May 26, 2022

Dear Partners in Ministry,
 
**I wrote what is below before the horrific news of yet another mass shooting. Yesterday, Rev. Goodwin offered a pastoral and prophetic word, and Emma Brewer-Wallin and I offered suggestions on how to respond with the love and justice of Jesus, which you can find both videos and links to resources here.**
 
Visiting a local church this past Sunday, I spoke with a church member about the Conference Annual Meeting. For over a decade, she was a delegate for her church and she was downright exuberant in her love of Annual Meeting. She loved the fellowship, seeing the resolution process unfold, experiencing moving worship, and the sense of being part of something bigger. Her health has kept her from being a delegate lately, so when I told her this year’s was virtual and she could attend, even as a guest, she lit up even more!
 
I know that many are sad, even frustrated, that Annual Meeting is once again virtual. We are itching to gather in person; we’re tired of sitting in front of our computers; we’d rather just wait until things go back to the way they were. Friends, we have to stop waiting for that; it simply is not going to happen, and in the meantime, we miss out on all the ways God’s Spirit is stirring in this new reality. I also know that it is a busy weekend with many important events. In my own community, there is a pride parade, a multicultural festival and a Juneteenth celebration. There is also the Poor People’s Campaign for Moral March on Washington (there will be a lunchtime gathering to participate virtually).
 
I encourage you, even challenge you, to be inspired by our elder and light up at the opportunity to attend Annual Meeting this year! Join us for fellowship, for moving worship, for an inspiring keynote speaker, for meaningful small group conversations, for the experience of being the Body of Christ. This annual meeting is focused on the local church and I am sure there will be something of meaning and value for everyone who attends.
 
I want to highlight a few other ways to be engaged as the Body of Christ:
 
Silver Lake is a special place, where generations of children and youth have grown in their Christian faith. And it’s not possible without the support of a lot of staff and volunteers. Silver Lake is still looking for both. Know of a young person with energy and creativity and a desire to be part of a community this summer? Or a teacher who is eager to inspire youth in nature and Christian community? Or perhaps you want to volunteer but only have a day or week to give; there are plenty of ways you can contribute! Please take a look at the opportunities, and share them with others.
 
The Invitational, Inspirational, Improvisational Pentecostal Preaching Festival will return to Central Village Congregational UCC (33 Main St., Plainfield, CT) on June 5th at 2 p.m. Featured preachers are Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Executive Conference Minister, Southern New England Conference, The Rev. Dr. Sue Foster, Pastor, East Woodstock Congregational UCC, and Rev. Timoth Sylvia, Newman Congregational Church, UCC Rumford, RI. In between will be inspiring music.
 
In faith,

Rev. Elizabeth Garrigan-Byerly (she/her)
Area Conference Minister, North Central Region
(Central, MA & Windham, CT Associations)
Cell: 508-244-4311

Special Announcements:

Installation Postponed

The Installation of Rev. Becca Lockwood at First Parish Westford has been postponed from this Sunday, May 1, to Sunday, June 5th, 3pm, due to Covid infections. We give thanks that symptoms are mild and that all are flexible. This installation will be a wonderful way to celebrate Pentecost!

A Word about Proportional Giving

You’ve probably heard me say before that what binds us together as a denomination is covenant, not creed or practice or structure but sacred relationship and commitment. I give thanks to God for the strength of our covenantal bonds and partnerships. Every conversation or meeting I have with individual churches or pastors is buttressed by our covenantal bonds and indeed would not be possible without them.
 
Proportional Giving is one of the key ways we express that covenant. Each church recently received a letter about PR from the Rev. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations. I want to personally thank you for your covenantal commitment to the work of the wider church through PG; it is essential to all the transformative things the conference is able to do. I hope you will make time to prayerfully consider how your church can be in covenant by contributing to Proportional Giving.

Connect with your ACM

Worship Visits
I am eager to join you in worship (I can preach or simply bring greetings from the Conference; whatever is best for the church). My Sunday schedule is currently booked through June. If you’d like to schedule something for the summer or fall, please reach out directly to Liz via email.
 
The North Central Clergy Gathering
2^nd Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm; Zoom link is the same every month and a reminder email is sent with the link each month
 
These gatherings are for all authorized ministers, whatever your ministry setting. We usually start with a devotion and move into a time of sharing, letting the Spirit guide our conversations. Sometimes we have a guest who leads us in conversation. We always close with a time of intercessory prayer. Join us!
 
June 14^th ~ Open sharing
 
July 12^th ~ Open sharing or TBD
 
August 9^th ~ Cancelled; summer break

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. If you have difficulty logging into your account please contact Nancy Stubbs at stubbsn@sneucc.org.

Date Change!

Rev. Becca Lockwood ~ Installation 
Sunday, June 5, 2022
First Parish Church United
48 Main Street
Westford, MA 01886
3:00PM

WINDHAM ASSOCIATION, SNEUCC

To the Churches, Clergy, and Delegates of the Windham Association:
You are called to gather for the
ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING
Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 5:00 pm
at the First Church of Christ in Mansfield
549 Storrs Rd, Mansfield Center, CT 
Please affirm our covenantal relationship by planning to attend. 
DINNER WILL BE POTLUCK. Bring a dish to share.
During the meal we will address the business of the Association.
We will adjourn in time to participate in the program below.

