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THE WEEKLY NEWS

August 29, 2023 | Volume 15 No. 34

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Conference Calendar
Conference Classifieds
Local Church Events
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CONFERENCE NEWS

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2023 Annual Meeting

Unveiling the Journey of 'Turning the Tables'

Play the Annual Meeting Official Call

Join us on October 21st for a day of transformation and unity at the 222nd Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Conference, United Church of Christ. Embrace the theme 'Turning the Tables,' as we explore insights from Matthew 21:12-16, engage with dynamic speakers, and shape the future of our community together.


Read Official Call


For our 2023 Annual Meeting, the New Hampshire Conference is accepting up to 10 Speak Out Videos to be played during the Annual Meeting. All videos must be sixty (60) seconds or less and adhere to the protocols located in the link below.


Speak Outs


Get ready to secure your spot on September 5th when registration opens – a chance to be part of a meaningful journey that promises inspiration, connection, and growth. Don't miss out on this opportunity to gather, learn, and contribute to a brighter tomorrow.


Go to Event Page


Promotional Materials

8D

Tim Hughes Retirement Event

Sat, Sep 02 | Horton Center

Come celebrate the ministry of Tim Hughes at Horton Center. Tim has been the Executive Director at HC for the past 6 years and in that time made a significant impact on the camp and all the campers who visited during his tenure.

 

We hope you will join us as we celebrate Tim Horton Center style:

  • A service with a view on Chaple Rock
  • Lunch with Courtney's famous brownies
  • Sharing of gifts and thanks for Tim's service at Horton Center
  • A campfire and other camp activities


Small gifts are welcome, but not expected. If you would like to contribute to a larger conference wide gift for Tim click here.


All walk-ins at this event are welcomed, but to help with planning we kindly ask for you to RSVP for the event by clicking here.

8D

Pastoral Counseling Services 2023 Good Samaritans

Honoring the Rev. Jed Rardin September 14

Pastoral Counseling Services (PCS) will be honoring the Rev. Jed Rardin, pastor of the South Congregational Church in Concord, at this year’s Good Samaritan Awards celebration. These awards recognize people who are making outstanding contributions to the health, wellbeing, safety, and compassion of local NH communities. The celebration will occur on Sept. 14, 2023 (5-7 PM) at the Brookside Congregational Church in Manchester. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to the website, pcs-nh.org.


Learn more here

8A

NHCUCC Confirmation Retreat

Explore the meaning of your beliefs and phrases like "God is still speaking" at the NHCUCC Confirmation retreat! Join youth from across New England for a weekend of growth, connection, and exploration.


When: September 29th - October 1st, 2023

Where: Horton Center, Gorham, NH


Designed for Grades 8-10, this retreat offers discussions, worship, music, and engaging activities. Uncover identity, church affiliation, and denominational understanding.


Key Info:

  • Open to all Confirmands & Leaders
  • Cost: $160/$180/$200 per person (meals, lodging, activities)
  • Registration deadline: September 16th


Secure your spot: https://www.nhcucc.org/conference-ministries/christian-formation-ministry/confirmation


Empower youth to explore faith, identity, and lasting connections within the UCC community. Nurture their spiritual growth together.


Visit our website for details or contact Rev. Gordon Rankin at grankin@nhcucc.org or 603.225.6647.


Join us on this transformative journey!

8C

Pastoral Leadership Development Groups

Fall 2023 Offerings

Pastoral Leadership Development Groups (PLDGs) will be offered in the fall of 2023 for ongoing professional support, personal growth as individuals in ministry, and building skills to sustain living out the call in these demanding times. These groups provide a safe setting to develop one’s identity and practice as a clergyperson. 

 

PLDG facilitators are trained as pastoral psychotherapists, CPE supervisors, and/or specialists in systems theory as applied to the church. Groups will meet virtually, with an option to meet in person twice during the year, if participants decide. The groups are open to all Authorized Ministers of the NH Conference of the UCC. Tuition is $250, which covers ten meetings and is payable in full or in installments if needed (no tuition required for retirees).

