Maine Conference Events E-Mail
 August 31, 2016
In This Issue
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Announcing Steve Jones' Retirement Banquet!
Pilgrim Lodge, October 1, 2016,  5:30


 
After 13 years of faithful and dedicated ministry, Steve Jones will be retiring as from the position of Pilgrim Lodge Maintenance Supervisor at the end of this camping season.  We would like to send him off with a huge show of our love and gratitude. There will be retirement banquet at Pilgrim Lodge on
Saturday, October 1, at 5:30. Everyone is invited to attend. We are really hoping staff and volunteers who have worked with Steve will come out to say "thank you."  We are asking $15 for dinner, and will be accepting donations toward a parting gift.  Stay tuned to ACE next week, we will include instruction for registering and sending funds for Steve's gift. In the mean time, please put October 1 on your calendar!  

Save the Date
Farewell Celebration 
for Rev. Ineke Mitchell 

Location and Time 
to be disclosed 
at a later time

September 18, 2016

 
 
Save the Date

Christmas Open House

Maine UCC Conference Center
Augusta

December 14, 2016
11AM - 3PM

2017 BUDGET HEARINGS  
COMING TO A CHURCH  
NEAR YOU

 
 
There are four Budget Hearings across the state in to preview & discuss the 2017 budget prior to The 2016 Annual Meeting

(Recommended budget information will be available by close of business September 16th)
 

SACO
September 21, 2016 7PM
(Zoom will be available)
First Parish Church
12 Beach Street
Saco, Maine

AUGUSTA
September 25, 2016 2PM
(Zoom will be available)
Maine Conference Center
1 Weston Court, Suite 104
Augusta, ME 04330

BANGOR
September 28, 2016 1PM
Hammond Street Congregational Church
28 High Street
Bangor, ME 04401

AUBURN
October 3, 2016 7PM
(Zoom will be available)
High Street Congregational Church
106 Pleasant Street
Auburn, ME 04210

If you are interested in participating via Zoom Video Conferencing (web based online meeting application.)
Please register and then contact Beth Campbell at
[email protected]
(Once you have received the meeting e-mail Click Here to download application and join meeting) 

Transformed!
Renewed!
Alive!

2016 Annual Meeting
SAVE THE DATE
 
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God-what is good and acceptable and perfect.
(Romans 12:2  (NRSV))

One Day Only!
October 22, 2016

Location 
Gracie Theater
Husson University
Bangor

Key Note Speaker
Rev. Chris Davies 
Coordinator for Congregational Assessment 
Support and Advancement (CASA)

Clergy and Laity Retreat
October 21, 2016
Hampden Congregational Church
Hampden 


Maine School of Ministry
Fall 2016 Course Announcement
(Registration Open)
 
 
The Maine School of Ministry is happy to announce the Fall 2016 Courses which can be taken either face to face in the classroom or via live feed using the Maine Conference's Zoom Capacity

The Gospel and the gospels
Early Ch
ristians tell their story

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Larry Kalajainen

Click Here to Register - BibSt-Fdn 1

UCC History, Theology and Polity

Instructor: Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nordbeck

Click Here to Register - PrTh-Pb 1

______________________________________
______________________________________ 

Courses are also available through
The New York School of Ministry

(For more information on these courses, please contact Rev. Marjorie Purnine, Associate Conference Minister for Leadership Development, New York Conference UCC 
315-446-3073 x16)

1. Introduction to Christian Theology
2. Family Systems & Pastoral Leadership
3. Liturgy and Worship
____________________________________
___________________________________

For More information on
ALL OFFERED COURSES
Click Below

Fall 2016 Course Offerings 


 
Costa Rica Mission Trip Meeting on Sunday, September 11 at 11:45 a.m.-Tim Kittredge



First Parish Church, Yarmouth in the Spring of 2017 is sponsoring a twelve day/eleven night mission trip for adults to Costa Rica to donate our services to a school for 3 � days and then travel on an eco-tour of Costa Rica. We will be spending the first few days completing our mission work and the last part will include guided trips to see the four different areas of the country, from the Central Valley where most people live to the cloud forest of Monteverde, the lowlands of the North, East and Central regions, and also to the South Pacific Coast. We will be staying in lodges and hotels in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Arenal National Park and the Bellena Marine National Park.
The trip will be led by Jose Vargas who owns and runs Ruta Verde Nature tours in Costa Rica with his two sons. Jose founded the company in 1995 and Ruta Verde means "green Trail." His background is International Relations. He completed a master's degree on Ecotourism and has participated in graduate courses on Regional Tourism in Northern Arizona University and Natural Resource Management in Penn State University. He was the director of the Tropical Youth Center, an environmental education center located near Corcovado National Park and is a founder and board member of ASEDER (Entrepreneur Association for Responsible Development), dedicated to support entrepreneur young people to develop profitable business, environmentally friendly and socially responsible in the Osa Peninsula.
Jose will be speaking briefly at the church service about the trip on September 11th and will be joining us for coffee after the service. At 11:45 that morning there will be a meeting of those interested in going on the trip and those wishing to learn more.
This will be a rewarding trip for participants as they will be interacting with local residents during the community service work and also exploring the different ecosystems, landscapes and wildlife of the country. If you are interested in joining us, come to the meeting after the service and please invite friends and family who may want to travel with us. We are looking to have 14-18 participants and the expected cost of the trip excluding airfare and tips is $1,685 (includes local transportation, lodging, meals and guides).

