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CTUCC This Week: May 15, 2013

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."

Spirit Calendar

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:

http://www.ctucc.org/news

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 2, noon - 9:15 pm: Encountering the Religious Other: Conference Commemorating Duncan Black Macdonald

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:

http://www.ctucc.org/events/

May your days this week be filled with the presence, guidance, and grace of God.

Eric Anderson, Minister of Communications and Technology

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Donate Now On the Edge of Fire Retreat, Silver Lake, May 17-19 Minority Empowerment Committee Worship, New Haven, May 17 Conference Choir Retreat Day, Silver Lake, May 25 Silver Lake Golf Tournament, Waterbury, June 4 Celebration of Charles Wildman, Bloomfield, June 9 Silver Lake Dedication Day, Silver Lake, June 23 Green Church Information and Resources Universal Health Care Information and Resources Marriage Equality Resources
The Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ
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www.ctucc.org