Join us and the Rev. Cindy Bagley in Keene, NH next semester- Classes will be held in-person on Feb. 1, Mar. 1, Apr. 5, May 3, and May 31 

from 9am until 4pm.

"Being church" is always contextual. Why then are we drawn to "one size fits all" solutions, or worse, perpetuate ways of operating that do not fit your church or the challenges of today?

Harnessing true apostolic energy, this course will teach you an entrepreneurial approach to ministry that explores dramatic new ways of thinking about your congregation's vision, culture, structure, resources, and leadership style.

This course will leave you with a renewed sense of excitement, possibility, and love for the church and its potential for vitality and impact in the name of Christ. 

Come and learn how to shift your congregation’s ministry toward the community that surrounds it. Consider how your congregation might thrive as a “Neighborhood Church” or a “micro-church.” Challenge your personal thinking of what vitality looks like in a faith community and how together you might better thrive without growing your numbers. 

We believe that this class offers essential knowledge for everyone engaged in ministry. Register by accessing this link and clicking on the green “Pre-Register Now” button. 

We are keeping our registration fees low ($350/participant for the full course) with the assistance of the Boards of Directors of both the Vermont and New Hampshire Conferences. 

Dear Church, 

Please stand in solidarity with trans and non-binary people in the church and world. Trans Day of Remembrance honors the memory of trans people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Beyond this, communities collectively acknowledge the invisibility and hardship that trans folks too often face. 

We encourage you to consider joining for the event listed here if you can make the time. 

With hope, always, 

Rev. Sa.M. Holland

This boot camp will take your church from a limited online presence to a thriving online ministry. We will work with one member of your church over the course of 9 sessions and coach them through the process of creating the infrastructure your church needs to thrive in the 21st century.

Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/shape-your-church-boot-camp

We are looking for three churches to pilot our program for free. Our first session starts in the first week of December. If your church is interested, please email tsieverding@boostcanvas.com.

Does your church’s Annual Report include a list of people reaching back to its founding who made legacy gifts? Your name could be on that list!  

Remembering your local church or a specific ministry in your will is easy, and, it has a huge impact on the work you want to continue supporting.

The Finance Ministry of the New Hampshire Conference has developed guidance for persons wanting to continue supporting ministries that are meaningful to them after they die. Our guidance is informed by the Philanthropy Ministries of the UCC national setting.

You can use our guidance to support your local church, the conference, or any particular ministry, such as Horton Center.

The Finance Ministry is developing other kinds of legacy gifts. Adding a ministry as a beneficiary to your will is the easiest way to let your love live on.  Click Here for the Guidance.

You can also download a printable Poster in Regular or Flyer in 2-up, with convenient QR codes to the linked guidance, also available in print-friendly form from the finance ministry.

How is your church planning to put this commitment into action? 

The NHCUCC adopted the Lamentation and Call to Congregations for Discussion and Action about Gun Violence Prevention was developed by the Peace with Justice Advocates Mission Group of the NHCUCC. 

It is a lamentation and a call to the congregations of the Conference to mourn with the countless communities and families that have suffered terrible losses every year due to gun violence. 

NOW it’s time to make plans to put this commitment into practice. The churches of the Conference are called to become informed, discuss and be active regarding issues of guns in our communities and prevention of gun violence, for the purpose of taking actions toward preventing that violence, both individually and as organizations as consistent with our faith and practice as Christians. 

With nearly 43,000 Americans taken from us by gun violence in 2023, including over 650 mass shootings, as Christians we cannot stand idly by. 

The Resolution’s accompanying 56 pages of Resources are intended to equip churches with the tools needed to become informed, for discussion and to take action. The “Resources” include a 6- session discussion guide, information about Church Safety, a Grant program to fund improvement in church safety, and much more.

What is your church’s action plan?

Guilty Finding: The 5 who were arrested by city police at the Dover office of U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas and charged with criminal trespass after refusing to leave his office while calling for a ceasefire in Gaza were found guilty during their trial on October 29th.

Read their statements and more at nhcucc.org

Rev. Steve Miller, Tivvi Pare, and Rev. Gordon Rankin are excited to once again offer a Conference-Wide Confirmation Program to any youth who are interested in taking part in this Confirmation experience! Whether you come from a church with a confirmation class and you're looking to continue that learning and faith exploration with our group OR if you are the only confirmation-age youth at your church and you want to be a part of our awesome community, you are welcome! This program is designed to supplement ongoing work and learning with your local church. We will gather together once a month either over Zoom or in person for fun, exploration, learning, community-building, and faith discovery. You won't want to miss it! 

Email Tivvi Pare for more information & to sign-up for this FREE program!

