massachusetts conference, united church of christfiles/macucc-delegate-materials.pdf · 4...

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Twitter Hashtag for this meeting: #TA1

Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ 219th Annual Meeting

June 15-16, 2018 MassMutual Center

Delegate Materials

Page #

Proposed Order of Time and Events 2-3 Conference Commons – Displays and Vendors 4

Restaurant List 5-6

Proposal to Create a New Conference Together, As One: Frequently-asked Questions 7-12

Report from Staffing Subcommittee – We Imagine… 13-14 History of TA1 Conversations 15-16

TA1 Comparative Finances Spreadsheet 52 Consent Calendars 17

Financial Reports 18-21

Secretary’s Report 22 Wider Church Service Recommendation Form 23-24

MACUCC Nominating Slate 25-29 “Together, As One” Nominating Slate 30-31

United Church Mission Opt-In Churches 32-33 Guide to Giving 34-36

Church Legacy Gifts 2007-2017 37

Information on 50-Year and 25-year Ordinands 38-39 Christian Education Certification Recipients 40

Bold New Initiatives Recognitions 41-42 Haystack Justice and Witness Recognitions 43

Green Congregations Recognitions 44-47

Stewardship and Generosity Recognitions 48 Andy Gustafson Award 49

Board of Ministerial Aid flier 50 Super Saturday Announcement 51

Twitter Hashtag for this meeting: #TA1

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June 15-16, 2018

Proposed Order of Time and Events Page 1 of 2

All Listed Activities will be held at Mass Mutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield, MA

Friday June 15th, 2018 2:00 - 3:00 PM New Delegate Orientation - 1st floor, Meeting Room 1 2:30 - 7:30 PM Registration Open - 1st floor 2:30 - 10:00 PM Commons Open - 1st floor 3:30 - 4:45 PM Hearings: Together, As One – A Proposal to Create a New Conference - 2nd floor, Ballroom B Resolutions Calling for a Conference-Wide Response to Bullying (RI and MA) - 2nd floor,

Ballroom C Resolution on Becoming an Immigrant-Welcoming Conference - 1st floor, Meeting Room 3 Together, As One Finances and the MACUCC Budget - 1st floor; Meeting Room 4 5:00 - 7:00 PM Dinner on your own (see local restaurant list on pages 5-6) 7:15 – 9:00 PM Opening Worship and Keynote Address - 1st floor, Exhibition Hall B 9:00 – 10:30 PM Reception to honor retirements of the Rev. Barbara Libby and the Rev.

Jim Antal – 2nd floor Saturday June 16th, 2018 Breakfast on your own 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM Registration Open - 1st floor 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM Commons Open - 1st floor 8:30 – 10:00 AM Tri-Conference Plenary Session - 1st floor, Exhibition Hall B

8:30-9 Worship

9-10 Together, As One Proposal Presentation

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Proposed Order of Time and Events Page 2 of 2

All Listed Activities will be held at Mass Mutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield, MA

Saturday June 16th, 2018, continued 10:15 AM – Individual Conference plenary sessions, 1st floor: 12:15 PM

Connecticut Conference - Meeting Rooms 1-4

Massachusetts Conference - Exhibition Hall B

Rhode Island Conference - Meeting Room 5

12:30 - 2:00 PM Lunch (All MassMutual Lunches Require Pre-Registration)

Informal Community-Building Luncheon - 1st floor, Exhibition Hall A

Networking Luncheon - 2nd floor, Ballroom B-C

MA Recognition Luncheon - 2nd floor, Ballroom A

Lunch on your own (for those not pre-registered) (local restaurant list on pages 5-6)

2:15-2:45 Tri-Conference Plenary Session - 1st floor, Exhibition Hall B 3:00-4:15 PM Tri-Conference Listening Sessions with Board Members - Living the Love

and Justice of Jesus Together – What’s Next? (Please check your registration materials for your session and location.) 4:30 - 5:00 PM Regathering; closing worship - 1st floor, Exhibition Hall B

