THE WEEKLY NEWS
May 14, 2024 | Volume 16 No. 18
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Editor's Note: Correction - Previously published invitation mailers for Retired Clergy Luncheon contained a typo pertaining to the day of the week. The Retired Clergy Luncheon will take place on Tuesday, June 18th 2024. If you have any questions please contact the conference via telephone or send an email to events@nhcucc.org. Thank you.
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We Are Family Listening Tour |  | |
What does a future of flourishing for the whole human family look like?
How are you and your church building toward that future?
What gifts and skills are you bringing to that work and where do you want to grow?
What lineages and histories live in your bones?
What stories do you have to share to encourage and challenge others on this journey?
These are just some of the conversations that will be had as part of the UCC National Ministries Racial Justice and Join the Movement Listening Tour! For the next year, Rev. Dr. Velda Love and Dr. Sharon Fennema are traveling across the country to join in dialogue with UCC communities of every shape and size to hear more of our denomination’s story of love in action. We’re excited that New Hampshire is their first stop! Through story-sharing and discussion, we will learn more about how to work together as equally valued members of the human family to transform inequity and injustice in our world and foster flourishing lives for all. As beloved members of the Body of Christ, we hope you’ll join this circle of discovery and sharing to remember and believe WE ARE FAMILY!
Join the conversation! Fill out this pre-event survey! It will take you less than 5 minutes and will go a long way in helping shape our church’s future ministry toward the flourishing of the whole human family. Thank you for lifting your voice and sharing your experiences!
May 19, 2024 - 3 PM
First Congregational Church - Hopkinton, NH
1548 Hopkinton Rd, Hopkinton, NH 03229
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ACTION: Show Solidarity for Our LGBTQ+ Young People | |
On Thursday, 5/16, the NH Senate is voting on the 5 remaining anti-LGBTQ+ bills - and our queer and transgender young people need us to show support for them at the State House. We want to have a strong showing of clergy in visible collars and stoles present outside of the NH Senate Chambers in support of queer and trans kids, as the senators walk in for their session day. This is a ministry of presence, not a press conference or a rally.
Please plan on joining us in the morning on Thursday, 5/16 at 9:00 a.m.
Our young people - as well as their families and friends - need us now, more than ever.
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Introducing Ministry 21
Equipping 21st Century Leaders for Ministry in a Changing World
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If you’ve attended Conference events lately, you’ll have noticed that many of our churches are lively and joyful regardless of the size of the congregation. We have so much spirit, joy, and courage to offer the communities in which we serve! We are actively engaged in the ministry Jesus did, feeding bodies and souls, working for justice and safety for marginalized peoples, resisting the powers of war and divisive hatred, and worshiping faithfully. To support the needs of these amazing churches for skilled leadership, our Conference is joining with our UCC neighbors in Vermont to develop Ministry21…
Informational Sessions to be held via this zoom link
May 15th and June 3rd at 7pm
Meeting ID: 631 691 2038
Meeting Passcode: Min.21VTNH
The Vision:
Ministry21 aims to break down barriers and expand opportunities for discernment and learning for ministry across our two Conferences. Our collaborative effort seeks to:
- develop a holistic program of discernment and learning for the whole church.
- address the social and cultural realities of being faith-filled people in communities that are increasingly secular.
- foster a community of learning and collegial connections beyond “classroom and coursework” engagement.
Courses will be offered with a combination of in-person and online, asynchronous engagement, designed to meet diverse learning styles and entry points.
Learn More about Ministry 21...
4C
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NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AWARDS | |
For the past three years, the Environmental Justice Mission Group has presented Environmental Justice Awards at the Conference Annual Meeting, celebrating climate justice and earth stewardship throughout the state. Nominees and winners do not need to be members of UCC congregations, underscoring the critical collaborative effort needed to face the climate crisis, uniting faith communities, school and college efforts, and community groups. We seek nominees who have distinguished themselves in Earth Care, Education, Advocacy, and/or Activism. Please contact Mission Group Chair Rob Grabill with nominations, questions or comments at: coachgrabill@gmail.com
5A
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Would your church be interested in using “Compassion Camp” VBS Curriculum that the Conference purchases? The Christian Formation Ministry group has determined that depending on participation levels, we expect this cost to be around $50 per VBS group. Whether your church works independently or joins with other churches to form one combined group, we’d like to help make it happen!
Contact Tivvi Pare at tpare@nhcucc.org with questions and someone will reach out. We need your confirmation so that we only pay for groups that are certain they will use it! Please let us know by tomorrow if you can commit and that you have people who will organize and run VBS this summer. Spread the loving kindness of Compassion Camp!
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ONA Concerns Mission Group Wants To Hear From You | |
The ONA Concerns Mission Group is aware of numerous incidents where churches faced opposition due to their LGBTQ+ acceptance. Some experienced theft or vandalism of rainbow flags, vocal opposition in community meetings, or internal conflicts. This aligns with rising political attacks, particularly against transgender individuals. We aim to support affected churches and address these issues by understanding their extent. Church leaders are encouraged to share their experiences via email at onaconcernsmissiongroup@nhcucc.org or johnmwr@hotmail.com. Your input will help us gauge the scope of the problem and develop appropriate responses.
