THE WEEKLY NEWS
August 13, 2024 | Volume 16 No. 31
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Please Welcome Kayla Pingree
We are excited to announce that Ms. Kayla Pingree has been hired as our new Search and Call Administrator. For the past few years, Kayla has served as the Administrator at South Congregational Church in Concord. Kayla will begin her tenure as a member of the Conference Staff on Tuesday, September 3rd. Kayla’s contact information and weekly schedule will be shared at that time.
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Pastoral Leadership Development Groups Forming
Shared Ministry Partnership between NHCUCC and PCS-NH
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In a previous edition of The Weekly News you learned that Pastoral Leadership Development Groups (PLDGs) are forming. The idea of “silence as a political act,” from Gunilla Norris was named as a way to understand that when a group of clergy meet in a safe atmosphere, “lives align with deeper values.” Developing this capacity as leaders is at the heart of the PLDG program.
To foster this trait, the NH Conference and PCS in Manchester offer PLDGs focusing on a variety of settings in which ministry happens. Meeting ten sessions per year, each group provides a setting to develop leadership resilience personally and professionally in various ministry settings.
All PLDGs are led by skilled trained facilitators. The New Hampshire Conference underwrites this program through the Grace Scott Fund, and each participant pays $250 annual tuition (no fee for retirees). Tuition is $250 and is payable by the initial meetings, or in installments as needed (no tuition required for retirees).
To join a PLDG starting this fall, contact the facilitator of a group that interests you. Contact Information, Facilitator Descriptions, and More are located in this document. For general questions about the program, reach out to PLDG Administrator David Reynolds at (603) 533-8377 or or by email at dbr@pcs-nh.org.
Now is the time to join a group, as they are filling up quickly. Come and nurture your leadership skills in a safe and trusting environment of a PLDG!
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Official Call to the 223rd Annual Meeting | The 2024 Annual Meeting Planning Committee is proud to present the Official Call to the 223rd Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Conference, now available on the brand new Annual Meeting 2024 Webpage! This website will contain everything you need to know for Annual Meeting, so keep an eye on it as details come out! | | | |
Organized by Rev. Tara Olsen Allen | | |
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In April, while on vacation, I was blessed when the people of Treasure Beach, Jamaica, became close to my heart.
In July, that small fishing village and it's surrounding parish of St. Elizabeth, the 'bread basket of Jamaica' suffered a category 4 storm. Hurricane Beryl caused severe damage and upended the lives of all people in that place when they lost housing, clothing, and furniture.
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I partnered with a Local, vetted shop I know and trust that is currently serving as a community hub - and it is there, in that partnership where I need your help collecting the following: Size S/M Male Clothing • S/M Clothing for young friends ages 5-10 • Sheets • Towels • Hygiene products • soap • deodorant • feminine hygiene products. | |
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The community hub at Treasure Beach continues to need these items, and it will be a huge relief to those in need if you are able to help. For more information or to coordinate getting these items to me. Please be in touch with me at revtara@pilgrimucc-nh.org. Thank you so very much!
Blessings,
Tara
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Clergy Convocation will be September 16 - 18, 2024 at Pilgrim Pines Camp and Retreat Center in Swanzey, NH. There are only a few spots remaining to be filled. Claim yours today!
Our program presenter will be NHCUCC's own Leanne Tigert who will engage us on the topic of: "Reclaiming our Call: Living into New Contours in a Post Pandemic Era"
Take 48 hours away with colleagues for worship, discussion, reflection, and fun. We expect to host a campfire, a bike ride, and a cribbage tournament. Introverts need not fret - we leave space for personal time. Sign Up to attend Clergy Convocation Now!
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Message to All Church Human Resource Committees | |
Based on recent legal action experienced by one of our churches, we want to encourage all of our churches to make you have clear and explicit language in the vacation section of your personnel policy. (Yes, having a regularly reviewed personnel policies are essential.) In the state of New Hampshire, vacation time carries monetary value. If the vacation section of the personnel policy does not explicitly limit if unused vacation time can carry over and how much vacation time can carry over year to year, then the church is liable for paying for all unused vacation time. If you have any questions about this, please contact Conference Minister Gordon Rankin at grankin@nhcucc.org.