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June 15-16, 2018

2018 Conference Commons –Displays and Vendors Association of Chicago Theological Schools - DMin in Preaching Program The BTS Center –reimagining theological education for 21st Century Communities of Practice Candle Croft Weaving – hand woven liturgical stoles and other small items Chicago Theological Seminary Church World Service Congregational Finance LLC – resources for church financial management Congregational Library and Archives – a cultural heritage institution serving the UCC Connecticut Conference Disabilities Team - promoting the “Accessible to All” Initiative Connecticut Conference Three Great Loves – information table Connecticut Conference Youth and Adult Ministries Team – leadership information for Faith Formation leaders as well as youth and young adults Connecticut Women of the UCC – events and mission work CREA - social economic research organization; Fair Trade items for sale Crossroad Artisans – stone crosses and jewelry Global Ministries UCC & DOC Helen Hudson Foundation/Brothers and Sisters of the Way – promoting storytelling to end homelessness; clergy renewal Inspired by South Africa – sale of baskets, African jewelry and other items Insurance Board (UCC) – property and liability insurance coverage for churches Irons Homestead Camp and Retreat – located in Glocester, RI and operated by RICUCC Just Peace Players – sharing of plays and resources available to delegates and congregations; sale of books for Women of the Greatest Generation Project Magnificat Liturgical Artwork – sale of stoles and paraments MA Conference Actual Justice Task Team – sign a petition regarding the sentence of life without opportunity for parole! MA Conference Ecumenism & Interfaith Task Force MA Conference Environmental Ministries Painters Pride – Information about church contract services Praying for All – place to accept prayer requests Sacred Circles – sale of inspirational artwork Silver Lake Conference Center – located in Sharon, CT and operated by CTUCC Soren LLC – technology and communications consulting for churches and non-profits South Shore Interfaith Coalition Against Human Trafficking – information to increase awareness about human trafficking world-wide United Church of Christ Building & Loan Fund – capital campaign, stewardship and planned giving resources United Church Funds – investment management Yale Divinity Bookstore – book sales

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List of Restaurants - Friday Dinner Options (Saturday Breakfast Options listed on next page)

Wheelchair- accessible:

The Student Prince Café /Fort Street - $$$ 8 Fort St. (413) 732-1453 (.3 miles) http://www.studentprince.com/ Fish, Beef, Poultry, Seafood, German specialties. Hours: Fri – Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM. *Kitchen closes 30 min prior to closing.

Adolfos - $$ 254 Worthington St. (413) 746-5000 (.4 miles) http://www.adolfosrestaurantspringfield.com/ Italian Style Soup, Appetizers, Pasta, Chicken, Seafood. Hours: Thurs – Sat: 4 -10:00 PM.

MVP Pub & Pick’s Restaurant at the Sheraton Springfield - $$ 1 Monarch Place (.2 miles) http://www.sheratonspringfield.com/springfield-ma-restaurants Appetizers, Make your Own Burgers and Milkshakes, Wraps, Salads, Seafood. Hours: Fri: 5 –10:00 PM, Sat: 7 – 11:00 AM & 5 – 10:00 PM.

Red Rose Pizzeria - $$ 1060 Main St. (413) 739-8510 (.2 miles) http://www.redrosepizzeria.com/ Italian Style. Salads, Pizza, Pasta, Chicken, Veal, Seafood. Hours: Fri – Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

Luxe Burger Bar - $$ 1200 Hall of Fame Ave. (413) 785-5893 (.7 miles) http://springfield.luxeburgerbar.com/ Salads, Mac and Cheese, Burgers. Hours: Fri – Sat: 11:30 – 12 AM.

Plan B Burger Bar (Burgers, Beer and Bourbon) - $$ 1000 W. Columbus Ave. (413) 285-8296 (.7 miles) http://www.burgersbeerbourbon.com/springfield/ Beef and Non-Beef Burgers, Soup, Salad. Hours: Thurs - Sat: 11:30 – 2:00 AM.

Max’s Tavern - $$$ 1000 W. Columbus Ave. (413) 746-6299 (.7 miles) http://www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/tavern/ Raw Bar, Steak, Seafood. Hours: Fri - Sat: 4 - 11:00 PM.

Uno’s Pizzeria and Grill - $$ 1277 Main St. (413) 733-1300 (.9 miles) https://restaurants.unos.com/locations/Springfield/MA/2103 Pizza, Soup, Salad, Steak, Seafood. Hours: Fri - Sat: 11- 12:30 AM.