Thank you,
John Rowe, Chair
ONA Concerns Mission Group
5A
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Our Immigrant Bond & Support Fund Needs to be Replenished! | |
Recently, the NHCUCC’s Immigrant Bond & Support Fund paid an $8,500 bond to assist yet another asylum-seeker gain freedom from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. Like so many other asylum-seekers in our midst, this gentleman simply aspires to be free from harm and to live in a country and community where he can survive and thrive, protect and care for his family, earn a living and become a contributing member of society.
It is a privilege to have the resources to be able to do this biblically-inspired work. But, our Fund is now significantly depleted. So, please give what you can today online, or mail a check to NHCUCC (memo: Immigrant Support), 140 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, NH 03275-3711.
To enable us to pay the $8,500 bond, our Unitarian Universalist friends at the South Church UU in Portsmouth provided us with a loan of $4,000 so we could help our immigrant neighbor secure his freedom. (Once all immigrant court proceedings are completed, which may take years, the bond will be returned to us, and we will then repay the loan to the Portsmouth UUs.)
This special NHCUCC Fund is dedicated to supporting asylum-seekers in ICE detention in NH, providing bond payments when we have the means, occasionally assisting with legal fees in particularly critical circumstances, and providing some modest and short-term post-detention support. This work matters! The need is urgent and ongoing, and our Fund would not exist without the generous support of NH UCC members, congregations and allies. For that, the Immigrant & Refugee Support Group is profoundly grateful.
For more details about IRSG, email irsg.nhcucc@gmail.com.
5A
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Nonprofit Security Grant Applications Now Open
Grants up to $150,000 to strengthen security of church facilities.
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The NH Department of Safety, Grants Management Bureau is accepting applications from eligible nonprofit organizations until Noon on May 31, 2024. Allowable costs for this grant are specific to physical security enhancements on real property (including buildings and improvements) specifically in prevention of and/or protection against the risk of a terrorist attack. Learn more and get instructions to apply here
5B
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2024 Annual Meeting Resolutions | |
The Board of Directors invites you to submit your resolutions to be considered for inclusion in the agenda for the 2024 Annual Meeting. Resolutions should be sent to Conference Minister Gordon Rankin (grankin@nhcucc.org) and follow the linked guidelines. The deadline is May 28th to submit a resolution.
Read the resolution guidelines here...
4F
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Learn About Common Global Ministries
Welcome Mission Co-Worker Paul Chimhungwe this summer.
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Are you interested in learning about Common Global Ministries? Would you like to hear about our partners’ work in Botswana? Here's your chance: Mission Co-Worker Paul Chimhungwe is available to come to your church to preach, share a presentation, or lead a learning event for your church! Mr. Chumhungwe is available on June 16, June 23, July 7 and July 21. If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please contact Rev. Sara Marean at smarean@nhcucc.org
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Report from our Board of Directors | In Case you Missed it: Rev. Jim Thomas, Conference President penned this letter following their April 13, 2024 meeting. Read It Here. | | |
Save the Date for Clergy Convocation | |
Authorized ministers, mark your calendars for Monday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 18.
Spend two and a half days at the beautiful Pilgrim Pines Conference Center in picturesque Swanzey, NH. Join ministry colleagues in worship, play, and learning. This year's presenter, Leanne Tigert, will engage us in thoughtful reflection upon our experience of "being called;" and how that has changed (or not) for us over time.
Respectfully,
The Clergy Convocation Mission Group
4C
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Camps for Middle School Campers
at Horton Center
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Do you know a camper who is entering 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in the fall? Do they love spending time outside, meeting new friends, and trying new fun things? Give them the incredible gift of a week at Horton Center! All summer long we have awesome camps for our middle school-aged campers. Check out the whole camp schedule HERE.
Don't forget! We have lots of scholarship support we are excited to share. Reach out to Tivvi (TPare@nhcucc.org) for more information.
OPENING WORK WEEKEND is May 17th-19th! Read more HERE! All help is greatly appreciated!
WILDERNESS FIRST AID at Horton Center (June 8-9) is still open for registration. Sign up today HERE!
We will see you on the mountain soon!
Shalom,
Tivvi Pare (she/her)
Executive Director of Horton Center
www.HortonCenter.org
603-545-9660
5A
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Cultivating Refugia: Building The Resilient Church | |
What: Small Church Leadership Community
Who: Congregations in Northern New England
When: September 2024 – June 2025
Cost: Offered free of charge for participating congregations
In biology, the term “refugia” refers to “little pockets… where plants and creatures hide from destruction, hidden shelters where life persists and out of which new life emerges.” The BTS Center is pleased to offer an opportunity for small congregations in Northern New England to join us on a ten-month journey — an invitation to delve deeply into our missions and identities in a climate-changed world. Participating congregations will explore the concept of refugia and consider how it might shape their mission and identity. Learn more and apply here. Applications are due by May 28, 2024
5A
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The Association Restructuring Task Force
Wants to Listen to You
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Please join us for a Listening Session about the possible Association restructuring plans. We need your feedback, concerns, and hopes. There will be 2 more Zoom sessions, both this week. We hope that one of them will be convenient for you.
