Note: This newsletter is being edited by Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane while Tiffany Vail is on sabbatical.

1

Justice Summit was Pure Fire! 

Rev. Darrell Goodwin moderates plenary with Bishop Yvette Flunder and Diane Schmitz

James Ross, Minister for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, writes about the September hybrid Racial Justice event: "If you attended, either in person or online, I trust that you left with new stories, inspiration, ideas and concepts, and contacts with others who are committed to this work."

Ross reports on the powerful worship services, including a scene-setting, challenging, inspiring morning sermon, the stunning music, the plenary conversations, and more.

If you were not able to join, video recordings will soon be available.

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Read more about the Racial Justice Event from an attendee: Environmental Justice Intern Reflects on Racial Justice Summit


2

Planning for Immigration Arrivals

Busloads of migrants have arrived unexpectedly in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Washington, DC.  In most cases passengers were misled about where they were going and what would happen next.  Legal challenges have begun against this tactic, but we are aware it could happen again, and communities within Southern New England UCC could suddenly find themselves welcoming strangers.
 
We want to prepare as much as we can, and we need your help to connect congregations, denominations, immigration agencies and other nonprofits to work together to manage the emergency of a sudden arrival of immigrants and support them until longer-term arrangements can be made. 

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3

Urgency vs. Agency

Urgency can be motivating because it names an immediate and large problem.  But it can also leave people overwhelmed and uncertain about their ability to make a difference.  For this reason, we often do better to use the language of agency. 

Many of our congregations will make stewardship appeals to their congregations this fall.  Will you speak with a voice of urgency or agency?  Pressure to meet the budget or possibility to shape the future? 

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4

Agape Summer Program Provided Youth with Mindfulness Tools

With the support of a Faith in our Future grant from the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ, Agape Spiritual Community in Waltham launched its first week-long mindful summer program in July 2022 for children.  The intention of this program was to provide much needed mindfulness education to children and youth in need of tools to ground them in the beauty of the present moment amidst the chaos of daily stressors resulting from the pandemic, daily racism, and economic challenges in the local area.

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5

Event Follow-Up

UCC Summit: “The Space Between: The Emerging Church in a Post-Pandemic World.
Debbie Gline Allen, SNEUCC Minister of Faith Formation, attended this one-day gathering focused on devising strategies to confront racial inequity in local congregations and communities, and was quoted in the follow-up article.

Upcoming Events

Voices of Resilience: The Intersection of Women on the Move
September 18 through October 15, 2022
Center Church, South Hadley

Through art, text, video, and music, this month-long exhibit invites audiences of all ages and backgrounds to discover their stories and explore how they have shaped our community and influenced our lives.

Convocation 2022: Imagination and Collective Liberation for a Climate-Changed World
Thursday & Friday, October 6 - 7, 2022 • Online
Exploring today’s most urgent and compelling issues via presentations, small group engagement, music, arts, worship, and reflection.  

Strengthen Your Work for Racial Justice
Saturday, October 8, 10 a.m.- noon:

Breaking through Barriers: Interrupting How White Supremacy Culture Works to Keep Racism in Place
Saturday, November 5, 10 a.m.- noon: 
Creating Change in Your Sphere of Influence

An Evening with Diana Butler Bass
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at 7:45 PM • Online

Discover the new and unfolding biblical scholarship about Mary Magdalene! 

Faith Formation 101: Practices for a Sustainable Ministry - Faith Formation Leadership Program
Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Explore the nuts and bolts of organizing and implementing faith formation programs in the  local church: recruiting, nurturing, and supporting volunteers; leadership skills, and working on a church staff.

UCC Minister and President to Help Celebrate 400+ Years of Pilgrimage in Plymouth
October 29-30, 2022
Church of the Pilgrimage, UCC - Plymouth, MA
Concerts, talks, a community exchange with local organizations, tours of nearby points of historic interest, and a free box lunch by reservation with be some of the ways Plymouth will be celebrating 400+ Years of Pilgrimage -- and the UCC will be front and center. 

Chaffee Lecture: Bless this Mess with Rev. Molly Baskette and Ellen O'Donnell, Phd
Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
First Congregational Church of Southington
37 Main St, Southington, CT 06489

How Family Systems Theory Can Make Thanksgiving Better: Together We Thrive hosts Jake Morrill ‘Hone for the Holidays’ Author Talk
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 1:00 PM  • Online

Events by our Partners

PRC - Awkward Silence: Practical Ways to Confront Racism
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM • Online

Safety Solutions for Your Ministry Workshop
Monday, October 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM • Online

PRC - Transformation in Rural Communities
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM • Online

PRC - Raising Race-Wise Families in a Race-Challenged World
Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM • Online

All events: www.sneucc.org/events

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