 






The Franklin Association of the Maine Conference, United Church of Christ will hold its second annual outdoor worship service at Titcomb Mountain in Farmington on Sunday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m.  The Rev. Chrissy Cataldo, pastor of the Winthrop Congregational Church, U.C.C., will preach on "Living Water" from John 7: 37-39.  Combined choirs will sing "Go Tell It on the Mountain" as an anthem.  Those singing in the choir will meet at Titcomb at 9:00 A.M. on the 18th for rehearsal.  The offering will go to help the homeless shelter in Farmington, and its needed supplies, i.e. paper products, detergents, personal toiletry items, etc., will also be collected.  A pot-luck lunch will be served after the worship service.  All are invited.

 
SAVE THE DATES:  
Intersex Lecture and Workshop

Lianne Simon
Megan DeFranza












Public Lecture: "Birth Certificates to Bathrooms: Religion, Politics, and the Nature of Sex"

  • Friday, September 23rd
  • 7 - 9 PM
  • Location TBA
  • Intended Audience: This session is designed for the general public, including faith leaders. It will showcase presentations by Lianne Simon and Dr. Megan DeFranza and include plenty of time for questions and answers.
Click Here for More Information 

SAVE THE DATE!

YORK ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING
 
 
Sunday, September 25, 2016
Starting at 3:00 PM
at
First Parish Federated Church
150 Main Street
South Berwick 


Does a concert have the power to change the course of gun violence legislation? Probably not. But can hundreds of thousands of people raise awareness about gun violence in an impactful way just weeks before an election? You bet we can!



 
Let's sing for peace on Sunday, September 25th!
Participating is as easy as singing a song... with your congregation, in your home (maybe even put it on YouTube and share it with others), or in your community. 

Confirmation Retreat 
Offered by the NH Conference 
(Open to MECUCC & VTCUCC)

September 30th - October 2nd 
 
 


 The Confirmation retreat is offered by the NHCUCC at Horton Center, but is not conference specific, and we hope to have groups from Maine and Vermont join us.  We had a great group from Maine join us last year!

"Many youth going through the confirmation process in their local churches are wondering: So what does it mean to be part of the United Church of Christ? Am I really welcome in the UCC? What does it mean that "God is Still Speaking"

The annual NHCUCC Confirmation Retreat will be an opportunity to explore those questions.  The retreat is a full weekend to be held September 30th - October 2nd at Horton Center.  This promises to be a very special time for our youth and confirmation leaders.  We will gather for worship, music, discussion, good food and games.  Come and meet others who are going through the Confirmation journey with you.

Sign up today

Download the Confirmation Retreat brochure for sharing with your local church:

Confirmation Retreat Brochure





 2016-2017 Program - Auburn Maine


Human systems are complicated,
and churches are no exception.
At their best, they draw out excellence in their people. At their worst, they become stuck --undermining and sabotaging even the mostwell-designed plans for change. Tending the Fire helps clergy "think systems" in their
congregations and their personal lives, so they can lead change that lasts.
They can:


* Understand anxiety's effects on churches
and individuals

* Be a healthy, non-anxious leader
* Manage complicated emotional relationships

* Avoid overwork and "underwork"

* Recognize and handle sabotage

* Discover the "next right steps" for their
churches and themselves.


For More Information Click Here

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!!

Cumberland Association of Churches  
and Ministers Annual Meeting

DATE:  Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 2:30- 4:30PM
LOCATION: To be announced.
 
The Annual Report will be sent out No Later Than September 1st.
 
   
A Call to the meeting will be sent out when the Location is finalized! 

The Franklin Association and the Kennebec Valley will merge to form a new union on October 2nd at 2:00 p.m.at the First Parish Congregational Church, UCC in Augusta.



  The name of the newly formed united association will the Living Water Association, based on John 7:37-39.  Each church is asked to bring a container of water from a local body of water. The Rev. Deborah Blood, Conference Minister, will preach at the worship service.  All delegates are urged to attend this historic event and others are cordially invited.  There will be combined choir from 
churches of the former two associations.

 
Mark Your Calendars  
& Save the Date

The Fall Meeting of the Kennebec Valley Association will convene at 2PM October 2nd at South Parish Congregational  Church (UCC) in Augusta     
 
This meeting will include a joint gathering of the Kennebec Valley Association and the Franklin Association to form a new entity as in Isaiah 43:19 ...
See
, I am doing a new thing!
 
More details to follow.
 
