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| Words from your Area Conference Minister |
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Bearing Witness
Lent is the season when Christians live and walk in the shadow of the cross and ponder more deeply what it means to follow Jesus. It's especially challenging knowing that our journey is leading us to Golgotha where we will stand with the silent, weeping witnesses wondering, "Why?" and "What now?" and "What does this all mean?"
It's uncomfortable to look at the cross and think about all that it has to say to us and about us as human beings. We gather round the table on Maundy Thursday and then all too often slide over the pain and revelation of Good Friday to join in the celebration of Easter Resurrection.
What I see when I look at the cross is that Jesus was willing to fully experience being human, to intercede for us in that moment of death, and to forgive us with what he thought was his last breath.
For me, the message of the cross is that in spite of the worst that human beings could do, Jesus didn’t surrender to hate. Jesus spent his final moments living love and forgiveness. By dying for what he believed and taught, he made what he taught and believed worth dying for…worth living for…worth the struggle. In the midst of his pain and suffering on the cross, Jesus showed us the way to Salvation. Love and forgiveness.
As we head into Holy Week, we remember that Lent is not our season of despair. We remember that the cross, that death, is not the end of our journey. We remember that from an empty tomb, love and hope will once again pour out into the world.
For me, the message of Jesus resurrection, is that we are called to see beyond the cross and believe that God has the power to bring life where we can see only death. We are called to see God at work in the world; to see God’s blessings in our lives; to believe in the power of God’s grace and love.
Our Holy Week journey to Golgatha reminds us that we are called to bear witness; even when our voices, shouting for the love of Jesus, are drowned out by the hate filled crowds shouting for blood and violence.
In the midst of darkness and adversity, we need to stand and shout Jesus name all the louder; to follow where Jesus leads; and to bear faithful witness to God’s power to transform and the power of Jesus healing love and light. We stand in good company.
We stand with the Woman at the Well who was given a taste of God’s Living Waters and ran to tell the good news! We stand with the Canannite Woman who begged for crumbs of compassion and proclaimed the grace of God’s kingdom when she received a bounty of healing for her daughter. We stand with the Crippled Woman, the Man who was Blind from Birth, the Man with the Withered Hand, the lepers, the lost lambs, the poor, and the downtrodden.
On Easter, we remember that we are not a dying church. We are the church of life, death, and new life, in and through Jesus Christ. In the words of the Apostle Paul, "If anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!"
On Easter, we will rise up together in good company...God’s company...when we raise our voices and proclaim, Hosanna! Hosanna to God in the Highest! Christ is Risen! Risen for you and for me!
Easter Blessings!
Pastor Carol
Rev. Carol Steinbrecher
ACM North Central Region
508-244-4887
steinbrecherc@sneucc.org
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Let’s Get Together!
The best part of my work is when I have an opportunity to come visit and learn about what is going on in your congregations. I would love to come join you in worship, or come and preach on a Sunday, so please let me know when that might work in your schedule. If you have questions about resources, or you feel you need one-on-one time, please give me a call, or send an email and we will schedule time together. My number is: 508-244-4887, email: steinbrecherc@sneucc.org. Hope to see you soon! Carol
Association & Regional Updates
(Central MA Association and Windham CT Association) |
Central MA Association
restarts yearly
Retired Clergy Luncheon
On March 20th, approximately 22 clergy and guests attended the Retired Clergy Luncheon that was held at the Congregational Church of Littleton. Members of the church shopped, cooked, and set tables for the attendees. They even offered table service for a lunch of John's special chicken, Ham, potato salad, roll, and a salad. There were also many desserts to choose from. Each table was set with a special card that had saying on it, as well as homemade "bunnies" filled with candy. Retire clergy appreciated all that the church members did to make them feel special. This event is sponsored by the Central MA Association Board of Directors and is supported by the support received from the local churches.
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Scholarship Available
The First Congregational Church of Harwich is pleased to make available a scholarship of around $500 from our Wood Fund this year. Ministry and Christian Education students who are members of congregations that are within the Southern New England Conference of the UCC are invited to apply for this scholarship to assist with the cost of attending seminary. Application forms are available online at First Church of Harwich website. (A link to the Wood Fund application is at the bottom of the page.) Application materials must be received by the First Congregational Church, UCC, Attention: Scholarship Team, 697 Main St, Harwich, MA 02645 by April 1, 2024. Please email Del Borah if you have any questions.
