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September 16, 2022
Clergy Coffee and Conversation
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Join us for Clergy Coffee
and Conversation
Thursdays at 10:00am here.
Regional News and Association Events
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Save the date! The Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim and Rhode Island Associations are inviting everyone in the SNEUCC to an evening with Diana Butler Bass. Come discover the new and unfolding biblical scholarship about Mary Magdalene! On October 12th at 8pm (via zoom), Diana will share with us this revelatory material that captures the imagination. Diana will unpack texts that are familiar to all of us and open the door to interpretations and scholarship that have just recently been discovered. Mary Magdalene might better be known as Mary the Tower. Join us for this opportunity to hear the good news with a twist that will speak to your own spiritual longing and help you connect more deeply with the word of God. The session will go from 8:00 to 8:45 and then there will be approximately 30 minutes for questions and conversation. More information to come.
Barnstable Association
Congratulations to The Federated Church of Orleans on their recent vote to become WISE, as they have a long history of supporting those with mental health challenges. For over eighteen years, the church has offered space in their building to a local National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) support group who meets there weekly. The church offers space for AA to meet as well, and they have financially supported “Sharing Kindness,” a local nonprofit who provides suicide prevention, mental health education, and grief support programs on the Cape & Islands. In addition, the church owns a group home, named Emmaus House, in Orleans for six adult men with mental health challenges as they transition to independent living in the community. Read the full press release here.
Save the date! An Evening with don Jose Ruiz, Tuesday, October 25 | 7:00pm at First Church Sandwich, UCC, 136 Main Street, Sandwich. EARLY BIRD SPECIAL! Purchase your ticket by September 30th and SAVE $10! Click here for the flyer.
Barnstable Association Clergy are reminded to complete the Annual Clergy Information Review form. Please contact Rev. Jennie Valentine with any questions.
Old Colony Association
Old Colony Association Clergy are reminded to complete the Annual Clergy Information Review form. Please contact Rev. Dr. Virginia Child with any questions.
Pilgrim Association
Save the date for a special day long Celebration of 400+ years of service at the Church of the Pilgrimage on Oct.30th featuring Special Guest Speaker, Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ and a concert of The Pilgrim Canticle, with special musical pieces, each introduced with the words of William Bradford (at 3:30pm, tickets here). More information and flyers here.
Rhode Island Association
Moosup Valley Congregational Church presents Concert in the Valley, Sept. 17th from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. See flyer here.
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Conference and Partner Events
To see all upcoming events, go to the SNEUCC calendar here.
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The Rev. Dr. Chris S. Davies has been selected as the new Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives for the Southern New England Conference effective November 1, 2022. Davies, an ordained UCC minister who has Connecticut roots, and has served at the UCC's national setting as the Team Leader of Faith Education, Innovation, and Formation, Justice and Local Church Ministries, will report directly to Executive Conference Minister The Rev. Darrell Goodwin. Read more here.
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Rev. Elizabeth Garrigan-Byerly has been promoted to the role of Executive Minister for Area Conference Ministry beginning November 1, 2022. She has served as the Area Conference Minister (ACM) for the North Central Region since January, 2021, assisting approximately 103 churches in the Central MA and Windham Associations. Read more here.
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Date: September 20, 2022
Time: 2:00 p.m. EDT - 3:00 p.m. EDT
Register: HERE
In support of National Preparedness Month and the Protecting Places of Worship National Week of Action, the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships and DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency are co-hosting this webinar for state, local, tribal, and territorial government partners, first responders and faith-based and community leaders on local and statewide partnership models that promote safety and security for places of worship and community spaces.
