Join us for a full day of worship, workshops and networking. All are welcome! Super Saturdays are growing in popularity - REGISTER EARLY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Great Day, Great Price! Cost includes morning worship, 2 workshops, an optional lunch activity, continental breakfast, lunch, marketplace and closing worship.

Cost: 
$54 Individual
$44 Groups of 5 or more who register at the same time (registrations post-marked after March 2nd will be an additional $10 per group)
$64*Late Registrations (ALL registrations received after March 2nd and walk-in price)
*If registration is extended beyond March 2, 2019, the price will be $64.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  MARCH 2, 2019

March 2019 Brochure 

Due to the size of the classrooms, MOST workshops will be limited to 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis, so please REGISTER EARLY. Those registering online can see which workshops have available space.  Mail-in registrations must indicate their top three choices and will be placed according to availability.

MORNING

1.  Cultivating Interdependence: What Does It Feel Like?
Interdependence is a beautiful, powerful word, an idea many of us seek to bring into our communities. But what do we really mean by it? In this workshop, we will unpack what it means to each of us to live interdependently. Topics for discussion will include vulnerability, accessibility, justice, boundaries, and more. Please come with a particular community or situation in mind so we can all consider how interdependence effects our individual lives.
Rebekah Anderson, Seminarian, Writer, and Disability Activist

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

2.  Weird Church - Extended Workshop 2.25 hours (attendees will go to second lunch)
How do we journey with a church through a process that will enable them to be healthy, faithful and effective in the changing landscape of ministry? Weird church will draw on concepts from the book by that name and other research to explore some of the core concepts of vitality in churches and in new forms of faith communities that are emerging around us.
Rev. Don Remick, Transitional Interim Conference Minister, MACUCC

3.  Simplifying Church Structure
Participants in this workshop will explore ways to simplify church structure, so that you have fewer meetings and more ministry, less conflict and more community. We will talk about ways of streamlining decision making while increasing our commitment to congregational decision making.
Doug Bixby is a seasoned pastor and church consultant. He works with clergy and congregations to improve communication and simplify church structure. He is the author of the three books including, Navigate the Nonsense (Cascade), Challenging the Church Monster (Pilgrim), and the Honest to God Church (Alban).

FAITH FORMATION/CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
4.  The Gospel of Mark: A Live Presentation - Extended Workshop 2.25 hours (attendees will go to second lunch)
Rev. Shannon Wall will present the entire Gospel of Mark from memory using all the words of scripture and only the words of scripture. Expect "aha" moments, surprising new connections, and a visceral experience of the first Gospel. The session will include a Q & A discussion time.
Rev. Shannon Wall, Acting Pastor, First Congregational Church of New Milford. M.Div, Yale Divinity School, former professional actress with MFA from New York University.

5.  Vacation Bible School:  Creating Your Own Program
Have you ever thought about writing your own Vacation Bible School/Camp program? You can do it!
Paul Nesbit is the Minister of Families and Education at Wilbraham United Church, Member in Discernment - Hampden Association, and holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from former Washington Theological Union.

6.  What You Should Know About What Children Know
Many parents and many congregations are including their children in more of what the church has to offer, including worship. But which Christian practices are appropriate for children, and should any be modified when we participate in them together? This workshop will address the spiritual, emotional, and cognitive development of children in relation to welcoming them into the whole life of the Church.
Debbie Gline Allen, Consultant for Christian Education and Youth Ministry for the historical Massachusetts Conference UCC, a Commissioned Minister in the UCC who has served congregations and in the conference setting in MA & NH.

OUTREACH/MISSION 
7.  Loving Thy Neighbors in the Greater Community-Outdoor Church
How to get involved as a church community with Outdoor Church of Cambridge, or other local Christian organizations that service the homeless. Come and see how getting involved can happen at all age levels and commitments.
Wendy Tanahashi-Work, Hancock Church, Lexington, MA.  Experienced Church and Junior Youth group teacher. Volunteer and Board member of The Outdoor Church of Cambridge

