THE WEEKLY NEWS
February 11, 2025 | Volume 17 No. 6
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Conference Minister Corner
Rev. Sara Marean
Associate Conference Minister
Dear Friends,
Every morning I try to take some time to be outside. In the summer it’s getting in the kayak, in the fall and spring it’s taking a walk, and in the winter it’s cross-country skiing. Historically this has been a time for me to run through the day ahead, or to contemplate a sermon topic, or to think about a conversation I need to have. But lately that has changed.
This morning as I swished through snow covered boughs, across fields of white, fluffy mounds, under softly drifting flakes of snow, I tried to let go of all that thinking. I simply tried to be, to take in the beauty, to remember the poetry of those who also wandered through woods, to find God in those silent moments.
Friends, we are living through challenging times. To use the cliché, we are running a marathon here, not a sprint. So, we need to strengthen ourselves for this journey, for the days ahead, for the time we are meeting right here and now. We do this in different ways, each individual finding what speaks to their heart, each individual finding where God is for them, so that then we can come back to our ministries ready to take up the work that needs to be done.
Often music can be one of these strengthening practices, a great reminder of what is important, so I wanted to share with you a song that a friend shared with me… Sweet Honey In The Rock: I Remember, I Believe (Democracy Now)
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Prepared to Serve: Register TODAY | |
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Registration is Open for Prepared to Serve for a short while longer! Classes fill up, so check out the Course Guide, sign up to attend, and keep up with the latest details on the Prepared to Serve Event Page.
We are looking for volunteers for various tasks the week before, day before, and day of. Setup, Teardown, Nametags, Registration, the opportunities to help are endless. It takes a community to put on this event, and your assistance is much appreciated! Sign up to help on this form.
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Effect of USAID Closure on the UCC in Zimbabwe | |
We received this report from the president of the UCC in Zimbabwe, the Reverend John Matiza. It gives a sobering picture of the effects of USAID closure in Zimbabwe and contains important information for our Ukama partnered churches especially. Read the report... | |
If ICE Shows Up: Resources for Churches | |
We at the Conference Office have been asked this question many times over the past couple weeks. Here is a response for those who have asked and those who have yet to ask. Read Online at nhcucc.org | |
Peace With Justice Advocates | |
NHCUCC Peace With Justice Advocates Mission Group co-sponsors this event: Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza is a provocative argument that will expand and inform one of the defining conversations of our time. A passionate yet measured work that brings together Beinart’s personal experience, his commanding grasp of history, his keen understanding of political and moral dilemmas, and a clear vision for the future. He brings us an alternate narrative...Read More and Register Today | | |
Thursday, February 13 at 3 PM: The Seacoast Interfaith Sanctuary Coalition invites immigrant advocates to a presentation by Meg Moran and Aly McKnight from NH Legal Assistance about how to help immigrant families to prepare for the possibility of detention and deportation. We will review the guidance shared by the ACLU-NH (read here) and explain the process of guardianship for those who are considering this possibility. This is a hybrid event - in person at Dover Friends Meetinghouse, 141 Central Avenue, Dover, and on Zoom. All are welcome but registration is required. Register here. | |
Open Space for Women and Non-Binary Clergy | |
Over the past two months several folks have met to share the joys and challenges that exist for them as women and non-binary clergy living out their calls. Out of that meeting, there was consensus that there’s a need for an ongoing group to continue this work. So, on Wednesday, February 19th at 12pm via zoom, bring your lunch and join Rev. Sara Marean, Associate Conference Minister, for an open space to talk, share, give and gain support for the difficult task of being a woman or non-binary person in leadership. Open to all women and non-binary clergy. Please click here to sign up. | |
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Boundary Awareness Training for Retired Ministers -- Wednesday, March 19, 1:30 – 4:30pm ET
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. Join Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Melanie Oommen for this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - Participants must be able to use zoom chat and breakout room functions.
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Yearbook Reporting Opens January 22nd
The Conference Yearbook Team is hard at work helping church yearbook reporters complete this important process, ensuring that our Conference's records are accurate and up to date, while also helping to reflect the vibrant ministries of our churches within the National Setting.
For more details, check out the full announcement here. The Conference Yearbook team is here to help those needing support to log into the system or complete reporting. Just call 603-715-9520 or email yearbook@nhcucc.org. Stay tuned for further updates, and thank you for helping to make this reporting season a success!
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January 2025 - Christian Formation Ministries News | |
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Read the 2025 edition of Christian Education News, Meet our team and peruse the carefully curated faith formation resources here.
The CFM team is excited to support churches throughout the NHCUCC community to inspire and provide opportunities for children, youth and adults to nurture and grow their faith. We recently shared our belief that it is important for all church attendees, regardless of their age, to have multiple opportunities to explore and learn about their faith.
We have a monthly newsletter that will give you ideas, curriculums, and a variety of other resources. Please subscribe by clicking here.
With all that in mind, a visual of Christian Formation Ministries' purpose came to mind and we brainstormed together and designed a logo that demonstrates our vision.
