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Have a Happy and Grateful Thanksgiving.
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WORDS FROM YOUR AREA CONFERENCE MINISTER
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Dear Northwest Region,
Twice in the past month I have had the privilege of being present for what I might call “living memorials.”
The first was for a couple who were leaving Hawai?i to move to the continent to be closer to their adult daughter and within easier traveling distance of grandchildren. Both have been educators their whole lives, and one in particular influenced a whole host of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) students at Kamehameha Schools. Those students are now professors and stewards of land, wetlands, and ocean and at the forefront of ethnobotanical restoration and care for the land from a Native perspective.
One of those students organized an Aloha service on Zoom to honor this couple. Superimposed over slideshows of students in Tahiti, Aotearroa, Easter Island, and ridgeline trails across the Hawaiian Islands were testimonies by students, colleagues, and fellow church members. It is the kind of program I am used to seeing at a memorial service. How much more wonderful, then, to see this couple smiling, laughing, and tearing up in real time at the stories of the now life-long practices of studying a place before traveling to it and, when you pack a lunch, bring enough for the whole crew!
Similarly, this last weekend in Pittsfield I attended The First Church of Christ on Park Square’s Service of Thanksgiving and Celebration for their building which is on the market. The sale recently fell through as the buyers pulled out, but Pastor Cara Davis and her lay leaders decided to host the service anyway. In lieu of a sermon, church members current and past shared ways the church impacted their lives, from inspiring a number of young adults into studying music performance to memories of weddings and funerals to a hilarious advent candle lighting service with a toddler and newborn. Recent long-serving pastors were invited back to give gifts of music and a charge to remember that the church is more than the building—it is its people.
There are surely tears to be shed at the sobering realities of these stories that ask us to acknowledge the mortality of beloved people and ways of being church. And yet, in both of these events I found hope and clear signs of our resurrection faith. The spirit of that Hawaiian couple lives on in all whom they have taught. And who knows what plans God has in store for the good folk of First Church in Pittsfield?
In both stories, there is recognition of all they have birthed, and the promise that God is not done with us yet, though our abilities are changing.
We are yet called to tell the stories we have been taught and to live out the ethic that couple tried to imbue in every one of us: Care for the land where you are. Do your best to help your communities. Love one another.
It’s not too far a lesson from Jesus saying:
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. …I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.
(John 13: 4, 34)
May you come to table this Thanksgiving remembering the host of saints who have come before you, and may they gather with you in spirit and flesh. And may we all be reminded to care for the land in ways that honor those whose land it was when the settlers came.
Thanksgiving Blessings,
Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa
Area Conference Minister, NW Region
ogawaty@sneucc.org
508-782-8593
One to One conversations with Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa
The Rev. Ogawa will be resuming her bi-weekly coffee house hours to meet with clergy for 30 minutes on the first and third Wednesday afternoons. These can be scheduled by clicking here. Please contact her Program Support Associate, Deb Holmes if you have questions or problems signing up for a meeting.
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ASSOCIATION & CHURCH EVENTS
(Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Litchfield North)
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HOLIDAY FAIR - FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF LEE. Saturday, Dec. 4th, 9A-3P; Free. Price-friendly handcrafted items, wreaths, Santa's attic, baked goods, nearly new shop, gourmet meals-to-go, jams, jellies & much more! We are following Covid protocols; masks required, please. (413) 243-1033, ucc-lee.org.
Installation of Rev. Lindsey Peterson
South Congregational Church
45 Maple Street
Springfield, MA 01105-1874
December 5th at 3:30PM
Please click here for more information.
Do we have your church leaders listed correctly?
Please have your church administrator (or whoever handles your church's email account) visit the Church Dashboard (part of the Southern New England Conference's data base) to make sure we're connecting with all the current leaders in your church.
Do you have questions about Proportional Giving (PG) – the new means by which we are asking churches to support the work of the Conference and the national setting?
.Proportional Giving webpage to register or to reach out to get answers to questions you may have. You can also visit the SNEUCC's David C-BGone are the days of Conference Dues, OCWM Basic Support, United Church Mission, and invoices for Conference Dues. Rev. Dr. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, Director of Stewardship & Donor Relations, will be hosting a webinar on this topic on four different dates: at 7:00 p.m. on Oct. 6, 12, 28, and Nov. 3. These webinars will explain what PG is, how to calculate it, and what it supports, and point to additional resources. Please contact
Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations
“The topics Jim Elrod addresses [in his book] are challenging, and the insights fresh and timely,…while his words are understandable and approachable. Financial sustainability is not easy or simple, but it need not be mysterious or overwhelming. This book would be a great group-read for congregational leaders and their pastors so that all can face their community’s financial futures together and unafraid.” – Sarah Birmingham Drummond, Dean, Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School.
David C-B is looking for volunteers who would like to take Dean Drummond up on her suggestion and participate in a group-read of Jim Elrod’s new book, Creating Financially Sustainable Congregations.
The group will meet via Zoom for four sessions, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., on the following dates and discuss these pages each session: Oct. 7 (pp. 1 – 36), Oct. 21 (pp. 37 – 60), Nov. 4 (pp. 61 – 88), and Nov. 18 (pp. 89 – 111).
