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Official Call to the 2025 Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Conference & Granite State Association

Dear Members of the New Hampshire Conference Family,

The Annual Meeting Planning Committee invites you to come together, as the Gathered Conference, for the 224th Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Conference also serving as the 1st Annual Meeting of the Granite State Association.

What: 2025 Annual Meeting of the New Hampshire Conference and

Granite State Association

When: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Where: Hybrid Meeting to be held at the

Geneva Point Center

108 Geneva Point Road

Moultonborough, NH and via Zoom Webinar, YouTube Livestream

access information to be provided upon registration

THEME

This year we will explore the theme “Another Way” based on Jeremiah 6:16.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Our keynote speaker will be the Referend Derek Terry. Reverend Terry is the Acting Executive Director of the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ. He also serves as pastor of St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Cincinnati, Ohio. Reverend Terry has authored several books including, most recently, the Vibrant Voices Coloring Book: Coloring the Stories of Black Visionaries.

CONNECTING SESSIONS

Throughout the month of October there will be opportunities to participate in educational sessions to prepare for the business meeting on October 25th and/or to reflect on the current and future work of the Conference.

• October 9: Mission Income and Spending Plan
• October 14: Conversation with the Conference Minister
• October 16: General Synod 35 Recap
• October 21: Conversation with the Conference Minister

BUSINESS

The Gathered Conference will convene to consider:

• Election of new Officers, Board members and Nominating Committee Members
• The Mission Income and Spending Plan for 2026
• Action on the Granite State Association Nominating Slate and 2026 Budget
• A report from the Delegates to the 35 General Synod

WORSHIP

Through prayer, word, song and ritual, our worship will reflect upon the ways in which Jesus has modeled for us the need to choose “another way”. The Sacrament of Communion will be celebrated as part of our opening worship.

TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT

This year’s hybrid Annual Meeting will utilize numerous forms of technology. Every effort is being made to allow delegates to select options for interactive participation via a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Many segments of the meeting will also be shared on YouTube to allow for visitor viewing without interactive participation. We will be providing educational resources, helpful tips, and technology stewards to assist you in this experience. Remote connection information will be emailed to all those registered for the meeting.

DELEGATES

The Conference Bylaws define the voting membership as "those delegates duly appointed by the churches, the Conference officers, members of the Board of Directors, and each ordained, licensed, or commissioned minister with standing in a New Hampshire Association." (Bylaws, Article VII, Section 2). Each church shall be entitled to four (4) lay delegates, one (1) of whom shall be under twenty-five (25) years of age at the date of election. Churches with more than one hundred (100) members shall be entitled to one (1) additional delegate for each one hundred (100) additional members or major fraction thereof.” Delegates for the Conference Annual Meeting will also serve as the Delegates for the Granite State Association portion of the meeting.

YOUTH DELEGATES

We strongly encourage each church to include a Youth Delegate (under 25) as a member of your delegation. The Annual Meeting is an effective setting in which our youth may learn about the wider church, meet church leaders, and come to appreciate the role of the church in addressing matters of social and spiritual concern.

VISITORS

Visitors are welcomed and strongly encouraged as a means of deepening the covenant that our congregations share in the NH Conference and the United Church of Christ.

YOUTH PROGRAM

This year we will be offering a special program for youth who are not attending as Youth Delegate. Since we are meeting at an outdoor ministry site, the program will engage youth in many of the outdoor ministry style activities that they experience at places like Horton Center. Those who are attending the Youth Program will have some interaction with the full assembly. Registration for the Youth Program will be available during the full Annual Meeting Registration period at a cost of $30.00 per youth.

REGISTRATION

Please visit https://www.nhcucc.org/events/am-2025 for up-to-date Annual Meeting Resource Materials and a link to the registration website – which officially opens at 5 pm September 8, 2025.

All registrations will need to be processed online on or before Tuesday, October 6 at 11:59 pm, when online registration officially closes. The Youth Delegate Rate will be $50/person; Retired Clergy and Retired Clergy Spouse/Partners will be $62/person; and Delegates & Visitors will be $92.00/person. Major credit cards and personal checks will be accepted for online registration. As a reminder, in order to support the hybrid nature of our event, we are not able to accommodate “walk in” registrations. If you do not have access to the internet or have any trouble registering yourself, please call Cameron Keller at (603) 225-6647 (Monday – Friday / 9 am to 4 pm / September 9 – October 6).

Please feel free to contact the Conference Office with any questions regarding the Annual Meeting. We look forward to gathering with you on October 25th!

May God’s Peace be with you.

