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Conference hires new climate justice intern
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The Massachusetts Conference has taken on a new climate justice intern. Alyssa Browning-Gray began on Monday, and will serve the Conference through June, 2016.Browning-Gray is a member of Newman Congregational Church, a Rhode Island UCC congregation. She recently graduated from Brown University with a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science and religious studies. She is feeling a call to ministry and planning to attend seminary.
"Her time with the Massachusetts Conference is a time of discernment for her and a blessing for us," said Conference Minister and President Jim Antal.
Read more
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Gun Safety and the President's Speech
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Vice President, Greater Boston Interfaith Organization
Senior Pastor, First Church in Cambridge
Yesterday, as part of a White House press conference about reducing gun violence, President Obama announced initial steps to implement a key recommendation of our GBIO/Metro IAF Do Not Stand Idly By campaign.
President Obama's announcement clearly reflects the impact of our campaign which seeks to leverage local and federal gun buying power to influence gun manufacturers to adopt safer practices. Greater Boston Interfaith Organization has been a key player in this national work.
Read Dan's blog post |
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Super Saturday location announced
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The next Super Saturday is being held at Killingly High School in Killingly, CT, which is located on Route 395 about 30 miles south of Worcester, MA.
The event is being held Saturday, March 12, and the keynoter will be Traci Blackmon, the newly appointed Acting Executive of the UCC Justice and Witness Ministries.
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Last date for 2015 gifts is Jan. 15
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In order to be credited as 2015 giving, all contributions, including OCWM, Fellowship Dues and United Church Mission, must be received no later than Jan. 15, 2016.
This also includes special offerings such as One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors In Need, Strengthen the Church, Christmas Fund and Disaster Relief
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News from the wider church
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Intern applications sought from Justice-Minded Young Adults
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The application process for Back Bay Mission's Shari Prestemon Social Justice Internship is open! This internship provides a unique opportunity to members of the United Church of Christ between the ages of 19 and 35. Completed applications are due no later than March 1, 2016, for a summer internship. Back Bay Mission, a community ministry of the UCC, has been a force for good on the Mississippi Gulf Coast since 1922.
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UCC churches offer sanctuary from January immigration raids
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United Church of Christ pastors from Arizona and California to Minnesota are encouraging others in the faith community to shield families that are at-risk for deportation. Immigration enforcement officials are preparing to round up and deport hundreds of undocumented immigrants in January, according to news reports, including many who fled Central America for the United States because of escalating violence.
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Upcoming Conference Events
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Jan. 20, 9:00 AM - Jan. 21, 3:30 PM
Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge
Clergy training, limited to 18 people per session. Registration is one a first come, first served basis.
Jan. 30, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
A day of training - for both clergy and congregants - to lead small groups in general, and small group Bible study in particular. Facilitated by the Rev. Anne Robertson, executive director of the Massachusetts Bible Society.
April 4- 6, 2016
Edwards House Meeting & Retreat Center, Framingham
Three-day, self-contained course that introduces theories foundational to interim ministry. The class hours are devoted to providing opportunities for experiential learning through the use of case studies and sacred story.
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Racial Justice Training & Sacred Conversations
These events are led by Massachusetts Conference facilitators and are free and open to all. Please click here for more information and to RSVP to the appropriate church.
Sacred Conversation on Race
Jan. 10, 11:30 AM
Eliot Church of Newton
Sacred Conversation on Race
Jan. 20, 6:30 PM First Church in Sterling Sacred Conversation on Race Jan. 28, 7:30 PM
UCC Burlington
Racial Justice Training Feb. 3, 17, 23 and March 2 Trinity Church, Northborough
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The Rev. Ms. Lisa Durkee leaving First Congregational Church of West Brookfield as Senior Pastor
Effective: Jan. 3, 2016
The Rev. Mr. Terry O. Martinson called as Interim Pastor, Dennis Union Church
Effective: Jan. 1, 2016
The Rev. Mr. Stephen Youd called as Pastor to Mashpee Congregational Church, UCC
Effective: Jan. 1, 2016
The Rev. Mr. Richard Malmberg
leaving The Second Church in Newton UCC as Senior Pastor
The Rev. Mr. John Brink leaving Dennis Union Church as Senior Pastor
Effective: Dec. 31, 2015
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The Rev. Dr. Otis A. Maxfield, 88, died at his home in Gotham, Maine on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015. He served many churches including his first in Wilmington, MA, as well as West Parish Church in Andover and Old First Church in Springfield.
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Jan. 9, 1:00 PM
Congregational B'nai Israel, Northampton
Jan. 21-23
Charlemont Federated Church, Charlemont
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Jan. 29, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Andover Newton Theological School, Newton
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