Massachusetts Conference Associate Conference Minister Ellie Richardson has posted a new survey to solicit input from people around the Conference as to what they would like to see and hear at future Super Saturdays.
"We appreciate all of those who attend Super Saturday and fill out evaluations, and we do listen to what they have to say," Richardson said. "In addition, however, to hearing people's reactions to what they have already experienced, we would also like to learn what people want to experience in the future. We also want to hear from those folks who have NOT attended Super Saturday, to find out what we could add that would make them want to come."
Read more and access the survey here
Workshop Proposals for the fall Super Saturday are now being accepted.
Make your proposal here.
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The Massachusetts Conference's Israel Palestine Task Team will be asking delegates at the June 12 - 13 Annual Meeting to endorse a resolution that calls on the denomination to "take actions towards a Just Peace in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict."
The resolution has been submitted to the Office of General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ for consideration at this summer's General Synod, the biennial national meeting of the United Church of Christ.
Read more
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 Conference Climate Justice Intern Patrick Cage writes: Are you ready to bring your climate commitment outside the hallowed halls of your church?
We have the excellent opportunity for clergy and up to four laypeople from our congregations to attend the May 19 faith training with Citizens Climate Lobby.
Read more
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 The Advance Materials for the 216th Annual Meeting, being held June 12 - 13, are now available.
The printed booklets have been sent to each church, in enough quantity for each delegate to have one. They have also been mailed to MACUCC clergy.
Electronic copies are available at: macucc.org/2015AM.
The materials contain details about the meeting, business and resolutions to be voted, information on the Conference budgeta report from the Treasurer and Board of Directors, and more.
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UCC sends aid to Nepal
More than 3,000 people have reportedly died and thousands more injured in Nepal from a major 7.8 earthquake which struck last weekend, causing significant damage and destruction in Kathmandu and surrounding areas. Dozens were also killed in India and China. It is expected that the death toll will continue to rise as many poorly constructed buildings collapsed in heavily populated areas.
UCC Disaster Ministries will be supporting ACT Alliance partners in immediate response and recovery and is asking individuals to be in prayer for survivors and relief workers.
Find out how to contribute
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Two bills would create Innocence Commission in Massachusetts
In this new 2015-2016 session of the legislature, there are two bills which would create an innocence commission for the commonwealth.
The MACUCC Innocence Commission Task Team is asking everyone to contact their legislators regarding the bills.
Find out more
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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
 How to Turn Tippers into Tithers Stewardship Workshop
Sat., June 6, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
First Congregational Church of Manchester, NH
This one-day workshop for pastors and teams will focus on how to develop a year-round process of discipleship, financial education and stewardship growth. Led by Church Consultant Paul Nickerson.
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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 |
Grow Your Church Events FEMA Workshop: Faithful Readiness - Preparing for Disasters
Wed., May 6, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PMSalvation Army, CantonYou are invited to attend this FEMA spring workshop and learn how to prepare your congregation to better cope with disasters. Global Music for Village Churches: A Morning with Michael Hawn Sat., May, 9 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM South Congregational Church, Centerville In this interactive seminar, participants will learn new forms of music for enriching and rejuvenating worship in their congregational settings. National Church Leadership Institute Aug. 10 - 13, 2015 Newton and Boston, MA Join the leading practitioners and thinkers in progressive church at this year's National Church Leadership Institute where conversations will focus on five trendlines: DIY, crowdsourcing, the local food movement, the cloud and the sharing economy. 
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Justice & Witness Opportunities
Thursday, April 30, 2015 7:00 PM
The Depot, Lexington As part of the national conversation on race and justice, the Lexington Interfaith Clergy Association (LICA) will facilitate a town-wide public conversation on race. Come and be a part of this open dialogue, which includes town representatives, clergy and you!
May 2 - 3 Buffalo, NY The Faith Formation Team of the United Church of Christ's Local Church Ministries in conjunction with Pilgrim-St. Luke's/El Nuevo Camino of Buffalo, New York, is presenting this Still Speaking Worship event.
Sat., May 2, 11:00 AM
Northampton United Church of Christ open and affirming churches are invited to march together at NOHO Pride! Please register your church no later than April 15.
 Sun., May 3, 2:00 - 5:00 PM Open Spirit Center, Framingham
Learn and engage in small group conversation and gain more insight about the challenge of dialogue about conflicts in the Holy Land by listening to the experiences of those intimately involved in the struggle for justice and reconciliation.
Sat., May 16, 8:30 AM St. John's Episcopal Church
Church of the Advent, Boston
Designed for churches and community groups engaged in providing community meals, food banks, and other direct service ministries. No experience is necessary.
Sun. May 17, 3:00 - 7:00 PM Hebrew College, Newton Centre MACUCC Minister and President Jim Antal and Marla Marcum will leada workshop on Civil Disobedience at the Conference on Climate Change sponsored by the Jewish Climate Action Network. June 24 -25, 2015
Cleveland, OH The biggest and best National ONA Gathering in the 30-year history of our the Open and Affirming movement. |
Clergy Events Clergy Camp May 12 - 14
Silver Lake, Sharon, CT Step away from your ministry setting and retreat into the woods for Clergy Camp. It is your turn to be a "camper" with Rev. Kent Siladi and Rev. Liz Miller as Deans. 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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Faith Formation Events
For educators
May 5 - 7
Craigville Retreat Center
This three day event filled with worship, workshops and presentations, gives church leaders a chance to refresh, rejuvenate and renew. The Keynote Speaker is The Rev. Molly Phinney Baskette, Lead Pastor of First Church Somerville UCC and author of
Real Good Church: How our church came back from the dead, and yours can, too.
For educators
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 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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NOHO Pride!
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