Samuels (at the Basketball Hall of Fame) - $$ 1000 Hall of Fame Ave. (413) 732-SAMS (7267) (.8 miles) https://samuelssportsbar.com/ Soup, Salad, Burger, Flatbread.

http://www.studentprince.com/

http://www.adolfosrestaurantspringfield.com/

http://www.sheratonspringfield.com/springfield-ma-restaurants

http://www.redrosepizzeria.com/

http://springfield.luxeburgerbar.com/

http://www.burgersbeerbourbon.com/springfield/

http://www.maxrestaurantgroup.com/tavern/

https://restaurants.unos.com/locations/Springfield/MA/2103

https://samuelssportsbar.com/

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List of Restaurants - Friday Dinner Options, continued Not wheelchair-accessible:

Panjabi Tadka - $$ 1688 Main St. (413) 732-1453 (.4 miles) http://www.panjabitadka.com Indian Style Chicken, Vegetarian, Lamb and Seafood. Hours: Mon – Sun: 5 – 10:00 PM.

Theodores BBQ - $$ (one small step at entrance, may want to call beforehand) 201 Worthington St. (413) 736-6000 (.3 miles) http://theodoresbbq.com BBQ, Quesadillas, Ribs, Sandwiches, Burgers and Salads. Hours: Mon - Fri: 11 – 2:00 AM, Sat: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM.

Nadims - $$ 1390 Main St. (413) 737-7373 (.1 miles) http://www.nadims.com/ Mediterranean Style. Soup, Salad, Poultry, Meat, Seafood. Hours: Fri: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Sat: 3 - 11:00 PM.

350 Grill Steak House - $$$ 350 Worthington St. (413) 439-0666 (.4 miles) http://350grill.net/ Small Plates, Soup, Salad, Steak, Seafood. Hours: Fri: 5 - 11:00 PM (Tapas until 12:00 AM), Sat: 5 - 11:00 PM (Tapas until 12:00 AM).

Saturday Breakfast Options

Wheelchair-accessible:

Pick’s Restaurant at the Sheraton Springfield $$ 1 Monarch Place (.1 miles) Open 7 AM.

Hampton Inn West Springfield Free Hot Breakfast included with room. Not Walkable.

Other: Dunkin Donuts - $ 1500 Main St. (413) 732-8253 (.2 miles)

Starbucks - $$ 1089 E. Columbus Ave. (.6 miles) Hours: Sat 5 AM – 11:30 PM.

http://www.panjabitadka.com/

http://theodoresbbq.com/

http://www.nadims.com/

http://350grill.net/

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Together, As One

TA1 Creating a New Conference

of the United Church of Christ

Frequently Asked Questions March 2018

In June 2017, the Annual Meetings of the Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and

Connecticut Conferences of the United Church of Christ each voted to approve a

resolution calling for the creation of a new Conference of the United Church of Christ in

Southern New England. Since then, the TA1 Planning Team has been meeting monthly in

response to this charge.

The following FAQs respond to some of the questions that Conference

leadership has heard regarding this initiative and the actions that will come before the

joint Annual Meeting of our three Conferences in June 2018.

[Questions 16, 17 and 26 are new since the March 2018 release of these FAQs]

1. When will this “new entity” or “the New Conference” get a name?

We are using “TA1” or “Together as One” as a provisional name for the proposed new

conference. However, the Boards of Directors believe the official new name should be

determined collaboratively by members of the three conferences. The TA1 Planning Team will

develop a process to invite participation from all interested members in deciding on a name for

the new conference. This process will begin soon after the June 2018 Annual Meetings,

assuming those bodies act to create the conference.

2. Are any of the other UCC conferences doing anything like this?

The Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences now have a single Conference Minister who

reports to all three Conference Boards.

3. Why don’t these bylaws read like our current conference bylaws?

These are bylaws for a new non-profit charitable corporation that is made up of the three UCC

conferences of southern New England. The bylaws of the TA1 Corp. depend on the historical

conference bylaws for actions to be taken by TA1 and its Voting Members. If, at some point in

the future, the historic conferences were to merge into TA1, the TA1 bylaws would probably be

amended to contain material now found in the bylaws of the historic conferences.

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4. Help me understand who the “Voting Members” are of this new entity?

The “Voting Members” of this new entity are the three UCC conferences of southern New

England who act through their duly designated delegates and authorized ministers.

5. Is there any change in how delegates are chosen or who serves as delegates?

There is no change in how delegates are authorized or who serves as delegates. (That is

covered in the bylaws of each of the historic conferences.)

6. Can congregations from other denominations affiliate with us as “Associate

Members?”

YES! This is perhaps the most innovative part of this initiative, seeking to live out the very early

vision of the UCC. What is required is that they must want to align with and act in common

cause with our stated purpose – or as Brian McLaren would say in his new book The Great

Spiritual Migration: that they recognize and affirm that their values are aligned with ours.