CHURCH HISTORY & GOVERNANCE
8.  UCC Basics - History, Theology, Governance (aka Polity)   Extended Workshop 2.25 hours (attendees will go to second lunch)
Want to know more about this denomination that's been described as a "heady, exasperating mix"? Come learn about the UCC's history, demographics, and faith commitments; how its different settings - Congregations, Associations, Conferences, and National UCC - are governed and relate to one another (aka polity); as well as about the values, commitments, and beliefs that shape how we do and are Church together. Whether you're mostly feeling the headiness of the UCC's high aspirations or exasperation born of how it sometimes fails to reach them, here's an opportunity to ask and hear what surprises, perplexes, or thrills us most about our denominational home.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan New Associate Conference Minister, MACUCC
 
CHURCH LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATIVE
9. Stretching Beyond Bias in Search/Call and Committee on Ministry (COM) Work
Designed for Search Committees and Association COM members, this workshop will discuss and preview brand-new videos from the UCC for acknowledging and overcoming sexism, racism, hetrosexism and ableism in the search process as well as working with MIDs.  
Rev. Wendy Vander Hart, Associate Conference Minister

10.  Creating a Successful Ministry Team
Join us and discover unique tools for establishing trust and encouragement between and among church staff.  Through Bible study, play, movement, dream sharing and other techniques, this workshop will offer ways to stimulate the imagination and creative collaboration.  Learn how to open leaders to creative and healthy working relationships.
Gwen McCann, director of Faith Formation and Rev Olivia Robinson recently retired pastor of Kensington Congreational Church. After working together for the past 11 years, they developed a strong working relationship that fostered creativity and church growth for the entire church.
 
CHURCH VITALITY
11.  Discover Your "Why?"
The Together as One (TA1) Conference has developed its "why" based on the work of Simon Sinek.  We believe churches that have clarity about their mission and ministry have discovered their "why" which centers around the TA1 core value of local churches engaged in discipleship and impact.  Let's talk together about ideas and strategies that might help your church gain clarity and focus.  
Rev. Kent Siladi, Conference Minister of the Connecticut Conference.

12.  Creating a Preaching in Residence Program at Your Church
Is your church interested in supporting authorized ministers from under-represented groups? First Church Somerville started a six week Preacher in Residence Program (authorized minister preached for 6 weeks in two months) in response to our commitment to be Open and Affirming. First Church Somerville is now expanding the program to include Members In Discernment from historically under-represented groups.   Come learn from their experience how your church can develop a similar program in your community.  
Rev. Da Vita "Day" McCallister, Lead Pastor, First Church Somerville. Pastor, Partner, and Parent

13.  Who is My Neighbor?
Using community organizing techniques this workshop will help you develop a plan to meet your neighbors, live and in person, and learn from them how your church's strengths might matter to them. Whether your congregation is developing it’s "why”, writing your profile, revitalizing, or creating a new mission project, you've got to get out and meet your neighbors.
The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth M. Magill (Liz) is pastor of Ashburnham Community Church. She's a small church pastor working on the intersection of mission and evangelism.

14.  Fundraising 101: A Beginner's Guide to Funding your Ministry
This workshop will introduce three major areas of fundraising: Grant writing, your annual appeal, and using social media to boost your audience & visibility.
Lee Gagen, Fundraising and Development Specialist, Massachusetts Conference, UCC
 
ENVIRONMENTAL 
15.  Climate Change Resonance Circle
The work of climate justice needs us if we're going to fight for a better future. To help change our world, we must push through our fear and anxieties to find not optimism but courage. Sharing our stories of challenge and support and receiving resonance can help us come to terms with the shared challenge of climate uncertainty and build resilience and community. This is not a climate change 101 workshop to learn about what's happening and what to do. Tools to help support each other and build community so that each of us, and all of us together, can lean in to the greatest challenge of our time.
Pam Arifian, Director of UCC Northeast Environmental Justice Center

JUSTICE & WITNESS
16.  Let's Talk About Nuclear Weapons. What Can We Do?
This is a workshop that--in a participative way--updates people's knowledge about the state of nuclear weapons. It also makes clear how people and their churches can contribute to campaigns to reduce the risk of nuclear war and ultimately eliminate nuclear weapons. How this issue relates to other peace and justice issues is discussed. A review of the new U.N. Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, passed in July of 2017. 
Douglas Renick, elder activist and Chair, Peace and Justice Committee, Haydenville Congregational Church and the Rev. Dr. Peter Kakos, member, First Churches, Northampton. Chair, Nuclear Ban Task Team, MACUCC also I have crafted a Synod Nuclear-Ban-Resolution for June,2109.