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.
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.
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 Deb Holmes to be included in future monthly publications.
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.
15th Annual Quilt & Needle Show
Winchester Center Congregational Church
- Saturday, April 27 - 10:00AM - 5:00PM
- Sunday, April 28 - 12:00AM - 5:00PM
All exhibitors will receive free admission to the show. There will be a “Viewers’ Choice” prize awarded on Sunday afternoon. There will also be a “Quilts of Valor” display, a raffle quilt, vendors, and a café.
We are also seeking quilters and Needle work artists to submit their work.
www.winchestercentercongchurch.org
Ordination and Installation
Mr. Brian Oxman
April 7th at 3:00PM
Brookfield Congregational Church
Installation
Rev. Sean Witty
May 19th at 3:00PM
Congregational Church of Harvard
Celebrations
(Church Anniversaries & Ordinations) |
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 Deb Holmes and updates will be made to your record and reflected in the next newsletter.
Ordination Anniversaries for March
There are no anniversaries to celebrate this month
There are no churches celebrating milestones in 2024
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).
| Conference & Partner Updates |
Clergy wellness retreat dates are set for this Spring!
The Conference, in partnership with the UCC Pension Boards, brings you three opportunities for fellowship, support, and wellness in the coming months.
Click on one of these dates to learn more about that retreat:
Wednesday, April 3rd: Spring Glen Church UCC, Hamden, CT
Saturday, May 18th: First Congregational Church, Auburn, MA
Wednesday, May 29th: Location TBA
Expect a time to gather and (re)connect with colleagues; share in a sumptuous meal; worship together; and engage in restorative practices. One-on-one appointments with representatives from the Pension Boards to go over your benefits will also be available. Our hope is that these retreats help strengthen your protective practices and supportive networks to sustain your wellness in self and in ministry.
Click here for more information.
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April 27, 2024, 9am
First Congregational Church, Portland, CT
The Role of the Church in Mental Health Care and Ministry
Rev. Dr. Ciarán Osborn, UCC Minister, will be the guest speaker and participants will gain knowledge about basic mental health and explore the variety of roles the church can play to create awareness and reduce the stigma of mental health challenges. Click the link above for more information and registration form.
Wednesdays @ 12:30, Live on Facebook
Praying together is a powerful act of faith, hope and love. We want to be in prayer with you more often! SNEUCC will be holding a weekly time of prayer (accessible to all regardless of whether you have a FB account). Conference staff will offer a mix of scripture, music, litanies and prayer. Participants will be able to add their prayers through the chat feature, and recordings can be found on the SNEUCC Facebook page or our webpage. Join us in prayer!
Tech Deacons Roundtable • Online
Morning: April 2, 16 & 30, 11:00 AM to Noon (Repeats every other Tues)
Evening: Mar. 26 and April 9 & 23, 7;00 to 8:00 PM (Repeats every other Tues)
An arena for churches to support one another by sharing ideas, bringing questions, and identifying new trends and opportunities in digital ministry.
UCCMA National Conference 2024
Conference 2024, the national biennial gathering of the United Church of Christ Musicians Association (UCCMA), will take place July 10-13, 2024 at the First Congregational Church of Greenwich, Connecticut. Designed for church musicians, choral and handbell choir members and worship leaders, the three-day event includes workshops, plenary sessions, worship services, evening entertainment and networking opportunities. Complete information is here.
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Good professional boundaries allow ministry and those who do it to thrive with health and wholeness. Through the lens of clergy wellness, authorized ministers will renew their understanding of and develop skills for maintaining boundaries in an ever-shifting ministry landscape. Upcoming Trainings are online via Zoom:
The cost for the training is: SNEUCC Clergy - $65.00; all other Clergy - $85.00. If you have questions regarding the training please contact Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org or 508-244-4399.