Date: September 21, 2022
Time: 2:00 p.m. EDT - 3:00 p.m. EDT
In support of National Preparedness Month’s Protecting Places of Worship National Week of Action and with several upcoming religious holidays, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), DHS Office of Partnership and Engagement, DHS Intelligence and Analysis, in partnership with the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, invites you to a webinar for the faith-based community as part of the “Protecting Places of Worship National Week of Action.” This webinar will provide participants with an actionable framework to enhance security in places of worship in a manner that sustains an open and welcoming environment for patrons to peaceably worship. It will also include a briefing based on the National Terrorism Advisory System Bulletin - June 7, 2022 | Homeland Security (dhs.gov)
Saturday, September 24, 2022,
9 AM - 4:30 PM
First Church of Christ, Congregational in Glastonbury, CT
The 2022 Justice Summit is a one-day event hosted by the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ to inform, engage, and offer opportunities for connection among people interested in issues of social justice.
This year's Justice Summit will focus on racial justice.
For Such a Time: To Confront, Connect, and Create at the Intersection of Race and Gender, A Clergywomen’s* Leadership Event of the Antoinette Brown Society
The UCC Clergywomen’s Leadership Event has been postponed at least twice during the pandemic, and we are excited to be offering the event this September 27-29 in Decatur, GA. “For Such a Time: To Confront, Connect, and Create at the Intersection of Race and Gender” is open to authorized clergywomen* in the United Church of Christ. Registration is now open for the in-person and online gathering. (* This invitation is expansive to include all cis and trans women as well as non-binary people comfortable in a space that centers the experiences of women.)
Clergy Boundary Awareness Training: Clergy Health and Wellness
September 22, 2022 at 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Online
Participants will focus on several key areas for balance and wellbeing in their ministry. Register here.
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.
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Opportunities & Resources
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Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Ministry
Applications for the 2022-2023 cohort of the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Ministry, a creative alliance of Syracuse University and Le Moyne College that offers a distinctive setting to form leaders that are empowered to thrive within challenging times are available.
The “Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Ministry” (FELM) provides leaders with a distinctive platform to spark renewal and transformation for mission-driven faith communities and to form leaders that are empowered to thrive within these challenging times. This program – which is free of charge and open to clergy and lay leaders of all ages and experience levels – is ideal for those who seek change in their organizations.
To learn more and apply use this link. Application deadline of September 26th. If you have any questions, email bkonkol@syr.edu.
Conference, First Somerville launch Queer Pastoral Residency
The Southern New England Conference and First Church Somerville (MA) begin accepting applications today for the new Queer Pastoral Residency, a pilot initiative that will provide a “first call” opportunity for an LGBTQIA+ (queer) ordination candidate.
The resident will serve three-quarter time at First Church Somerville and one-quarter time with the Conference. The congregation and Conference are jointly funding the position.
“I could not be more delighted about the launch of this innovative program,” said Rev. James D. Ross II, SNEUCC Minister for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “Both the Southern New England Conference and First Somerville will meet critically important staffing needs as we simultaneously expand our welcome and diversity. I believe this will move us closer to who we seek to be and is an invitation to us all to be transformed as the pastor called to this position lives into their call in supportive, affirming environments.” Click here to read and learn more.
The Environmental Ministries Team has developed resources to mobilize congregations through the 2022 Faith Matters Voting Challenge. We have partnered with the Environmental Voter Project (EVP) to promote the SNEUCC Creation Care Voter Pledge and put love into action for every living creature and for every economically or racially marginalized community that suffers from environmental harm. For more information and resources, visit www.sneucc.org/faith-matters-voting-challenge While you are there, check out our Green Congregation Challenge, a step-by-step approach that helps houses of worship take small, but consequential, steps towards protecting God’s Creation www.sneucc.org/green-congregation-challenge.
What is a WISE Congregation? A WISE congregation has joined the mission to being Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in the Mental Health of the community and the wider world.
Learn more here: www.mhn-ucc.org.
Conference Launches Justice Leadership Program
If you feel called to work for justice or are eager to integrate faith and justice work into your life in meaningful and transformative ways, apply now for the Southern New England cohort of the Jubilee program, which will launch this fall.
Read more about this program here.