17.  Faithful Steps for Supporting Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers
Do you find yourself asking, "what can my church and I “do” to show God's love to migrants seeking refuge in our country?" You will hear a range of what other churches are doing, and discuss what the next faithful step is for you, your family, and your congregation. The MACUCC's Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Seeker Task Team will be here to do some brief teaching and to lead a deep discussion designed to help us all answer this question.
Lindsay Popperson, Minister of Christian Education, Allin Congregational Church and member of the Immigration, Refugee, and Asylum Seekers Task Team and the MACUCC Justice and Witness Council

18.  Reframing/Transforming Justice: Using Talking Circles for Social Justice, Racial Justice and Social Change
PART 1 - What do we need to change in our culture to minimize incidences of harm? Morning focus: When we have experienced harm what do we need from our family, friends and community to restore ourselves and community to wholeness? In order to be restored to wholeness, what does forgiveness look like?  
Strong Oak Lefebvre, MSSA, LICSW, Executive Director and Founder of Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition, and Member of the Governor's Restorative Justice Advisory Committee

MISCELLANEOUS 
19.  The Adventure Continues: Retirement as a Spiritual Journey
Retirement can be a time of creative transformation in which we explore new possibilities for personal growth and service. This workshop explores the nature of "vocation" or "calling" for clergy and laypersons who are planning to retire or have recently retired. We will consider theological, spiritual, and practical resources for faithful and life-transforming retirement.
Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly, Pastor, South Congregational Church, Centerville, MA - professor, spiritual guide, and author

20.  Storytelling as Evangelism: Sharing Yourself, and the Good News, Without Losing It
In a world where "Christian" does not always represent a hopeful ideal, where religion is pitied at best and weaponized at worst, we are challenged to follow Jesus’ commission to talk about our faith. In this workshop, participants will build confidence in sharing their stories of faith and develop skills for asking questions that make space for God.
Rev. Katherine Blaisdell, Divine Communications. Pastor and public speaking coach

RACIAL JUSTICE
21.   The Impact of Systemic Racism on Congregations & Communities
This is a two-part workshop, Parts 1 & 2 are required.  This workshop will look inward at congregations about authentically being open and inviting to people of color. We will take a deep dive into church customs to ascertain why they, in many cases, are counterproductive. This workshop will be beneficial for church and lay leaders, and also those who seek to effect positive, sustained change regarding racial tension. This workshop will fulfill the CE racial justice requirement.
TJ Harper, Associate for Racial Justice Ministries, CT & MA Conferences, UCC

SPIRITUALITY  
22.  The Enneagram and Grace
This workshop will introduce the Enneagram of Personality in the context of daily spiritual practice. I will describe the Nine Essences (nine ways we embody Grace), and how those Essences contrast with the Nine Personalities (habitual ways we lose contact with God). The workshop will include a brief meditation, a lecture, and then an exercise to have a felt experience of the difference between Essence and Personality.
Ben Campbell, Enneagram Teacher,  Riso-Hudson Insight Approach, Enneagram Institute Stone Ridge, NY
 
WORSHIP
23.  Called to Love, Not Just Include
Did you know that some of God's best preachers and teachers happen to be disabled? Come hear the journey of Sunday Fellowship, a 36 year old ministry for people of abilities at West Concord Union Church. We'll share our best practices for ministry with people of all abilities as well as our resources for universal worship design.
Rev. Melissa Tustin, Director of Sunday Fellowship, proud parent of children with learning differences, owner of an ADHD brain, and pastor since 2001

24.  Preaching Without Notes
Are you tied to your manuscript? Feel like your preaching needs a boost? Rev. Anna Flowers has been there too! Pastors, lay preachers, and communicators are invited to this workshop to learn why and how she ditched the manuscript and you can too. Practical tips and resources will be offered in abundance.  
Rev. Anna Flowers, United Church in Walpole. Passionate, progressive, Jesus-loving preacher and church revitalizer

25. Designing Devotionals  
This will be a hands on workshop for lay leaders, ministers, chaplains, or anyone else that is occasionally called on to offer an opening devotional. Our clergy community of practice group will offer an interactive workshop that will give you the tools you need to plan devotionals. We will also provide resources and give you an opportunity to experience several different devotionals that are meant to bring you closer to the holy.  
Rev. Carol Smith, Rev. Dawn Adams and our Clergy Community of Practice, who come with varied strengths and skills from all different MA churches, will all be present to share devotionals that have worked for us in our varied settings.
 
