What's happening this week?
On Pentecost Sunday, Eric Anderson observes, we get fascinated by the tongues of fire that dance above the apostles' heads. But it was not the flames that provoked a reaction from those who saw them that first Pentecost day, it was their speech. It startled them, it puzzled, them, it mystified them. "Like Peter," Anderson writes in this week's Spirit Calendar, "we still have the task of using our newfound gifts to communicate God's deeds of power, mercy, and grace."
In the News:
Youth Declare at 3rd Annual Youth Revival
"You are not the church of tomorrow," said the Rev. Sara Smith in welcoming participants to the Youth Revival last Friday evening: "You are the church of today." Gathering from around the state, the young people sang and clapped, saw liturgical dance, and heard their peers speak of their lives and struggles with the faith. Sharing her story, said Hartford's Aziah Searight, "empowers her as a woman and a person."
Milford First Young People Bring the Miracles of Jesus to Video
The fourth and fifth grade class at First United Church of Christ Congregational in Milford have just released their second video of the year: a three-and-a-half minute depiction of some of the miracles of Jesus. Christ's love and care for all people - not just the wealthy, powerful, or popular - shines clearly in their rendition of the stories. "We might not heal the sick or raise the dead," says the narrator as it closes, "but we can treat everyone with respect." The youngsters' previous effort was a "commercial" on the God is Still Speaking theme.
Conference Announces Crossroads Grants for Small Churches
The Connecticut Conference will make grants available to small churches engaged in significant study of their future ministry through the Crossroads Fund. Thanks to major gifts from the First United Church of Christ in Bridgeport, small membership congregations will be able to find assistance for bringing in consultants, carrying out feasibility studies, or enhancing their worship and program. The Conference's Regional Ministers are the point of contact for information and proposals.
New Photo Galleries from Delegation to Kyung-Ki Presbytery, Boston Climate Revival
During his recent trip to South Korea as a representative of the Conference to the Annual Meeting of our ecumenical partners, the Kyung-Ki Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in South Korea, Eric Anderson had the opportunity to take... a few pictures. They have been posted to the Conference's Flickr account in several smaller sets. Find them here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctucc/collections/72157633450189790/
Photos from the April 27th Climate Revival are also online in this slide show:
http://www.flickr.com//photos/ctucc/sets/72157633502903946/show/
For other stories, including a link to Guilford First's Pilgrim Fellowship mission work with green building, visit:
Find listings of position openings and other classified notices at:
http://www.ctucc.org/classifieds
Some upcoming events:
The "Saints," Connecticut's retired UCC clergy, meet May 16th in Cromwell.
The Minority Empowerment Committee Worship Service, featuring the preaching of the Rev. Dr. Joseph Clemmons, Sr., will be May 17th in New Haven. On the Edge of Fire: A Father and Son Retreat, will be held at Silver Lake May 17th-19th. Giv2 holds a leadership retreat on May 20th.
Be part of a new tradition: the Connecticut Conference Choir! Come to Silver Lake for a retreat and rehearsal on May 25th, as we look forward to Rev. Siladi's first Annual Meeting with great music in October. Hartford Seminary will commemorate Duncan Black Macdonald with a conference "Encountering the Religious Other" on June 2nd.
Sign up now to take part or sponsor the Seventh Annual Silver Lake Golf Tournament, which will be held on June 4th in Waterbury.
And make plans now to be in Bloomfield on June 9th, as we celebrate the three years of faithful, inspiring leadership of the Rev. Charles L. Wildman.
May. 16, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm : Saints Spring Meeting
May 17 - 19: On the Edge of Fire: A Father and Son Retreat
May. 17, 7:00 pm: Minority Empowerment Committee Worship Service
May. 20, 5:00 - 8:00 pm: Giv2 Leadership Retreat
May 25, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm: Connecticut Conference Choir Spring Retreat
June 4, 7:30 am - 3:00 pm: Seventh Annual Silver Lake Golf Tournament
June 9, 3:00 - 5:00 pm: Celebration of the Rev. Charles Wildman
June 10-12, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm: Hartford Seminary Presents: THE BASICS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
June 23, 2:00 - 4:00 pm: Silver Lake Dedication Day
You'll find more details about these and lots of other events at:
May your days this week be filled with the presence, guidance, and grace of God.
Eric Anderson, Minister of Communications and Technology