Your 2025 Annual Meeting Planning Committee:

Rev. Carlos Jauhola-Straight (Chair)

Rev. Gail Doktor

Rev. Rebecca Josephson

Rev. Dr. Lynn Wickberg

Rev. Walt Hampton

Rev. Gordon Rankin

Staff to the Annual Meeting Planning Committee:

Mr. Cameron Keller

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Conference Minister Corner

Read the whole message on nhcucc.org

Rev. Linda Hirst | Transitional Associate Conference Minister for Search and Call

It’s been hard to know what to say or do or even feel since Charlie Kirk was assassinated. We all know this is a tragedy and shouldn’t happen and yes, gun violence is out of control in our country. We all know others; good people, young people, children, who have died at the hands of violence and have not received the attention they deserve. Preaching, praying and conversations (never mind facebook posts) have been incredibly difficult this past week. I have a friend I turn to when it’s hard to find words, who is always trying to find hope in the midst of all our world and our country is going through. And if not hope, at least a path forward. She shared this speech from Maria Shriver: it was spoken by President John F. Kennedy, Jr. after Martin Luther King’s assassination. ...Read the full article here.

Friends in the New Hampshire Conference and Beyond,  

In the picture above, you see the beautiful faces of the youth and children who live at the Daisy Dube Children’s Home in Mt. Selinda, Zimbabwe. This picture is from when I was able to visit with them last November during my sabbatical time with our partners in the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe. Together we had a wonderful talk about the differences between Zimbabwe and New Hampshire, a tour where they proudly showed me their rooms, and a time to distribute some clothing that had been sent for them. Without question, their infectious personalities and their impactful stories captured my heart.  

On July 13th, tragedy struck the Daisy Dube Children’s Home. A fire quickly gutted the entire building. Little was left beyond cinderblock walls and a foundation. Thankfully, all the children and their caretakers were safe, but the building was a complete loss. The 22 children who resided at Daisy Dube were moved into a wing of the dormitories for nursing students at the Mt. Salinda Hospital. A couple of charitable organizations stepped up in a big way and were able to meet the immediate needs (clothing, school uniforms, etc.) for the children.  Yet these children remain displaced, and we want to help them come home.

Our partners in the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe have developed a plan to build four new cottage buildings on the site where the old orphanage building existed. Each cottage will house eight children and a caretaker. The plan to build in cottages is both a desire, as it helps provide better services, and a requirement of the government of Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe government has in turn made the commitment that as the cottages are built, they will build a solar array to help power them. 

This is no small undertaking. The estimated cost for building each cottage (labor and materials) will be $80,000. The hope is to build at least three of the cottages before November when the rainy season will begin and potentially hamper building efforts. The three cottages will allow all the current residents of Daisy Dube to move into their new homes. So, we are hoping to raise $240,000 in the next couple of months.

With the support of the Board of Directors and Ukama Mission Group, I have agreed that the New Hampshire Conference, in cooperation with UCC/Disciples of Christ Global Ministries, will take the lead on an appeal to fund raise for the rebuilding of the Daisy Dube Children Home. As you can tell, our fundraising goal is ambitious both in amount and timeline, but the need, and God’s call to address this need, is clear.

And so, I have two asks to make of all our New Hampshire Conference churches as well as of the members and friends of our churches. First, please contribute. Gifts are welcomed from both churches and individuals. To give, you may send a check to the “New Hampshire Conference, 140 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke NH 03275” with “Daisy Dube Appeal” in the memo. Or you can give online using our website at www.nhcucc.org. By clicking on the donate button, then the “Other Donation” button and writing “Daisy Dube Appeal” in the “Give to” box, your donation will go to this appeal.  

My second request would be that you let me know if there are those outside of our own church communities who you believe I should contact to support this appeal. If you would send such information to me at grankin@nhcucc.org, I’d greatly appreciate it.  

I would draw your attention once more to the picture above. Friends, these children need our help, and I have no doubt that through the grace of God we are going to provide it. I am profoundly grateful for any and every way you are able to help support this appeal for the Daisy Dube Children’s Home.  

Yours in Faith,

Rev. Gordon Rankin

Conference Minister

New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ

Sponsored by NHCUCC Women's Fellowship

This is a day devoted to expressing peace through the sharing of music, visual arts, culture, and communication. It is part of a global initiative inspired by the United Nations and PEAC Institute.

This global Pause for Peace concert has been planned hoping to bring billions from around the world together through cultural music and feel the transformative power of human connection.

