The 2024 UKAMA Delegation representing the New Hampshire Conference has departed for Zimbabwe. Their journey began yesterday at the Concord Bus Depot and their flight out of Boston was less than 20 minutes delay. If all is to plan they should arrive at their layover about 90 minutes after this email arrived in your inbox. We pray for them and the people of the UCCZ who they will be in community with celebrating and strengthening our partnership. During their time in Zimbabwe they will have the opportunity to visit and worship with many partnered churches, visit the mission stations at Mt. Selinda and Chikore, tour Great Zimbabwe, a UNESCO World heritage site, as well as a game preserve.

Follow the delegation on their journey here (NHCUCC.org > Community > Ukama 2024) Content will be added daily, or as internet and personal bandwidth allow. Upon their return, watch for information forthcoming about in-person conversation with the delegation.

A Pastoral Letter

The United Church of Christ strongly condemns the violence directed against former President Donald Trump.

Political violence has never been a solution to differing political beliefs and ideologies. As more details emerge regarding the shooting at the political rally for President Trump, we are horrified at the events which unfolded before us. With the former president injured and two dead including the gunman, we mourn this moment where violence is on display in the public square within our political arena.

Today, I join with other voices calling for peace...(Read More - ucc.org)

“Sharing silence is a political act. When we can stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental, change begins to happen. Our lives align with deeper values and the lives of other are touched and influenced.”

--Gunilla Norris, “Sharing Silence: Meditation Practice and Mindful Living”

Serving parishes and being in other ministries require much spiritual strength these days. The Pastoral Leadership Development Groups (PLDGs) provide a place to develop that strength. A partnership between the New Hampshire Conference and PCS in Manchester, the groups offer the opportunity to attend to personal and professional issues. For 15 years, the PLDG program nurtures silence and words to discover and re-affirm the deeper values of each participant.

Groups are available for parish based, retired, newly called, and discerning/developing ministers. PLDGs meet once a month from September to June for two hours. They are led by clergy with advanced training in pastoral psychotherapy, systems theory, and/or clinical pastoral educational.

The coming year’s PLDGs are forming during the summer. Contact Rev. Dr. David Reynolds at dbr@pcs-nh.org if you are interested in joining a group or have questions. Explore joining in a PLDG where “lives align with deeper values” to “stand aside from the usual and perceive the fundamental.”

The NHCUCC Peace with Justice Advocates Mission Group invites each of our NH churches to study and discuss becoming a Just Peace Church, in accordance with the Just Peace NH Conference Resolution adopted in 2002.

The Peace with Justice Advocates work to give churches guidance and courage to put their faith into action in the struggle for justice and peace. In this time of world-wide turmoil, in which our own country plays a significant part, it is crucial that we walk this journey guided by God’s word to “do justly and to love mercy.”

Learn More about becoming a Just Peace Church...

We are already half-way through our summer camping season on Pine Mountain, but there is plenty of room and plenty of time left to get signed up for a session! Check out our week-long and half-week/weekend options for campers of all ages and consider signing yourself or someone you love up.

There are plenty of scholarship resources available. Apply today with the fast and easy application on our website: https://www.hortoncenter.org/summer-info

Other awesome camping opportunities this year:

Grandparents & Grandchildren Camp (July 28-30) *grandchildren ages 6-14*

Peace, Faith & Rejuvenation (August 1-4) *adult women’s retreat*

Pride on the Mountain (August 4-7) *grades 7-high school grads*

HC Remix (August 7-10) *grades 5-high school grads*

Family and Friends Weekend (August 30-September 2) *all ages!*

Pieceful Quilting Retreat - for crafters and relaxers alike! (September 6-8) *BRAND NEW!*

Confirmation Retreat (October 4-6) *for confirmands*

Tivvi Pare 

(she/her/hers)

Horton Center Executive Director 

NHCUCC Christian Edu. Specialist

603-545-9660

The New Hampshire Conference is accepting up to 10 Speak Out Videos to be played during the Annual Meeting. All videos must be sixty (60) seconds or less and adhere to these protocols. The deadline for Speak Out Video submissions is September 12, 2024.

These Video Speak Outs will be the only speak out opportunity at this year's Annual Meeting.

Churches that are celebrating an anniversary (in increments of 25 years), are invited to submit anniversary videos. All videos must be 120 seconds or less and adhere to these protocols. The deadline for submission of Church Anniversary Videos is September 5, 2024.

This is the second month in a row that we have access to curated articles curated by Andrew Warner, Generosity Outreach Officer with the UCC National Ministries.

This month's article is written by Jill White, with the UCC Church Building and Loan Fund. Discover why running a capital campaign separately from your annual stewardship program can maximize impact and clarity in fundraising efforts on the Stewardship Resources page, and don't forget about the upcoming webinars - the next takes place TOMORROW July 24th at 7:30pm, and is called Narrative Budgets: Telling your Story by the Numbers. Find the link to sign up and more on the new Stewardship Resources page of the new NHCUCC.org.

Join UCC's General Counsel Heather Kimmel and the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy Rev. Michael Neuroth and discover how churches can navigate the complexities of election engagement while staying within legal boundaries. Gain insights on how to advocate boldly for justice and engage responsibly in this crucial election year and make a meaningful impact without risking your church's tax-exempt status. Don’t miss out on this essential guidance — secure your spot today! Learn More and Register on UCC.org