7. Is this a merger?

No. We are creating a new non-profit charitable corporation that is made up of the three UCC

conferences of southern New England. Once the Attorneys General of CT, RI and MA allow it to

go forward, and once the UCC General Synod ratifies it, in January 2020 the new entity will

become operational as a “conference.” After that, the three “historic conferences” will

continue to exist, but their function will be much more limited. They will, however, continue to

oversee their endowments. Nothing we are proposing precludes us from - nor commits us to - a

full merger at some later time.

8. Why does this require approval of the Attorneys General of MA, CT and RI?

The AGs are responsible to assure that the use and management of funds belonging to

nonprofit charitable corporations be carried out according to the law. Because the AGs have

jurisdiction over charitable endowments, it is prudent for us to engage their review at this time.

9. Is it necessary to legally form the new corporation in Mass? Why not in CT or

Delaware?

The Governance Subcommittee of the TA1 Planning Team explored this with our attorney.

Other cases similar to ours have shown that if the Massachusetts AG approves an application, it

is likely that the AGs from CT and RI will also approve. Although incorporating in another state

such as Delaware is possible, after consulting with our attorney the subcommittee agreed that

using the state laws of one of the historic conferences, which may be more familiar to

neighboring states, is preferable.

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10. Why is “Massachusetts” named so many times in the documents?

Because Massachusetts is the state where the new entity will be incorporated. This has no

impact on where any office will be located.

11. Why do the bylaws specify that the Clerk must be from Massachusetts?

Given that the new entity is to be incorporated in Massachusetts, there are certain functions of

the Clerk role that must be carried out by a Massachusetts resident. The bylaws specify that it

would be possible to elect a Clerk from outside of Massachusetts, and then designate a

different person who lives in Massachusetts as ‘agent’ to carry out these state-specific duties.

But, it seems simpler to elect a Clerk who is a resident of Massachusetts.

12. Why do some of the committees named in Article IV of the bylaws have such

unfamiliar names?

These names represent the “best practice functions” of non-profit charitable Boards. For our

purposes, while we will certainly undertake all these functions, we may utilize “go by” names

that are more familiar to our churchy constituency.

13. This seems to be moving so fast. Has the Planning Team been listening to the

churches, pastors and people in the pews?

The Planning Team has been intentional about seeking feedback since the process began. We

have made use of surveys, Annual Meetings, Super Saturday gatherings, Association meetings,

church meetings, Zoom meetings for delegates, and numerous focus groups in each Conference

facilitated by a consultant.

14. What’s the story with amending these bylaws?

The core of the bylaws (Articles I, III, IV and XI) can only be amended at a meeting of the new

conference by a vote of the delegates – and only if they are notified in advance of the proposed

alterations. If the Board alters other parts of the bylaws, the Board must notify the delegates

before the next meeting of the new conference.

15. What will the conference delegations be voting on at the June 2018 Annual Meeting?

Will we be able to make changes at that meeting?

In late April 2018, the churches and authorized ministers of our three conferences will be

provided with advanced materials, including all relevant documents and the wording of all

votes. All three Annual Meetings need to pass identical votes in June 2018 in order for the

process to move forward, so these documents will not be amendable at the Annual Meetings.

However, suggestions for improvement will be welcome and utilized by the new Board in

finalizing bylaws as authorized by the Annual Meetings, if the conferences vote to move

forward.

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16. Are the 3 conferences on equal financial footing?

The short answer is “no.” The TA1 Planning Team has worked with the Treasurers and the CFOs

of our three Conferences to produce “A Comparative Picture of Our 2017 Ministry Expenses.”

All delegates will receive this colorful 4 page graphics-rich comparison of our financial footing.

17. Will restrictions on restricted gifts be continued?

The short answer is “yes.” These restrictions constitute legal requirements and will continue to

be honored. Once the TA1 becomes operational on January 1, 2020, the principle function of

each of the ongoing Boards of each historic conference will be fiduciary as they oversee the

endowments of their historic conference.

18. What if – at our Joint Annual Meeting in June 2018 – only two of the conferences vote

to move forward?

The documents and votes that will be brought to the Joint Annual Meeting in June 2018 are

written in a way that requires an affirmative vote from the delegates of all three Conference

Annual Meetings.

19. How will the officers and the Board of Directors of the new TA1 Board be nominated

and how will they be elected?

