From the South Central Region
Bridge Area Conference Minister
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Hello South Central Region, 
General Synod 33 begins on July 11th. And for the first time ever, the national convention of our United Church of Christ denomination is virtual, which means anyone can attend. Registering as a “guest” will give you access to the plenary sessions, where you will see how resolutions are considered and debated, and how decisions are made. Guests will also have access to over 50 workshops covering a variety of faith related topics.
One of my favorite parts of Synod is worship because it is faithful, inspiring, vibrant, and fully inclusive of the variety of embodiments that constitute the UCC. The worship services will be streamed live on several platforms on July 11th, 14th, and 18th, registration is not required. Check the Synod 33 website for the full schedule, details about the resolutions being considered, and for free Family and Children’s devotionals: https://www.generalsynod.org
Blessings and peace,
Rhonda
Rev. Rhonda Myers, Bridge Area Conference Minister, South Central Region MyersR@sneucc.org
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| Conference Events and Resources |
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SNE Conference Launches the Phillis Wheatley Fund
The Southern New England Conference has launched a new fund named in honor of Phillis Wheatley, who was the first African American woman to publish poetry, and who was baptized into and became a member of Old South Church in Boston in 1771, two years before she was manumitted (freed from slavery) by the Wheatley family.
The Phillis Wheatley Fund will bring life to two new ministries: SNEUCC Theologian-In-Virtual-Residence Program, and SNEUCC Summer Internship Program for Seminarian Formation.
For more information, click here.
July 16-17, 2021, Killam's Point, Branford, Connecticut![]()
Come the whole time, come for part of it, whatever works in your schedule! We will be gathering around 7pm to allow people a chance to arrive after work on Friday. RSVP here. Join the Millennials Ministry on Facebook. For questions or more information contact Katie Howe.
Click here to download a shareable flyer.
Click here to register to attend the July 8th book group.
Click here to register to attend the August 12th book group.
Click here to register to attend the September 2nd book group.
Resources to purchase books from independent book sellers.
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.
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Tech Deacons Meetups - morning and evening options.
You are invited to join Rev. Eric Elley, Digital Minister, and other local church colleagues for weekly Tech Deacons Roundtable Discussions. During these gatherings we will provide an arena for churches to support one another by sharing ideas, bringing questions, and identifying new trends and opportunities in digital ministry. In these videoconferences, we will recognize that there won't be one expression of digital ministry to fit all churches. Yet now is the season for the sharing of ideas and experiences -- we all are endeavoring to figure out the coming season of digital ministry.
Every other Tuesday at 11am (7/13, 7/27 ...), and alternate Tuesday evenings at 7pm (7/6, 7/20 ...) Click here to find more information and ways to register for these ongoing discussions on the ever evolving landscape of digital ministry in the Southern New England Conference.
Thursdays for the Soul - United Church of Christ
Thursday, July 1 - 3:30 - 4:30 The United Church of Christ has a way of governing itself (“polity”) that’s different than many other denominations. Bound together by covenant and freely entered into through congregational autonomy, the UCC gathers in many different expressions to be the church. Every two years, the United Church of Christ comes together for worship and business, taking time to speak to the church about matters of faith and conscience. Come listen to some UCC History, Theology, and Polity teachers talk about the gifts and challenges of our structure, how our theological values show up at General Synod, with attention to proposed resolutions for this year’s General Synod. Register Here
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.
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Registration is open for in-person camp at Silver Lake Conference Center this summer!
Scholarships are still available. More information can be found here.
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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.
October 2021 Super Saturday Workshop Proposals Now Being Accepted
You are invited to share your gifts as a workshop presenter at our virtual Super Saturday on October 2nd and/or 9th. Workshops are 90 minutes or 120 minutes depending on your preference.
October’s keynote speaker is Monica A. Coleman, Award-Winning Scholar, Writer and Minister. The upcoming October Super Saturday theme is: Building on God’s Promises: A Time for Personal Renewal - 3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. Super Saturday will focus on a personal renewal – spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, physiologically, and overall health.
Our goal is to have submissions in before the end of summer, so if you are interested, please complete the workshop proposal form by July 15, 2021, sending it to Andrea Bellarosa, Events Coordinator.
Thank you for considering to present a workshop at Super Saturday. Please feel free to pass this link to others who you think would be a great presenter. And remember to send your proposals and your questions, comments to Andrea Bellarosa, Events Coordinator by July 15, 2021.
Meet Global Ministries Partner Elena Huegel
Elena currently serves in Chiapas, Mexico and previously served with the SNEUCC Chile Partnership. She will be visiting New England in July and is open for zoom meetings or events with local congregations on July 20th, 22nd, 23rd or 29th. To schedule a meeting with her, please contact Rev. Beverly Prestwood-Taylor via email. You can learn more about Elena’s ministry through Global Ministries (a joint witness in mission between the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ) by clicking here. |
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| Discipleship Opportunities |
You're Invited!
Chronicle Your Church's Resiliency
Are you looking for a fresh, new inter-generational program this summer that will engage your youth and benefit your congregation? One that will make the concept of “resiliency” come alive?
We invite you to proclaim your resiliency! Join us in this ground-breaking project, The Resiliency Time Capsule: Stories of Adaptation, Lessons for the Future. Let’s face it. Most of us simply want to forget 2020 ever happened. But, like any event that involves death and resurrection, it is important to record what happened and, more importantly, how we as the Church responded.
Saturday, September 18 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Relationships, Resiliency, and Re-Entry: Adaptive skills for local church leaders. Audience is local church Pastors and Faith Formation practitioners, including members of the Faith Formation Leadership Certification Program, and Faith Formation Communities of Practice. Registration is now open.
Are you familiar with the three-legged stool of stewardship? Found out more at the Stewardship, Generosity, Fundraising & Financial Management web page of the Southern New England Conference. "For wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also." ~ Matthew 6:21
Other Side of the Hill - Climate Action in Rural Communities
July 10-25, 2021 - Registration Opens July 1, 2021
The Interfaith Power & Light network has been offered a unique opportunity to be among the first to share the new short film, 'Other Side of the Hill'. Plan to share it with your congregations and members!
The film is a hopeful, inspiring look at local leaders on the ground in rural America who are leading climate action in their communities. But it is also about coming together, finding common ground and new climate frameworks, and shining a light on rural voices as we envision a path forward. The film will be available for free online viewing July 10 - 25. Registration opens July 1. You can watch the trailer and sign up to get a registration reminder HERE.
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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 impactful ministry can be shared with your regional colleagues.
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 use these web links:
| South Central Regional Newsletter Subscription |
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