CFM - Christian Formation Ministries is rooted in faith; our responsibility, as Christian Educators, is to plant seeds, provide opportunities, and inspire others to fly and spread those seeds of Christ’s love far and wide. Thus our logo: A seed of faith is planted in faith then nurtured and with faith and love as the bird takes flight sharing Christ’s love far and wide.
All are invited to stop by our table at Prepared to Serve. Give us your ideas, your needs, what you need from us. We are creating a contact list of people we can send notices and our newsletter to - please come sign up and see ways you and your church can plant a few seeds and share Christ’s love. We have ideas and would love to hear more about individual churches' needs. Look for our logo!
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Are you READY for summer 2025?! - NEW Adult Program Offerings!
We are feeling excited for all that is to come this year at Horton Center. With expanded offerings for adults, we are confident that everyone can find a session that excites them! Check out the list below and learn more at hortoncenter.org
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• Wilderness First Aid (June 7-8) - a two-day WFA certification course, meals and housing available
• Open House (June 15th) - enjoy worship, camp tours, activities and more as we kick off our 2025 season!
• Peace, Faith & Rejuvenation (July 31-August 3) adult women's retreat
• Men's Fellowship Retreat (August 11-14) back for the first time in several years!
• Ministries and Mission Groups Weekend (August 22-24) members of NH UCC Ministries and Mission Groups will gather for time to connect and enjoy the mt.
• Family and Friends Weekend (August 29-September 1) calling all families and friends for a weekend full of all the camp fun and joy you're looking for!
• Work in Progress Weekend (September 5-6)- this weekend includes two retreats: "Yoga and Meditation on the Mountain" and "Pieceful Quilting" - regardless of what you sign up for you're welcome to pick and choose activities being offered by either session! Craft, stretch, breathe, reconnect, and enjoy the beauty of Horton Center!
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RSVP today for Horton Center's FREE Souper Saturday winter gathering! | |
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March 29th 12pm-3pm
Tad's Place
Havenwood Heritage Heights
Concord, NH
RSVP: tinyurl.com/soupersaturday2025
Everyone is invited to Horton Center's winter gathering for a delicious lunch of homemade soups, breads, and desserts provided by NH UCC churches! Whether you are a Horton Center camper, family, friend, volunteer, or alumni, you're welcome to join us! This event is FREE for everyone, but make sure to RSVP as seating at Tad's Place is limited. Once you RSVP, tickets will be mailed to you that you can use upon arrival on the 29th to be entered into a raffle.
Questions about Souper Saturday? Email Tivvi: TPare@nhcucc.org
Shalom,
Tivvi Pare
TPare@nhcucc.org
www.HortonCenter.org
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PRAYER FROM GLOBAL MINISTRIES | PRAY WITH HUNGARY- As the Hungarian Reformed Church Aid and the Reformed Church in Hungary reflects on the upcoming 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its ongoing activities to support the community of displaced persons in Budapest, one colleague at the Refugee Ministry, Denys Kravchenko, a Communications Liaison and Data Administrator, shared about an ongoing community event for young Ukrainian students that the Refugee Ministry has begun supporting. Read On...
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Webinar: Africa 140 Years After the Berlin Conference | |
Wednesday February 26, 2025, 12pm-1:15pm Eastern - By 1900, European powers had claimed nearly 90 percent of the African continent’s territory. This webinar will explore the impacts of colonialism and its mindset, and the ongoing consequences that persist today. Learn More and register | |
Climate Hope Art Contest- The UCC's 2025 Climate Hope Art Contest for children and youth is live. The theme for this year is “Planting Seeds of Hope.” We’ll accept art submissions from February 2nd to March 14th. Win an all-expense paid trip to visit Washington, DC with a parent or guardian! (Last year's winner had two members of congress personally ask her for a poster of her artwork, so that they could hang it in their offices!) The winning art will additionally serve as the logo for UCC Climate Hope advocacy work throughout 2025.
Register now for your church to participate! A PDF of the art contest page on which artists will create their masterpieces will be sent.
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UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS | |
| Register Today! - Prepared to Serve
February 22, 2025 | Pembroke Academy
209 Academy Road Pembroke, NH 03275 | | |
| See What's Happening in and around our Conference! | | |
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The Merrimack Association will hold a Service of Installation for the Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan as Pastor and Teacher of the South Congregational Church, UCC in Concord on February 16, at 3:00 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Deborah Roof has announced her resignation as Senior Pastor and Teacher of First Parish Congregational Church, UCC in East Derry and her retirement from active ministry. Her last day in East Derry will be May 18, 2025. There will be a celebration of her ministry on May 4 from 2-4 p.m. at First Parish.
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Creator of all that is just
Help us in times we stray
Call us in to love deeper
Call us out to extend love to all
Even those who plunder justice
Show Your perfect strength in our weakness
That grace may abound even more
Amen and Asé
-D’Angelo, Chicago, IL
University Church Chicago
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CONFERENCE MINISTER SCHEDULES | |
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Rev. Rankin will be preaching at the Meriden Congregational Church where the Rev. David Felton serves as Interim Pastor
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Rev. Marean will represent the NHCUCC at the Installation of the Rev. Dr. Tanya Sadagopan as Pastor and Teacher of the South Congregational Church, UCC in Concord. | |
Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | |
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