Do you remember the first time you recognized yourself reflected in a bible character or story? I don’t recall the scripture that was being read, but I have a very strong memory of being in worship with my mother and her whispering into my ear, “that’s us, they’re talking about us.” The look on my face must have been one of surprise and confusion. My mother smiled at me and gave an affirmative nod of her head. I was in my early twenties at the time, and it was truly an epiphany moment for me. Discovering that the people and stories of the bible can tell us something about ourselves or provide guidance and encouragement as we navigate our life’s circumstances, is transformative. It certainly changed my life. More than a few years would pass, but eventually my desire to understand more deeply the people and stories of the bible prompted me to seek spiritual direction, which led to my discerning a call to ministry.     During my ordination service the gift of a Harper Collins study Bible was placed in my hands. The person presenting me with this gift said to me, “Don’t worry, all the answers can be found in here.” Throughout my tenure as a parish minister those words rang true time and time again. And yet, on that day, in that moment, a sentiment which was meant to assure me caused me some anxiety. I believe that the Bible holds many answers and can provide us with guidance throughout our lives. The challenge, of course, is in knowing how and where to look.   Learning and understanding the bible is a life-long journey which can be a daunting task, especially if one attempts it on their own. Thankfully, we don’t have to as we have one another, siblings in faith, colleagues, and partners within and outside of our denomination. Many of you may already know that on January 1, 2023, the Massachusetts Bible Society (MBS) became part of the SNEUCC. Here is an excerpt from the announcement regarding this venture. “From generation to generation, the Bible has been an essential tool for sacred relationship & guidance, meaning making, community building, and so much more. For over two centuries, the Massachusetts Bible Society has been dedicated to promoting biblical literacy and we are excited to announce that as of January 1, 2023, the Massachusetts Bible Society is now part of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ.”   I am excited to share that I am coordinating the MBS programs that the SNEUCC will continue to offer. This includes the upcoming Donald A. Wells Preaching Prize. This prize is open to all Members in Discernment in the SNEUCC, as well as students currently enrolled in any theological institute in CT, MA, or RI. (more detailed info below)   Connecting the ancient stories of our faith with our modern lives through study, prayer, worship and mission, has the power to transform our lives. And I feel blessed that encouraging and equipping clergy, laypeople and churches to do this work continues to be part of my ministry. Blessings, Rev. Margret Hofmeister Area Conference Minister, Southwest Region

What are you up to? Does your Church or Association have events or news that can benefit from being shared - Meetings, Ecclesiastical Councils, Ordinations, etc?  This newsletter space is just waiting to be populated by your activity!  Please send your events and news Roz Hooks to be included in future monthly publications.  The Southwest Region of the Southern New England Conference is comprised of:

• Fairfield East Association
• Fairfield West Association
• Litchfield South Association
• New Haven Association
• New Haven East Consociation

UPCOMING ASSOCIATION EVENTS (New Haven)

• October 1 - Installation at Mt. Carmel for Rev. Michael Brasher-Cunningham

• October 22 - Installation at United Church New Haven for Rev. Stephen Ray, Jr.

• November 8 - NHA Annual Meeting at Orange UCC
• November 19 - Installation at Woodmont UCC Milford, CT for Rev. Jill Olds

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.

Clergy Renewal

Throughout the Bible, spiritual renewal is lifted up again and again as essential to human wellbeing. Keeping the sabbath holy is one of the ten commandments. The 50-year Jubilee of rest is even extended to the earth. Jesus routinely stepped away from the demands of his ministry to pray alone. Self-care is not selfish; it is faithful.  Click above for more information.

Be on the look-out for the 2023-24 Clergy Wellness Retreats

Each region will have a dedicated date and time which will start in November 2023 - May 2024.  More information coming soon!

DONALD A. WELLS PREACHING PRIZE

ATTENTION ALL MIDs:  Proclaiming the good news of the gospel is a passion and commitment we share. We hope you will join us in doing so by sharing the enclosed invitation with your theological students. The Donald A. Wells Preaching Prize was established in 2007 to honor the years of service of the Rev. Dr. Donald A. Wells, Executive Director Emeritus of the Massachusetts Bible Society. Dr. Wells, a devoted advocate for social and economic justice, served as Executive Director for nearly twenty years.  
 

Boundary Awareness Training

The Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ invites our Authorized Ministers into the following conversations around clergy wellness and boundaries.  Click above for more information.

• November 13, 2023, 9:30am-2:30pm
• January 9 & 10, 2024, 6:30pm-8:30pm (both sessions must be attended.

New Haven Pride 2023:  

SNEUCC is deciding to support/sponsor New Haven Pride and to partner with United Church on the Green in New Haven in providing also providing a conference presence at this community event.