YOUTH
26.  Millenial Ministry
Our panel of both religious and non-religious young adults will share our experiences as young adults in/outside of the church. We will talk about what creates meaningful engagement with congregations, the intricacies of navigating social relationships as people of faith, and how the church can best support us through the challenges of this time in our lives. Finally, we will talk about how we ended up as members of the Young Adult Service Community at First Church of Christ, Simsbury and how this year is shaping our lives.
Youth Adult Service Community Interns with the First Church of Christ, Simsbury, CT:  Olivia Arsenault, Hartford Habitat for Humanity; Lauren Dube, Christian Activities Council; Kyle Williams, Hands on Hartford; and Jennifer Sanborn, Community Leader

27.  Call Waiting: Practicing Discernment With Youth
Looking for ways to nurture youth towards mature faith? Want to help your teens stay attuned to the voice of God? Help your youth avoid "roaming" after confirmation and give them a direct line to discipleship. This workshop will share ways to listen for the spirit and explore vocation. We'll offer tips for discernment and think about what it takes to be a calling congregation.
Debby Kirk is the Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries for the historic Connecticut Conference. She coordinates leadership programs for youth who are "Thinking About Working For God." (TAWFG)

 

LUNCH ACTIVITIES

L1.  Observations and Thoughts on Immigration, Refugee and Asylum Seekers on Our Border               
Stories of immigrants attempting to cross our border seeking better lives, asylum, etc. Thoughts of people who were able to take a trip through the desert, seeing items left behind by immigrants trying to reach refuge. Descriptions of why the trip to the border had such "life changing" impact of the lives of the participants.  
Joanne Dickey, Co-Chair, MACUCC Immigration and Refugee Task Team Member

L2.  Funding Your Ministry: Sharing Successes and Lessons Learned​
Come share your successes and lessons with others.
Lee Gagen, Fundraising and Development Specialist, Massachusetts Conference, UCC

L3.  Praying with the Body
Praying with the body the psalms come to life - prayer, gentle yoga poses (if you choose to do them) and a sitting guided mindful practice. PLEASE bring a Yoga Mat.
Rev. Saramaria Allenby Spiritual Care Advisor Gosnold, Inc.

Ongoing Lunch Activity
“Synod 101 (for 2019)” – a 15 minute introduction to the every-other-year national meeting of UCC delegates, visitors, and guests happening June 21-25, 2019 in Milwaukee, WI – will be shown on a running loop during Lunch and no sign up is needed.  This dynamic video gives an overview of General Synod and how it relates to the rest of the UCC; paints a picture of the combination of worship, business meeting, policy-setting, and experience that Synod is; speaks to the some of the specifics about what will be happening in Milwaukee this year; and celebrates this unique feature of our denomination as one expression of how we’re being the Church together.” 

AFTERNOON

FAITH FORMATION
28.   Safe Conduct/Safe Church               
Does your church have a Safe Church/Safe Conduct Policy? Providing a safe place for all children, youth, and adults of all abilities is one of the core values of our mission and ministry. Bring your questions, and shared experiences.             
Debra Moore, Minister of Faith Formation at Edwards Church of Northampton and member of the MACUCC Faith Formation Ministry Team.

