http://www.ctucc.org/ Event Listings from the Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ en-us Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/images/favicon.ico http://www.ctucc.org/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 webmaster@ctucc.org (Eric Anderson) webmaster@ctucc.org (Eric Anderson) http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3036 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3036 Welcome to Way of the Spacious Heartandnbsp; Where all faiths gather in silence and peace. Way of the Spacious Heart is an open, dynamic and spiritually diverse communityandnbsp;of individuals who gather in common to practice sacred silence, contemplate spiritual virtue,andnbsp;and reflect on ways of being more compassionateandnbsp;and loving human beings in our everyday lives.andnbsp; andnbsp; Way of the Spacious Heart honors all faith traditions and affirms the unfolding of divine revelation —andnbsp;celebrating the rich Wisdom found in diversity. Way of the Spacious Heart is a sacred space of deep listening,andnbsp; where participants remain open and fully present to each other without judgement or need to counsel.andnbsp;Our common intention is to listen to, reflect on, and sharespiritual life with respect, compassion and equanimity. andnbsp; andnbsp; We invite you to experience this open and diverse community. Facilitators: Margaret Galiardi, OP Andy Jones Rose Petronella When: 6:30-8:00 pm , Tuesdays: September 4, 2012 October 2, 2012 November 13, 2012 December 11, 2012 January 8, 2013 February 5, 2013 March 5, 2013 April 9, 2013 May 7, 2013 June 4, 2013 Thu, 02 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3221 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3221 Join us for this important retreat for fathers and sons at the Silver Lake Conference Center. The Rev. Dr. Mark Heilshorn will facilitate a weekend of activities, workshops, and speakers designed to address the important and yet challenging relationship between fathers and sons. Joining us will be Jody Grose (American Indian Spirituality acclaim). The discussions will take place in the context of log splitting, hiking, group building, SLCC projects, and ropes course challenges. In an age when fathers struggle to find opportunities to be with their children, this weekend will offer both you and your sons -- who are hungry for your blessing and spirit -- the gift of your time and undivided attention. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3299 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3299 You are cordially invited to the Installation of the Rev. Jonathan M. Chapman as Pastor of the Westfield Congregational Church, UCC in Danielson. The Installation will be followed by a Pot Luck picnic at Mashmucket State Park, off RT 44 in Pomfret Fri, 22 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3277 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3277 The First Congregational Church of Woodstock will celebrate the culmination of the Mission 4/1 Earth effort with Paul Winter's Missa Gaia. Choir Director Ted Bradley has assembled a festival chorus and jazz ensemble. Rehearsals run on Sunday evenings, from 7 to 9 PM, beginning on April 7. Interested singers should contact Ted Bradley at the email address below. Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3339 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3339 The Drexel University Gospel Choir’s annual tour this year is in Vermont from May 17 – May 19, 2013. Immanuel Congregational Church is honored that the gospel choir, led by Reverend Gregory Ross, will hold a concert on May 19th at 4:00 pm at Immanuel Congregational Church in Hartford, CT (10 Woodland Street). Now in its 35th year, the Drexel University Gospel Choir, has members from across the country and around the world, and has performed locally, nationally and internationally over the past several years. The choir features a band and Praise Dancers. This concert is free and open to the public. Wed, 17 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3323 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3323 This training event is for Coordinators, Planning Team Members, and adult volunteers who are active in Giv2 Chapters. The retreat is also a great opportunity for folks who would like to initiate new chapters to learn about the Giv2 model for service. Come and explore the possibility of Giv2 in your area! Wed, 10 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3351 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3351 Join us at a free information program about the opening of The Memory Cafandeacute;. We are making our community friendly for people with Memory Impairment.There will be a presentation and opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be served. Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3353 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3353 The Sundance Trio, a Utah-based ensemble that explores and performs music for the combination of oboe, bassoon, and piano, will give a concert at Center Church on Thursday, May 23, beginning at 7:00 p.m. Donations received at the door will support Music and the Arts at Center Church programs. Free parking (we'll validate the ticket at the concert) will be available from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. that day in the "Gold Building" garage -- enter via Pearl Street. Wed, 15 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3329 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3329 Come join us at Silver Lake for the first-ever Connecticut Conference Choir Retreat! We are inviting two well-known music specialists, who are both members of CTUCC churches, to work with the choir. Participants will learn selections of diverse styles of music. Our goal is to present our choir offering on Saturday, October 19, 2013, as part of the CT Conference Annual Meeting worship. The basic idea for this endeavor was