THE WEEKLY NEWS
May 27, 2025 | Volume 17 No. 21
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Conference Minister Corner
Read the whole message on nhcucc.org
Rev. Gordon Rankin | Conference Minister
While visiting our partners in the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe during my sabbatical last November, I had the privilege to worship on my first Sunday in country at the Harare City Central Church. During that worship service, there was a phrase that was said that I not only thought about for the rest of my trip, but I’ve thought about ever since. It was something that one of the lay leaders said during the announcements, but goodness did it have a profound impact on me. Here is what was said, “milk the cow more, fidget less.” ... Read More on nhcucc.org
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Climate Justice Organizing Begins May 31
The national UCC, led by Climate Minister the Rev. Brooks Berendt, has chosen four sites across the country for Climate Hope Affinity Groups, dedicated to organizing to protect critical climate justice legislation, such as the Inflation Recovery Act (IRA). Concord joins Allentown, PA; Framingham, MA and Fremont, CA.
The first planning meeting for the Concord Affiliate, held a week ago, has set a date for a Chapter Launch Workshop on Saturday, May 31 from 9:30AM - Noon at the NHCUCC office in Pembroke. The workshop, led by Rev. Berndt, is open to everyone interested in a transformative organizing process that can make a difference at a time when it’s “all hands on deck” to preserve the hard-won gains in climate protection. Interested? Contact the Rev. Rob Grabill at EnvironmentalJustice@nhcucc.org.
| | Ecumenical Engagement and Faithful Support for the Decriminalization of Entheogenic and Psychedelic Medicines: A Resolution of Witness | | |
SUMMARY
This resolution calls on the United Church of Christ to stand in solidarity with religious communities, researchers, and medical providers throughout the United States and across the globe in demanding that psychedelic and entheogenic plant and fungus-based medicines be decriminalized and made available for further research by scholars and healers for their beneficial and therapeutic capacities.... Read the whole resolution on ucctheogens.info...
| | Clergy Convocation: Just Eucharist: Communion and the Church's Public Witness | |
On September 15 - 17, 2025 at the Pilgrim Pines Camp and Retreat Center in Swanzey, NH, Rev. Mary Luti will guide us as we consider "the many ways Communion can 'communize' us for just and courageous living in the world."
The Rev. J. Mary Luti, Ph. D. is a retired seminary professor and pastor, having taught for 20+ years in the fields of Christian History and Worship at the former Andover Newton Theological School (now Andover Newton Seminary at Yale), where she also served as Associate Dean for Academic Programs and Director of the Wilson Chapel. From 2000-2008 she served as Senior Minister of First Church in Cambridge, Congregational, United Church of Christ, in Harvard Square (MA). In retirement, she has served as the sabbatical or interim pastor in several churches in the greater Boston area. A member of the United Church of Christ Stillspeaking Writers Group, she is a regular contributor to the UCC Daily Devotional, and the author of books and articles on various aspects of Christian life, most recently editing a resource for the SSWG entitled, Do This: Communion for Just and Courageous Living.
Registration will open June 11 at 9AM. There are 46 spots available, so sign up for reminders here.
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June Webinar to Launch National Faith Mobilization for Grassroots Climate Action Day
On September 21, faith communities across the country will be joining a grassroots climate action to celebrate Sun Day! This will be a day to celebrate the gift and power of clean energy while standing up to the profiteers, polluters, and potentates who threaten our health and future. This event will kick off our national mobilization with the theme of "Bringing Climate Hope to Sun Day." Learn about what's being planned. Get plugged into resources for worship and action. Registered congregations will be provided with advocacy cards directed at Congress that feature the artwork of this year's Climate Hope Art Contest winner. Speakers for this kick-off event will include Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree, Rev. Michael Malcom, Sue Mueller, and more. Even if you cannot make it at the scheduled time of 1 PM on Wednesday, June 11, still sign up, and we will send you a link afterward. Register now!
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Camp Highlight: Adventure Camp JR
(July 13-19, grades 6-8, Tiered Prices: $710, $600, $530)
We're taking adventure to the next level this week! Sign up for a week of hiking, canoeing, rock climbing, caving, and MORE!
Horton Center NEEDS You!
The magic of camp is not possible without volunteer counselors. Are you looking for a way to make a difference? Come to camp and make the transformative wonder of Outdoor Ministries possible for today's youth this summer at Horton Center! Caution: the lives changed after a week of camp may include your own!
Retreat Highlight: Yoga and Meditation on the Mountain
(September 5-7, ALL AGES, Tiered Prices: $225, $205, $185)
Welcome to a retreat for soulful seekers of peace and rejuvenation. No prior experience is needed, Shannon's background in physical therapy provides her the knowledge to make yoga accessible for every BODY! Do as much or as little as you want. The weekend is designed to offer you opportunities to put down life and settle into the moment while enjoying the sites and sounds, truly experiencing all of what Horton Center is.
Yoga and Meditation on the Mountain Info HERE
Shalom, friends!
Tivvi Pare (she/her/hers)
603-545-9660 | TPare@nhcucc.org
| | We're Back with a new edition of Christian Education News-from the Christian Formation Ministry of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ. Read it today, and if you don't already get it in your inbox, you can click here to subscribe! | | |
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Craigville Theological Colloquy | July 7 - 11, 2025
Can the Eucharist still transform and sustain us today as it did in the early church? Join the 41st Craigville Theological Colloquy on Cape Cod for a week of reflection, worship, music, and renewal. Rev. Dr. Mary Luti will lead this year’s gathering, exploring Communion as a source of courage, justice, and community.
Learn more and register at: www.craigvillecolloquy.com
| | UPCOMING CONFERENCE EVENTS | | | Retired Clergy Luncheon
June 25, 2025 | Havenwood Heritage Heights
149 East Side Dr, Concord, NH 03301 | | | | See What's Happening In and Around Our Conference! | | | |
The Rev. Dr. Cathryn Turrentine has announced her resignation as Pastor and Teacher of Center Harbor Congregational Church, UCC, and her retirement from active ministry. Her last Sunday will be June 1.
The Rev. Dawn Adams will be installed by the Granite State Association as Pastor and Teacher of the First Congregational Church, UCC, Wolfeboro, on Sunday, June 8 at 3:00 PM. Clergy are invited to wear red stoles and process (and should gather by 2:30 PM). Everyone is invited to wear something red to celebrate Pentecost.
The Rev. Ralph English has announced his resignation as Interim Pastor of Union Congregational Church of Hebron. His last Sunday will be August 31.
The Rev. Linda Hey has announced her retirement as Interim Pastor of First Congregational Church, Scarborough, ME and her retirement from active ministry. Her last Sunday will be July 20.
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O Love,
Shift the pace of life
For there is a madness
At work in the world
Accelerating at every turn.
Or is the madness
Of my own making,
A world constructed
By compulsive cares
Trying to fit the Holy
Into a life lost
In its own designs?
Is Your pace of Grace
And all she promises
Already standing
At the door
Of the morning?
Is the bird
Outside my window
Actually announcing
That the angel of awe
Has arrived?
She becons
But not by force
She sings
But only in stillness
Does the beauty
Of her song
Hold sway.
Still, she comes
And by some grace
Of the morning
In her coming
The cosmos
Pivots from madness
To the marvel
Of Your holy reorder
Called resurrection.
-David Long-Higgins
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Rev. Gordon Rankin
Gordon will be at the Center Harbor Congregational Church for their
farewell celebration for their pastor, the Rev. Cathryn Turrentine,
as she prepares for retirement.
| | Monday - Friday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM | | |
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