Please use the following Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84904679136
TONIGHT, Tuesday, May 14 7:00 pm
Thursday, May 16 1:00 pm
4G
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Applications for New Office Administrator
Now Open
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The New Hampshire Conference seeks candidates to serve as our Office Administrator. The Office Administrator is the primary host and hospitality provider for events held at the Conference Office, maintains the Conference directory database and calendar, completes bank deposits, provides administrative support for the Conference Annual Meeting and Prepared to Serve events, arrange for periodic bulk mailings, and many other administrative tasks to support the mission and ministry of the Conference. A position description is available upon request.
The Office Administrator position is a 37 ½ hours a week, non-exempt position. Salary information available on request. Full benefits (health and dental insurance, pension, etc.) are provided.
Interested candidates should submit a resume (with references to contact) to the Reverend Gordon Rankin, Conference Minister, at grankin@nhcucc.org.
The New Hampshire Conference is a Racial Justice, Just Peace, Open and Affirming Conference of the United Church of Christ.
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UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS | |
| Transitional Ministries Luncheon
New Hampshire Conference, UCC Office | June 6, 12:00 PM
RSVP to Gordon Rankin | | |
| 223rd Annual Meeting
Geneva Point Center | October 26
Save the Date | | |
PRAYERS FOR THE ASSOCIATION RESTRUCTURE | |
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Isaiah 43:19:
"I am about to do a new thing;
now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert."
Sometimes this scripture irks me! I'll just put that out there! Another "new thing"?! Really, God? Can't things just stay the way they are? I'm nice and comfortable with the way things are!
Friends, change is a reality. As people of faith, just as the psalmist cried out, we, too, cry out sometimes. AND -as people of faith, we know that when we walk with our eyes open wide and our hearts are fixed on God's plan for us, God will not disappoint us. Will you pray with us this week?
Gracious God of wonder and delight, help us to maneuver these times of change as we reconsider a restructuring in our Conference. Guide us to listen to the concerns and fears of Your children in New Hampshire. Lead us in wisdom and compassion so that fears may be heard and acknowledged. May Your Peace guard our hearts in this process that we might be surprised yet again at the unfolding of Your intention for us. With grateful hearts we pray.
The zoom link for the listening sessions taking place Tonight and Thursday at 7 pm is located above. We hope to see many of you there.
The Association Restructuring Task Force
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All those who mother. God, in this week after Mother’s Day we thank you for all those people, female or male or non-binary, young or old or in between, friends or relatives or even strangers, who comfort us when we are sad, who hold us when we are hurt, who laugh with us when we need a cheerful word, who know us through and through. Help us to take the lessons and the love we received from all these different mothers and become mothers to those around us, to lift up and support those in need, to lovingly challenge those we hold dearest. Help us to be those rocks in the storm, those moments of calm for those we love.
God, we thank you for churches who also mother, places where we can go to gather just a little sustenance for the journey, where we can let down our guard, where we can feel held when we need it most, where your love is felt and seen and heard. May they always be a places where people can come to be honest, to be vulnerable, to be open, to be kind.
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The Rev. Dawn Adams has been called to serve the First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro, UCC as Pastor. Rev. Adams will begin her call in Wolfeboro This Sunday, May 19.
The Rev. Dr. Dana Mann has announced her resignation as Pastor and Teacher of the Federated Church of Marlborough. This Sunday, May 19th is Rev. Dr. Mann’s last Sunday in Marlborough.
On April 14, Walt Hampton was called to serve as pastor and teacher of First Church of Christ, Congregational, UCC in North Conway. His tenure began immediately.
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Sunday Schedule: May 19, 2024 | |
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The Rev. Gordon Rankin
The Rev. Gordon Rankin will be present for Rev. Dr. Dana Mann's final Sunday serving as Pastor and Teacher at the Federated Church of Marlborough.
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The Rev. Sara Marean
Rev. Marean will be attending worship at the First Congregational Church of Hopkinton, UCC where the Rev. Lexi Boudreaux serves as Pastor and Teacher.
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Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm | |
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The Weekly News is published to promote the mission and ministry of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ.
These announcements are intended to be brief, timely, and of a general interest to our Conference readers. Supportive links are provided whenever they are available. We encourage you to forward these materials to others in your church using the link below and to share them in your bulletins and local church newsletters.
Send your items to Communications@nhcucc.org. The deadline for submitting items for the next issue is Thursday at 12:00 PM.
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