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CONNECT WITH
THE BISHOP
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Looking for opportunities to connect with Bishop Hazelwood?
Check out these upcoming events:
Oct. 1-7
Conference of Bishops, Chicago, IL
Oct. 10-11
Gulf Coast Synod Convocation, Houston, TX
Oct. 12
30th Anniversary, Faith,
N. Windham, ME;
Neighoff Ordination, Water of Life, Newcastle, ME, 4 p.m.
Oct. 14
Lutheran Episcopal Clergy Day, St. Mark's Episcopal, E. Longmeadow, MA
Oct. 16
LTSP 150th Anniversary, Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 17
100th Anniversary Zion, Worcester, MA
Oct. 19
Morning Worship, Zion, Portland, CT
Oct. 21-11
LSTC Bishop-In-Residence, Chicago, IL
Oct. 25
Episcopal Diocese of Western Mass. Convocation, Agawam, MA
Oct. 26
Morning Worship, Emanuel, Hartford CT
Nov. 1
125th Anniversary, Immanuel, Meriden, CT
Nov. 2
125th Anniversary, Zion, Southington, CT
Nov. 4
Executive Committee,
Worcester, MA
Nov. 8
Episcopal Diocese of RI Convention, St. Mary's Episcopal, Portsmouth, RI
Nov. 9
50th Anniversary, Prince of Peace, Brookfield, CT
Nov. 10-12
Bishop's Convocation, Holy Family Retreat Center, W. Hartford, CT
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A Synod of Experimentation
In this month's video, Bishop James Hazelwood (with a little help from his friends) talks about the importance of experimentation. Are you trying something new? Is it exciting? Is it terrifying?
We passed a resolution at our 2014 Assembly, asking every congregation to set aside 20 percent of its time and resources to experiment. Why? Because the world has changed, and the church must be ready to change with it. So we must try new things, we must be willing to fail boldly and learn.
Are you trying something new?
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PASTOR SABBATICALS DEADLINE
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The New England Synod strongly encourages congregations and other organizations within the Synod to provide for and grant their pastors and other full-time rostered workers a sabbatical or renewal leave of three consecutive months after every four years of service in that setting.
The purpose of the New England Synod Sabbatical Fund is to provide financial support for New England Synod Rostered Leaders embarking on an approved sabbatical that includes an aspect of mission oriented learning and discovery. Sabbatical awards range between $1,000 and $5,000 depending on various factors related to market activity, contributions to the fund, number of applicants, need and other variables.
Rostered leaders apply to the Synod Council by writing a brief cover letter and a no more than two (2) page proposal outlining their sabbatical plans. In addition, applicants will provide a one page budget for their sabbatical, including how the Synod Sabbatical funds will be used. Applications must be received no later than Nov. 1 at midnight.
All applications are reviewed and acted upon by the Executive Committee of the Synod Council.
For more information, including a link to download the synod's full sabbatical policy, click here.
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ORDINATION OF CAROLYN NEIGHOFF
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 Carolyn Neighoff, who has been called to Water of Life in Newcastle Maine, will be ordained on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 4 p.m. at Water of Life.
Carolyn is a graduate of Bangor Theological Seminary, and did her Lutheran studies at Philadelphia Seminary. She was called on July 27 after serving as a Synodically Authorized Lay Minister for some two years.
Bishop James Hazelwood will preside. Clergy are invited to vest, and the color of the day will be red.
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MEDIATION SKILLS TRAINING
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 March 2-6, 2015
Calumet Conference Center
Freedom, NH
Do you have a gifted lay leader in your congregation known for transforming conversations and leading groups from places of tension to places of growth? Consider sending them to the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center for additional training March 2-6. Their newly developed skills will help your church, ministries, small groups and even their professional careers move forward.
The New England Synod's Portico Health Assessment enables the New England Synod to provide a $200 discount to all New England rostered leaders who register before November 15, 2014. In addition, after February 6, 2015, the rate will be $1,210, and the Commuter rate will be $825.
