Project Proclaim, the compelling preaching initiative of the Southern New England Conference, is launching multiple opportunities for lay and clergy to get engaged with the project this September, including learning cohorts, an in-person proclamation lab and online Bible and preaching courses.

"Project Proclaim is a place to explore the art and science of proclamation, in the pulpit, and especially innovative, experimental and non-traditional preaching," said Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives. 

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Rev. Noah Brewer-Wallin, Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, writes:

Local churches are places where we can gather in times of uncertainty, conflict, and change – to know that we are not alone, to lean on the sure foundations of our faith, and to inspire one another to carry the hope of our faith into the community.  

If you and others in your church community are experiencing anxiety around the uncertainty of this election, you are not alone. If you and others in your church community are wary of the conflict that could come – in families and in our nation – through this election season, you are not alone. If you and others in your church community are committed to changes that bring about the Realm of God no matter who wins in November, you are not alone. 

The 2024 Justice Summit on Saturday, September 14 is just the place to gather alongside others in our Conference and beyond who are experiencing this anxiety, wariness, and commitment. Registration to attend onsite at Wesleyan University in Connecticut closes Friday, August 30 at noon, and you have until Wednesday, September 11 at noon to register to attend online. 

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Rev. Debbie Gline Allen, Minister of Faith Formation, writes:

The Southern New England Conference is blessed in many ways.

Its congregations are supported by an experienced and innovative staff. Its clergy and lay leaders can take advantage of all-church events and summits to learn best practices for local church and social justice leadership. And it offers the only theologically progressive entry-level training specifically for faith formation in the United Church of Christ. 

These days, faith formation and youth ministry leaders come in all flavors — Sunday School teachers, faith formation and youth ministry volunteers and staff, clergy, parents, grandparents, other lay leaders — anyone who wishes to nurture children and youth as true members of the Body of Christ.

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Flash floods swept through Connecticut's Naugatuck Valley on Sunday, Aug. 18, as upwards of 12 inches of rain fell in a six- to eight-hour period, according to news reports. Two people were killed, and more than 100 people were evacuated during the downpour. Roadways collapsed, and homes and businesses were destroyed.

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