The First Church of Christ in Mansfield
with support from
The Windham Association, SNEUCC 
are excited to host a program featuring Professor Amy-Jill Levine entitled
"Understanding Jesus Means Understanding Judaism" 
Thursday, June 16, 2022, at 6:30 pm 
Dr. Levine is the Mary Jane Werthan University Professor of Jewish Studies and University Professor of New Testament Studies, Emerita
Her bio may be found here
Flyers to share

 Collections for Ukraine

Quarterly Racial Justice Training for all: October 22, 2022 Both clergy and lay people are welcome to join us for this 3-1/2 hour, on-line racial justice training facilitated by Rev. James D. Ross II, Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  This session will take place: October 22: 8:30AM -12:00PM Sessions are being offered via Zoom. The cost to attend is $10. Scholarships are available; contact Karen Methot.  Please click here to register.

The Center for Transformational Leadership is thrilled to offer a new morning book group! Beginning in May, on the second Wednesday of each month, members of the book group will come together via Zoom to explore the theme of faithful change leadership through three books: Joining God in the Great Unraveling by Alan Roxburgh The Innovative Church by Scott Cormode Another Way: Living and Leading Change on-Purpose by Stephen Lewis, Matthew Williams, and Dori Baker Discussions to be held May 11, June 8, July 13, between 7:15-8:30 a.m. over Zoom.  Accepting Registrations now.

DISCIPLESHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT A GLANCE  Re-Imagining Faith Formation: A Holistic Vision and Approach Are you spinning your wheels in your faith formation efforts? Feeling stuck or tired after countless pandemic pivots?  Wondering about next steps and how to plan for fall? Come and hear how one church overcame roadblocks, embraced the opportunities presented by the pandemic, and re-imagined a holistic vision for faith formation.  Patricia Berry, Minister of Faith Formation and members of her team at United Congregational Church will outline the ways their congregation is living out a life-giving ministry model based on a grassroots process, shared power, and a theology of abundance. This workshop will discuss practical tools such as deep listening, identifying gifts and passions in the congregation, and alternative metrics.   You'll gain insights for building intergenerational relationships and re-visioning a faith formation ministry that is led by the Holy Spirit.    This 90 minute zoom workshop is for clergy, faith formation leaders, and the teams which support children and family ministries. Click here to register. Visit the Faith Formation webpage for more information.   OUTDOOR MINISTRIES & MISSION OPPORTUNITIES The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with the following sites: Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA Irons Homestead, Glocester, RI     Fueling Inclusion, Voice, and Opportunity for All WAMS Works with individuals and community partners to inspire economic and education equity through social change. Click here to learn more about WAMS.  Worcester Fellowship Please check their website for updated information.   TEMPORARY MINISTERIAL COVERAGE LIST   Temporary Ministerial Coverage List replaces the Pulpit Supply List. The Southern New England Conference has moved from a "pulpit supply list" to a new Temporary Ministerial Coverage List. The list contains Clergy and Lay people that are interested in providing Sunday Supply, Sabbatical Coverage, and Bridge Coverage. All the people included on the list have had a Criminal Background Check and are being required to have Boundary Awareness Training as well as Racial Justice Training.  If your church is in need of a new list please reach out the Program Support Associate for your Region: North Central & Northwest Regions: Deb Holmes, holmesd@sneucc.org South Central & Southwest Regions: Roz Hooks: Hooksr@sneucc.org Northeast & Southeast Regions: Lynn Varney: Varneyl@sneucc.org If you are interested in being included on the new Temporary Ministerial Coverage List please contact Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org. ACTIVE FOOD PANTRIES AND OUTREACH MEALS The attached list is an updated list of churches in the North Central 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. North Central Region List. TRANSITIONS Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Transitions. CELEBRATIONS May Ordination Anniversaries 45 Years The Rev. Dr. Alexander Hunter 10 Years The Rev. Ruth Richards 5 Years The Rev. Amy Lunde-Whitler    Please contact Deb Holmes if we have missed your anniversary. Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5. If your church is celebrating a mile anniversary please let Deb Holmes know so that entire North Central Region can celebrate with you! OBITUARIES   Please click here to view all SNEUCC obituaries.    CLASSIFIEDS   Bridge Pastor, Harvard, MA Church Office Administrator, Natick, MA Bridge Pastor, Storrs, CT Director of Faith Formation and Christian Education, Westborough, MA Please click here to view all SNEUCC Classifieds   ASSOCIATION MEETING INFORMATION     Central MA Association Meeting Information: The Committee on Authorized Ministry: Third Thursday of the month at 9:30 AM. The Board of Director's: Third Thursday of the month at 2:30 PM Windham Association Meeting Information: Monthly Council meeting: First Tuesday of the month from 9:30AM to 11:30AM. via Zoom.