THE WEEKLY NEWS
August 20, 2024 | Volume 16 No. 32
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Ministry21: Equipping Ministry Leaders for a Changing World | A Partnership of the VT and NH Conferences of the UCC | As we approach the end of summer, when many among us begin to feel a sense of excitement at getting back into the swing of things in our faith communities, Ministry21 prepares to launch our first class: Worship Leadership and Preaching (see below for details). We’ve been working hard on designing a program to meet the needs of a wide variety of learners and are thrilled to have a strong roster of participants enrolled for the first term. There are just a couple of spaces open, and we will accept new enrollees prior to the start of September, so if you’ve been thinking of signing up, now’s the moment! | |
Worship Leadership and Preaching
In-person classes: Sept. 14, Oct. 19, Nov. 16, and Dec. 14
Location: Norwich Congregational Church, VT
Instructor: Rev. Andy Nagy-Benson
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Through in-person learning and experiential opportunities the course will invite participants to delve deep into the art of creating liturgy, preparing and preaching sermons, and officiating worship in diverse congregational settings. Over the course of four full Saturday sessions and home-based work between sessions, learners will be invited to work toward the accomplishment of individually identified development goals with the support of a well-experienced instructor and a community of enthusiastic partners allowing for the course to meet the needs of new and experienced preachers and worship leaders.
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For more information including logistics and costs, see our webpage or Click Here to Register.
To connect with one of our Program Deans:
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Official Call to the 223rd Annual Meeting | |
The 2024 Annual Meeting will take place on October 26th 2024 at Geneva Point in Moultonborough, NH. The Planning Committee is working hard and registration opens September 5th. Read 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!
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Pastoral Leadership Development Groups Forming
Shared Ministry Partnership between NHCUCC and PCS-NH
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In previous editions of The Weekly News you learned that Pastoral Leadership Development Groups (PLDGs) are forming. “Silence as a political act” is a way to understand that when a group of clergy meet in a safe atmosphere, “lives align with deeper values.” Developing this leadership capacity is what the PLDG program is all about.
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 payable by the initial meetings, or in installments as needed (no tuition required for retirees).
See a list of PLDGs and facilitators here and for more information, contact the facilitator of a group in which you have interest. For general questions about the program, PLDG Administrator David Reynolds can be reached at (603) 533-8377 or or by email at dbr@pcs-nh.org.
Courses are filling up-Join a nurturing, safe, trusting PLDG Today!
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Open and Affirming Concerns Needs Help 9/15 in Keene | |
The ONA Concerns Mission Group Needs your help! The mission group had a very successful day at the White Mountains Pride event in June and hopes to have another one in Keene on the 15th of September from 12 PM to 6 PM, but can't without help with setup of the canopy and manning the booth. If you are able to assist, please contact John Rowe, ONA Concerns Mission Group Chair at johnmwr@hotmail.com. It is slated to be a fun day, there's even rumor of a special art exhibit at Keene UCC in the East Room Gallery.
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3 SPOTS REMAINING:
Last Chance To Attend Clergy Convocation
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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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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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Did You Hear? United Church Funds In The News | |
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The installation of The Rev. Walt Hampton, J.D., CFC as Settled Pastor at First Church of Christ Congregational North Conway will occur on September 8th, 2024 at 3 PM
Rev. Eliza Tweedy will be installed by the Merrimack Association at Laconia Congregational Church on October 6th, 2024 at 3 PM
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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! | | |
The Association Restructure Task Force: Gracious God, in the wonder of summer, sometimes we can take the time to see the bigger picture, to imagine what can be. So, on this summer day, we pray for the restructuring of our Association. Guide us in understanding and supporting the work of the wider church. Help us to be open to the possible ways of meeting our responsibilities to churches, clergy, and members in discernment. Create in us the hope for relationships and new ways of ministry. We are Your church, O God, motivate us to be the best church we can be. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. | |
Sunday Schedule: August 25, 2024 | | |
Rev. Rankin will be preaching at the Congregational Church of Temple this Sunday. | | |
Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | |
| Gordon Rankin
(He/Him)
Conference Minister | Sara Marean
(She/Her)
Associate Conference Minister | Sam Juliano
(He/They)
Communications and Programs Coordinator | | Lydia Frasca
(She/Her)
Finance Officer | Tivvi Pare
(She/Her)
Horton Center Executive Director, Christian Edu. Specialist | Cameron Keller
(He/Him)
Office Administrator | | Coming Soon...
Search and Call Admin |
| Phone Number:
603-225-6647 | | |
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