Register your group for a facilitated retreat in 2022-2023! Chose from seven dates and three great locations. |
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Lunch and Learn for Leaders 2022-2023 is a monthly series hosted by the Center for Transformational Leadership. Every third Thursday, join us at noon for an hour-long session of learning and discussion. Each month we will offer a bite-size opportunity to learn valuable concepts and practices from a subject expert. Our wide-ranging topics are relevant to areas of mission and ministry that you, our authorized ministers and lay leaders, have indicated are timely for your congregations.
October 20 - Coaching Services: Are you or your church envisioning something new?
Session Presenter: Rev. Heather Ramsey Mabrouk, Director for the Center for Transformational Leadership and Program Director for Together We Thrive, an ecumenical initiative funded by the Lilly Endowment.
November 17 - Introduction to Christian Contemplative Practices: What does “contemplation” mean?
Session Presenter: Rev. Matt Carriker, Agape Spiritual Community
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The PATHWAYS Theological Education Board of Directors invites all questioning, curious people of faith
to join us for our 6-week courses beginning Fall I (mid-August) and Fall II (beginning late September) (see website for details and registration links). The 12-week UCC Polity course runs three times a year next beginning January 11 and May 17.
Enroll now at PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc.
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Home Grown Faith Formation Leaders
In conversation with pastors and in looking over the current classified listings on the SNEUCC webpage, I notice that many congregations are seeking faith formation leaders for children, youth, and/or families. The majority of these positions are half time or less, partly due to budget constraints and partly as a reflection of the numbers of children involved. It is also true that there is not a pool of leaders poised to apply for these openings. These realities call us to think creatively about how to staff this important ministry.
Instead of waiting for a veteran candidate to apply, why not cultivate one who may already be planted in your own backyard? We often look outside our church family for staffing, but many of our most creative and passionate leaders grew out of their own local church setting. You may be able to identify someone in your congregation who has heart for children, a mature faith, and willingness to learn. With encouragement and accompaniment, a homegrown leader can have a powerful impact on your ministry. Click here to read and learn more.
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Faith Formation Leadership Program Now Completely Online
The Southern New England Conference’s Faith Formation Leadership Program is undergoing similar types of shifts and changes as are happening in the church. Recently the decision has been made to offer this program completely online. Read more here.
The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with these sites:
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA
Irons Homestead, Gloucester, RI
Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA
Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Sharon, CT.
You are doing great ministry! Let us help make sure others know about it. Tell us about your stories, news and event information. Don’t be modest! We’re waiting to hear from you. Email Lynn at varneyl@sneucc.org.
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.
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SNEUCC Classifieds
Area Conference Minister, Southern New England Conference - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org)
Development Officer, Southern New England Conference
Full Time Children and Youth Ministries, Little Compton, RI
Queer Pastoral Residency Program, Somerville, MA
This week we pray for:
First Congregational Church, Harwich: Rev. Susan Thomas
First Congregational Church, North Attleboro: Rev. Kelly Thibault
First Congregational Church, UCC, Whitman: Rev. Scott Wasdin
First Congregational Church, UCC, Bristol, RI:
Rev. Deborah Breault
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Temporary Ministerial Coverage
If you are interested in providing Temporary Ministerial Coverage to churches in the Southeast Region (Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim and Rhode Island Associations) please contact Jill Ford at fordj@sneucc.org. We have updated the process and expanded coverage. Ministers can choose what length of time they can provide local churches. Thank you for being available for this important service to congregations!
UCC Opportunities
Find opportunities online.
Search by keyword, Conference, or type of position:
Volunteer - Missionary - Musician - Summer camp staff - Pastorate - Chaplaincy. The Spirit moves in many directions!
Take a look!
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This is an edition of the Southeast Region (including the Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim and Rhode Island Associations) E-Newsletter that will be sent every other week.
If you would like to unsubscribe or change your email preferences, please visit this link and enter your email address.
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Southeast Region ~ Area Conference Minister,
Rev. Dr. Patty Kogut
Associations:
Barnstable, Old Colony, Pilgrim, Rhode Island
kogutp@sneucc.org
New #: 508-244-4416
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