First 24 hours at Synod 2015
 By Marisa Brown-Ludwig
To all the courageous committed UCC people who are non-white or non-straight or differently abled, or some of these identities together: I am deeply humbled in your presence.
I do not know how to speak, or advocate, or witness in a way that will align with you and not leave you out, but I'm committed to trying. I take comfort that I am part of a church in which this struggle can even be openly visible. I will continue to show up, and I will walk/sit beside you if you let me, and I will listen and really try to hear.
|
Suzan Young writes on her experience with one of the General Synod exhibit hall features, a structure made to match a typical American solitary confinement cell in dimensions and furnishings, with sounds recorded at an actual cell block.
The reality of confinement was far worse than what I imagined it would be. I imagined unbearable silence and darkness, but I believe that being forced into confinement without escape from the pain, sorrow and suffering of those around you would be, for me, far more unbearable than a confinement of silence.
Read her entire blog post here
|
Southern New England delegates meet together
Delegates from the three southern New England Conferences - Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island - had breakfast meetings together at General Synod for the first time. They represented 20 percent of the delegates present. Above, UCC General Minister & President Elect John Dorhauer addresses the joint group.
|
Southern New England Conference leaders celebrate Supreme Court ruling
The leaders of the Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Conferences of the United Church of Christ today issued the following statement on June 26, 2015:  "This is the day God has made!"  As leaders of the United Church of Christ in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island we celebrate today's Supreme Court decision that states may no longer ban same gender marriage. The UCC has long advocated for marriage equality. Today, our position has been affirmed by this historic Court ruling.In learning of the decision, the Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, the United Church of Christ's General Minister and President elect, stated "Supreme Court allows justice to come. Marriage equality now the order of the day!"As people of faith, together with the leadership of our denomination, we declare that "Love wins!" Find the statement here
|
The Rev. Ms. Gail Wright leaving First Church of Christ Congregational, Bedford as Acting Associate Pastor
Effective: June 30, 2015
The Rev. Mr. Eric Wefald leaving The First Congregational Church, UCC, Shrewsbury as Minister of Congregational Life
Effective: June 30, 2015
Transitions
macucc.org/transitions
|
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. |
|
|
|
|
|
By Wendy Vander Hart
For me, the use of electronic clickers has always been problematic and this request to target certain votes for private contemplation even more so. If we are about seeking the will of the spirit, which is true congregational polity rather than democratic practice, then both clickers and private paper ballots should be set aside for voice vote, embodied expression and open process! In our local churches, private paper ballots are often suggested for big votes, like taking an ONA stance or calling a pastor. As Conference staff, we often discourage this practice because it encourages suspicion rather than trust and deprives the community from practicing true discernment.
|
|
First Day at Synod
 By Tracy Keene
To see marriages like ours officially recognized throughout the country is moving, and all the more powerful to be in Ohio, a state where our marriage was not legally acknowledged yesterday.
When we had dinner tonight between plenary sessions, we were touched that an anonymous stranger picked up the tab for our meal, adding to our celebration that marriage equality is now the law of the land. We look forward tomorrow to celebrating the UCC's impressive history of being open and affirming of LGBT people.
Read his entire blog post here
|
Somerville Pastor is featured preacher
Molly Phinney Baskette, Senior Pastor of First Church Somerville, UCC, preached at General Synod's Friday evening worship. In this video, worship begins at 1:35 and the sermon begins at 2:06.
|
Upcoming Events
Wed., July 8, 7 - 9 PM Charlemont Federated Church
David Hernandez, Asst. Professor of Latina/o Studies at Mt. Holyoke College, will join William Joyce, former immigration judge in Boston, to examine current U.S. immigration law and the practice of detention and deportation. Sofia Campos, board chair of United We Dream, a national immigrant youth network, will also bring a vibrant voice to the discussion.
July 13 - 17, 2015 Craigville Retreat Center, Cape Cod The Craigville Theological Colloquy combines the elements of a theological conference and a spiritual retreat. This year, the Colloquy will explore the theme "Christianity and Judaism: New Texts, New Contexts, and New Perspectives."
July 17 - 19, 2015 Barrington Congregational Church, RI
Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive, kindergarten through adult sexuality education curriculum series. It provides people of all ages with accurate, age-appropriate information about sexual health, human development, sexual behavior, relationships and personal skills.
To Bend But Not Break: Leadership for Growing Resilient CongregationsJuly 20 - 23, 2015 Brookfield Inn, Brookfield, MA .jpg) This four--day Walking in the Way workshop is for pastors, lay leaders, chaplains, educators, denominational heads and those involved with healing or working with congregations and communities in the wake of trauma, turmoil or transition.
July 27 - 31, 2015
TBA, Connecticut This is a five day training provided by the Racial Justice Ministries of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. This training is intended for faith leaders and communities of faith who are interested in building a Multi-Racial institution.
Charlemont Forums 2015: Immigration and Politics: Dilemmas and Solutions
Thurs., Aug. 6, 7 - 9 PM
Charlemont Federated Church
Speakers: David Martin, Distinguished Professor of International Law at the University of Virginia, will examine current political and ethical controversies relating to immigration. Alex Morse will reflect on his experience as mayor of Holyoke, a city with a significant immigrant population. Marise Lyra, (Brazil/Amherst), teacher of English language learners at the Center for New Americans in Northampton, will share her immigration story.
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. 
 Crossroads Come and See Events Sat., Aug. 15 Union Church in Waban, 10 AM - Noon Edwards Church, Northampton, 2:30 - 4:30 PM Crossroads is designed for congregations that find themselves at a crossroads and want to intentionally discern their path forward. The program asks congregations to consider entering into an intentional season of assessment, discernment, bold decision-making and implementation. Find out more at this free session. |
|
|