CELEBRATIONS Here we recognize and celebrate Ordination Anniversaries listed from 5 years forward in increments of 5 years, as well as milestone church anniversaries of 100+ years (acknowledging every 25 years). If your name or church has been missed please contact Roz Hooks and updates will be made to your record and reflected in the next newsletter. SEPTEMBER ORDINATION ANNIVERSARIES 45 Years The Rev. Douglas Miller - 9/28/1978 35 Years The Rev. Paul Whitmore - 9/18/1988 15 Years The Rev. Shannon Rye Wall - 9/27/2008 10 Years The Rev. Marilyn Kendrix - 9/22/2013 5 Years The Rev. David Stambaugh - 9/16/2018 2023 MILESTONE CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES 380 YEARS First Congregational Church of Guilford 315 YEARS United Churches of Durham 290 YEARS The Congregational Church of New Canaan First Church of Christ, Congregational of Redding, CT 225 YEARS Milton Congregational Church  Prospect Congregational Church, UCC 180 YEARS Southport Congregational Church 115 YEARS Evangelical & Reformed UCC Conference & Partner Updates                                                  Offerings from MESA Tuesday, September 26, 7:00 – 8:30pm ET, New Committee on Ministry Orientation with the Rev. Melanie Oommen   There is so much to learn when you are new to a COM! This webinar supports orientation of new COM members by covering topics such as roles, boundaries, theological foundations, ethical participation, and discernment. This webinar is meant to compliment, not replace, orientation provided by COMs. All are welcome, but especially appropriate for new COM members   What’s in a Collection: The Creation and Publication of an Inventory List Sept. 20, 1:00 to 2:00 PM • Online Congregational Library Archivists will walk you through how to create an inventory list, what tools can be used to create the inventory, and how to make that inventory accessible for those wishing to view the archive. Advent Worship Planning Webinar Sept. 20, 2:30 to 5:00 PM • Online Music that Makes Community offers their annual webinar offering worship ideas, preaching/planning prompts, and suggested congregational songs and choral music from varied musical traditions. The Historical Directory of the Christian Denomination and Afro-Christian Churches Sept. 27, 1:00 to 2:00 PM  • Online A Congregational Library virtual discussion with author Richard H. Taylor about this important new resource. Music That Makes Community Workshop Sept.30, 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Pilgrim United Church of Christ, New Bedford, MA Singing, learning, and fellowship, with a focus on singing as a practice that can enliven congregational worship and strengthen our commitments to welcome all people. SAVE THE DATE:  Church Safety Workshop Saturday, November 28, 2-5pm First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury, MA (no online option) With presentations from Lisa Gonzalez at the UCC Insurance Boards, local insurance agents, and the federal government Protective Security Advisor Program, churches will feel better equipped to extend extravagant welcome while keeping themselves and their ministries safe. This free workshop is made possible by the UCC Insurance Board and your Proportional Giving. We encourage churches to send a few delegates, especially from your Safe Church Committee, Trustees, Buildings & Grounds, Council or whatever groups will benefit more. Registration will be live by 10/1/23.   Racial Justice Cross-Pollination Gatherings These Cross-Pollination Gatherings are intended for local church leaders involved in racial justice ministries. This is an opportunity to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and troubleshoot challenges. Join us!   These sessions take place on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 PM via Zoom.  Sign up here.   Protecting Your Church: Considerations in the Wake of Civil Unrest The foundation of mitigating risk is proper planning. Now more than ever, developing a disaster preparedness plan is critical.  This plan should include all potential incidents (weather, chemical spills, civil unrest, and pandemics). Since many churches have not resumed operations, now is the perfect time to address these concerns as part of your plan to reopen. Churches across the country have recently encountered new challenges in the form of peaceful protests that have turned violent; naturally, congregations are concerned about their church property. Based on options for consideration provided by the Department of Homeland Security, we have provided information to help keep your congregation and church property safe. Without knowing specific information about a facility and its threat environment, it is not possible to recommend considerations that are specific for your house of worship.  Insurance Board protects your ministry by offering resources to support it.   2023 STEWARDSHIP RESOURCES 5 Ways to Make an Impact: Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community.  Wednesday, Sep 27, 2023 07:30 PM - ONLINE All Stewardship Webinars offered in 2023 by the National UCC Office are listed here.  Practical Resources for Churches The Southern New England Conference is a member of this group and all churches can access their offerings. PRCLI offers webinars and online workshops, check them out! They can be found here. PRC Webinar - Two More Small-Church Worship Strengths: Co-Creator Gifts & Widening the Word Sept. 26, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM • Online Learn how to diagnose your local gifts and curate lavish worship with them. In this webinar, you’ll learn to deepen worship with and for your community. PRC Webinar - Dementia Friendly Congregations Oct. 3, 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM  • Online We’ll delve into how your congregation can support people with dementia and their caregivers, and create a welcoming environment. PRC - Making the Best of Our Third Thirty Oct. 5, 2:00 to 3:00 PM  • Online The webinar will discuss how we can Pray, Plan and Prepare for our own aging journey so that the last chapters of our lives can be the best possible, both for us and our loved ones.    PATHWAYS’ Fall Schedule of Courses, Register now for the Fall II courses. The registration process is easy and remains open through the first day of class.  If you have questions, please contact us through the website. Fall II:  6-week upcoming courses beginning October 9, 2023   SNE Women's Fall Rejuvenating and Relaxation Retreat Deadline for registration is Wednesday, September 20th The SNE Women's Connection Team is planning a Fall Rejuvenating and Relaxation Retreat to be held at the Barrington Congregational Church in Barrington, Rhode Island on Saturday, September 30, 2023.   Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. - program starts at 10:00 a.m.  There will be various activities centered around prayer, fellowship, embracing nature, small healing and wellness groups, plant-based education and communion.  Lunch will be included in the registration fee of $35.00.  A registration form is available here and hotel information is here.

