the weekly emailing
July 29, 2015

What religion can teach climate scientists

 

Jim Antal at Synod In an article for the Boston Globe, Environmentalist Bill McKibben writes: "(Massachusetts Conference Minister & President) Jim Antal has traveled Massachusetts from one end to the other, often by bicycle, preaching constantly about climate change. But he's also worn his clerical collar to jail, most notably at the first big mass arrests protesting the Keystone pipeline."


The Parish Paper: Congregational Strength is Always Plural

What are the common denominators among churches that do effective ministry? Do they all have a thriving youth group? Or a large membership? Or great facilities? No!

Strong, healthy, and effective congregations of all types thrive in many different kinds of circumstances. In all congregations, something already works well. The getting-stronger congregations focus on those strengths.


Local Buzz 




Transitions

 

Transitions

macucc.org/transitions 


Obituaries

  

Obituaries

macucc.org/obituaries 

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.  Full scholarship for clergy, and one day scholarship for lay people, now avaiilable.

 



Upcoming Events

International Hymn Fest!
Sun., Aug. 2, 3:00 PM
Hadwen Park Congregational Church UCC, Worcester
Featuring Ugandan gospel star and human rights activist Father Anthony Musaal.

 
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. 


 

ANTS Convocation Day - Welcome Back Reception
Wed., Sept. 16, 4:00 - 6:00 PM
Wilson Chapel Lobby, Andover Newton Theological School, Newton
An opportunity for new and returning seminarians to meet with Conference staff and learn about the UCC discernment process.
 
Community of Practice for Christian Educators and Youth Leaders
Sat., Sept. 19, 10 AM - 2 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
An opportunity to network and share experiences with your 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.

Super Saturday
Sat., Oct. 17, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Keefe Regional Technical High School, Framingham
Marcia McFee
A full day of workshops, forums, networking, a marketplace and worship featuring Dr. Marcia McFee. All are welcome!