29.  Confirmation: Is This Model Still Valid for Today's Youth?
"How do you get rid of the bats in the church belfry? Confirm them and you'll never see them again." This joke is more sad than amusing these days as we try to fit everything we believe our teens should know into a one- or two-year program, and then wonder if they'll remain engaged in the faith community. Has the model of Confirmation lost its effectiveness? This workshop will address multiple issues around Confirmation and stimulate adaptive thinking toward more effective models.
Debbie Gline Allen, Consultant for Christian Education and Youth Ministry, MACUCC, a Commissioned Minister in the United Church of Christ who has served congregations and in the conference setting in MA & NH
 
CHURCH HISTORY & GOVERNANCE
30.  A Lost History of New England Congregationalism and Military Ministry
The British set sail to arrest Congregational Pastors and burn speratist churches in the colonies who preached no taxation without representation. Rev. John Wise’s sermon from Ipswich Congregational Church sparked a Revolution. Learn the connection between the Guard (Militia) and Congregational Churches and what modern ministry in the military looks like.
Rev. Derek White, Chaplain with the Massachusetts Air National Guard and Joint Base Cape Cod Fire Department
 
CHURCH LEADERSHIP & ADMINISTRATIVE
31.  Navigating Cross Cultural Calls-Best Practices
This workshop and discussion will explore best practices for calling, engaging, and supporting clergy and lay leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds in new calls. It will address potential barriers to healthy cross-cultural ministry and discuss strategies for living into the beloved community.
Rev. Tamara Moreland, Regional Minister, CT Conference, UCC. Tamara's prior experience includes pastor, chaplain, consultant and senior administrator. She is a leadership coach, thought leader and parent advocate

32.  How to Grow Leadership Capacity and Skills Without a Leadership Development Program
A congregation's vitality is directly related to the skills of its leaders. This workshop will share the 8 key leadership skills that developed in groups of leaders as a direct result of participation in a group coaching process to improve their congregation’s governance.  Join me and learn more about the valuable results of my recent Doctor of Ministry project and the surprising results in participants reporting significant growth in their own leadership skills.
Rev. Dr. Jim Latimer, Bridge Interim Pastor of Orange Congregational Church, regularly coaches leaders and teams around the challenges of governance, leadership and vitality
 
CHURCH VITALITY
33.  Higher Elevations in Church Communication
Workshop participants will explore strategies for improving communication within congregations. The goal is to become more adept at cooperation and collaboration, so that you experience more creativity and community within your ministries.
Doug Bixby is a seasoned pastor and church consultant. He is the author of three books. Navigating the Nonsense (Cascade), Challenging the Church Monster (Pilgrim) and The Honest to God Church (Alban).

34.  Best Practices in Church and Collaboration Within the Community
Vital Churches collaborate with local organizations in order to expand their ability to serve their community. Come hear a panel of leaders of congregations share their best practices for identifying appropriate partners, building relationships, and maintaining connections, that will expand your churches ministry.
Church Development Task Team, MACUCC
 
35.  Transplanting: A Faithful Alternative for Churches at Crossroads      
This workshop presents a new strategy for churches in discernment about their future: Transplanting.  I'll share the story of one congregation's journey through a process that considered all options and embraced a new alternative.  In a unanimous decision, they chose to transplant their members and spiritual gifts to two congregations that were missionally-aligned.  If you're curious to learn more about this bold witness and how to lead a fruitful process for churches in discernment, this workshop will inform and inspire.
Rev. Susan Murtha, Interim Senior Minister, Church of the Redeemer, New Haven, CT. Transitional Minister and consultant

36. Supporting Interfaith Partners in Challenging Times  
Join us for a panel discussion about how to foster healthy, faithful and courageous interfaith relationships in your own community and beyond. In the last two years, throughout our country, including here in Massachusetts, there has been a significant increase in acts of vandalism and hate crimes against Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, and other people of non-Christian faith traditions. This panel will feature UCC clergy and lay leaders who have worked closely with interfaith partners in the aftermath of acts of violence or hate. Join us as we discuss strategies, resources and "best practices" for responding to the needs of other faith communities in times of threat or crisis.  
Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations Task Team, MACUCC

37.  Digital Content: Bringing Your Church Online
People spend a lot of time online. How can we take the spiritual content resources that we provide in our churches and put it online? In this workshop we will learn the basics of how to do this, talk about the future of digital church, and even discuss how we might monetize the content for the purpose of supporting our ministries.
Rev. Shawn Garan, Associate Pastor, Second Congregational Church of Greenwich. I lead a Saturday evening church service at our church, work with youth, and am currently working on building a digital presence where I can reach people who are not attending church and have questions about Christianity