The Center for Transformational Leadership equips clergy and lay leaders, congregations and covenantal partners of the SNEUCC with resources, tools and support to create a new vision and do the transformative ministry they are called to do in the local church, local community and the world.

• Lunch & Learn: Revising Your Church's Bylaws 
  Sept. 21, 12:00 to 1:00 PM  • Online 
  When the timing is right, the purpose is clear, and a plan is in place, revising a set of bylaws can breathe new life into a congregation. 

SNEUCC OWL Trainings

Exploring Curriculum & Digital Resources - a Faith Formation Leadership Program Class
Oct. 21, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM  • Live Online
How to evaluate, select, and adapt curriculum materials based on the appropriateness for the congregation’s needs and mission.

Registration is now open for the 2023-2024 Faith Formation Leadership Training and Certification courses. This program is the only theologically progressive entry-level training opportunity for faith formation and youth ministry leaders in the the country! Participants may choose to take classes either as stand-alone opportunities, or as part of a process for certification in faith formation &/or youth ministry leadership in the Southern New England Conference UCC.    

SNEUCC Offers Two OWL Training Opportunities 
Oct 6 – 8, Edwards House, Framingham, MA 
Nov. 10 –12, Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Sharon, CT. 
These facilitator training retreats are being led by Jane Detwiler and Sandra Greenfield. Implementing the nation’s most highly regarded sexuality education curriculum is a big responsibility. Training prepares facilitators to succeed in their role and enables your faith development team members to understand their own and others’ sexuality within the context of the United Church of Christ 's values. 

2023 Justice Summit: Trans & Nonbinary Belonging in the Church

Oct. 7, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Old South Church, Boston, MA and Online
This full-day event will include worship and preaching, workshops, relationship-building and connection.

The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with the following sites:

2023 Grief Retreat at Silver Lake - Taking care of ME while Remembering YOU 

Sept. 22 - 24 
Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Sharon, CT 
Whether it has been recent or more than a decade since your loved one died, learning to live again can be a challenging journey. 

Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA  

Irons Homestead, Gloucester, RI  

Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA  

Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Sharon, CT  

Transitions within the Southern New England Conference can be found here.

Obituaries within the Southern New England Conference can be found here.

A full list of classified postings can be found here on the SNE website.  Some examples include: Church Administrator, Digital Minister, Organist/Choir Director, Director of Faith Formation as well as items for sale or free. 

Visit our classifieds web page for details of each listing.   Church administrators are welcome to use the online template to submit information.

The Southern New England Conference maintains Temporary Ministerial Coverage (TMC) lists for all 6 SNEUCC regions. These lists contain 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 required to have Boundary Awareness Training as well as Racial Justice Training. 

These TMC lists are regularly updated in real time.  If your church is in need of a list please reach out to 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 any of the Temporary Ministerial Coverage regional lists please contact Jill Ford at fordj@sneucc.org. 

You are receiving this newsletter because we've identified you as a local church or you have standing in one of the associations in the Southwest Region of the Southern New England Conference. The Regional Newsletter will now be sent on a monthly basis. The regular schedule will be on or near the Third Tuesday of each month. If you would like to have events included please make sure to have them submitted by the Second Wednesday of the month to Roz Hooks.

If you would like to unsubscribe or change your email preferences, please visit sneucc.org/subscribe and enter your email address.