 
  2016 Boundary Awareness Training Schedule
Please Click the Training Title Below to get more information and to register 

Tuesday October 4th
Union Congregational Church
Ellsworth Falls
**
********************************************
This training meets Maine Conference UCC Association requirements for clergy to maintain their ministerial standing (others should check with your Association Committee on Ministry).  For more information, contact the Maine Conference Office at
207-622-3100 or [email protected]
****************************************************
   There is a cost of $25.00 for this training    






 
Click Here to Register


For Additional Information
or to Print Poster

Click the Link Below 
 
DIVINE DIVERSITY ART SHOW

 
 


First Congregational Church UCC, South Portland  invites the entries of artists wishing to exhibit an original work of art that reflects its second annual show's theme  Divine Diversity.
 



A panel of judges will award cash prizes in three categories:   
1.  painting/drawing    
2.  photography    
3. other media such as sculpture, stained glass, fabric arts, metal arts. 
 
In each category there will be: 
First prize - $300 
Second prize - $200 
Visitors' Choice - $100 
Honorable Mention. 
 
Registration form with show guidelines is available at fccucc.org    
Application deadline is September 26, 2016.

 
SAVE THE DATE 
October 11th

 
 
First Parish Church of York invites you to join us at the Ogunquit Playhouse on October 11 for New England Sings, a talent showcase that will raise money for the York County Family Fund, First Parish of York Outreach, Darkness to Light for survivors of sexual abuse, and The Ogunquit Playhouse.
 
If you know a gifted young artist under age 30, please encourage them to submit a minute and a half or less video to NewEnglandSings.com. Finalists will participate in the show live at the Ogunquit, and the winner will receive a studio session with singer/songwriter Kara DioGuardi.
 
 
Progressive Christian Music Workshop
Registration Now Open
 
New Hampshire Conference Center
Friday, October 21, 2016
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Rev. Bryan Sirchio 
 
The New Hampshire Conference, United Church of Christ is sponsoring a workshop is pastors, choir directors, choir members, church organists and pianists, worship band musicians, anyone who designs or creates liturgies, and all lay persons interested in exploring the role of music in worship.  Drawing from his book, The 6 Marks of Progressive Christian Worship Music, Rev. Bryan Sirchio, in town for our Annual Meeting, will focus on key points of Progressive Christian theology, a Progressive approach to Scripture, Progressive Christian Worship, and some of the reasons why music is so important.  We will sing together, discuss the challenges and opportunities of bringing new music and liturgical art forms into our local churches and the role that music plays in spiritual formation and worship that is transforming and alive.  We will share best practices, best resources, and how to use the gifts of music more powerfully and fruitfully in our congregations, small and large, those that have abundant musical ministry and those that may feel inadequate about music. 
 
Cost is a nominal $20.00 per person.  The event will be held at the NH Conference Center; 140 Sheep Davis Road; Pembroke, New Hampshire. 

Register Here 
 
ONLINE
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES  
THROUGH FALL

 



Looking for some Coaching?

Coaching Cohorts
for the summer and fall

Retirement:
     People who are considering retirement in the next 12 - 24 months.
     People who are in that first (difficult) year of retirement, with particular focus on self-care and boundary issues.
 
Ten Year Tweak:
     Ordained folk who have been in their current placement for about ten years (+/-) and might want support, encouragement and education towards renewing vitality, mission and vision.
 
First Year, First Call:
     This coaching cohort works together towards starting right - developing healthy habits right out of the gate - so they can stay strong in their ministerial presence.
 
Conflict Management or Resiliency Coaching:
      A new addition, we have two specifically trained Senior Coaches who will be offering this new opportunity for skill building.
 
Our traditional and very popular cohorts, working with renewal and new church starts.
Others upon request and with a "critical mass" (5 people),  Please let me know if you have any specific requests. If you know people who need help in a specific area, others will, too.
These cohort groups provide the individuals in them with one year of coaching, educational materials, and a chance to cross-fertilize and connect.  They are a very affordable $1,200 for the entire year, materials included.
(If you have a contract with us, this rate may be reduced).
We offer both pure coaching for individuals and cohorts, and, our own brand of Coachsulting: a unique mix of information, educational materials and coaching towards both skill-building and goals.

Click Here for More Indepth Information 
 
Mission Trip to Guatemala
 

First Parish Church of York invites you to join us on a Common Hope trip to Guatemala. On January 21st, 2017, we will leave as a group to fly from Boston to Guatemala City. We will return on January 28th after a week of service.
 
The cost to participate in a Common Hope Vision Team program is $1,500 plus airfare. Of this amount, $500 may be fund raised through support from your church. It is preferred that team members consider fundraising rather than pay the entire amount themselves because it expands the opportunity for others to enable children to go to school and their family to receive health care in rural Guatemala.
 
First Parish has partnered with Common Hope for almost 4 years and is excited to embark on another mission trip. If you resonate with the mission of Common Hope and would like to be a member of our team, please contact Ellis Copeland at 207 361 3765 (home) or 303 332 6330 (mobile).