In order to assemble a slate of nominees who together have the desired competencies and

diversities, the Boards of each Conference (in concert with their nominating committees) each

identified a group of appropriate candidates. The three Board Chairs along with three other

persons from the TA1 Planning Team (a group of 6) will then review this pool of candidates and

identify a slate of TA1 Board Members and Officers who meet the requirements as set forth in

the TA1 Bylaws. The group of 6 will then approach each person to confirm their willingness to

serve. If any decline, the group of six will review those remaining in the pool and identify

someone else whose nomination would complement the competencies and diversities desired

for the TA1 Board. Once completed, the slate of nominees will be made available to the

delegates to the Joint Annual Meeting. The TA1 Planning Team will present this slate for

election by the Joint Annual Meeting.

20. What happens to the TA1 Planning Team in June 2018 if this passes the joint Annual

Meeting?

We anticipate that sometime over the summer the TA1 Planning Team will meet with new TA1

Board for the TA1 Board’s initial meeting and to accomplish a “hand-off.” This will be the final

gathering of the TA1 Planning Team. From here on out, the TA1 Board will continue to lead this

process.

21. If in June 2018 all three Conference Annual Meetings vote to move forward, is that it?

The Covenant and Affiliation Agreement specifies a few more steps. In it, the Terms and

Conditions #2 refer to a process of due diligence that each conference must complete following

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the June 2018 vote. The affirmative votes of the three Conference Annual Meetings in June

2018 can take effect only if the due diligence reports from each of the three conferences are

accepted by the other two Conference Boards.

22. If all three Conference Annual Meetings agree to this in June 2018, can the decision be

undone at a later date?

A conference may resign from this agreement up until the end of 2021. The conditions for

resignation are spelled out in the Covenant and Affiliation Agreement.

23. What’s the impact on my Association if the Joint Annual Meeting of the three

Conferences in June 2018 votes for this?

We don’t expect any impact. Having conferred with the General Counsel of the UCC, Heather

Kimmel, this is what we understand. If the annual meetings of the three Conferences vote in

June 2018 to create a new entity, then the three historic Conferences (MA, CT, RI) will bring to

Synod in June of 2019 a resolution to change our boundaries (and name). This resolution would

take effect on 1/1/2020. If Synod votes to affirm that resolution, then when the resolution

takes effect (1/1/2020) the standing of the Associations automatically migrates from the

historic Conference to the newly created TA1 Conference (or whatever it is called).

24. Where will the new conference offices be located?

As we said in the spring of 2017, we don’t know yet. This will be one of many matters to be

determined by a new Board of Directors. The votes we take in June 2018 have no effect on the

location of conference offices.

25. What impact will the vote to create a new conference at the June 2018 Joint Annual

Meeting have on staffing?

There will be no immediate effect. Just as they do now, the Boards of the CT Conference, MA

Conference and RI Conference will each continue to oversee a Conference Minister who

oversees other conference staff. Once the new conference becomes operational on January 1,

2020, the Conference Minister or Ministers will become accountable to the new Board of

Directors, which will have overall responsibility for budget, policy and other matters affecting

staffing. In February 2018 the lead staff of the three Conferences came together for a 24 hour

retreat to learn more about one another, share our distinct cultures and identify common

ground.

26. Will budgetary support for *** insert my favorite ministry here *** be continued?

As in the past, the conference Board, in consultation with the Conference Minister, is

responsible to assure that the budget for any given year be in alignment with and expressive of

the mission, purpose and vision of the conference. As we transition from three conference

Boards to a single TA1 Board, the TA1 Board will assume that responsibility.

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27. What impact will the vote to create a new conference have on Annual Meeting

delegates?

In June 2019, we anticipate that the General Synod will recognize the new conference. In the

fall of 2019, the first Annual Meeting of the new conference will assemble. As part of that

meeting, the three historic conferences will also hold their distinct Annual Meetings. Church

delegates will be delegates to both the Annual Meeting of the new conference and to the

Annual Meeting of their historic conference.

28. What else changes on January 1, 2020?

On January 1, 2020, the new conference becomes operational. This is when the Conference

Minister(s) begin to report to the Board of the new conference. From here on, contributions

(from churches, individuals, etc) will be made to the new conference. All staff members will be

paid as staff of the new conference.

29. What can I do to engage this process?

Take some time to read the documents that will be presented to Annual Meeting. You can also

read the news articles (on our websites) that have tracked this process over the past few years.

