The United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) were among 27 Christian churches and agencies to address a letter to members of Congress [October 12]. The letter, in the context of the ongoing war in Israel/Palestine, urged Congress to:

• Publicly call for ceasefire, de-escalation and restraint by all sides
• Prioritize steps to secure immediate release of hostages and ensure international protection for civilians
• Call on all parties to abide by the laws of war, including the Geneva conventions and customary international law

Read more...

10A

Following a request from the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe, New Hampshire Conference’s Ukama Mission Group is launching an appeal to support the UCCZ in addressing people’s need for food. Our Ukama relationship has been issuing conference-wide appeals for some years to address needs which UCCZ leaders think are the most urgent. Once again, as in 2020, they have asked that we designate our gifts to improve food security. The funds we raise will be used both for food as well as for maize (corn) seeds to the many families who grow their own food.

The offering coincides with Ukama Sunday, observed this year on October 22. You can give anytime through the end of 2023. The NH Conference will receive all donations from individuals and congregations, and forward them to Common Global Ministries. Global Ministries securely transmits our gifts to the head office of the UCCZ, which distributes the funds to the three conference ministers. They pass the gifts along to local churches, who distribute the gifts to the households which are experiencing the greatest need,

Rev. John Matiza, president of the UCCZ, writes: “We cannot talk about three meals a day, most families survive on two meals a day. A number of organizations who used to support people in the rural areas are leaving the country because of the disputed elections.”

Checks can be made to NHCUCC with the notation: “Zimbabwe Appeal” on the memo line.

Mail contributions to: NHCUCC 140 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, NH 03275-3711

(churches can collect the funds and send a single check, or you may encourage your constituents to send their donations directly to the NH Conference, UCC.)

Learn About Ukama Sunday

10B

The Peace with Justice Advocates of the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC includes a 2023 focus that “We commit to nonviolence and collaborative peacemaking….” Acting on that focus, we urge the posting of the attached “Gun-Free Zone” sign at the entrances to our churches. Poster copies of this sign will be available at the Peace with Justice Advocates table during the October 21st Annual Meeting.

We are guided by the prophets and by Jesus Christ. In Leviticus we read, “Thou shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Isaiah called upon the people “to turn their swords into plowshares.” Jesus rebuked his disciple who cut off a soldier’s ear to defend Jesus. “Put away your sword,” he said. Then Jesus healed the soldier. Jesus also declared that when forced to carry a Roman soldier’s pack for a mile, one should render that force powerless by volunteering to carry the pack an extra mile. No weapons are needed to enforce love of neighbor and hospitality. Attached is the complete letter explaining the Gun-Free Zone from the Advocates.

10B

The Horton Center Annual Appeal is happening NOW! Click HERE to read the Appeal Letter.

Thank you for your generous support of Horton Center, all donations are greatly appreciated.

Contribute to the Horton Center Annual Appeal HERE!

10A

The Immigrant & Refugee Support Group (IRSG) is a unique and instrumental ministry of the NHCUCC and manages the Conference’s essential Immigrant Bond & Support Fund. At this year’s Annual Meeting plenary session, the IRSG will briefly share IRSG milestones as well as examples of the gratitude of asylum-seekers whose lives have been touched by our support -- made possible through the amazing generosity of NHCUCC donors.

The IRSG will also offer a special Zoom session at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening November 14: Dignity and Freedom for Asylum Seekers in an Inhumane Immigration System: The Role of the NHCUCC. Through this session, NH UCCers will learn more about the obstacles and challenges of seeking asylum (which is an international legal right) and the horrors of ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) detention. We will also hear the voices of asylum seekers who have been positively touched by our life-changing NHCUCC IRSG ministry. There is a role, large or small, for everyone – and every congregation – in the work of the IRSG. The November 14th Zoom session will provide details. Register here.

Read More...

10A

How we cool and heat our buildings is a significant part of how we address the climate crisis. When it comes to Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems, heat pumps are a crucially important technology in the transition away from fossil fuels. This webinar will explain how heat pumps work and how government funds can be accessed by congregations for their purchase. We will hear a success story from a local faith community that installed both air-source and ground-source heat pumps. Finally, we will address frequently asked questions, such as, “What do you do with a building that has had radiator heating?” Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on October 25th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

10A

Here is the meeting summary of the September 16 Board of Directors meeting.

10C

A course in UCC History, Polity, and Theology will be taught at Maine School of Ministry, January Term 2024, led by Rev. David Gaewski, a retired conference minister. This course is ideal for Members in Discernment or those considering Privilege of Call representing the United Church of Christ. Four Saturdays in a row, from 9:00-3:30, using Zoom. Distance learners welcome. 

UCC Polity, History, and Theology

Online (Zoom), 24 contact hours

Instructor: David Gaewski

Saturdays Jan 6, Jan 13, Jan 20, Jan 27

Fee: $350

Registration: Link found at https://www.maineucc.org/mesom/

Questions? Contact Dean Malcolm Himschoot: mhimschoot@maineucc.org.

10B