formed during the Connecticut Conference Annual Meeting, after stirring reports from both Rev. Da Vita McCallister on Sacred Conversations on Race and Tim and Anne Hughes on Silver Lake Conference Center. Both stated strongly the need for churches in the CT Conference to create more collaborative initiatives and to engage in activities that promote diversity at all levels. We strongly seek the commitment of each congregation to participate in some way. In addition to the May retreat, there will also be opportunities for participants to meet once a month beginning in July, for 2 hour rehearsals. This will also give participants the opportunity to visit several churches throughout the state. We will also host a second choir retreat in October, prior to the annual meeting for final preparations. Participants can be general congregants or choir members of any age. Thank you in advance for your being open to exploring this opportunity and being willing to begin a new and exciting opportunity for music makers and music lovers of faith, throughout the Connecticut Conference. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3315 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3315 Native American Immersion Experience at the Flowing River Mercy Place, Penobscot Reservation from May 26-30. An educational experience on racism and prejudice. Fee includes accommodations, meals, and programs. Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3352 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3352 Join us at a free information program about the opening of The Memory Cafandeacute;. We are making our community friendly for people with Memory Impairment.There will be a presentation and opportunity to ask questions. Refreshments will be served. Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3267 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3267 Noah Webster, Lyman Beecher, Charles Finney, Harriet Beecher Stowe. The lives of these four Connecticut natives were profoundly affected by the religious movement known as the Second Great Awakening. Though this revival began as a clarion call to holiness it also produced the great social movements of the 19th century including the Temperance movement, the Women?s movement and the Abolition movement. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3348 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3348 Duncan Black Macdonald, a pioneering member of the Hartford Seminary faculty, will be honored June 2nd in a day-long event at the Seminary to mark the 150th anniversary of his birth. Macdonald was a world-class scholar, who taught at Hartford Seminary from 1896 until 1943. At a time when the Seminary's mission was to train Christian ministers and missionaries, Macdonald's unique perspective on the importance of Christian-Muslim relations and his prodigious scholarship helped the Seminary to embrace this progressive vision for interfaith dialogue and understanding. The Macdonald Celebration aims to creatively introduce and honor a local, world-class scholar, who is relevant to a broad, contemporary audience and who is an accessible point of entry for better understanding and appreciation of the Muslim culture and Christian-Muslim relations both here and abroad. The event takes the form of a day-long Conference and Exhibition, featuring a series of lectures by prominent scholars, an exhibition of Macdonald's life, works and memorabilia, a tour of Macdonald's gravesite at Hartford's historic Old North Cemetery and the movie, Azur and Asmar: the Princes' Quest, based on the Arabian Nights. The event starts at 12 noon and concludes at 9:15 pm. This Conference and Exhibition is sponsored by Connecticut Humanities, Hartford Seminary and the International Institute for Islamic Thought. Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3342 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3342 The Christopher Koenig Memorial Concert Series is proud to present concert pianist, Miguel Campinho in a program of romantic music for the piano. Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved in advance by contacting the church office. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3344 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3344 SPRING CONCERT- Church of Christ, Congregational (UCC), Newington, CT. Songs from West Side Story, Les Misandeacute;rables, Beauty and the Beast, Freedom Trilogy, and more on Sunday, June 2 at 4 pm. Senior, Junior, and Handbell choirs with special guests, soloists, and band perform a delightful program perfect for families. Free-will offering. 1075 Main St., Newington, CT. 860-666-4689 newingtonucc.org Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3227 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3227 The seventh iteration of this fund-raiser and celebration of Silver Lake Conference Center begins with a modified "shotgun" start at 9:00 am. A continental breakfast is available at 8:00 am. Luncheon and awards are at 2:00 pm; non-golfers are welcome to show their support and attend the luncheon alone for $40.00 per person. In addition to prizes for lowest team score, there are contests for closest to the pin, closest to the line, and longest drive. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, click the Flyer link. Tue, 29 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3345 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3345 95th Annual Strawberry Fair at South Congregational Church 1301 Forbes Street, East Hartford, CT 06118 Saturday, June 8th, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come and enjoy our famous homemade strawberry shortcake. Meet your friends and have lunch at the Chuck Wagon. There will be children’s activities galore! Plus many other booths to visit including Grandma’s Attic Tag Sale, jewelry, books, videos, CDs, crafts, baked goods, plants, raffle and more. Open rain or shine. Wheelchair accessible. For additional information please call 860-568-5150. Sat, 04 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3273 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3273 Registration is now open for this unique, one week gathering of interfaith advocates, clergy, youth leaders, program administrators, educators and other professionals from diverse religious backgrounds and practices to explore the challenges of leadership in multifaith contexts. For credit or audit. