April 2024 Peace be with You   I was recently asked why we pass the peace in worship.  It got me thinking about a broader question...why do we gather each week to worship?  It is a question worth pondering and I imagine each of you reading this will have your own answer to that question.  Here are some thoughts on what worship means to me. We join in worship to come together as one body, one voice, and one mind in Jesus Christ.  We begin our service by acknowledging and opening ourselves to God’s presence.  We begin our worship time together focusing our attention on our relationship with God, whatever it may be in that moment.  We begin with songs of praise and thanksgiving for God’s blessings in our lives and God’s work in the world. Singing together knits us into one body, breathing and shaping words together as one.  Praying out loud helps us get comfortable with spoken prayer, so that we might be able to pray with and for each other, and for family and friends when needed.  Praying together gives us words to pray when we can’t find words of our own. Science has even shown that prayer and meditation helps mold and shape our minds into calmness and helps us cultivate that peace of Christ that we strive to become and extend to others. When we pass a sign of the peace of Christ, we are practicing reaching out our hand or offering a greeting to our neighbor.  It isn’t easy to greet a stranger, or stop on a busy street to help someone you don’t know, or to offer a smile or kind look to someone walking by, that is why we practice reaching out to welcome one another, and the guests and visitors in our midst who have come seeking fellowship and community. In worship, we spend time hearing and wrestling with God’s Word.  Through scripture, sermon, and song, we listen for how the word is being illumined for us.  How we are being challenged, or comforted, or healed, or intrigued, or enlightened.  We listen for a word that might be speaking into the challenges we are facing in our lives.  We listen for a word that we can carry through our week.  We listen for God’s still, small voice speaking in our hearts. Ultimately, when we regularly gather together as a people of faith, when we ring the church bells, open the doors, and when the lights of the church are shining out into the night, we are making a statement to the world.  We are saying that we value spending time focusing our hearts on our relationship with God.  We are saying that we are trying our best to live and serve following Jesus.  We are saying that in a world that shouts messages of despair, war, misery, and hate; we are striving to bring messages of hope, peace, joy, grace, comfort, and love. So, on those cold, rainy, grey, sunny, busy days, when you wake up thinking of all the other things you could be doing with your Sunday morning, ponder in your heart what worship means for you, and “Come, Ye Thankful People! Come!” Peace!   Pastor Carol Rev. Carol Steinbrecher ACM North Central Region 508-244-4887 steinbrecherc@sneucc.org

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

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. 

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.

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.

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15th Annual Quilt & Needle Show
Winchester Center Congregational Church

1 West Road (Corner of Rt. 263 and Chapel Road)
Winchester, CT 06094
860.379.8900
secretary@winchestercentercongchurch.org
 Taking place on two days: April 27 & April 28, 2024 

• 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

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Installation
Rev. Sean Witty
May 19th at 3:00PM
Congregational Church of Harvard

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 April

35 Years
Rev. Dr. Frances Bogle - 4/1

5 Years
Rev. Sarah Sund-Lussier - 4/7

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).

Annual Meeting Registration Now Open!

The 5th Annual Meeting of the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ will be held June 21 and 22 at UMass, Amherst, and will focus on growing the church. The keynote speaker for the event will be the Rev. Dr. Courtney Stange-Tregear, the Chief Relationship Officer at the Cornerstone Fund of the UCC, who plans to talk about "God Math," and to share inspiring stories of churches that have grown their ministries - and more greatly impacted their communities - by working smarter, not harder.  More information and registration here:  5th Annual Meeting of the Southern New England Conference - Southern New England Conference of the UCC (sneucc.org)

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:

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 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.

2024 UCC Annual Earth Summit April 20, 2024 | 1:00PM - 3:00PM   The UCC’s second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture with the title, “Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?” The two and a half hour summit will additionally feature a panel of grassroots leaders, the announcement of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award winner, a celebration of the UCC’s newest Creation Justice Churches, and a video showcasing the environmental ministries of our host congregation, The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College. This event will be both in-person and live streamed via Zoom. Along with The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, cohosts include the UCC’s Council for Climate Justice, the National Setting of the UCC, and the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC. Even if one cannot make the event at its scheduled time, all those who register will receive a link to a recording of the event.  Register here.  SNE Women's Connection Spring Gathering 2024 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. Pause for Prayer 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!     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. 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: June 5, 2024, 9:30am-2:30pm September 16, 2024, 9:30am-2:30pm November 12 & 13, 2024, 6:30PM-8:30pm (both sessions must be attended) 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.  Wherever you are on life's journey, PATHWAYS Theological Education, Inc. welcomes you!  To learn more about PATHWAYS, go to:  https://www.pathwaystheological.org/index.php/about-us/our-mission-vision Check out PATHWAYS courses. Registration is open. You can see the schedule at:  https://www.pathwaystheological.org/index.php/programs/course-schedule  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.

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. 

Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 12PM on Zoom Rumors of Our Death are Greatly Exaggerated 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.

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.  Boundary Awareness for Faith Formation & Youth Ministry Leaders & Local Church Musicians 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

Regional Youth Event- Spring Discount 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. Faith Formation Certification Programs  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

 WISE and Mental Health Month - May is Mental Health Month

Masking and Loneliness by Debbie Ringen, Minister of Health and Wellness 
The days of constantly wearing a mask in the presence of others during the Covid- 19 pandemic may be significantly fewer today and may only be continuing for some, however, I wonder if we as human beings are still wearing at least one of our masks. Read more here, Masking and Loneliness.docx.  

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

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.