Clergy Convocation 2022 - "Nurturing Our Creativity for Life and Ministry"
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St. Marie Joseph Spiritual Center, Biddeford, Maine
September 19-21
Retreat Leader - Rev. Dr. Meg Hess
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Writer Elizabeth Gilbert defines creativity as “choosing the path of curiosity over the path of fear.” If we are created in the image of a creator God, then creativity is the essence of our identity. Yet in a ministry filled with endless demands, how do you support your creative curiosity for life and ministry?
This September, the Convocation by the sea invites us to explore the depths of the creative life. In our time together we will broaden our understanding of creativity, identify our creative heritage, and cultivate practices that will nourish our creativity. Come prepared to rest, play, and to explore ways to replenish and dip into your creative well. Return to your ministry refreshed for preaching, pastoral care, and leadership.
Dr. Hess is a NH Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapist with a practice in Nashua, NH, a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation, and a Certified Narrative Coach. Meg serves on the faculties of the Leadership in Ministry Workshops and The Mindfulness Coaching School.
05-E
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Sacred Ally Quilt Exhibit Visits Riverside Church in New York for the "Space of Grace" Worship Service |
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On Wednesday, May 25th the Sacred Ally Quilt Ministry (SAQM) Exhibit moved to The Riverside Church in New York City. That evening -- the second anniversary of the murder of George Floyd -- the quilts were on display during the mid-week “Space for Grace” worship service. SAQM originator, Rev. Mark Koyama, led the service.
Watch a replay of that service on YouTube.
05-E
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The Immigrant and Refugee Support Group Needs Caring Donors and a Few New Members |
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Do you have $25 to spare? Or $250? Or any other amount? And/or – do you speak Portuguese? Or have a little time and the passion to serve on the Conference’s Mission Group that is focused on immigrant justice? The Conference’s Immigrant and Refugee Support Group (IRSG) appeals for your engagement in whatever way is possible!
The IRSG continues to work with asylum-seekers who have been ensnared in the nation’s inhumane immigration apparatus as they seek asylum and safety in our country. A key IRSG focus is on individuals who find themselves detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Strafford County jail in Dover - which has a contract to serve as a regional ICE detention facility. (Note: Thanks to local jail administrators and staff, ICE detention in Dover is much more humane than elsewhere – but it’s still unreasonable and unnecessary detention!) We also maintain a supportive relationship with those who have managed to obtain release from ICE detention – sometimes via a bond payment that generous UCCers and others have made possible through our NHCUCC Immigrant Bond and Support Fund.
To donate as you are able, make an online contribution to the NH Conference United Church of Christ – and check “Immigrant Support Fund” as your donation option. Or send a check to NHCUCC, 140 Sheep Davis Road, Pembroke, NH 03275 with Immigrant Bond and Support in the memo line. You may never know the person you assist but you will know that your gesture of generosity has made a positive difference in “loving our neighbor” and “welcoming the stranger.” This is indeed part of our faith calling.
05-E
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It's Not Too Late to Come to Horton Center This Summer... But Don't Wait Too Long! |
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Right now we still have plenty of space in most camp sessions for your favorite camper. We'd love to have them join us for an amazing week on top of Pine Mountain. We have a bunk ready and waiting whether you're going into 3rd grade or you're a graduating High School Senior. Or even an adult!
We will play together, pray together, make new friends, embrace the amazing woods around camp, hike, climb, sing, listen, make s'mores, and explore creation!
If you love to be outdoors and you love having fun, then come to where the best week of your summer is waiting for you! Sign up today and we'll see you soon.
Shalom my friends, shalom.
Peace,
Tim & Tivvi
Tivvi Pare -she/her/hers - Summer Director
Tim Hughes he/him/his - Executive Director
Horton Center, NHCUCC
As always you can contact Tim with any questions at: [email protected] or 603-545-9660
Now Hiring Summer Staff! Interested? Click Here.
Or on Instagram: @hortoncenter
05-E
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Please Remember in Your Prayers... |
We urge prayers for the victims of recent mass shootings in our country, especially the siblings, families, neighbors, fellow church members, teachers, school leaders and friends of the two teachers and 19 children who were murdered while at school in Uvalde, Texas. Let us continue to pray for those who grieve the death of loved ones in Buffalo, NY, and those now grieving the deaths of loved ones in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Finally, let us pray for those who have the power to address the epidemic of gun violence, but refuse to do so that they might have an awakening of conscience and responsibility and begin to work toward what is best for all people.
O God, in your tender mercy,
Hear our prayers!
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The Merrimack Association will gather at Plymouth Congregational UCC on Sunday, June 12, 2022 at 1:30 PM to be present for the Confirmation Ritual of the Association-wide Confirmation Class. The Confirmation Ritual will be followed by the Association Spring Annual Business Meeting, starting at approximately 2:15 PM. These in-person events will also be broadcast by Zoom. To learn more visit the Merrimack Association webpage.
The Rev. John Johnson has announced his retirement as Pastor and Teacher of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, Claremont. Rev. Johnson’s last Sunday at Claremont will be June 26, 2022. He and Marcia are moving to Acton, ME in retirement.
The Rev. Kirsty Depree will conclude her ministry as Interim Minister of the Congregational Church of West Lebanon, United Church of Christ, on July 17.
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The Weekly News is published to promote the mission and ministry of the New Hampshire Conference of the United Church of Christ.
These announcements are intended to be brief, timely, and of a general interest to our Conference readers. Supportive links are provided whenever they are available. We encourage you to forward these materials to others in your church using the link below and to share them in your bulletins and local church newsletters.
Send your items to [email protected].The deadline for submitting items for the next issue is Thursday at 12:00 PM.
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