It’s been five years since a delegation from our partner church, the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe, have visited us. The good news is that a delegation, headed by the Rev. John Matiza, President of the UCCZ, will be here at the end of June.

The Ukama Mission Group is in the process of planning their visit. Right now, there’s more that isn’t settled than what is firmly arranged. One thing is certain: our guests will gladly take greetings and news from people and churches here back to our partners in Zimbabwe. Now is the time to invite the people in partnered churches here to write letters, collect bulletins, newsletters, and photos to pass along. Please gather only that which can fit in a large envelope.

During the visit, we plan on making a special effort to encourage NH churches which are not partnered to explore what partnership entails, and what blessings it brings. If your church would like to explore an Ukama partnership, contact Sara Marean at smarean@nhcucc.org.

We are planning an all-conference celebration and offer some regional opportunities to enjoy the company of our guests. Dates and locations are yet to be settled, so stay tuned! 

5A

Any attendee interested can sign up to join the choir, which will minister during the closing worship service Tuesday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. Sheet music and recordings will be distributed in the first week of June, and there will be at least two rehearsals during General Synod.

Questions? Contact Cheryl Lindsay (lindsayc@ucc.org), Minister of Worship and Theology, UCC National Ministries.

5A

Join us for Guns to Gardens on June 10 from 10am - 2pm at Wesley United Methodist Church in Concord, NH. Hosted by GunSense NH, a project of Granite State Progress, the NH Council of Churches, and other partners, this event provides a convenient location for gun owners to voluntarily return their unwanted firearms for disabling and repurposing into gardening tools. State law prohibits law enforcement officials from destroying firearms, making it crucial for residents who no longer wish to keep firearms in their homes to have a safe and voluntary way to dispose of them. Learn more below about how to participate.

5C

Join Pastor and former UCC Economic Justice Minister Dr. Edie Rasell, author of "The Way of Abundance: Economic Justice in Scripture and Society" for in-person presentations on economic justice and faith. The featured event will be on Monday June 12 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the NH UCC Conference office in Pembroke, with a Zoom option and light snacks. Limited discounted books available.

On Sunday June 11, Edie will be preaching at the Community Church of Durham, UCC at the 10 a.m. service and later leading a discussion at the Meriden Congregational Church, UCC/Parish House from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Email economicjustice.nhcucc@gmail.com to confirm attendance at the Meriden gathering.

View Flyer Here

5C

As UCC congregations across the country embark upon collecting thousands of signed postcards for the Environmental Protection Agency as part of the Climate Hope Cards campaign, this webinar will cover how the coming months at the EPA present a significant opportunity to save thousands of lives, address societal inequalities, and put the United States on a path to achieve 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2035. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on June 14th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.

5B

Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Stephen Boyd and Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry.

5A

The "Annual" Retired Luncheon sponsored by the Prudential Committee of the New Hampshire Conference United Church of Christ has not gathered since 2019! COVID interrupted many activities, changed our relationships, introduced Zoom meetings and even worship! BUT this year The Prudential Committee is once again inviting all authorized ministers who have served in and on behalf of the United Church of Christ, along with their spouses/partners to a special luncheon. All are invited to this year's Retired Clergy Luncheon on Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Havenwood Heritage Heights. (The Facility is fully handicapped accessible!)

Although invitations have been mailed, we encourage you to register online if you prefer.

5B

Star Gathering 1 Family Conference

"To Be Loved, We Must Be Known"

Looking for an opportunity to connect to beauty and inspiration? Join us for a special Star Island week focused on celebrating and nurturing the vision of Beloved Community. Through art, music, conversation, reflection, and fun we will create a more inclusive and intentional community, to help spread more empathy and understanding in the world.

Star Gathering Youth Conference

For Teens (9th grade through newly graduated Seniors)

"Acceptance of Self and Others"

This week we will look at relationships, self acceptance, acceptance of others, and ways to show our love.

Go to starisland.org for more details and to register.

5B

Save the date for an upcoming event on August 29th featuring author, Carter Heyward. The event will include a free daylong seminar and evening lecture revolving around Heyward's new book titled "The 7 Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism: A Call to Action". Join us at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Concord, NH for this thought-provoking seminar from 10am-4pm, followed by a stimulating lecture at 6:30pm. Registration details will be provided soon. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to expand your knowledge and engage in meaningful discussions.

5C