James Ross at rossj@sneucc.org

Together We Thrive Affinity Groups beginning June 2021

New Affinity Groups are forming.

Touched by Jesus: Playing with Prayer
Clergy Women Connections: Learning to balance, juggle and breathe
The Rainbow Path: Small Group Experience for LGBTQIA+ Clergy
Tending the Holy Fires in One Another: Group Spiritual Direction

Visit the Together We Thrive (TWT) web page for more information.

ECM Announces Conference Offices to Remain Shut Through Labor Day

The Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister, has announced that the Conference offices in Framingham, MA and Hartford, CT, will remain closed at least through Labor Day. Click HERE to read more or view a video message about this announcement.

Looking Ahead

Registration is open for in-person camp at Silver Lake Conference Center this summer! Scholarships are still available. More information can be found here.

UCC General Synod 33 - Rooted in Love

Please consider registering and attending this virtual UCC General Synod, July 11 - 18, 2021. You don't need to be a delegate - you can register as a guest. This is a great way to experience the richness of the United Church of Christ from your living room. Registration is now open. Visit the UCC General Synod web site to learn more about the rich programs and worship that are planned.

Discipleship Opportunities

Fuel for Hybrid Faith Formation Ministry.

Thursday, June 10 at 7 PM on Zoom -
For decades the church and faith formation have relied on in-person, fixed-time gatherings, events, and programming offered in physical spaces. The pandemic disrupted this “default” model, and pushed us to experiment with new models. Read more here…

Youth at Synod - a Stepping Stone to Leadership

A great leadership opportunity for youth in your congregation! Read more here… Scholarships are available for SNEUCC youth. Contact Debby Kirk for more information.

Chapel of the Heart: An Online Devotional Space for Leaders

Chapel of the Heart returns this month. Join us for a new series of online devotionals! Here's what some have said about Chapel of the Heart:

"Thank you so very much for this opportunity to connect and get to know you and others through this beautiful, virtual chapel." "Thank you for your creative facilitation today...It was wonderful to see everyone and have a chance to connect and share. What you did really grounded me." "...weekly gift is inspiring and offers a wonderful example for how to be and offer a devotional."

Our Wednesday Chapel is ongoing through the Spring of 2021 and will meet twice each month in April, May, and June. The Chapel will be "open" and ready to welcome any leader looking for a circle of peers sharing cares and joys, a place where colleague connections are compassionate and loving, a place where folks are unburdened in preparation for what lies ahead, and a space for folks to be inspired to guide others into vital spiritual spaces. In this series, you will have 2 opportunities each month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at 9:00 AM through June of 2021.

Each Chapel is about approximately 45 minutes long and is led by members of the Faith Formation Ministry Team. You are welcome to do one or both monthly as your schedule allows. Please click here to register.
If you have any questions, reach out to Karen Ziel.

Visit the Southern New England Conference Faith Formation web page for a host of resources and events for your church setting.

Regional News

Rocky Hill Congregational Church (Hartford Association) was recently featured in the SNEUCC Spotlight Newsletter: Creation and Community. Follow this link to read more about RHCC's Earth Day Expo.

Do you have a story or event to share from your church or your association? If so, please send your notices to Jill Ford, Program Support Associate, so that the good news of your ministry can be shared with your regional colleagues.

Association Events

The South Central Region of the Southern New England Conference is comprised of:

Central CT Association
Farmington Valley Association
Hartford Association
Hartford East Association
Middlesex Association
New London Association
Tolland Association

Find out more about Conference and Association activity:

Transitions
Obituaries

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