 It's been a long winter... how is your church doing?  By Don RemickA little over a week ago our Conference staff sent out an email to all our churches checking in on the impact of the winter. We had been hearing of some challenges with budgets and buildings and energy. We had also been hearing of some creativity and ingenuity.
To date we have heard from around 5 dozen of our churches. About a dozen of these had described overextended budgets and minor damage from ice dams. Another dozen had more extreme damage including flooding, roof collapse, significant water damage, damage from falling ice, etc; some of which rendered their buildings unusable for a time.
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From the Minister & President
More and more, people recognize that climate change is serious, and that divesting from fossil fuel companies is one of many strategies to prompt humanity to take action.
 As I have preached on this topic in well over a dozen churches, many individuals have approached me asking how they might go about divesting their personal portfolios from fossil fuel companies. On Sunday, March 22 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM, First Church Cambridge will host an opportunity to hear from an impressive team of financial experts who will explore how fossil fuel divestment works, how to go about it, the risks and benefits involved, and how to maximize the impact of individual decisions to divest. You won't be disappointed!
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The Parish Paper
What Churches Can Do to Increase Social Media Security
 No matter how you manage your social media and online payment tools, following four basic rules substantially reduce the risk of someone breaking into church accounts and stealing your congregations' personal information.
Read the entire issue
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Resources
In Covenant: Bulletin Insert
The March insert is now available for download for use in church bulletins and newsletters. This month's issue features articles on the churches opting into the new MACUCC funding plan, NCLI coming to Boston and what churches can do to prepare for the big melt-off. |
Justice & Witness Opportunities
Sat., Mar. 14, 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM St. John's Episcopal Church, Boston
Do you have a food ministry, thriving or struggling, that you want to bring to the next level? Eat and Share provides hands-on experience developing your food ministry skills.
CANCELLED Sun. Mar. 15 South Boston
Mon., Mar. 23, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA A day for teachers, social workers, guidance counselors, parents, clergy and anyone who works with children, to come together to listen, learn and engage in open discussions on ways to improve the lives of our children.
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Summer Camp Opportunities
 Looking for a 2015 summer camp experience? The Massachusetts Conference suggests you check out these camps, which are all UCC or UCC-related camps and conferences in New England. |
Classifieds - Help Wanted:
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Subscription changes Subscribe to more of our e-newsletters at: macucc.org/subscribeTo unsubscribe, change your email address or otherwise change your email preferences, please contact Jane Logee. |
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Registration now open: 216th Annual Meeting!
 New Location, New Voices, Renewed Spirit to Enliven!
June 12 - 13, 2015 University of Mass., Amherst This Annual Meeting will be an opportunity to focus on the "treasure in clay jars" (2 Corinthians 4:7) - the glory of God, carried and made visible in particular ways in each person present, and in our work together as the Body of Christ.
For those who cannot attend the whole meeting, tickets are also being sold for the keynote address alone at: macucc.org/nadia |
Faith Formation Events For youth March 27 - 28, 2015 Craigville Retreat Center, Cape Cod This 24 hour retreat is intended for all youth, grades 7 - 12 interested in connecting with themselves, others and God. Led by the Rev. Matt Carriker.
For educators
Upcoming classes:
April 11: Lynnfield
Worship & Sacraments
April 25: Northampton
Theories of Religious Education
This creative, interactive program is for local church educators who want to reach a level of proficiency through knowledge, experience and training. Courses this year are on Human & Faith Development, Theories of Religious Education and Worship and Sacraments, and are being held in Lynnfield and Northampton.
For educators
Sat., April 18 & Sat., May 9
10 AM - Noon
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
A chance for for Christian Educators and Youth Ministers/Directors to network and share experiences with colleagues. Facilitated by Elsa Marshall.
For all
Sat., April 18, 8:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
An experiential workshop offered by the Rev. Elizabeth Magill and Desiree Bernard will provide basic training and renewed experience in the sacred work of deep listening and spiritual care.
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Growing Your Church Events April 17 - 18 Holiday Inn, Boxboro, MA The 2015 Northeast Ecumenical Stewardship Council Conference featuring Ben Stroup and The Right Rev. Michael Curry. Wed., May 6, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Salvation Army, Canton You are invited to attend this FEMA spring workshop and learn how to prepare your congregation to better cope with disasters.
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Clergy Events
Clergy Ethics: The Musical Fri., Mar. 13, 7:00 PM New location: Congregational Church, South Glastonbury, CT  This musical, written and produced by UCC legal counselors Don Clark and Heather Kimmel, creatively engages the audience while communicating an important message. Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts and Connecticut Conferences.
New Date! Preparing for Search & Call - Session 1 - Members in Discernment Day at ANTS Sat. March 28, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM  Wilson Chapel, Andover Newton Theological School, Newton
A look at Search & Call Terrain & Tools plus An Integrated Minister's Online Presence featuring The Rev. Malcolm Himschoot, Minister for Ministerial Transition, UCC Application deadline: June 14 Writing for the Pastoral Life - Strange Gift, Long Journey, Bright Star with Maren Tirabassi Warren Conference Center, Ashland Nov. 2 - 8, 2015 This week-long intensive writing experience will sharpen skills and expand imagination in the familiar forms - sermon preparation, liturgy for page or projection, agendas, online communication from blog to tweet -- and investigate creative writing for ministry - from flash fiction to slam poetry. 
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