2024 UCC Stewardship Materials Available
Materials for your congregation's 2024 stewardship efforts are now available. This year's theme is "Imagine Together," helping people understand the impact our congregations can make in our communities when we support them. Materials (both printed and digital) include eight complete worship services, hymn suggestions, sermon starters from eight different authors, and faith formation sessions for children, youth, and adults. Also provided are practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. Guidance for every step of your campaign help you make the most of these robust materials. Find more information here.
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Center for Transformational Leadership
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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.
What do you do when your historic building takes up half a city block, but the members don’t take up even a quarter of the sanctuary? When there is plenty in the bank account but no children in Sunday School? What is a church to do when every board meeting is about the roof, the carpet, or the plumbing instead of mission, spirit, and faith formation? What would happen if you gave it all away and focused on just being the church? United Congregational Church in Worcester did just that thirteen years ago and the future is brighter than ever. Come and hear how they did it and how the spirit is still moving. Register here.
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53rd Annual NEAUCE Conference
(NEAUCE = New England Association of United Church Educators)
We want you to find REST for your SOUL!
Join us in “Keeping Sabbath Sacred” this May at NEAUCE 2024 on the beautiful Pilgrim Pines Campus in Swanzey NH. Registration is open for the 53nd Annual NEAUCE Conference. Gather with your fellow colleagues for amazing worship, a variety of specialty workshops, networking, rich discussions, creative play and relaxing opportunities. Keynote is Rev. Matthew Carriker, UCC Minister and Guest Speaker is Debbie Gline Allen, SNEUCC Minister for Faith Formation. More information and registration here.
April 27, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM • Online
This introductory course will equip faith formation and youth ministry leaders with the basics of healthy boundaries
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Registration is now open for the 2024 Regional Youth Event!
LOVE is greater than FEAR
Sunday, July 28 through Wednesday, July 31
Silver Lake Conference Center in Sharon, CT
Just announced: Spring Discount on Registration good through April 5
Use Discount code SPRING45 and get $50 off!
All youth are welcome to attend with their advisors. This program is for youth who are currently in grades 6-12 as of January 2024. [Or those who will be entering grades 7-12 in fall 2024, plus recent graduates]
RYE is a place to grow your spirits and connect with teens from all over New England and other Eastern UCC Conferences. There will be time for swimming and service work, reflection and recreation, worship and workshops. Our beautiful outdoor ministry site has waterfront activities and a challenge course for team- building.
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Faith Formation Certification Programs
April 6 Faith Formation 101: Practices for a Sustainable Ministry
April 20 Serving Together: Mission for All Ages
April 27 Boundary Awareness for Faith Formation and Youth Leaders and Local Church Musicians
https://www.sneucc.org/certification
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Diversity, Equity& Inclusion
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Join the SNEUCC Environmental Ministries Team for an introduction to the Green Congregation Challenge, an incremental approach to bringing Creation care to your church's ministries. For churches that have never before engaged in the Green Congregation Challenge, you'll be introduced to the different categories for taking action and the resources that are available to support you. For churches that have previously engaged the challenge, you'll learn about some updates for 2024!
This Lunch and Learn program is available at no cost, with gratitude to your Proportional Giving for Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM). Register here.
Racial Justice for Authorized Ministers
The Southern New England Conference’s Center for Transformational Leadership is launching a series of racial justice workshops aimed at equipping authorized ministers for the ongoing work of showing up in a multi-racial, multi-cultural world. Learn more and sign up for upcoming sessions here:
https://www.sneucc.org/newsdetail/conference-launches-racial-justice-series-of-workshops-18303218
Upcoming sessions:
May 21: Racial Justice-Renewal - Microaggressions & Interpersonal Racism
June 11: Racial Justice - Foundations
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Ongoing Updates
(Classifieds, Transitions, and Obituaries, etc.)
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Classifieds, Transitions, and Obituaries
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.
Church administrators are welcome to use the online template to submit information.
Temporary Ministerial Coverage
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, South Central & Northwest Regions: Deb Holmes holmesd@sneucc.org
Northeast, Southeast & Southwest 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.
Newsletter Subscriptions
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 South Central Region of the Southern New England Conference. The Regional Newsletter is sent on a monthly basis, 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 Deb Holmes.
If you would like to unsubscribe or change your email preferences, please visit sneucc.org/subscribe and enter your email address.
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