the weekly emailing
July 8, 2015

 
Read and view the sermon given by Conference Minister & President Jim Antal to the 216th Annual Meeting:

God Trusts Us to Be the Treasure: A Word for the Massachusetts Conference, UCC


 

This week, we are putting the spotlight on the First Congregational Church of Dudley:

Treasure in Clay Jars Testimonial
In this video, the Rev. John White gives testimony to Annual Meeting about the changes that took place in his church when congregation members worked together to read every word of the Bible.

BLOG: Engage at all Levels
John White writes "Sacred stories, sacred places, within ourselves, within physical locations, even on the internet:  I believe these are important themes for us all to remember when we are trying to reach out and grow the church."  Read the entire post here.

SPOTLIGHT: It's More Than Just a Newsletter
See how the Dudley church connects to church and community through PJ's Place eMail communication

UCC Responds to Burned Churches in the South

 

People across the United Church of Christ are stepping up to support recovery and rebuilding of burned African American churches and communities.  Be part of the UCC's response.  Funds raised will be used to help begin the re-establishing of the churches, so members and the community will have opportunity to worship together and heal together.
Learn more


New coalition to work toward securing accommodations rights for transgender persons

In Massachusetts, there are no explicit legal protections protecting transgender people in places of public accommodations.
Freedom Massachusetts, a new bi-partisan initiative comprising elected officials, faith organizations, businesses, and community groups, is working to change that. 
Find out more

Obituaries

 

The Rev. Martin W. Perry passed away on Monday, July 6, 2015.  Martin served as the pastor of Park Congregational Church, UCC in Worcester for 32 years, holding the title of Pastor Emeritus.  After retirement, Martin continued to serve as a supply minister at several area churches. He also served as an Annuitant Visitor for the United Church of Christ by visiting retired clergy and spouses.

 

 A visiting period for Rev. Perry will be held on Saturday, July 11th from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Funeral Home, 61 Myrtle Street, Worcester, MA.  There will be a funeral service immediately after at 10:00 AM in the funeral home.   

 

Obituaries

macucc.org/obituaries 


Local Buzz 

HUFFINGTON POST: I'm a Christian, Therefore I Support Same-Sex Marriage
 MACUCC Pastor Stan Duncan writes: "When I hear of my brothers and sisters in the faith protesting full equality for gay people in the name of the Bible, it breaks my heart."

CAPE COD TIMES: Independence in an interdependent world
 MACUCC Pastor Bruce Epperly writes: "From a faith perspective, we need an expanded American dream that balances independence with interdependence.

Transitions

 

Transitions

macucc.org/transitions 


Featured Event of the Week

National Church Leadership Institute

Aug. 10 - 13, 2015

Andover Newton Theological School, Newton

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.  

   


Upcoming Events

Craigville Theological Colloquy 
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."

Our Whole Lives Facilitator Training
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.  

 

July 20 - 23, 2015

Brookfield Inn, Brookfield, MA

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. 

The Rev. Ms. Ann Hallstein speaks at NNESRE Annual Session
Aug. 1 - 8, 2015
Geneva Point Center, Moultonboro, NH
There are still some spots open to join the Northern New England School of Religious Education (NNESRE) for their week long 2015 summer conference.  MACUCC Pastor The Rev. Ms. Ann Hallstein will teach a class entitled "Choose Life" exploring what it means to fulfill the biblical imperative to choose life in the 21st century with an environmental crisis looming. 
 
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.
 
Crossroads Come and See Events
Sat., Aug. 15
Union Church in Waban, 10 AM - Noon
Edwards Church, Northampton, 2:30 - 4:30 PM 
Crossroads 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.

Community of Practice for Christian Educators and Youth Leaders
Sat., Sept. 19, 10:00 AM - noon
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham

An opportunity to network and share experiences with MACUCC colleagues. There is no fee but advance registration is required.

Widening the Welcome: Inclusion for All
Sept. 24 - 26, 2015
Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott Hotel, Windsor, CT 
widening the welcome This conference is a sign of the movement in our UCC to address concerns and issues around disabilities, mental health challenges, and cognitive/developmental disabilities. The conference features workshops, breakouts, networking, vespers, exhibitors and more.

Christian Education Basics
Sat., Sept. 26, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Edwards Church, Northampton
One of the required courses for Christian Education certification.