Encourage the leadership of your church to convene a conversation on the Vision, Mission and

Purpose Statement using the discussion guidelines. Sign up for and attend one of the Zoom

meetings that will be held in the weeks before Annual Meeting. And please pray for God’s

guidance and continuing discernment.

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A Report from the Staffing and Retirement Subcommittee of the Together, As One Planning Group

NOTHING OFFERED HERE IS A FINAL DESCRIPTION OF HOW A NEW STAFFING MODEL WILL BE DEVELOPED. A NEW STAFFING MODEL WILL BE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS OF OUR CHURCHES AND

WILL BE IMPLEMENTED CONSISTENT WITH CURRENT PRACTICE. THIS IS INTENTIONALLY AN IMAGINING DOCUMENT & WILL CONTINUE TO EVOLVE.

The Staffing and Retirement Subcommittee of the Together As One Team (TA1) has been

thinking about and imagining together since July, 2017 what a New Conference might look like

as we move into the future. Our particular task has been to imagine together about a number

of different issues: staffing for a future new Conference and leaning into the matters related to

anticipated retirements of two Conference Ministers. Our work has included asking questions

and considering possible new and innovative staffing models, thinking “outside the box” of

what has been traditional and familiar in our three separate Conference staffing models, and

preparing an “in process” document about future Staffing while leaving options open as a New

Conference Minister and a New Conference Board of Directors come together.

In regards to Retirements of Conference Ministers: 1. We now know that two of the current three current Conference Ministers are retiring:

a. MA Conference Minister Jim Antal will retire as of June 30, 2018. The Rev. Don

Remick will serve as Transitional Interim Minister and MA Conference President as

of July 1st. This transitional position is clear about willingness to serve as a part of

the collaboration process with a provision that this person is eligible to apply for

another role/position in the new Conference.

b. RI Interim Conference Minister Barbara Libby will retire July 15, 2018. The Rev.

Marilyn Kendrix will serve as Transitional Conference Minister as of July 1, 2018. This

transitional position is clear about willingness to serve as a part of the collaboration

process with a provision that this person is eligible to apply for another role/position

in the new Conference.

2. We imagine that one Conference Minister will eventually be called to serve the New

Conference.

3. We imagine that most of the details of the future staffing pattern will be developed by the

new TA1 Board of Directors and one called Conference Minister.

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In regards to Staffing:

1. We imagine that immediately after the vote by the three Conferences in June, 2018 that

there will continue to be 3 Conference Ministers serving in 3 separate conference offices

with three staff.

2. We imagine trends will continue to identify sharing of some staffing positions to

increase efficiency.

3. We imagine that changes in each conference staff will continue to evolve over time.

4. We imagine that many decisions will continue to impact how the New Conference

functions and how and when staffing is developed.

5. We imagine that certain new skill sets may be needed as we move ahead into a new

staffing pattern.

6. We imagine that some of the staffing skill sets needed will include (but are not limited

to nor in any particular order): marketing, communications, stewardship/fund raisers,

innovators, assessors, resource creators, business managers, social media and video

creators, community organizers, partnership creators, accountants, human resource

specialists, support personnel, outdoor ministry specialists, physical plant facilities

personnel, change agents, idea generators, collaborative players, people of faith,

authorized ministers, idea people, local and international mission connectors, problem

solvers, trainers, mediators, resourcers for: local churches (children, youth & adults)

faith formation specialists, extravagant welcomers, event coordinators, Registrars,

bookkeepers, linkers with all aspects of National UCC setting, social justice advocates,

receptionists, editors, writers, speakers, operations managers & workers,

congregational health and wellness, consultants & specialists: Search & Call process,

Conflict mediators, & counselors.

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June 15-16, 2018

TA1 Process – History of Conversation, Input and Engagement

Over the past two years, members of the Conference have had countless conversations with Board members and staff leaders about the idea of creating a new conference. These conversations have been instrumental in shaping the proposal which will come before the Annual Meetings on June 16 , 2018. Below is a partial list of the contexts in which these conversations have taken place.