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3347 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3347 The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Conference cordially invites one and all to a time of celebration and thanksgiving for the Interim Conference Minister, the Rev. Charles L. Wildman. There will be a time of worship and a reception to express the Conference's gratitude for the three years of interim ministry and leadership he has gracious given the Conference. Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3310 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3310 YDS's Summer Study 2013 features an array of 15 half-day courses taught over one of two five-day sessions, June 10-14 or June 17-21. Courses are appropriate for both clergy and laity. Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3224 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3224 This special course will provide students with a broad spectrum of the basic knowledge and skills needed to begin an effective ministry of Christian Education in the local church. It will enable new Christian educators with no prior formal learning to achieve a foundational understanding of the Bible, identify resources that will work best in their unique church environment, serve collegially on a professional team of church leaders, and gain a basic working understanding of the major areas of Christian Education programming (Church School, Confirmation, Youth Ministry, Adult and Intergenerational Education). In a three-day seminar format, students will be engaged in a series of lecture, small group and first-hand experiential learning units. This year, we are again offering a one-day option for those who have had prior theological education. Clergy and others trained theologically may attend only the final-day session, which covers the practical skills needed for effective Christian education. Wed, 23 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3268 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3268 This Connecticut resident wrote over 8,000 hymns and over 100 million copies of her songs have been printed. Blessed Assurance is one of her most loved songs. Undaunted by her blindness, this poet/preacher and evangelist was the first woman to speak before Congress. She knew 22 U.S. Presidents and was a close friend to four of them. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3274 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3274 Register now for this innovative eight day course for Christian, Jewish and Muslim religious leaders who work in interfaith environments and want to enhance their knowledge and skills. For credit or audit. Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3303 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3303 Join us to celebrate (and admire) the renovated Retreat Center and expanded Cedars dining room. We will gather to tour, to sing, and to ask God's blessing on these improved facilities, designed to help visitors to God's backyard find their Creator. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3307 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3307 Join us for inspiring preaching, Spirit-anointed worship, forums on vital topics, and workshops that will strengthen ministry in your Open and Affirming congregation! Keynoter is the Rev. Dr. Marvin Ellison, world-renowned author on sexual ethics and justice, a leader in the welcoming church movement. Keynoter at our Friday evening Open and Affirming Banquet is the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, senior pastor of Trinity UCC in Chicago and a prophetic voice for justice and inclusion. Preacher at Wednesday evening worship is the Rev. Janice Steele, pastor of Imani Community UCC in Sacramento, Calif., and a leader in the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. Preacher at Friday morning worship is the Rev. Linda Jaramillo, executive minister of Justice and Witness Ministries, United Church of Christ. The Coalition Choir will sing at worship and at the banquet Friday night. Workshops on Thursday and Friday are designed to support mission in ONA congregations and will explore the intersections of our movement with the wider movement for justice and peace. An open forum on "the State of our Movement" will give everyone a voice on the future of LGBTQ advocacy in the United Church of Christ, and beyond! This year's theme is "GOD'S VISION: DO JUSTICE!" God's vision for our world calls for comprehensive justice for all. How can we call ourselves Open and Affirming churches if we're not also Multicultural and Multiracial, Just Peace churches, Accessible to All? Are ONA churches called to join the struggle for social, economic and racial justice not only locally but globally? Are we called to seek justice for all our neighbors no matter where they come from or how old they are? Are we called to "widen our welcome" by reaching out to those who live with mental illness and developmental disabilities? What are the practical ways each ONA congregation can live into a broader and more inclusive vision of justice, discovering new connections in our church and our communities, building stronger movements for a world where no one is excluded, all are welcome? Sun, 17 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3223 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3223 Join us for four days of exploring the coast of Maine, enjoying good fellowship, delicious home cooked meals (including a lobster bake on the beach!), and the glory of God's creation. Rejuvenate your spirit on board this beautifully restored 1871 schooner. Each day will include a biblical theme with the opportunity for group reflection as well as individual time. You can fill your day with reading, knitting, chatting or simply watching the stunning scenery as you catch glimpses of Maine wildlife. You can even give a hand on deck if you want to hoist the sails, furl the jib, or take a hand at the helm. Each day includes optional "shore leave" when (depending on the setting) there might be a chance to shop, hike, or sit on the beach. The schooner departs from Camden, Maine. Boarding on the first evening after 6:00 pm; return into port by 11:00 am on last day. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3251 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3251 An array of worship services, workshops, plenary sessions, music reading sessions and rehearsals that will provide church musicians and clergy with resources for vibrant worship design and a more effective music ministry. Includes store displays of related items for purchase plus two optional events – a cruise to Tillicum Village on Blake Island and an organ crawl. Sponsored by the United Church of Christ Musicians Association. Hosted by Plymouth Congregational Church, UCC in Seattle. Faculty: Dr. Marcia McFee (multi-sensory worship design), Dennis Coleman (choral), Dr. Douglas Cleveland (organ), Shirley Lindberg (handbells) and many more workshop leaders. Complete information and online registration available at www.uccma.org. Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3320 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3320 July is coming! Hope that you can join us this year at Craigville. This year we are examining Missions - what it means to serve God still in the 21st century. We have a wide mix of participants that will engage us. This year's keynote speaker is the Rev. Dr. Reid Trulson, Executive Director, International Ministries, American Baptist Churches, USA. Open to members of any denomination, the Colloquy is an experience that feeds the mind and heart: keynote presentations, workshops, small-group conversation and daily Bible reflection help the community explore the subject in depth. In addition, two ecumenical celebrations of Holy Communion, daily Morning Prayer in a meditative style, Taizandeacute; Vespers and the use of sacred music inspire with praise and song. Colloquy is also an opportunity to relax with friends and family: afternoons are free time to explore the Cape, take walks through the woods, or while away the hours on Craigville Beach. Wed, 03 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3317 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3317 The National Church Leadership Institute is a conference for equipping entrepreneurial leaders to empower new expressions of church to passionately meet the world's greatest needs! You will hear from over a dozen leading experts on everything from building a dynamic, small group ministry to running the "business" of church. Bring a team from your church to take full advantage of the full experience of: - Skill-based training in church planting, growth and renewal; - Networking opportunities with over 300 innovative church leaders; - Take-away resources that will energize your ministry today; - Sustainable connections that increase ministry effectiveness; - Oh yeah, and fun after-hours events!! During these three days, you will have access to the brightest practitioners and creative experts of our age who are changing the Church as we know it. They will teach you how to birth new ministries within existing churches and how to renew churches. Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3295 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3295 Save the date! For the CT Women of the UCC Fall Retreat at Silver Lake led by the Rev. Lee Ireland. Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3354 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3354 Save the date for the annual gathering of Connecticut's UCC ministers, educators, and musicians. More information is to come! Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3349 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3349 Keynote speaker the Rev. Michael S. Piazza, co-Director and co-founder of the Center for Progressive Renewal, will bring his inspiration and energy to the joyful gathering of the Connecticut Conference. The new Conference Minister, the Rev. Kent J. Siladi, will preach, and the Conference will offer formal recognition to outgoing Policy Advocate Kim Harrison and to Living Waters Award recipient Nancy Carrington of the Connecticut Food Bank. Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3113 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3113 This training event will help authorized ministers and other local church staff members keep appropriate boundaries with those whom they serve. Tentative Schedule: Registration and Coffee at 8:30 am LEVEL I (Basic) 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Training required for those who have not had boundary or sexual misconduct prevention training before. Trainers: Rev. Gordon M. Rankin, Pastor at Congregational Church of Naugatuck and TBA LEVEL II (Advanced) 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Training for those who have previously completed the Level I (Basic) Training. The training includes a morning plenary session and one afternoon workshop of your choice. Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3306 http://www.ctucc.org/events.php?event=3306 Save the date for this ecumenical study conference! More information is to come, but the keynote speakers announced so far are Bishop Yvette Flunder, pastor of City of Refuge UCC in San Francisco, California, and scholar and author John Dominic Crossan. Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500