38.  Beyond Sticks and Stones: Perspectives on Bullying Prevention and Intervention
Learn how to facilitate conversations about bullying intervention and prevention and create a culture of "upstanders." Discover video, print and internet resources to use with your congregation. This workshop relates to the 2018/2019 CT and MA Conference annual meeting resolutions on Bullying.
Sara M. Holland, Minister of Christian Education, Hingham Congregational Church; Kath Mason, South Congregational Church Andover; and Kathie Carpenter, Congregational Church of Needham, all members of MA Conference ONA Ministry Team

39.  Engaging in Social Media Ministry
Whether you're looking to get started or if your church has been online for years, this is the presentation for you! We will cover setting up your strategy, fun and engaging ideas for regular posts, online community-building, and tools to help implement your church's social media ministry.
James Admans, MID, Social Media and Website Coordinator, First Congregational Church of West Haven. MDiv Candidate at Union Theological Seminary
 
RACIAL JUSTICE
40.   The Impact of Systemic Racism on Congregations & Communities
This is a two-part workshop, Parts 1 & 2 are required.  This workshop will look inward at congregations about authentically being open and inviting to people of color. We will take a deep dive into church customs to ascertain why they, in many cases, are counterproductive. This workshop will be beneficial for church and lay leaders, and also those who seek to effect positive, sustained change regarding racial tension. This workshop will fulfill the CE racial justice requirement.
TJ Harper, Associate for Racial Justice Ministries, CT & MA, UCC
 
JUSTICE & WITNESS
41.  Reframing/Transforming Justice: Using Talking Circles for Social Justice, Racial Justice and Social Change
Part 2 - When harm happens, how do we heal, forgive ourselves, and others? Afternoon focus: When we cause harm, what do we need from our family, friends, and community to be accountable and to restore our own selves to wholeness? In order to be restored to wholeness, what does forgiveness look like?  
Strong Oak Lefebvre, MSSA, LICSW, Executive Director and Founder of Visioning B.E.A.R. Circle Intertribal Coalition, and Member of the Governor's Restorative Justice Advisory Committee

42.  How Are the Children? Palestinian Children in Israeli Military Detention  
Discover why the UCC is calling for an end to the abuse of Palestinian children in the Israeli military detention system. View a new film featuring these children and testimonies from UCC denominational leaders. Learn how you can use the film to educate your congregation and take action to end the abuse.
Gay Harter, Co-Founder of the UCC Palestine Israel Network (PIN) and Rev. Allie Perry, leader of Shalom, UCC, New Haven.  Both members of the UCC PIN Steering Committee and the CT Chapter of UCC PIN.

43.  Extra! Extra! Learn all about it!!  
See the Players new play on issues directly from the news and how we can respond as people of faith to make our world a more just place.  
Rev. Dr. Fran Bogle, Edwards Church, Framingham, MA Hospital and community chaplain for over thirty years, coordinator of the Just Peace Players, educator, photographer and ONA consultant. Rev. Nancy Reed, Hancock United Church of Christ, Lexington,MA Parish minister, hospital chaplain, educator, and Just Peace Player

OUTREACH/MISSION
44.  Becoming an "Accessible To All" Church
Accessible to All (A2A) was developed by the UCC Disabilities Ministries Board to help Conferences, Associations and Local Churches offer God's extravagant welcome to people who live with disabilities and mental health issues.  The A2A curriculum is designed to offer resources for evaluating the physical accessibility of churches, spaces and programs, as well as guidance in building a better understanding of people with disabilities. Learn about how to become one of our growing circle of Accessible to All churches and welcome the gifts that those with differing abilities bring to our communities. We’ll share information and conversation.
Pat Kenny, Central Congregational Church of Meriden, CT and Cassandra Levine, First Congregational Church of Canton Center, CT. Both are members of the Disabilities Ministries Team of the Connecticut Conference

45.  From Ruin to Recovery: Rebuilding Homes and Lives in the Wake of Natural Disasters
The intensity and frequency of devastating storms is increasing and severely impacting the lives of the poor and most vulnerable members of affected communities. UCC Disaster Ministries is currently supporting several projects in under served areas, and is looking to increase the participation of more volunteer work teams to help rebuild homes especially in the many months and weeks that youth groups are unavailable. Learn what role the UCC plays in disaster recovery, why this is a call for us to live out the Gospel, how do we take the steps to organize a work team and what hands-on information do we need to make the trip a success.  
Elaine Cavanaugh, Long Term Volunteer as Construction Site Supervisor for UCC Disaster Ministries. Member in Discernment in Northeast Association, MACUCC. Garrett Cavanaugh, Long Term Volunteer as Construction Site Supervisor for UCC Disaster Ministries.

