Contact
Andrea Bellarosa
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.
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.
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)
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.”
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
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