The Shaving Cream on Top
 By Patrick CageEnvironmental Justice Intern
Roughly a fortnight into my time with the MACUCC, Conference Minister & President Jim Antal and I struck a deal. Should ten Massachusetts UCC churches take up new conversations about divestment, he would get pied at Super Saturday. Well, last week, our Pie Thermometer maxed out at "10" and as a result Jim's fate is sealed.
"Throwing pies?," some might cry. "Perfectly good pies? Food justice is too serious an issue to take such flagrant food waste lightly, even if the stunt is 'for a good cause.'"
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Take it from Noah (and NOAA): Be prepared for a flood!
.jpg) While it's possible that this 'winter of discontent' may soon be behind us, it's certain that effects will linger on.
March 16-20 is Flood Safety Awareness Week in Massachusetts. This blog post presents thought-starters for church leadership and helpful information to share with your congregation.
In addition, the MACUCC Disaster Resource Team encourages you to take a look back in order to look forward. What lessons did you learn from the season of storms?
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Unaccompanied minors need backpacks...can you help?
The Immigration and Refugee Task Team of the MACUCC is in partnership with Refugio Phoenix, which helps children who come across the southern U.S. border without guardians. Refugio Phoenix says that the largest current need is backpacks and duffle bags.
The Task Team is asking churches attending this weekend's Super Saturday to consider donating at least one backpack and/or duffle and dropping it off at the Justice & Witness Marketplace table.
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Scholarships, webinar, for NCLI in Boston announced
The national setting of the United Church of Christ is making a limited number of $200 scholarships available towards registration for the National Church Leadership Institute (NCLI), being held in Boston and Newton Aug. 10 - 13. CPR is also holding a free preview webinar with Brian McLaren and Cameron Trimble.
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Cyclone Pam devastates island region - how to help
One of the strongest storms recorded in recent history slammed the small island nation of Vanuatu in the South Pacific over the weekend. Already one of the poorest nations in the region, Vanuatu suffered devastating damage and loss of life.
"We are continuing to reach out to partners working in the region in order to back the relief and recovery efforts. One of our partners, ACT Alliance, is working closely with the local and national community to assess the damage and respond appropriately," said Zach Wolgemuth, UCC Disaster Ministries Executive.
Read more and send your donation
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UCC asks churches to take part in national survey
The United Church of Christ's research and information office is asking the denomination's nearly 5,100 congregations to participate in the longest-running survey of congregational life in the United States.
Once completed, the Faith Communities Today (FACT) survey, open now through March 31, will give local churches insights to help them grow - information and trends on membership, programming, youth and young adult ministries, vitality and use of technology.
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Opportunities for
Children & Youth
Kids as Peacemakers
April 20 - 21, 2015
Central Congregational Church, Newburyport
A two-day leadership development camp for youth in grades 6-8 during the week of April vacation.
 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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Featured Event of the Week
April 17 - 18
Holiday Inn, Boxboro, MA
A two-day conference featuring inspiring stories, practical helps, engaging worship, and networking opportunities.
 Sponsored by the Northeast Ecumenical Stewardship Council and featuring Ben Stroup, author of Church Giving Matters: More Money Really Does Mean More Ministry, and The Right Rev. Michael Curry, author of Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus.
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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.
For church secretaries/administrators
June 14 - 16
Craigville Retreat Center
In the midst of administrative chaos comes and opportunity to Celebrate You.
This year we will be celebrating you, our unique profession and the special gifts we each bring to our job and lives.
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Justice & Witness Events
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.
 Sat. April 11, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
First Congregational Church, Randolph This Southeast Area Missions Forum will include speakers and displays from various area programs. Sunday, April 12, 2015 4:30 PM
Hope Central Church & Iglesia Hispana, Jamaica Plain
Join us for a critical conversation with Rev. Traci Blackmon, a nationally recognized preacher and speaker who has been ministering on the front lines of the Ferguson demonstrations since the beginning.
Sat., May 16, 8:30 AM St. John's Episcopal Church, Boston
Designed for churches and community groups engaged in providing community meals, food banks, and other direct service ministries. No experience is necessary
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Clergy Events 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 Boundary Awareness Training Apr. 21 - 22 First Congregational Church in Billerica A two-day session running from 9 AM to 3 PM on both days. Enrollment is limited to 20 people.
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. |
Growing Your Church Events 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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