![]() A Note from Your ACM |
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Every year on Palm Sunday, we hear a version of the same story: Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In so many ways, it's the mirror opposite of what you would expect of a "triumphal" entry.
Instead of entering through one of the great gates of the city, he comes relatively unnoticed, down a hillside. When you might expect him to come riding a mighty stallion, he instead chooses a donkey. There's no loud fanfare to greet him or battalion to flank him. There's just the disciples and a few others, shouting so loudly that the religious leaders of the city worry he'll draw the attention (and ire) of the Roman authorities.
How can something this simple be called "triumphant?" It's only triumphant in the great, role-reversing way in which God sees the world. The question for us is: Where are our eyes fixed this season? If our eyes are only focused on the great gates, the expected places, we'll miss the true triumph of the prince of peace coming down the hillside, from the unexpected places.
It could be this very Palm Sunday in which God enters into our city, town, or heart. Will we be looking in the right places to even notice?
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With love and thanks,
Alex
Rev. Alex Shea Will
Area Conference Minister
Northeast Region (Metropolitan Boston and Northeast Associations)
Rev. Shea Will can be reached at sheawilla@sneucc.org or call/text: 508-244-4769.
Siblings in Christ: Thank you for the invitations to worship with you! I’m currently scheduled through spring, and I’d love to continue scheduling in the fall of 2024. I am eager to visit with each of you, join you for life together, and even preach if you would like. Please reach out and let me know a few options of what might work for you and your congregation.
Association & Regional Updates & Celebrations
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Metropolitan Boston Association
MBA Spring Meeting, Sunday, April 28th at 3pm on Zoom. Register here.
Ecclesiastical Council for Jasmine Buchanan, Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 7pm
on Zoom. Register here.
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Northeast Association
Save the date! NEA Spring Meeting, Sunday, May 5th at 3pm.
More to details to come.
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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.
Time to Visit Your Church Dashboard!
You can make sure we are reaching key leaders in your church by having your church’s administrator or someone on the pastoral staff visit the Church Dashboard on our website. If you have difficulty logging into your account, please contact Nancy Stubbs.
Let us know!
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.
March Ordination Anniversaries
10 Years
Rev. Monica Maher, 3/16 /2014
20 Years
Rev. Benjamin Davis, 3/14 /2004
25 Years
Rev. Meredith Kimber White, 3/7 /1999
30 Years
Rev. Gail Miller, 3/6/1994
If we missed your anniversary date, please let us know.
Church Milestones in 2024
Park Avenue Congregational Church, Arlington - 125 years
Plymouth Congregational Church of Belmont - 125 years
North Congregational Church, Woburn - 175 years
Please contact Lynn Varney if we have missed your anniversary. Anniversaries are listed from 5 years and forward in increments of 5. If your church is celebrating a milestone anniversary, please let us know so that the Northeast Region can celebrate with you!
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.
| Conference & Partner Updates |
Weaving our Tapestry at the Intersections - Antoinette Brown Society Clergywomen’s Leadership Event
Registration is now open for the 2024 UCC Clergywomen Leadership Event. “Weaving our Tapestry” takes place April 16-18, 2024 in Charleston, SC, with the 2023 Antoinette Brown Awardees as the keynote presenters. This event is open to all authorized UCC Clergywomen. A digital event with workshops for MIDs and clergy will be held as well. MIDs are invited to attend the digital gathering. More information here.
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:
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. More information and registration here.
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. More information and registration form here. |
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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! |
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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.
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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 available at here. |
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Clergy Boundary Awareness Training
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. |
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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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Consolidated Trust Fund Assets Moving to United Church Funds
Some Connecticut congregations have their investments managed by the Consolidated Trust Fund, who has decided to transfer management of that to the United Church Funds. All churches have received communication about this and it was in the 5 Things on January 31st. If you haven't already, please engage with it. If you have follow-up questions, contact Charlie Kuchenbrod at ctf@sneucc.org. Please watch for information about an online townhall meeting with UCF representatives in March.
| Center for Transformational Leadership |
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.
Rumors of Our Death are Greatly Exaggerated
Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 12PM on Zoom
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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(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 2 - 4 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.
Registration is now open for the 2024 Regional Youth Event!
LOVE is greater than FEAR
Sun., July 28 through Wed., 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 |
Can Your church Sponsor an Afghan Family?
The Ipswich Refugee Program (IRP) in partnership with First Church UCC in Ipswich has sponsored a number of refugee families. Some relatives of the three Ipswich families are expected to come to the US from Afghanistan in the next few months. The new arrivals will have legal status and financial support. The Ipswich Refugee Program (IRP) is looking for UCC churches in the North Shore area who would be willing to sponsor an Afghan family and locate housing for them. IRP has created a program structure and network which can be shared with your church or community group. If your church would like to learn more about ministry to a refugee family, please contact Lynn Lenhart. 617-694-7134. Lynnslenhart@gmail.com
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The MA Behavioral Health Helpline. is available to anyone in Massachusetts experiencing a mental health challenge, or for those who care for a person who is struggling. The resources are free for MA residents. This service expands access to mental health care by providing a warm connection to service providers through mobile crisis intervention or Community Behavioral Health Centers. Services are offered in over 200 languages, callers may call themselves, or for a loved one. it is available 24/7 and manned by trained clinicians.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/behavioral-health-help-line-bhhl-faq
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Lunch & Learn: (re)Introducing the Green Congregation Challenge
Thursday April 4, 2024 at 12PM on Zoom
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.
Upcoming sessions:
May 21: Racial Justice-Renewal - Microaggressions & Interpersonal Racism
June 11: Racial Justice - Foundations |
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The Southern New England Conference engages in Outdoor & Retreat Ministry with the following sites:
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham, MA
Irons Homestead, Gloucester, RI
Pilgrim Day Camp, Framingham, MA
Silver Lake Camp & Retreat Center, Sharon, CT
Silver Lake Summer Camp 2024 registration is open!
View the schedule and learn more at https://www.silverlakect.org/summercamp
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Ongoing Updates
(Temporary Ministerial Coverage, Classifieds, Transitions and Obituaries)
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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 for the Northeast, Southeast or Southwest Regions contact Lynn Varney at Varneyl@sneucc.org or for North Central, Northwest & South Central Regions: Deb Holmes, holmesd@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.
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Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC obituaries.
Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Transitions.
Please click here to view all of the SNEUCC Classifieds
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This month we pray for:
Village Church in Wellesley and Weston:
Rev. Dr. Sarah Sarchet Butter and Revs. Pam Emslie and Stacy Swain
Wellesley Hills Congregational Church, Wellesley:
Revs. Jonathan Page and Judy Swahnberg
Tabernacle Congregational Church, UCC, Salem:
Rev. Joseph Amico
First Congregational Church, UCC, Saugus:
Rev. William Ladd
(Here is the link to the 2024 Northeast Association Prayer List for congregations to include in their prayer lists and bulletins (begins Advent, 12/3/2023.)
Quick Links
Southern New England Conference Blogs
United Church of Christ
SNEUCC Facebook
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If you would like to have events included in this newsletter, please make sure to have them submitted by the second Thursday of the month to Lynn Varney: varneyl@sneucc.org.
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