“So abundant and novel are the objects of interest in a pure wilderness that unless you are pursuing special studies it matters little where you go, or how often to the same place. Wherever you chance to be always seems at the moment of all places the best…” John Muir, Travels in Alaska   I've recently returned from a long awaited and much anticipated cruise to Alaska. This was a bucket list trip to celebrate my 60th birthday. Did you know that southeast Alaska is situated in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the US as well as the largest contiguous temperate rainforest in the world? You read that right...largest rainforest in the world! The beauty of Alaska extends from the land to the sea. The rugged landscapes, with towering mountains, pristine glaciers and serene fjords provide a living testament to the grandeur of God’s handiwork. Each encounter with wildlife, from majestic humpback whales and playful harbor seals to shy red fox and regal bald eagles, reinforces the wonder and complexity of the world we inhabit. The journey through Alaska’s icy waters and majestic scenery invites awe and reverence. In moments of stillness, as the sun cast a golden hue over the icy waters and the air was filled with the crisp scent of the wilderness, I found myself drawn into a deeper appreciation of God's presence. For all my pre-trip preparations, purchasing rain gear, watching YouTube videos about each port of call, making reservations for e-bike adventures and whale watching excursions, I wasn’t prepared for the impact on my spirit. More than a journey through a stunning landscape, my cruise to Alaska was a spiritual pilgrimage that renewed my sense of gratitude for the world we have been entrusted with. There are places around the world and right here in our state, where the beauty and grandeur of God’s handiwork are on display. As we move into the fall season, go, and connect with the divine through the beauty of creation. It is a reminder of the Psalmist’s words, " The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork. Psalm 19:1 Yours in Christ, Rev. Margret Hofmeister 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 FEA ANNUAL FALL BUSINESS MEETING, 7 pm 10/23 (ZOOM) Greetings in Christ's Name! The Annual Fall Business Meeting of the Fairfield East Association is hereby called for Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024. This will be a virtual meeting utilizing the ZOOM meeting platform. The virtual doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:00 pm. Meeting materials, including an agenda, corrected nominating slate and proposed budget will be sent in late September. Fairfield West Association.  Register here. Fairfield West Association Litchfield South Association New Haven Association New Haven East Consociation

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 September

15 Years
The Rev. Margret Hofmeister - 9/13 /2009

30 Years
The Rev. Virnette Hamilton - 9/18/1994

35 Years
The Rev. Jeffrey Rider - 9/24/1989

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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.

More Than 200 Attend Justice Summit to Take on Politics as an Act of Faith The 3rd Annual Justice Summit: Politics as an Act of Faith, presented by the Southern New England Conference's Center for Transformational Leadership, was held Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the campus of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. This day-long hybrid program aimed to equip local church leaders, both lay and clergy, to engage with politics as people of faith, and was open to people from any denomination, as well as other UCC Conferences.  Read more   Read more about the keynote, in which Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr. Challenged Christians to Take Tangible Steps to Oppose Oppression and Injustice. Project Proclaim Launches Labs, Cohort Groups & Online Learning 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 fall, including learning cohorts, an in-person proclamation lab and online Bible and preaching courses.   Read more Center for Transformational Leadership Announces Events for the Season The Center for Transformational Leadership, the Conference’s hub for programming and resources, has announced its schedule for the program year including workshops, retreats, lunch & learn sessions and more.   Link: https://sneucc-email.brtapp.com/viewemail/4053268. Church Life Cycle & Capacity: A Snapshot of Your Church’s Vitality Sept. 25, 7:00 to 8:30 PM • Online  or Oct. 8, 7:00 to 8:30 PM • Online This hands-on workshop includes information about church life cycles, opportunities often available at each stage of the life cycle, and the kind of capacity (financial, leadership, health, etc.) needed. This gathering is for church leadership groups. Clergy Wellness Retreat - North Central & Northeast Regions Wednesday, October 2, 2024  9:30 AM to 3:00 PM   Congregational Church of Littleton 330 King Street Littleton, MA 01460 This is the last in the series of four Clergy Wellness Retreats that the Southern New England Conference and the UCC Pension Boards partnered with to offer to SNEUCC clergy during the 2023-24 Program Year. Click here to learn more and to register. SAVE THE DATE!  Registration and more information to come:     New & Updated Visitation Resources Available Updated in 2023, the UCC Handbook for Visitation is designed to support those doing visitation, whether new to this ministry or experienced. Our role in connecting with people on behalf of the church is a significant part of ministry, and this handbook will guide and empower you as needed.

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.