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THE PANDEMIC'S IMPACT ON CHURCHES: What the Data Show Thus Far
Monday, June 27th from 7:00-8:30 PM
This webinar will be led by Scott Thumma, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology of Religion and Director of the Hartford Institute for Religion Research, and guests. The webinar will report new findings from three recent surveys (from August 2021, December 2021 and March 2022) of 5000 churches about how they and their clergy are faring and the challenges and possibilities facing faith communities. It will provide an overview of a Lilly Endowment-funded research project led by Hartford Institute for Religion Research to track what the next five years will look like for faith communities, their leaders, and members with a particular emphasis on changes in attendance on the pastoral role and member engagement.
2022 Justice Summit
September 24, 2022 at 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Join other SNEC members, authorized ministers, and partners at the 2022 Justice Summit, a one-day in-person gathering focused on devising strategies to confront racial inequity in local congregations and communities.
The Justice Summit will include worship components, workshops, and a lunch time plenary discussion between 2022 SNEC Theologians in Virtual Residence Rev. Dr. Diane Schmitz and Bishop Yvette Flunder.
Morning workshops will center on current and emerging issues of racial justice identified as priorities by SNEC members and congregations. Attendees will bring together their knowledge and experience to work on a plan for addressing each specific issue. Morning workshops also will include resource people who can share professional or other expertise with participants as needed and appropriate. Afternoon sessions will focus on sustaining the work. Lunch and coffee/tea are included.
How to Recognize and Deal with Church Bullies - A PRC Webinar
Jul 26, 2022 @ 7:00 PM
Have you ever wanted to be a David to someone else’s Goliath? What if you could deal with church bullies without ever slinging a stone? You can!
In the church, bullies can look spiritual. They also may be serving a very unique function in the life of the congregation. In many churches, there are individuals or groups who pose a rather unique challenge to the multiplying movement of God’s mission. While some of those persons are simply reacting with anxiety to changes implemented by leaders, others may have a more defined plan to sabotage any idea that does not originate with them. Still others may have an even more sinister plot in mind to undermine anything that is holy and mission focused. At any given time, but especially during seasons of transition, those persons or groups will exert their influence in order to challenge or thwart what God is birthing in the congregation. And they will use any tactics necessary to accomplish their goals.
Sharing insights from over thirty-four years of full-time pastoral ministry, as well as content from his newly released book, Mission Rift: Leading through Church Conflict, Dr. Woolverton will explore how to recognize, assess, and respond to church “bullies” and the closed power systems that they represent.
Presenter: David E. Woolverton has been a pastor for over 34 years -- serving churches facing turn-around ministry situations. He has a doctorate in Conflict Leadership and has had intensive clinical training in hospital chaplaincy. He is an affiliate professor at both Evangelical Theological Seminary, Myerstown, PA and Kairos University, Sioux Falls, SD. David is a sought-after workshop leader and church consultant in conflict leadership and transitions.
How Broad-Based Community Organizing Might Transform the Church - A PRC Webinar
Jul 28, 2022 @ 2:00 PM
Broad Based Community Organizing is essential for faith communities. Learn how this sacred practice can connect congregations to the local community and transform the church, the community, and the individual.
Presenters: Rev. Katrina Pekich-Bundy is the head minister of First Presbyterian Church of Alma, MI and the Associate Protestant Chaplain at Alma College.
Shani E. McIlwain is a sought-after speaker, pulpit supply preacher, retreat leader, Vice Moderator of National Capital Presbytery, and Ruling Elder at Faith Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) in Washington, DC. She serves on the NEXT Church strategy team, works as a group facilitator and an executive coach, leading individuals and groups in faithful and transparent conversations about dismantling racism and white supremacy.
Chris Dela Cruz is the Associate Pastor of Youth, Young Adults, and Community Engagement at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland, OR. His background includes newspaper journalism, youth and college ministry, and community organizing in New York City, where he organized with Queens Power (IAF). He is an adjunct professor with Warner Pacific University and on the strategy team of Next Church.
New Life for Old Church Buildings
- A PRC Webinar
Sep 20, 2022 @ 2:00 PM
This webinar is for those who are discerning whether their church building and property no longer meet the needs of their congregations or the limits of their bank accounts. We will discuss how to assess options for re-imagining and re-purposing empty space and ensuring that your building and property continue to serve the mission and vision of your congregation in your community.
Presenter: The Rev. Dr. Rochelle A. Stackhouse (Shelly) has served for 40 years as an ordained pastor at UCC congregations in 6 states, as well as teaching preaching, worship, and practical theology at several seminaries. She currently works as Senior Director of Programs at Partners for Sacred Places, a national non-profit dedicated to the sound stewardship and community use of older and historic sacred places.
CONTACT US
We invite you to explore our website: The Center for Transformational Leadership - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org/transform). There, you will find easy access to 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:
Interim Director – Rev. Heather Ramsey Mabrouk, ramsey-mabroukh@sneucc.org
Assistant Director – Karen Ziel, zielk@sneucc.org
Program Support Associate - Elisa Wilson wilsone@sneucc.org
As a participating leader in the Southern New England Conference, you have been added to the subscription list for this newsletter. If you would rather not receive it, or otherwise wish to change your email preferences, please visit: sneucc.org/subscribe.
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