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Here you’ll find talks, trainings and resources for professional development video and podcasts, webinars and workshops, courses, conversations designed to develop leaders for the 21^st century church.

Shared Reading

Join faith formation leaders from  around the conference in reading and reflecting on monthly selections.  Then join the conversation to share insights, creativity and best practices so that we might grow together.

Shared Reading

Trainings & Talks

Take a look at these local, regional, and national programs to help you expand your ministry with children and youth.  We invite lay leaders and clergy to take advantage of these opportunities to sharpen skills and engage in collaboration with colleagues.

Growing Together List

Here is a list of many opportunities for leaders to develop and grow in their capacities for ministry with children, youth and adults. This list is curated by the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Team and CT Conference staff members Karen Ziel and Debby Kirk.  It is updated quarterly. Download this PDF and reference these offerings as you discern what's right for you! 

Courses

• Vibrant Faith University - 21st Century Faith Formation Certificate from Vibrant Faith Ministries
  New Cohort begins January 9, 2017.  Six full courses in a two-year cycle- Watch for information on regional clusters.  If you are a student at VFU and would like Karen Ziel to serve as your learning guide, contact her at the Conference office.

• Christian Educators' Certification Program - MACUCC
  This program is designed to equip people for the educational ministry of the church. Certification requires the completion of six mandatory sessions and two electives offered at NEAUCE or Super Saturdays.  This course incorporates basic foundational theories, principles and practices upon which a new educator might build their core competencies.
   

Workshops

• Stepping Stones Workshops - Sponsored by the CT Conference UCC and CAUCE (The CT Association of United Church Educators) The 2017 Series continues with Praying and Worshiping with Your Youth Group on Thursday February 16, 2017.  Dinner plus a 90-min workshop by local faith formation practitioners and clergy leaders. 
• Youth Ministry Institute- Yale Divinity School
  “Lunch and Learn”  FREE! 12:00 to 1:30 PM on the first Wednesday of the month

Programs

• Super Saturday - An effort of the Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Conferences
  - March 18, 2017: Minnechaug Regional High School, Wilbraham, MA. Featuring:  Brian McLaren, author, activist and public theologian.  Brian's new book is, The Great Spiritual Migration-How the World's Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way...
• - Oct. 21, 2017: Keefe Technical Regional High School, Framingham, MA. 

Reviews

Quarterly reviews of coursework, training events and leadership development opportunities that spark imagination and contribute to effective leadership development.