Conference Minister Corner

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Rev. Gordon Rankin | Conference Minister

When we think on the story of David and Goliath, we tend to jump directly to the ultimate outcome. David defeats Goliath. We are inspired by the little guy triumphing over the giant. Yet, this story is quite detailed and this week I’d like to draw your attention to another part of it.

There is the wonderful exchange in the middle of story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) after King Saul has relented to let David go and face Goliath. King Saul dresses David up in his own armor for the battle. David, clothed in Saul’s armor, wearing a bronze helmet and with a sword wrapped around his waist, tries to walk around. He can hardly move. David says to Saul, “this isn’t going to work”. So, he takes off all of Saul’s armaments. Instead, he takes with him his staff, a few stones and his slingshot – the tools he is used to as a shepherd.(Read More at nhcucc.org)

Don't Wait - Report Your Church Data Today!

With the software update that took place this year, many people have questions about logging into the yearbook reporting system. The National setting has updated their Instruction Sheet and has brand new helpful videos that step through the process in front of you. It is especially important that you don't wait until the week the cycle closes on March 21, 2025 to report. Contact the Conference Yearbook Team if you need support at (603) 731-8415 or email yearbook@nhcucc.org

Congregational Associations have existed in New England for centuries. Over that time, they have played important roles in the lives of ministers and congregations and often gathered a documentary record worthy of preservation. Join the staff of the Congregational Library & Archives as they demystify archival processes by exploring the basics of records management for Associations. They will discuss the value in the creation and maintenance of an archive, how to identify and organize archival materials, and how to think about your archive during a moment of transition. Staff will also be able to answer questions during a Q&A session following the presentation.

The Congregational Library & Archives, located in Boston, Massachusetts, not only stewards and makes available Congregational records, but also helps Congregational churches, ministers, and associations understand archival principles and best practices through the Church Stewardship Initiative.

Click Here to Join the Webinar on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 6 PM

The Ukama Mission Group is sponsoring a celebration of our partnership with the UCCZ on Sunday, March 30, from 5-7 at the First Parish Church, UCC, in East Derry. Our time together will begin with a potluck dinner. Following that, some of the people who visited our partners in Zimbabwe last summer will share pictures and stories. We'll also be sharing the current situation in Zimbabwe, which is greatly impacted by the dismantling of USAID. We'll also report on the results of our Food Insecurity appeal.  

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...

There is a lot going on in the world today, so we are resuming our Clergy Check-in opportunities. These are virtual (Zoom) gatherings for Authorized Ministers to talk about how events day are impacting ministry, to share resources and to learn of wider church initiatives. There will be two clergy check-ins each month, one during the day and one in the evening.

Clergy Check-in opportunities in March:

New Training and Coaching Cohort

The NH Conference is offering a training and coaching cohort to support churches on their journey toward vitality. Training and coaching will be led by Rev. Paul Nickerson, who has worked extensively with churches across the country, including in the NH Conference. 

📅 May 3rd, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍 Conference Center

This workshop will introduce five key areas of church vitality. Church teams (clergy and at least three lay members) will choose an area to focus on and receive six months of group coaching. Coaching includes monthly zoom calls, unlimited email coaching, and a weekly newsletter.

Focus areas include: Reaching new people, Engaging in vision/discernment, Funding your church’s future, Developing an effective church structure, Creating a discipleship program. Interested Churches should apply below.

The NH Conference will cover the cost of the workshop. Participating churches will be required to pay $500 toward the coaching fees.

Administrative Professionals Day- SAVE THE DATE

Our Local Church Ministry Team and the Conference staff will be hosting our annual gathering for Church Administrative Professionals on Wednesday, April 30th at the Conference Office (140 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke). More details and registration information will be shared over the next few weeks, but for now, we encourage our Church Administrators to mark the date on their calendars.

Sunday March 23 | 10:00 AM First Congregational Church of Wilmot welcomes guest speakers from the ACLU NH, legal director Gilles Bissonnette and regional campaign manager Kat Legier. All are welcome to hear about their important work defending civil liberties in New Hampshire. The service is at 10 am in person in Wilmot or on Zoom; find the link at wilmotucc.org.