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Wednesday, Oct. 29, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Stanley Black & Decker Training Center
New Britain, CT
Faith in the Firehouse is an all-day event for faith leaders of all backgrounds, to help them lead their congregations and communities in times of tragedy and trauma. This event is sponsored by the Ana Grace Project, which was founded by Nelba Marquez-Greene and Jimmy Greene in response to the loss of their daughter in the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
This event is also supported by the Peace in Connecticut Coalition that was brought together in response to the growing issue of violence in our culture and our state. We will be hearing from Nelba during the day as she speaks with passion and care for every family impacted by violence.
For more information, including a full schedule of the day's events and registration, click here.
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Art, Ritual and Healing
Saturday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Christ Lutheran Church, Natick, MA
 We don't want to talk about Ferguson. We want to do something about it. In his blog about the Michael Brown demonstrations, New England Synod Bishop Jim Hazelwood suggests one way: "intentionally bring people of various backgrounds together." This Visual Liturgy event will demonstrate ways in which art enfolded in ritual can foster healing within fractured communities.
Keynote speaker for the day is Michael Dowling, artist and director of Medicine Wheel, a program in which black and white urban youth from South Boston, Roxbury, and Dorchester create art that takes them into Boston neighborhoods which for generations have been separated by race, class, and economics.
The Rev. Susan Nachtigal, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Worcester, MA, will preach at the closing worship service.
For more information, click here to download the flyer, which includes workshop descriptions.
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Graduate event  Pastor Christopher Hoyer
Oct. 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Emanuel Lutheran Church
60 Church St.
Manchester, CT
Join the School of Lay Ministry for a day of discussion on "Interpreting the Word," which will focus on reading, homiletics and pastoral care.
Pastor Christopher Hoyer, a retired parish pastor, teacher and author will lead the discussion. A resident of Marlborough, Mass., Pr. Hoyer will present three sessions on Interpreting the Word:
Oral Interpretation (serving as lector)
Homiletical Interpretation (preaching homilies and sermons)
Pastoral Interpretation (caregiving in your congregation)
The registration fee of $30 includes coffee and refreshments during registration, as well as lunch.
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Leaders meeting
 Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Bethlehem Lutheran Church
345 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA
508-347-7297
On Saturday, Oct. 11, 10am-1pm, Pastor Timothy Weisman and Pastor Heidi Johnston will be leading an informational meeting in Sturbridge, MA for rostered leaders, lay leaders, youth directors, parents, youth, and anyone else who is helping guide a group to Detroit in 2015. You'll hear all the latest plans for the Detroit Gathering and get questions answered!
If you travel to Sturbridge, lunch will be provided. Or, if you wish, you'll be able to watch the meeting online from the comfort of your home via GoToMeeting (or a similar resource). Just check the box and we'll get you connected!
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Chris and Meredith Thompson
 Saturday, Oct. 4-8 p.m. (doors 7:30 p.m.)
University Lutheran Church
66 Winthrop Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
All are welcome to join us for an evening of amazing acoustical music and stories from Somerville locals Chris and Meredith Thompson! Join us for a wide variety of musical talent from vocals to flute and drums and exquisite storytelling. $15/$10 students, free under 12 years old. |
| BRIAN MCLAREN IN HARTFORD |
Monday, Nov. 10, 2014 - 7 p.m.
Emanuel Lutheran Church
311 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT
Celebrated author, speaker and activist Brian McLaren will deliver a public lecture at Emanuel Lutheran Church (311 Capitol Ave., Hartford, CT), sponsored by the New England Synod and several ecumenical partners.
McLaren's lecture will be held Monday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $45, with discounts for clergy and students. To register and purchase your ticket, click here! Please share this information with those who might be interested, with our recommendation to sign up promptly, as this event is expected to sell out quickly.
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