http://www.ctucc.org/ News from the Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ en-us Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 -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/news.php?story=1882 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130517_oldlyme.html The members of The First Congregational Church UCC of Old Lyme, announced the call of the Rev. Steven R. Jungkeit as their new Senior Minister following a "candidating" service on May 12 in which he delivered the sermon. This vote followed the United Church of Christ procedure in which the members cast a vote of affirmation on their senior ministers. Fri, 17 May 2013 12:00:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1881 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130517_cunliffeordination.html It was a joyous day for two congregations of the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ -- Plantsville Congregational UCC and the First Congregational Church UCC of Bristol -- when the Rev. Kathleen T. Cunliffe was ordained on Sunday, April 21. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:39:08 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1880 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130514_crossroadsgrants.html The Connecticut Conference UCC announced today the availability of grants to small churches through the Crossroads Fund. The purpose of these grants is to support the needs of small churches facing financial and membership challenges that may impact the future of the congregation. The Crossroads Fund was established through gifts from the First United Church of Christ in Bridgeport. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:39:07 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1879 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130513_milfordvideo.html They were not content to rest on their laurels and their rave reviews. Fourth and fifth graders at the First United Church of Christ Congregational in Milford's have just released a new three-and-a-half minute video depiction of some of the miracles of Jesus. Christ's love and care for all people -- not just the wealthy, popular, or powerful -- shines clearly in their version. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:39:05 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1878 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130510_YouthRevival.html The 3rd Annual Youth Revival was held at the United Congregational Church in Bridgeport on Friday. Youth and adults gathered from around the state for worship and to celebrate their own declarations of faith. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:39:04 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1877 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130508_cwsappeal.html As the 2,500th CWS Emergency Cleanup Bucket arrived yesterday in flood-ravaged Illinois, Church World Service appealed urgently for people to replenish its rapidly dwindling supply. Heavy precipitation from early 2013 storms and floods has resulted in widespread and severe flooding in Illinois and other states. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:39:02 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1876 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130506_environmentaljusticectr.html Now is the time. As our UCC environmental leaders (including the large CTUCC contingent) all over the country proclaimed at the Leaders in Koinonia (LinK) event in Cleveland recently, climate change is the "container" issue of our time. It is our call to action as people of faith, and our mission as stewards of God's Creation and of Outdoor Ministry. Accordingly, we are pleased to announce the Environmental Justice Center at Silver Lake. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:39:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1875 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130506_arifian.html Rooted in her transformational experience as a long-time (and current) Silver Laker, Pam brings twelve years of professional experience in the fields of sustainability education, policy development, community involvement, and consensus building work to her role as Sustainability Director. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:38:58 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1874 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130506_envjusticeevent.html As part of the Connecticut Conference's renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, Silver Lake Conference Center hosted a "Train the Trainer" workshop on Environmental Justice April 12th through 14th. Led by the Rev. Jim Deming, Minister of Environmental Justice for the United Church of Christ, and Pam Arifian, Director of Sustainability at Silver Lake, the group consisted of about 10 lay leaders from local UCC communities. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:38:55 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1873 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130506_cornwall.html The United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational is truly immersing its members into earth care issues -- by hosting an upcoming vesper service at the local landfill. But it's not just any landfill. It's an award-winning trash collection facility recognized for its high production volume and advanced efficiency. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:38:53 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1872 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130506_somersbell.html On a sunny afternoon in May, construction-helmeted workers checked and double-checked the heavy sling attached to the yoke and frame of the new thousand-pound bell of the Somers Congregational United Church of Christ. Minutes before, parishioners and friends stood together as pastor the Rev. Dr. Barry Cass dedicated it in prayer: and then they cheeered when the gleaming bronze swung easily on its yoke and raised its voice in Somers for the very first time. Then a great crane lifted bell and frame together and gently placed it in the steel framework of Somers' new steeple, rising airily into the blue sky. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:38:51 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1859 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_index.php Sky overhead. Earth below. Living things around us. Stone and sand and soil. This is the stuff that makes our planet so precious and so blessed. In this issue of ConnTact, we tell the stories of Connecticut Conference churches and people caring for God's good Earth. Mon, 06 May 2013 13:49:11 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1870 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130503_spiritcorner.html Two bombs at the conclusion of the Boston Marathon, a week-long intensive on Multi-Cultural and Multi-Racial training in Cambridge, MA, a massive man-hunt, a lock-down at a hotel in Chelsea, MA, five medications for a recovering puppy, an inspiring meet and greet with our Candidate for Conference Minister and a special meeting with a joyous Election of a NEW Conference Minister. That was quite a week! Fri, 03 May 2013 12:44:14 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1871 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130503_transitions.html The following changes in ministerial positions have been reported to the Connecticut Conference during the month of April. Fri, 03 May 2013 12:44:24 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1868 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130430_korea.html As ministers and delegates of the Connecticut Conference UCC gathered in New Britain on April 20th to elect the Rev. Kent J. Siladi as the new Conference Minister, another pair of eyes watched the social network feeds hungrily to learn the results. Minister of Communications and Technology the Rev. Eric Anderson, along with Korean Partnership co-Chair Irene Choi, heard the good news via Twitter from the far side of the world, where they represented the Conference at the 176th Annual Meeting of the Kyung-Ki Presbytery at Immanuel Church in Suwon. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:38:42 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1869 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130430_climaterevival.html They came from all over New England, and from several Christian traditions. Some were lay, some were ordained, some were church leaders at the conference or diocesan levels. Some were hopeful, some were joyful, some were distressed, some were afraid: What they shared was a conviction that it is time, and past time, to serve and revive our home planet, Earth. Fri, 17 May 2013 11:38:46 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1865 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130419_prayers.html After a series of terrible and deadly events in Boston, Massachusetts, and West, Texas, Interim Conference Minister the Rev. Charles L. Wildman invited prayers for those so tragically affected. "Through it all," he said, "we worship a God who loves us no matter what may happen. A God who sustains uc, holds us in joy and in pain and in turmoil." Wed, 08 May 2013 08:51:43 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1844 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_clergyvigil.html Surrounded by more than 3,300 grave makers on the National Mall in Washington D.C., the Rev. Matt Crebbin of Newtown Congregational United Church of Christ and fellow Newtown clergy are standing for the thousands who have fallen victim to gun violence in the United States. The clergy members, joined by leaders of faith organizations from the PICO National Network and Sojourners in their 24-hour Thursday vigil, are calling on Congress to vote on gun-violence prevention legislation. Fri, 03 May 2013 12:43:13 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1845 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_slccearth.html Environmental stewardship is not a new idea at Silver Lake Conference Center. At the beginning of each week during the summer, and on Friday nights for our weekend guests, we ask our friends staying with us here in God's Backyard to be conscious of their energy use. If you're the last one out of the room, turn off the light. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Use just one paper towel to dry your hands. Start out with a smaller portion of food to avoid waste. You can always take seconds! Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:35 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1846 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_spiritcal.html Because I drive a lot in the course of my job as Associate Conference Minister for Generosity Ministries for the Connecticut Conference, I hear a lot of news radio -- both the actual news shows and the commentary that fills the time slots in between. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:33 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1847 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_columbia.html In an effort toward environmental awareness, Columbia Congregational Church has been looking at God's world in a number of ways leading up to and including the Mission 4/1 Earth campaign. Some are continuing, some completed, and others still in the planning stages. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:31 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1848 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_gmo.html On a Sunday in February, the First Congregational Church UCC of Ledyard hosted the first in a series of educational events on genetically modified organisms (GMO) in food and GMO labeling practices. This discussion was sponsored by the Connecticut Conference's Environmental Ministry Team as part of their efforts to fulfill a resolution calling for the study of GMO labeling passed at the 145th Annual Meeting of the Conference last October. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:30 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1849 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_giveusthisday.html For sure, children can be excused for thinking that chocolate milk comes from brown cows. But when young adults have similar issues, this is of concern to all of us. Last year an organization called LEAF (which stands for Linking Environment and Farming) did a survey in the United Kingdom. They questioned 2,000 16-23 year olds. These young adults were asked to match up images of staple foods -- such as milk, butter, bacon, and oil (in the UK bacon and butter are staple foods) -- with where those foods come from. Four out of ten young adults did not connect milk as coming from cows. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:28 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1850 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_granby.html Granby, Connecticut. Forty-one square miles of rural beauty. A town where over one-quarter of the land will be forever preserved as open space. A community where, according to some local folklorists, horses and cows outnumber people. It's no wonder, then, that the members of the First Congregational Church UCC of Granby have embraced Mission 4/1 Earth in a big way. Mon, 06 May 2013 13:48:53 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1851 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_youthspeak.html In this edition of Youth Speak, Connecticut Conference Media Assistant Drew Page interviews Piper Swinton, age 15, from the South Glastonbury Congregational Church UCC, Glastonbury. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:23 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1852 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_previewsplans.html Among the stories of congregational plans for Earth care during the 50 great days of Mission 4/1 Earth, there are these: Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:21 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1853 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_greenchurch.html Did you know that there is an active Green Movement in our Connecticut Conference churches? It takes various shapes and forms. In some churches it has been a part of the congregational landscape for a long time, while in others it is a brand new phenomenon. Mon, 06 May 2013 13:48:57 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1854 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_earthmass.html The First Congregational Church UCC of Woodstock (Hill Church) will culminate fifty days of earth care with a celebration concert of the Missa Gaia/Earth Mass by Paul Winter on Sunday, May 19. "This is a wonderful piece that incorporates calls of wolves, whales, and other animals into the music," said choir director Ted Bradley. "It's a perfect way to wrap up our seven week focus on earth care!" Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:17 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1855 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_freshed_signs.html If you're not distracted by the moustache in my photo, you'll notice the glasses. I've worn corrective lenses since I was six. My parents knew they needed to have my eyes checked because, when the family took car trips, I stopped announcing the exits on the highway. I couldn't read the signs. Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:09:14 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1856 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_clw_mission41.html The Wildman Farm was known throughout its region as a successful and efficient operation. Location, weather and soil favored the reliable production of the corn, oats, soybeans, and livestock typical of the Upper Midwest. In one challenging year, my grandfather declared, "We've always had a crop. 'Guess we always will." The 2012 growing season strongly challenged my grandfather's assumption. Mon, 06 May 2013 13:49:00 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1857 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_siladi.html The Connecticut Conference Minister Search Committee and Board of Directors announced March 4th the recommendation of the Rev. Kent Siladi, the Florida Conference Minister and a former Regional Minister in Connecticut, to be the next Conference Minister. The Conference will hold a Special Meeting on April 20th at the First Church of Christ in New Britain, at which time Conference ministers and delegates will be asked to formally vote to extend the call to him. Mon, 06 May 2013 13:49:04 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1858 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130412_ct1304_riverfront.html You never know where a relationship will take you. In the case of the First Church in Windsor UCC, a partnership with the Farmington River Watershed Association is taking the congregation of 500 members into a significant riverfront cleanup project as part of Mission 4/1 Earth. "Our church overlooks the river, and our property goes right down to the river," said the Rev. Rick Huleatt, senior pastor of one of the oldest churches in the country. "So we decided -- what can we do to help?" Mon, 06 May 2013 13:49:08 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1837 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130401_goodfridaymural.html Over the course of about eight hours on Good Friday, mural artist Kevin Boudreau repeatedly climbed a stepladder balanced before the doors of South Congregational UCC/First Baptist Church in New Britain, bearing the cans of spray paint from which emerged the startling image of Christ on the cross. This bearded Jesus, however, bore a set of contemporary looks, both masculine and feminine. The word "Faith" was tattooed on his outstretched right arm where it emerged from a tattered sleeve, and his hands bore the fingerless gloves so beloved by today's urban youth. Above the completed work, South Church's lead pastor the Rev. George Harris nailed a hand-lettered cardboard sign bearing the famous words from Matthew 25: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." Fri, 03 May 2013 12:43:49 -0500 http://www.ctucc.org/news.php?story=1836 http://www.ctucc.org/news/20130327_mission41.html As UCC members, friends, and congregations observe Holy Week, with its deep encounters with death, faith, and resurrection, their eyes look ahead to the day after Easter Sunday, when the United Church of Christ launches the Mission 4/1 Earth initiative. For the fifty days before Pentecost Sunday, One United Church plans to plant 100,000 trees, write 100,000 letters, and offer 1 million hours of engaged earth care. In a new video, national church staffers suggest twenty ways to build toward those million hours. Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:50:12 -0500