As our current associations are in their sunset days and the birth of the Granite State Association will soon be upon us, many of our associations are holding celebrations. These celebrations recognize the generations of impactful work done by our associations. We are honored to share the invitation to join with these associations in their celebrations:

Merrimack Association, March 16th, 2 pm, Sanbornton Congregational Church 21 Meeting House Hill Road, Sanbornton. We will be celebrating and giving thanks for the almost 200 years of dedicated service of the Association. The celebration will include some historical highlights, liturgy and song as a part of the celebration. Light refreshments and fellowship will follow the celebration. All are welcome!

Grafton-Orange-Sullivan Association, March 23rd, 2 pm, Church of Christ at Dartmouth College.  

Hillsborough Association, May 4th, 3 pm, Congregational Church of Amherst

Additionally, the Association Capacity Task Force is coordinating a virtual prayer service on March 31st at 7 pm. On this day when our current associations conclude their work, it felt important to have an opportunity for community to gather together and offer prayers of thanksgiving for what has been and petition that grace may surround us as we step into what will be. A Zoom link for this prayer service will be shared as the event draws nearer.

Remembering Selma in NH: Past, Present & Future | The NHCUCC Peace with Justice Advocates is among 15 organizations co-sponsoring this gathering - all are welcome. The events on the Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama on "Bloody Sunday," March 7, 1965, were pivotal in the Civil Rights movement and in our nation’s history, galvanizing public opinion and mobilizing Congress to pass the Voting Rights Act. Join us to commemorate the 60th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday".

Singers who wish to participate in a pop-up choir are encouraged to sign up here for more information

The Peace with Justice Advocates Mission Group has authored a letter that is being sent to all Conference Congregations. Find that letter here and to locate the Resources document, click here.

Dear clergy and laity of the NH Conference, 

Our country and our faith communities face challenging times of unrest, anxiety, and instability. All the while, we work to keep the faith and march in the light of God. The Jeremiah scripture in this past week's lectionary hinted about how trees rely upon one another and the ecosystems they inhabit. How can we more fully trust in God, keep our faith, and hold our neighbors? "They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit." 

Your Justice and Witness team wants to reiterate to you that there are ways to be involved at this critical moment in history. Be in community (in person) as much as you can, be informed about what is happening, and perhaps most importantly: figure out strategic ways to fight despair. For some people this means extra prayer and mediation, for others additional walks or exercise, and for some extra socializing. Take heart, and do keep the faith. If you want actionable steps, listen to skilled leaders and organizers. Our own Rev. Heidi Carrington Heath notes: "Call your electeds. Make a donation to an issue area you care about. Use your voice."

Remember that you are not alone and always, always, hold onto hope. 

-Rev. Sam Holland on behalf of the Justice & Witness team 

Boundary Training Opportunities

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.

Boundary Awareness Training 2.0: Through the Lens of Clergy Wellness | April 29 & 30, 6:30 – 8:30 pm. This advanced unit of Boundary Awareness Training is being offered via Zoom by the Southern New England Conference. The registration cost is $85. 

Foundations of Understanding Boundaries | Thursday, May 29th, 9 am – 1 pm

This basic unit of Boundary Awareness Training will offered via Zoom. Registration will open in mid-March and will cost $25. The training will be facilitated by Gordon Rankin.

Congregational Library and Archives: The Afro-Christian Convention: Exploring our Deeper Roots

March 7, 2025 9:30-12:30 Eastern - This in-person workshop, held at 14 Beacon Street in Boston, will provide an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of the history and legacy of the Afro-Christian Convention as the fifth stream of the United Church of Christ (UCC). It is designed for church and community leaders as well as anyone interested in the history of this important, and until recently overlooked, Christian tradition within the UCC. Learn More and register

The Rev. Stacey Kullgren has been called to serve as Minister to the Federated Church of Marlborough. Rev Kullgren’s installation will take place on March 9 at 2:00 p.m. 

The Rev. Dr. Cathryn Turrentine has announced her resignation as Pastor and Teacher of Center Harbor Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, and her retirement from active ministry. Her last Sunday at Center Harbor will be June 1.

March 9, 2025

Rev. Gordon Rankin

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Rev. Rankin will be joining the Stratham Community Church for their 20th anniversary celebration

of being an Open and Affirming Church.

Rev. Sara Marean

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Rev. Marean will represent the NHCUCC at the Installation of the Rev. Stacey Kullgren as Pastor and Teacher of the Federated Church of Marlborough. 

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