National Church Leadership Institute Underway at Andover-Newton
Participants are working to re-imagine the church and build a more just and generous future. Bishop Flunder (above, left) asks: "Peaceful people are woefully silent... When will the peaceful people make more noise than the haters?"
Visit facebook.com/massucc for more of Marlene Gasdia-Cochrane's photos.
Including All in Your Church's Welcome
by Elsa Marshall
Associate for Christian Faith Formation
and Youth Ministry
 Did you read the recent " Spotlight" about the inclusive service at the Christ Congregational Church UCC in Brockton? It made me immediately think of the United Church of Christ's unique invitation "No matter who you are or where you are in life's journey you are welcome here!"
That inclusive invitation of welcome and radical hospitality is being fully expressed at the "All God's People" worship service created to be inclusive of special needs children and their families while welcoming anyone from the community.
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Summer News, Needs, Thanks from Worcester Fellowship
 Socks, gift cards and lunches are needed for this homeless ministry.
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 First Congregational Church of Randolph presents the musical "Godspell" at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21 and Saturday, Aug. 22 at the church. All are welcome to attend! Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for children and seniors.
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Featured Event
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 these free sessions.
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Upcoming Events
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.
Thurs., Sept. 17-Sat., Sept. 19
Lexington United Methodist Church
Lexington, MA
 Paradoxically, Christianity in the Holy Land is overwhelmingly represented by Christian tourists. They travel on guided tours often carrying misguided theologies. They rarely consider the moral dimensions of Christian travel in the Holy Land. What does the Lord require? The Society for Biblical Studies' National Conference addresses this question and more. Prof. Noam Chomsky is the keynote speaker.
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.
Sept. 24 - 26, 2015
Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott Hotel, Windsor, CT
 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 BasicsSat., Sept. 26, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PMEdwards Church, NorthamptonOne of the required courses for Christian Education certification.
Sat., Oct. 3, 9 AM-3 PM
First Congregational Church UCC
Randolph, MA
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.
Wed., Oct. 14, 1:00 PM
Massachusetts State House, Boston
Jobs Not Jails has announced a hearing date when the Joint Committee of the Judiciary will hear the entire omnibus bill ending provisions on jobs, collateral sanctions at the RMV, reducing some low-level felonies to misdemeanors to divert people from incarceration, and compassionate release. Jobs Not Jails will host a rally at 11:00 AM.
Sat., Oct. 17, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM
A full day of workshops, forums, networking, a marketplace and worship featuring Dr. Marcia McFee, an author, worship designer, professor, preacher and artist.
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