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Immigrant Bond & Support Fund In Critical Need | |
The NHCUCC Immigrant Bond & Support Fund is in critical need of your support and generosity. This essential fund, managed by the Immigrant & Refugee Support Group (IRSG), provides vital assistance to asylum-seekers held in ICE detention right here in our local community. From phone calls and warm clothing to bond payments and legal fees, our support makes a life-changing difference for those detained in Dover, NH. Recently, our funds were nearly depleted after aiding numerous local individuals...Read More
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August is Write-a-Will Month; A Look at Planned Giving | |
Each month, Generosity Outreach Officer Rev. Andrew Warner of the Philanthropy Team at UCC National Ministries curates and prepares timely stewardship resources benefitting the United Church of Christ in each setting.
This month, Rev. Warner selected a stewardship reflection authored by Ginny Brown Daniel, a Texas-based Pastor in the United Church of Christ. (Pictured Above) August is Write-a-Will Month, and the UCC has partnered with provider...Read More
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Opportunities for all Ages at Horton Center | |
FAMILY & FRIENDS WEEKEND
Join us up at Horton Center for a weekend of fun, adventure, exploration, relaxation, and bonding with family and friends, new and old.
Registration is OPEN! So, don't wait and sign up today!
www.HortonCenter.org
Weekend Details:
Dates: August 30-September 2
Tiered Prices (choose the price that suits you best): $240, $210, $190
Activity Options: Board games, hiking, arts and crafts, music, morning and evening worship services, swimming, archery, rock climbing, caving, and MORE!
See you on the mountain!
Tivvi Pare (she/her)
TPare@nhcucc.org
603-545-9660
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OPEN HOUSE AT STAR ISLAND | |
Interested in Star Island, but haven't yet visited? Here's your chance to experience Star for a day on Sunday, Sept. 15. Board the Thomas Laighton in Portsmouth, NH at 12:30 and travel out to Star where there will be food, tours, workshops, or just porch-sitting while listening to music. Fink's BBQ will be served at 3:30 P.M. Departure for the mainland is 6:15. $50 for food and events, age 18 and up.
See more details and sign up at https://starisland.org/open-house/
Conferences are on-going through mid-September.
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3rd Annual Justice Summit: Politics as an Act of Faith | |
Join us for a transformative day of faith and action at the Southern New England Conference's Justice Summit. Dive into powerful workshops designed for everyone—whether you're preaching, navigating tough political conversations, or looking to make a real impact beyond the pews. Connect with like-minded justice leaders, and explore intergenerational sessions that engage all ages in creating the kingdom of God.
Exclusive discounts end soon—register now! Whether in-person or online, make sure to secure your spot before the deadline. Scholarships and special rates available for youth participants. Don’t miss out—click here to learn more and register today!
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UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS | |
| 223rd Annual Meeting
Geneva Point Center | October 26
Save the Date | | |
| Environmental Justice Youth+ Webinar
Zoom- Register Here | Nov 14, 2024 7-9PM EST
Nov 16, 9AM-12PM EST | | |
| See What's Happening in and around our Conference! | | |
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Gracious Healer, source of all comfort and strength, we remember in our prayers those who are unwell, whether in body, mind, or spirit. We pray for those enduring physical pain and illness, asking that Your healing presence be with them, restoring their strength and renewing their hope. Wrap them in Your peace, and grant them courage as they navigate their challenges.
We also bring before You those who suffer in silence, burdened by mental health struggles that weigh heavily on their hearts. Be near to them, O Comforter, and let them feel Your love in the midst of their darkness. May Your light break through their despair, shine a light unto their path and offering them the peace that only You can give.
Bless, too, the caregivers who tirelessly support those in need. Strengthen them with Your grace, that they may continue to serve with compassion, patience, and love. Renew their spirits when they grow weary, and remind them of the sacredness of their work.
Finally, we pray for those who live with chronic pain, whose days are marked by ongoing struggles. Grant them endurance, Lord, and the assurance that You walk with them through every moment. May they find solace in Your embrace and know that their pain does not go unnoticed. Guide them to places of rest and restoration, and let Your presence be a constant source of comfort.
In all these things, we trust in Your unfailing love and mercy, knowing that You are the Great Physician, capable of healing all wounds and bringing peace to troubled hearts.
Amen.
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Sunday Schedule: August 18, 2024 | |
Both Conference Ministers are on vacation this week. Please hold space in your prayers for safe travels and ample relaxation. | |
Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | |
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