The Peace with Justice Advocates NHCUCC are joining with Not In My Name, an organization of NH Jews committed to an immediate ceasefire and peace in Israel/Palestine to present a film that address the Palestine/Israel crisis through a personal lens.

"Where Olive Trees Weep" will be shown on December 10 at 6:30 pm. A moderated discussion will follow. The showing will take place at 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth, NH. Tickets are $10 donation, and can be purchased at the door.

UCC Clergy Stand in Solidarity for Justice in Palestine and the Middle East in a Virtual Gathering

Join us on Wednesday, November 20, at 6 pm

Duration: 90 minutes on Zoom

In response to the ongoing and heartbreaking violence affecting Palestine and the broader Middle East, the United Church of Christ Palestine Israel Network (UCCPIN) invites UCC clergy to come together in a powerful event of prayer, reflection, and solidarity. Hosted by the Clergy Resource and Training Team, this virtual gathering offers a sacred space to grieve, support each other, and strategize for peace and justice in the face of war, genocide, and deep-seated injustice.

What to Expect: The event will begin with a time of shared prayer and lament, allowing clergy to express and process collective grief and hope. Following this, participants can join breakout rooms for tailored discussions, including:

1. Congregational Action and Witness: For those seeking ideas and strategies to promote justice within their congregations.
2. Sharing Experiences: For clergy who wish to discuss feelings of fatigue, experiences of conflict, or challenges faced in local settings.
3. Support and Solidarity: For clergy looking for general support or alternative resources to strengthen their ministries.

Why Attend?: In the aftermath of the U.S. election and amid intensifying violence in the Middle East, UCCPIN recognizes the urgent need for prophetic voices in ministry. This event is a call to unite and reinforce our commitment to justice and peace, supporting each other as we work toward these shared goals.

Registration Information:

• Date: November 20, 6 pm (Eastern) / 3 pm (Pacific)
• Platform: Zoom
• Registration Link: To register, copy and paste this link directly into your browser

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYrcumrqTwtEtZBUMeRLD-2WWNGETBNLG9Y#/registration

For questions, please contact Rev. Dave Grishaw-Jones at DavidGJ@CCDurham.org.

Join us in this vital time of prayer, reflection, and community support as we stand together for justice and peace in Palestine and beyond.

Prepared to Serve is our annual workshop day put on by the New Hampshire Conference. This event will boost your skills, connect you with others who share your vision, and equip you with tools to bring back to your congregations! Mark your calendars: Prepared to Serve will take place on February 22, 2025 at Pembroke Academy.

If you would like to sign up as a presenter and/or exhibitor, please do so here: Prepared to Serve 2025

If you have any questions, please contact Kayla Pingree or Cameron Keller.

What an incredible season of growth, achievement, and excitement we had at Horton Center this past summer. 

We are so grateful for everyone who helped make it possible and came up the mountain to be a part of it. I hope you'll take time and listen to the Horton Center report and consider who in your life might make a great Summer Staff member for our next awesome season!

Horton Center 2024 Annual Meeting Report

Weren't able to attend the Annual Meeting? Curious to hear what made Summer 2024 so fabulous at Horton Center?

Catch up on all the amazing things that transpired at Horton Center with the 2024 Annual Meeting Report! 

2025 Summer Staff Applications 

We are already planning and preparing for another wonderful season on the mountain. 

Camp would not be possible without a team of hardworking, fun-loving, caring and faithful Summer Staff members. Applications for returning staff are live now, and new staff applications will be accepted starting on November 15th. Questions? Reach out to Tivvi at TPare@nhcucc.org 

Shalom, 

Tivvi Pare 

(she/her/hers)

Horton Center Executive Director 

NHCUCC Christian Edu. Specialist

603-545-9660

The New Hampshire Council of Churches is excited to present "Creating Systems Change," a free, four-part online training series designed to equip clergy, laity, and community members with practical skills to co-create a beloved community across the Granite State. This series, rooted in advocacy for the worth and dignity of every person, offers valuable tools for community organizing. All are welcome to explore how shared values can transform lives and nurture communities grounded in Spirit of Life’s/God’s inclusive love. You can join one or all of these events- https://www.eventbrite.com/o/nh-council-of-churches-15767281746

Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. [Romans 8:26]

Beloveds in Christ, I bring you greetings from the Hillsborough Association of the New Hampshire Conference, United Church of Christ, along with some sad and shocking news. Rev. Allen (Al) Hoyt, of First Congregational Church Milford, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly over the weekend.

We ask that you hold Al’s family, his wife Verna, their children and grandchildren, along with the members and friends of First Congregational Church of Milford, in your prayers.

We will let you know about a memorial service once plans have been made.

Rev. Shayna Appel

Moderator, Hillsborough Association