Here is a link to more info. about the book, its cost, and options for ordering it. If you are interested in joining a discussion of this book, please reach out to David C-B.
Also, please note the following opportunities from Rev. Andrew Warner, Generosity Outreach Officer, at our national setting in an effort to promote good stewardship practices.
Congregational Economic Evaluation Tool
The survey helps leaders compare their stewardship and financial practices to other faith communities and to identify best practices they can implement. The survey is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HFCLWM3.
Explore another facet of becoming a welcoming congregation...
W.I.S.E. ( Welcoming. Inclusive. Supportive. Engaged) is a U.C.C. initiative to
acknowledge and breakdown the stigma attached to people with emotional or
mental challenges and to welcome them into worship.
To forward this initiative I am offering to come to your church and to give a biblically based sermon on the historic and current stigma of mental/emotional illness, how we welcome or do not welcome people with these challenges into the pews, and a brief overview of W.I.S.E..
If you are interested in my coming to your church to give this sermon and/or if you have any questions please feel free to be in touch by phone or email.
Blessings,
Belle Fox-Martin, UCCLM
Contact Belle via email: bfoxm@roadrunner.com or phone: 413-298-0673
Monthly 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 monthly vigil for Racial Justice. The vigils take place the first Saturday from 10:00 - 10:30 AM and will be earmarked with the ringing of the church bell. Bringing a sign is also encouraged!
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.
CONFERENCE & REGIONAL EVENTS/INFORMATION
Please go to sneucc.org/events to see all posted events |
Refugee Resettlement Grants Available
The Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Task Team of the Southern New England Conference of the UCC has announced a small grant opportunity for UCC churches in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut that are working to sponsor refugee families and are helping them to resettle in the United States. This grant opportunity is initiated in response specifically to the resettlement of people from Afghanistan; however, it is open to congregations who are sponsoring refugees from any country. Learn more here.
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Afghan Refugee Support: Churches Encouraged to Work Together
There are currently 55,600 Afghans awaiting new homes in the United States, with a predicted 30,000 more due to arrive by the end of the year. Some of these individuals and families have and will continue to arrive in the SNEUCC area. Assistance will be needed for weeks and months to come.
The Southern New England Conference plans to offer additional information and resource sessions for our congregation. In addition, we are offering better staffing to support congregations, resettlement agencies, and, ultimately, our new neighbors. Read more here.
November Covid Update for Churches: Singing!
As congregations across the Southern New England Conference return to varying levels of in-person worship, laments are rising, becoming louder: We want to sing!
Some have thrown open the doors, gathering, and singing together, while others are remaining online only. The difference lies in the details. Church leadership chooses what is best for each individual congregation, often weighing factors such as: the community transmission rate, hospitalization numbers, death rate, vaccination status, congregation or community vulnerability and risk tolerance.
While Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island all have vaccination rates above 80%, transmission rates remain substantial to high and the CDC recommends all people wear masks when taking part in indoor gatherings.
Click here to read more.
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SAVE THE DATE
Super Saturday
Keefe Technical High School
750 Winter Street
Framingham, MA 01702
Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
We are pleased to announce that Super Saturday will be Hybrid.
What does hybrid mean? Hybrid will be a variety of workshops that are in-person, virtual and a combination of both.
Workshop Proposals are being accepted until December 31, 2021.
To submit a proposal: Workshop Proposal Form
Please contact Andrea Bellarosa - bellarosaa@sneucc.org with any questions.
Observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 17, 2022 at 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Join us for a time of worship, reflection, and facilitated conversation led by one of the 2022 SNEUCC Theologians in Residence, Rev. Dr. Diane Schmitz. Let us honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. of Martin Luther King, Jr. by rededicating ourselves to building up the beloved community. Click here for more information.
Sunday after Christmas Worship
Although the Conference has not created a new service this year, you are welcome to use parts or all of the service from last Christmas. You can find those videos here.
Dec. 27 Worship Service Available in Downloadable Video - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org)
Pastoral Counseling Programs Available to
Authorized Ministers
Ministry is a demanding profession. The great and small stresses of life and the give and take of parish ministry can be challenging. The Southern New England Conference is committed to the well-being of its Authorized Minsters and to providing support for those who provide leadership to the church. Thanks to the generosity of historic benefactors, we are able to provide Authorized Ministers with standing in an Association of the Southern New England Conference, and their spouses/life partners/significant others, with a short-term, three-session consultation for stabilization and referral. Please click here to learn more.
UCC Counsel Urges Caution Regarding Boy Scout Charters
United Church of Christ General Counsel Heather Kimmel is advising that churches speak to an attorney before taking any action regarding Boy Scouts of America charter agreements or renewals in light of the BSA’s bankruptcy filing.
Kimmel said churches that are chartering organizations are receiving documents related to the Chapter 11 plan which gives several opt-in choices and an opt-out choice.
“Each choice involves waivers of important rights,” Kimmel said. “A local church that is a chartering organization should consult with its attorney to carefully review its options in the context of its history with BSA and knowledge of potential abuse claims for the best advice on how to proceed. I cannot advise local churches individually on this issue.” Click here to read more.
