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Three Conferences to aid Flint together
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The Conference Ministers of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island have issued a joint appeal for people to give financial aid and to make their voices heard regarding the injustices in Flint, Michigan.
"We will not abandon these children of God," they wrote, referring to the people of Flint who have been receiving water contaminated with lead and corrosive chemicals from their taps for more than a year.
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Super Saturday registration open
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Sat., March 12,
Killingly High School, Killingly, CT
Register now for the 12th Super Saturday, featuring workshops, worships and the Rev. Traci Blackmon, Executive of the UCC Justice and Witness Ministries
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Marcia McFee returning to Mass.
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Sat., April 9
Congregational Church of Grafton
In response to those who attended last fall's Super Saturday and said they wanted to hear more from her, Worship Consultant Marcia McFee is coming back to the Massachusetts Conference to present a full day Worship Design Workshop on April 9.
Watch Marcia McFee at last October's Super Saturday here:
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A Vigil for Undocumented Neighbors
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by John Allen
Immigration and Refugee Task Team
Nestled into the crook of the Mass. Ave Connector there is a squat, unassuming, concrete structure that thousands of people drive past every day without realizing that it is in fact a prison. The Suffolk County House of Correction, to be precise. On the top floors of this prison, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) holds detainees who have not necessarily been convicted of any crime. Our faith teaches us that each human life is precious to God, each human being made in the divine image. Our faith also calls us to raise our voices against injustice and to speak out on behalf of the marginalized.
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How Ministry Teams Get Things Done
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The Parish Paper
January, 2016
The pastor charged with recruiting teachers for the congregation's Sunday school classes expressed her frustration: "Every year it gets harder and I don't see that changing! I've tried every strategy and reached out to new people over and over again. At least I know one thing-what I'm doing isn't working." But one thing this leader and many others have not yet tried is a ministry team approach. The biggest myth about mobilizing teams is that they can be created by gathering a few people together and naming them a team. Leaders often wonder: Can a church add ministry teams without revising their present structure or bylaws? Yes! Churches that transition to a team-driven methodology add teams while reducing the number and size of their traditional committees.
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Upcoming Conference Events
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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.
Feb. 3, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Edwards House Meeting Center, Framingham
A workshop for clergy, spouses, treasurers and trustees with Al Eaton, CPA and principal of Faith Financial, LLC.
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9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
March 1: Burlington
March 2: Brockton
March 3: Westfield
Clergy are invited to join with colleagues in a journey through Lent in preparation for Holy Week by exploring Theological Worlds with the Rev. Holly MillerShank, Team Leader of the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Team of the United Church of Christ.
Fundamentals of Transitional Ministry: The Work of the Leader
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.
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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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Sacred Conversation on Race
Feb. 21, 2 PM
First Church of Brimfield
Sacred Conversation on Race April 10 Park Avenue Congregational, Arlington
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Transitions
The Rev. Ms. Susan Gibson called to Wilbraham United Church as Interim Pastor
Effective: Jan. 25, 2016
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Jan. 29, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Andover Newton Theological School, Newton
Congregational Library, Boston
Feb. 18, 6:30 PM
Andover Newton Theological School, Newton
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Feb. 21, 1:00 PM
Christ's Community Church, Chicopee
April 28 - May 1
United Congregational Church, Holyoke
June 12 - 14
Craigville Retreat Center, Cape Cod
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