All are invited! Saturday, October 4th, 9am to 4pm

at the UCC Congregational Church of Laconia, 18 Veterans Square, Laconia

Thank you to the following local musicians, who will perform the Live Peace Concert through the day:

• K.Robet Bengston
• Jazz Sanctuary house Band with Rev. Emilia Halstead
• Suzuki Children’s String Orchestra, Director, Sue Ann ERB
• Bristol UCC Joyful Noise Ukulele Band (Director: Debbie Doe / Manager: Karen Sticht)
• The Power Chords, director, Lorraine Barrows

In addition, we’ll hear from Dr. Jaylene Bengtson, local artist, of how the

visual arts can bring awareness and inner peace. Come for all or part of the day! Lunch will be available. Donations are greatly appreciated for both lunch and concert performances. This will help defray the cost of the day, with a portion going to support the PEAC Institute.

UKAMA SUNDAY RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Our annual celebration of our partnership with the United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe will take place this year on Sunday, October 19. This is the Sunday closest to the day (October 18) that mission work began in Mount Selinda.  

You can find resources for celebrating Ukama Sunday on the Conference Website. If you have questions or need help with anything about your celebration, contact the Mision Group at ukama@nhcucc.org. We do have sheet music for a few Shona hymns which we can provide. 

Many churches are using their Ukama celebration to receive an offering in support of the rebuilding of the Daisy Dube Children's Home (please see the article above for more information).

If you are doing something special, especially if you're planning to do, receive, and send a communication with your partner church, please let us know so we can share your ideas with others.  One relatively easy option would be to take a group photo of your congregation and send it to your partner. You can ask them to send you a group photo in response.  

Peace, 

David Keller

UMG Chairperson 

Gun Violence Prevention Resources

The 56-page guide to assist you and your congregation.

NH UCC Christian Educators Community of Practice

Next Zoom Gathering: Wednesday, September 24th 7pm 

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/dJwVYu4YHPT5u3im6 

All Christian Education staff, volunteers, and lovers are welcome to join us to connect, share, and support one another as we get back into the groove of youth groups, intergenerational happenings, and more in our places of worship! Together we'll build community, exchange ideas, and offer support to each other. 

Please share this information with the CE leader in your home church so we can loop them in! 



Questions? Email Tivvi Pare

Confirmation Retreat: October 3rd-5th

All youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us for Confirmation Retreat at Horton Center whether they are in a confirmation program or are just thinking about. Together we'll enjoy the beauty and peace of the natural world while building relationships, learning about the UCC, and exploring our own personal beliefs. Email Tivvi for more info and register today! 

Apple Crisp Day - Fall Open House on the Mountain: September 27th

RSVP HERE: https://forms.gle/v8zvWCrX9MKwGHrr7

The site and trails will open for your enjoyment starting at 9am and ending at 5pm. 

You are welcome to come on your own, bring a friend, or bring your family! Come enjoy the foliage from a rocking chair on Madison Porch or take a hike up to one of the ledges and take in the view from up there. Bring everything you need for a picnic lunch, a book, a craft, your hiking boots, a musical instrument, or whatever else you need to make your day enjoyable. Horton Center will provide restrooms, coffee/tea/water, and delicious homemade apple crisp, of course! 

Closing Work Weekend: October 10th - 12th 

Can you come and help us cook? Clean? Fix? Paint? Build? We need you! 

Camp is nearly ready to be closed down for a long winter's rest. Many hands make light work! The more the merrier as we enjoy good company, a wide variety of tasks, and delicious food, too! Please email Tivvi if you're able to make it for a few hours or a few days: TPare@nhcucc.org 

Shalom, friends!

Tivvi Pare 

(she/her/hers)

603-545-9660

TPare@nhcucc.org

WIDER CHURCH HAPPENINGS

Wednesday, September 24, 1:30 – 4:30pm ET, Boundary Training for Retired Ministers with Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Melanie Oommen

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. Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry. Participants must be able to use zoom chat and breakout room functions.

Thursday, November 13, (9:00 am – 1:00 pm), The Minister’s Code as a Tool for Boundary Keeping

This advanced unit of Boundary Awareness Training will be offered via Zoom. Registration will open in mid-September and will cost $25. The training will be facilitated by Revs. Jonna Jensen and Gordon Rankin.

CONFERENCE MINISTER

September 21, 2025

Gordon will be preaching at the Lancaster Congregational Church where the Reverend Pam Spain serves as pastor and teacher.

Conference Office

Monday - Friday | 9:00AM - 4:00PM

The Weekly News promotes the mission and ministry of the NHCUCC.

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