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‘Never discuss politics or religion in polite company’
When I was growing up, politics was often a topic of conversation around the dinner table. There was rarely disagreement as my parents were of the same mind on the topic. However, every now and then one of my older, teenaged sisters would make a provocative comment or disagree with one or both of my parents…then the sparks would fly! As the youngest, I would simply sit, watch, and listen, never entering the conversation. My parents lived by the adage, “never discuss politics or religion in polite company,” and so did I. At the heart of that saying is the desire to avoid conflict. As I matured and formed my own beliefs and opinions, I realized that there was a downside to this practice. Because I did not talk about politics or religion with anyone outside of my family circle, or with anyone who held different beliefs, I did not know how to engage them. I suspect that I may not be alone in this regard.
As a person of faith, who is also interested in politics, this has been a lifelong challenge. Even now, my attempts to be engaged in such conversations often result in declarations of, “let’s agree to disagree.” While this helps to ‘keep the peace’ I believe it thwarts deeper understanding. I do not need to tell you how volatile the current political landscape has become, it is evident all around us, including in communities of faith. I am concerned that it may get worse before it gets better. Which is why I am excited about the upcoming 2024 Justice Summit: Politics as An Act of Faith. In addition to a keynote speech by author and activist, Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., there will be workshops on topics related to faith and politics. Questions such as, “How does our faith influence our political understanding and vice versa,” “How do we put our faith into action,” “How do we have respectful conversations with those with whom we disagree,” will be addressed.
Even if you do not consider yourself to be ‘political’ I encourage you to consider participating in this event. For in the eyes of God, your political affiliation is not of concern, we are, all of us God’s beloved. We are called to love and serve the Lord, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. How do we do that in such a time as this?
May we have the courage, wisdom, and faith to explore these questions.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Margret Hofmeister
It is not too late to register for the 2024 Justice Summit! Click on the link:
https://www.sneucc.org/eventdetail/justicesummit2024-18362882
Rev. Margret Hofmeister is the Area Conference Minister in the Southwest Region. She can be reached at hofmeisterm@sneucc.org or at 860-761-7198.
Fairfield East Association
Fairfield West Association
Litchfield South Association
New Haven Association
A Special Screening of the Documentary Film "What Could Have Been" at Center Church on the Green, New Haven, Tuesday, Sept. 10th at 6:30pm
New Haven East Consociation
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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) and other significant church celebrations.
Ordination Anniversaries for August
25 Years
The Rev. Bridget Fidler - 8/29/1999
60 Years
The Rev. Ronald Kittlel - 8/23/1964
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2024 Milestone Church Anniversaries
300 YEARS
First Congregational Church of Cheshire, CT
Huntington Congregational Church, Shelton, CT
175 YEARS
First Congregational Church, Ansonia, CT
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If your name or church has been missed, please contact Lynn Varney or update your data using the Clergy Portal and Local Church Dashboard.
SNEUCC Local Church Dashboard can be found here.
SNEUCC Clergy Portal can be found here.
Justice Summit to Focus on Politics as an Act of Faith
The SNEUCC’s Center for Transformational Leadership presents the 3rd Annual Justice Summit: Politics as an Act of Faith, taking place Sept. 14 online and at Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT.
This day-long program will equip local church leaders, both lay and clergy, to engage with politics as people of faith. This Summit has something for everyone, including: a workshop for preachers; sessions on the challenges of engaging political conversations, especially in such a polarized time; and connection with faith-based justice leaders for practical opportunities to take your faith beyond the pews.
Register here: https://www.sneucc.org/2024justice. Registration for onsite participation closes Friday, August 30 at noon, and for online participation on Wednesday Sept. 11th.
The executive leaders of the United Church of Christ have issued the following statement addressing the violence in Israel and Palestine and calling for actions toward a just and lasting peace.
“They have treated the wound of my people carelessly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace.” (Jeremiah 6:14)
Throughout the history of humankind, generations have witnessed the trauma of wars and killings, actions that denied the humanity of some, by the cruelty of others. These days are no different. Wars rage among us. Currently there are over 100 conflicts documented globally. Even modern war has its rules of engagement, conventions written to ensure the safety of those whose lives are threatened by escalating situations of conflict.
Church Safety in Politically Trying Times
In partnership with the SNEUCC, the UCC Insurance Board will be hosting a workshop on Church Safety in Politically Trying Times at the SNEUCC 2024 Justice Summit, Saturday, September 14, 2024.
“Sadly, this is more relevant than ever,” said Rev. Liz Garrigan-Byerly, Acting Executive Conference Minister while Rev. Goodwin is on sabbatical. Just last weekend, three SNEUCC churches were part of a group of churches in Eastern Massachusetts that were vandalized with anti- LGBTQ graffiti. As Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, wrote in her letter to church leaders “all houses of worship should be sanctuaries where people can safely worship, without fear or intimidation.” (Read a joint statement by the Southern New England Conference, UCC, New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts here).
Love of Church grant applications now open, including Neighbors in Need
by Renee DeLuca | published on Aug 13, 2024 from the United Church of Christ website.
The unified grant application includes four support programs: CASA New and Rebirthing Church Grants, Operational Support, Neighbors in Need, and Pension Board New Church Benefits. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2024. More information here: Love of Church grant applications now open, including Neighbors in Need - United Church of Christ (ucc.org)
Board Treasurer Open
The United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries is seeking nominees for a board treasurer. We strongly encourage applications from people with disabilities, members of BIPOC communities, LGBTQIA+ people, and members of other Historically Underrepresented Groups (HUGS) in the United Church of Christ.
If you have a passion for accessibility, disability theology, working collaboratively within and across ministries, and building relationships, the UCCDM Board could be a good fit for you. Please visit https://uccdm.org/call-for-nominations/ for more information. We look forward to working with you!
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There is a lot going on in Southern New England! Click here to access the SNEUCC Upcoming Events Newsletters, which list details about upcoming trainings, gatherings and events. Or, click here to access the Events Calendar.
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 Temporary Ministerial Coverage (TMC) lists provide local churches with the contact information, availability and a brief bio of the clergy and lay people who are available to provide Sunday supply, leave or sabbatical coverage or bridge coverage to local churches. The Conference ensures that those on this list are in good standing, have an active criminal background check. These TMC lists are updated in real time. Because these lists contain personal contact information, we do not post them publicly. If your church needs 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.
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 Southwest 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 Lynn Varney. 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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