On line webinars 2018: May 15, May 20, May 30, June 7, June 12 2017: May 16, May 21, June 7, June 8 (2)

Association Meetings and Days of Covenant 2018: April 24 - SE Area Clergy Day of Covenant, Sandwich, MA April 25 - Old Colony Association Spring Meeting, Raynham, MA April 25 - Metropolitan Boston Association Clergy Day of Covenant, Westwood, MA April 25 - Specialized Ministry Day of Covenant, Framingham, MA April 26 - Central Association Day of Covenant, Worcester, MA April 28 - Metropolitan Boston Association Spring Meeting, Needham, MA April 29 - Franklin Association, MA May 1 - Western Region Day of Covenant, Southampton, MA May 3 - Northeast Association Clergy Day of Covenant, Tewksbury, MA May 6 - Pilgrim Association, MA , Abington, MA May 6 - Central Association Annual Meeting, MA May 14 - Hampden Association, Longmeadow, MA May 19 - Northeast Association Spring Meeting, Billerica, MA 2017: March 23 – Central Association Day of Covenant, Westford, MA March 21 – Northeast Association Day of Covenant, Topsfield, MA March 27 – Western Associations Day of Covenant, Lee, MA March 22 – Metropolitan Boston Association, Day of Covenant, Burlington, MA March 29 – Southeast Associations Day of Covenant, Falmouth, MA March 29 – Specialized Ministry Day of Covenant, Framingham, MA In addition, MACUCC Board of Directors members were present at most Association meetings throughout 2017 to discuss the evolving proposal to create a new conference.

https://www.macucc.org/eventdetail/se-area-day-of-covenant-for-authorized-clergy-11007615

https://www.macucc.org/eventdetail/10844394

https://www.macucc.org/eventdetail/mba-clergy-day-of-covenant-11006482

https://www.macucc.org/eventdetail/day-of-covenant-specialized-ministry-9004111

https://www.macucc.org/eventdetail/central-association-day-of-covenant-6499272


https://www.macucc.org/eventdetail/western-region-day-of-covenant-10626745

https://www.macucc.org/eventdetail/northeast-association-clergy-day-of-covenant-11006546




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TA1 Process – History of Conversation, Input and Engagement, page 2

Focus Groups - 2018 January 18 - North Smithfield, RI 02876 January 19 - Cranston, RI 02920 January 19 - Barrington, RI 02806 January 20 - Mystic, CT 06355-2831 January 20 - Rocky Hill, CT 06067-1553 January 21 - Newtown, CT 06470-2054 January 22 - Norfolk, CT 06058 January 22 - Lee MA 01238 January 22 - Sterling, MA 01564 January 23 - Winchester, MA 01890 January 23 - North Attleboro, MA 02760 February 5 – on line February 8 – on line

Super Saturday lunchtime conversations

March 2016 October 2016 March 2017 October 2017 March 2018

Web-based Survey

March through December 2016

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Consent Calendar #1 - Procedural Votes

1. The 219th Annual Meeting adopts the Standing Rules as printed on pages 16-19 of the Advance Materials. 2. The 219th Annual Meeting adopts the Order of Time and Events as printed on pages 2-3 of this packet.

Consent Calendar #2 - Budget-Related Votes

1. The 219th Annual Meeting determines that 50 % of OCWM Basic Support received in 2019 be forwarded to the National setting of the United Church of Christ. 2. The 219th Annual Meeting determines that 30 % of United Church Mission support received in 2019 be forwarded to the National setting of the United Church of Christ. 3. The 219th Annual Meeting sets 2019 Fellowship Dues at $20.00 per church member as reported December 31, 2018. 4. The 219th Annual Meeting adopts a 2019 budget with income of $2,380,400, expenses of $2,446,650, and a transfer from operating reserves of $66,250.

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June 15-16, 2018

Financial Reports Page 1 of 4

Assets and Liabilities

12/31/17 12/31/16

ASSETS: Current $ 2,438,390 $ 2,782,944 Investments 11,178,098 10,382,394 Land, Buildings, and Equipment 1,595,374 1,692,255

___________ ___________ Total Assets $ 15,211,862 14,857,593

LIABILITIES: Current - 627,569 - 661,316

________________ _________________

Net Assets $ 14,584,293 $ 14,196,277

Total Wider Mission Giving through the United Church of Christ

2017 2016

United Church Mission $ 823,561 $ 583,201 Basic Support – Our Church’s Wider Mission 908,607 1,065,906 Fellowship Dues 664,666 710,993 Annual Appeal 23,459 15,142 One Great Hour of Sharing 120,170 132,143 Neighbors in Need 62,969 68,153 Strengthen the Church 15,512 15,852 Christmas Fund 61,611 84,070 Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Capital Campaign 53,778 59,913 Other Directed Gifts – Mass. Conference 62,800 67,115