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.
Every other Tuesday at 11am, and alternate Tuesday evenings at 7pm 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.
UCC History and Polity Course offered via Zoom
Beginning on February 11th until April 1st. The class is live on Zoom from 2:00PM - 5:00PM eastern time, this runs for 8 Fridays. The cost is $150.00 plus books.
Please click here for more information.
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CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP
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Save the Date!
Small Church Summit
Date: Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022
Location: Edward's House, Framingham, MA
Small churches will gather both in person (at Edwards House in Framingham) and via Zoom to explore creative ways to not just survive, but to thrive as a small congregation. Contact Center for Transformational Leadership for details.
We have recently launched our new website: The Center for Transformational Leadership - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org) to make it easy for you to access the resources you need to do the transformative work you and your congregations are called to do!
The Center for Transformational Leadership was created to equip clergy and lay leaders, congregations, and covenantal partners of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ with resources, tools, and support to do the transformative ministry they are called to do in the church, local community, and the world. To learn more, contact:
Clergy Renewal Programs
National and Indiana Clergy Renewal Programs provide an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.
Details and application materials for the 2022 programs are now available. Eligible congregations will be able to apply for grants of up to $50,000 each to support a renewal program for their pastor. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used for congregational expenses associated with the renewal program.
Applications are open now through April 27, 2022
Newsletter Article: CTS Clergy Renewal Program - Christian Theological Seminary (cts.edu)
Homepage: Clergy Renewal - Christian Theological Seminary (cts.edu)
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DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE
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Ending the HIV Epidemic: Equitable Access, Everyone's Voice
Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 at 12:00pm via Zoom
Join us for a noontime online prayer vigil of readings and music.
This World AIDS Day, UNAIDS is highlighting the urgent need to end the inequalities that drive AIDS and other pandemics around the world.
Without bold action against inequalities, the world risks missing the targets to end AIDS by 2030, as well as a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and a spiralling social and economic crisis. Register here
Tuesdays (November 30th, 2021 to December 21st, 2021) from 9:00am to 9:45am
Join us on Zoom each Tuesday during Advent to pray, rest, and reflect. We will follow the Restful Advent Devotional developed by Rev. Emma Brewer Wallin, Minister of Environmental and Economic Justice. Register here
Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm via Zoom
This one hour info session will provide orientation to Abuse Prevention Resources from the UCC Insurance Board. Pastors, Deacons, Faith Formation leaders, Trustees, and HR Committee members are encouraged to attend. Debby Kirk, Faith Formation team leader will provide an orientation to the materials. Sample templates for policies, background checks and screening, as well as training programs for teachers and volunteers will be reviewed. Register here
This program will also be held on Wednesday, January 7th, 2022 at 7:00pm.
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Visit the Faith Formation webpage for more information.
The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with the following sites:
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA
Edwards House offers fully-equipped meeting space for working gatherings both large and small as well as a warm, intimate setting for small overnight retreats.
Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI
Nestled in the northwest corner of Rhode Island and where you can still see the stars at night, Irons Homestead offers religious and educational groups a sacred space to lean into nature and connect more deeply with God and one another.
Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA
This is a traditional summer day camp with over 50 years of experience in providing children safe, summer fun. PDC is located on 113 acres of sprawling fields and woods at the SNEUCC Framingham property. The camp ensures fun, and emphasizes a warm welcome for each child, care for the natural world, and respect for the differences among us.
Silver Lake Conference Center, Sharon, CT.
With more than 60 acres of wooded land on lakeside shores, Silver Lake offers many opportunities for young people to take risks and try new things with the support of an intentional Christian community.
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ACTIVE FOOD PANTRIES AND OUTREACH MEALS
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The attached list is an updated list of churches in the Northwest 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. Northwest Region List.
Pictured are members of Trinity Church Shelburne Falls.
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Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Transitions.
November Anniversaries
10 Years
The Rev. Vanessa Cardinale
The Rev. Brent Damrow
Please contact Deb Holmes if we have missed your anniversary.
Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5.
Happy Thanksgiving Week!
This year the churches in West County made a Thanksgiving video featuring clergy and lay members and singers/musicians from all our churches. The message is a lovely testimony to our relationships with each other. We are asking for donations to a Western Mass relief agency that is working closely with Afghan refugees. The information is at the end of the video. Please consider giving. You can send your donations directly or bring checks to church on Sunday to put them in our offering plate or any day after and we will forward them on. Write checks out to Ascentria Care Alliance.
Once again, Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Here is the video link- we turned it into a Trinity Church YouTube.
https://youtu.be/kcVe_btstvM
Submitted by Rev. Marguerite Sheehan, Pastor of Shelburne Falls
If your church is celebrating a mile anniversary please let Deb Holmes know so that entire North Central Region can celebrate with you!
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Please click here to see all of the obituary listings.
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Church Administrator - Amherst, MA
Organist/Choir Accompanist - Ashfield, MA
Pilgrim Hymnals - Northampton
Music Director - Woodstock, CT
Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Classifieds.
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