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. 

Join us at the Conference Office in Pembroke for Cookies, Cider, Cocoa, Fellowship, Live Music (Early Christmas sing-a-long, anyone?) and more on December 4th-drop by anytime between 3 and 6 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Pembroke | Greetings NH Conference! Your Board of Directors met on November 2, 2024 in-person at the Conference Office in Pembroke. We began by welcoming new Board members Rev. Robert Vodra, Conference Treasurer; Ms. Maria Emanuel; Rev. Michelle DeCoste; and Rev. Marlyna Schmidt. Click Here to read the full report from Conference President Rev. Jim Thomas

To everyone who has already supported the Food Security Appeal for the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe — Thank You! The Ukama Mission Group has agreed to keep this opportunity to support this ministry of our Ukama partners through to December 31 of this year.  

Regarding food insecurity, Rev. Samson Mhlanga, Ukama Chairperson for the UCCZ, says, "Yes, there are well stocked grocery stores. But, because of drought, high unemployment, and aged church members and child-headed households, [some] families are experiencing severe food shortages."  

Our gifts make it possible for congregations to provide food for congregation members and neighbors who are known to have the greatest need.  

Send your support to the Conference Office, and make sure the check has "Ukama Appeal" in the memo line, and a short note affirming that your gift is for this appeal, or donate here, writing "Ukama Appeal" in the "Give To" field

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.

This election season has made clear the double standard that exists for women in leadership. This adds stress to the already difficult job of being a leader in any setting. On Wednesday, December 18 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. 

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?

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.

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 Pension Boards is pleased to partner with Church Law & Tax to help UCC clergy, lay workers, or employer organizations navigate the annual tax season with up-to-date information for the 2024 tax reporting year. You are invited to attend Mastering the 2025 Tax Season on Wednesday, January 15 at 12 noon ET to learn about the latest federal reporting requirements for churches and federal income tax changes for ministers. Learn more

Join an ecumenical prayer vigil and call-to-action on December 2 at 3:30 PM, featuring denominational leaders Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, Bishop Yvette Flunder, and Rev. Elder Cecilia Eggleston. Presented by the United Church of Christ, The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, and the Metropolitan Community Churches, this event will include prayers, song, and reflections on ending religious stigma, protecting human rights, and ensuring equal healthcare access for those living with HIV/AIDS. All are welcome.

We pray for those in zones of conflict, struggling to survive in the midst of war, violence, disease, poverty and oppression, both here in our own nation and across the globe.

We pray for a day when war will finally cease, peace will be the norm, and justice a way of life.

We pray that we might be God’s hands and feet this world as co-creators of justice, bringers of hope, makers of a way out of no way, that God’s kindom of love might become a reality for all.

And we give thanks to our ever loving, always present God,

Who has created us, given us the gift of life and set us to live on this beautiful earth;

Who has given us work to do, and guidance as we do it; minds open to new ways of living, hearts receptive to the needs of others, their pain and joy.

God of all, teach us to use your gifts wisely, help us to feel the love of your presence which is with us whenever we need it, grant us ever thankful hearts and a loving concern for all people."