MISCELLANEOUS
46.  Premarital Counseling for Busy Pastors and Couples
Pastors have busy schedules and so do Brides & Grooms! This workshop will present meaningful, practical premarital techniques that work and give couples tools to strengthen and enrich their relationship. Special attention will be given to a technique I call, "Come and Have a Fight," or "Let's Get Ready to Rumble!"
Rev. Dr. Rich Knight is pastor of Central Congregation Church, UCC, in Chelmsford MA. He has a Doctor of Ministry degree in Marriage & Family Ministry, from which he developed the techniques taught in this workshop.  
 
47.  Successful Church Retreats
Learn how to plan a church retreat that your congregation will want to attend! Sell your retreat to church members and friends, figure out your budget, and grow your program. Get information on what Silver Lake Conference Center can offer to your church group.
Jennifer Kronholm Clark, Program Director and Stephanie Pitman, Business Manager/Retreat Planner, Silver Lake Conference Center
 
SPIRITUALITY
48.  Spiritual Practices to Nurture Discernment
Distinct from a culture of noise and distraction, the Christian tradition of discernment connects us to Wisdom that lies within. This workshop will explore spiritual practices that can lead to groundedness, creating a space to encounter God's Spirit anew.
Rev. Henry Schoenfield, Interim Pastor, First Church Stoneham. Pastor, Spiritual Director, and Certified Professional Coach.

49.  How Spirituality Helps to Heal the Brain Disease of Addiction
A presentation on the disease of addiction and understanding the healing of addiction with spiritual practices.
Rev. Saramaria Allenby Spiritual Care Advisor Gosnold, Inc.

WORSHIP
50.  Once Upon a Time' Is Holy Time: Storytelling in Sacred Spaces
This interactive storytelling workshop invites participants to witness, explore and apply the power of storytelling in sacred settings, including venues for preaching, teaching, faith-building, healing and exhorting.
Rev. Dr. Barbara Therese, Congregational Church of Grafton, Grafton, MA. Pastor, professional story writer, storyteller, coach and workshop leader for 25 years.

51.  Beer and Hymns
Your parish need not confine its appreciation of hymnody to the church sanctuary. Why not sing hymns with gusto in a relaxed, public setting and invite other churches to share in making a joyful noise?
John Read, St. David's Episcopal Church, formerly of Congregational Church of Mansfield, MA, Music Director

52.  Creating Altar Scapes
An offering for worship leaders and teams that will help spark creativity in creating altar scapes. This will offer an opportunity to look at resources, how you might include intergenerational participation in creating an altar, and how areas in your sanctuary might be used differently. Ideas for altar scapes for liturgical seasons will be provided and hopefully inspire your creativity to connect with the congregation through a multisensory worship space. We will also do some exercises as small groups to kickstart our creativity and worship design.  
Rev. Maddie Foster, Congregational Church of Needham UCC. Christian Education and Youth Ministries for 3 years where her passion for creating altar scapes plays a special part in her ministry
 
YOUTH
53.  Multi-Church Youth Group - You Can Do It, Too!
Learn from folks who are making their Multi-Church Youth Group a success! We will discuss best practices for collaboration and execution of engaging programs for young people.
Rev. Jack Perkins Davidson - Pastor at Spring Glen Church and Emily McKenna - Youth Ministry Coordinator for New Haven CT area churches

54.  How to Engage Teens From Former Teens
We will explore from our standpoint as young people what it's like to be a young person in society and in the church along with understanding Generation Z. Our youth ministry model will be discussed, as well as how your church can hold onto your youth and how to appeal to youth on a broader scale.
Emily Carle, Co-Youth Director at First Congregational Church of South Hadley and undergraduate religion student at Mount Holyoke College and Claire Houston, Co-Youth Director at First Congregational Church of South Hadley, undergraduate disabilities studies student at Mount Holyoke College