 

In addition to four parish-based PLDGs, groups focused on three specialty areas are offered: 

  • Newly Called – for parish clergy who are new to ministry and/or new to the NH Conference
  • Members In Discernment – for those discerning their call while in care of an Association of the NH Conference
  • Retired Clergy – for those no longer serving in active ministry or will soon be entering retirement (two groups will be available this year).


Learn more here


Learn more about the facilitators and get group descriptions

8B

Community Safety:

What If Our Congregation Is Targeted?

Amidst the increasing authoritarianism in the US, various forms of violence are being directed toward our sacred spaces. From legislative measures targeting queer and trans individuals to disruptive acts during religious services, the need for community safety has become paramount.


Join the National Setting's 2-part training series designed for faith communities of all traditions. Delve into the context of US authoritarianism, uncover the reasons behind the targeting of faith communities, and gain practical tools to fortify your congregation. Led by Christian, Jewish, and UUA SURJ-Faith leaders, this series will equip you with skills to create the world we aspire for while ensuring safety.


Session One: Understanding the Threat

Date/Time: August 23, 8-10pm ET / 5-7pm PT

Explore the rise of authoritarianism in the US and why faith communities are at risk.


Session Two: Building Community Safety Road Map

Date/Time: October 18, 8-10pm ET / 5-7pm PT

Create a road map for safeguarding your congregation over the next 1, 5, and 10 years. Learn practical tools for collective practice.


Register now to secure your place!


Note: Sessions will be recorded and offer participant support, live captioning, and ASL interpretation. For more safety training, consider our Get Ready, Stay Ready series (August-November 2023). Click Here for details.

8B

More E-News, Right in your Inbox! Christian Education & Formation Newsletter (For all ages and stages)
August Newsletter
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UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS

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Star Island

Isles of Shoals

Learn More

July 30 - Aug 30

Lecture & Seminar with Carter Heyward

UUA Church Concord

Learn More

Aug 29

Clergy Convocation 2023

Pilgrim Pines

Learn More

Sep 18 - 20

Registration Opens

2023 Annual Meeting

Learn More

Sept 5

Registration Closes

2023 Annual Meeting

Learn More

Oct 5

2023 Annual Meeting

Grappone Convention Center, Concord NH

Learn More

Oct 21

Conference Calendar
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REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS

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God of love, we pray for our children and youth as they begin a new school year and return to school routines, learning to be together once again. May they know your light, your love, your peace and guidance. May they know the support of the communities around them, finding open doors and compassionate faces.


Holy One, in your mercy, hear our prayers.

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ACROSS THE CONFERENCE

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Pastor Amy Gardner has been called to serve the United Church of Warner. Pastor Gardner began her ministry in Warner on August 21.


The Rev. Ralph English accepted the invitation of the Union Congregational Church, UCC in Hebron to serve as their Transition Pastor starting September 1.


On June 25 Rev. Peter Ilgenfritz was called to be the Designated Term Pastor for the First Congregational Church, UCC in Littleton. Rev. Ilgenfritz will begin his new call in Littleton on September 5.

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WIDER CHURCH RESOURCES

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United Church of Christ

Click Here

Association of UC Educators

Click Here

Global Ministries

Click Here

UCC Volunteer Ministries

Click Here

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CONFERENCE MINISTERS

Sunday Schedule: September 3, 2023

The Rev. Sara Marean

 The Associate Conference Minister will be participating in the Goodbye Celebration for Tim Hughes and attending Family and Friends weekend at Horton Center.

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Conference Center

Monday - Friday | 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Gordon Rankin

Conference Minister

Sara Marean

Associate Conference Minister

Cindy Bradley

Administrative Assistant

Diane Tinkham

Christian Formation Resource Specialist

Lydia Frasca

Finance Officer

Susanne McCarron

Search and Call

Tim Hughes

Horton Center Executive Director

Thaddeus Sieverding

CTE Specialist

Phone Number:

603-225-6647

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The Weekly News is published to promote the mission and ministry of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ.


These announcements are intended to be brief, timely, and of a general interest to our Conference readers. Supportive links are provided whenever they are available. We encourage you to forward these materials to others in your church using the link below and to share them in your bulletins and local church newsletters.


Send your items to Communications@nhcucc.org. The deadline for submitting items for the next issue is Thursday at 12:00 PM.

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