Subtotal UCC Wider Giving $ 2,797,133 $ 2,802,488

Directed Gifts (UCC & Ecumenical) 206,844 39,905 ________________ _________________

Total Wider Giving $ 3,003,977 $ 2,842,393

19

219th Annual Meeting Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ


12/31/17 12/31/16

I. Financial Resources Available For Use

A. Undesignated, unrestricted funds $ 222,274 558,673 (accumulated surpluses from operations)

B. Funds designated for a particular purpose 713,755 757,976 by Board of Directors

Examples: Executive Staff Recruitment Fund General Synod Fund

C. Funds donated for restricted purposes 1,189,816 1,201,849

Examples: Hampden Association Scholarship Fund Whiten Fund for Seminary Debt Reduction

Strengthen the Church Offering – Conference portion

II. Financial Resources Held as Endowment

A. Principal generating interest income which $ 4,732,741 3,076,766 is unrestricted (used in operating budget) (Note: these amounts include increases and decreases in market value of endowments)

B. Principal generating interest which is designated for a 1,430,132 1,505,010 particular purpose by Board of Directors or Annual Meeting

Examples: Replacement and Renovation Fund Everett Fund for Missions and New Church Development

C. Principal generating interest income which is restricted 4,643,304 4,606,789 for a particular purpose by donors

Examples: Sustaining Pastoral Excellence Endowment Funds Gift & Promise Capital Campaign Endowment Funds

III. Value of Land, Buildings and Equipment

A. Land, Buildings and Equipment $ 1,652,271* 1,692,254*

* Accounting rules require that land, buildings and equipment be recorded at their purchase price, rather than current market value.

Total All Net Assets $ 14,584,293 13,399,317

20



MACUCC Capital Expenditures 2017

Sources for Capital Budget 2017:

Depreciation funded via operations: 38,412 General Endowment income allocation ‘16: 37,500 Forward from ’16 capital budget: 23,291 Gift & Promise Communications Tech Funds: 12,048 Income on invested funds: 4,159

115,410

Capital Acquisitions: Conference Offices: 18,687

Database design and data migration (partial); 6 laptop PCs; mail machine Framingham Center Buildings and Equipment: 31,437 Barn cupola painting, keypad locks, LED exterior lighting; Edwards House

exterior painting; Brewster House front step and post replacement; 1620 House digital fire alarm, water heater

Framingham Center Grounds: 13,155 Tree work, EV charger, truck overhaul, tools Pilgrim Day Camp: 22,685

Pool repair, water heater, golf cart, maintenance vehicle Total Expended 85,964 Forward for 2016 Capital Budget 29,446 Total Expenditures and Carryover 115,410

21



Executive Staff Salaries and Benefits 2018

Salaries Benefits

Conference Minister and President $90,476 $53,478

Associate Conference Ministers $45,246–90,288 $19,065–42,778

Notes:

1. Salaries listed include housing allowances where applicable. 2. One Associate Conference Minister position is half-time in 2018. 3. Beginning in 2008, benefits include a partial (3%) self-employment tax offset. 4. The Minister and President occupies a parsonage on the Framingham property which is

valued at an additional $35,142; this amount is included in salary base for benefits calculations.

22

Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ

Secretary's Report – 219th Annual Meeting Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ

The numbers in the following statistical review for 2017 assist in telling us how many we are, where we worship, who we are by title, and how we have changed numerically from prior years. Our Conference has 357 active churches with full standing, and 6 new church starts in discernment with an Association. All are asked each year to respond to a standard list of questions issued by the national setting of the UCC. This year, at the date this report was written, 197 out of 357 churches had responded. The information here summarized yields an incomplete picture, but the best available at this point.

What is happening in our churches?

197 of the Conference’s 357 active churches reported membership figures for 2017. For the remaining churches, we use the most recent reported figure. Based on this procedure, we estimate Conference church membership to be 59,785 as of December 31, 2017. This represents a loss of 1335 reported members, or 2%, compared with 2016.

Within these figures lies considerable variability. Nineteen churches reported no change in membership from 2016 to 2017. 103 churches reported membership losses ranging from less than 1% to 82%, with the median average loss being 5%. 75 churches reported membership increases ranging from less than 1% to 135% over 2016, with a median average increase in membership of 3.5%

What is happening in our church schools?

As with membership, for churches not reporting, we use the most recent reported figure for church school participation. This process yields a total church school enrollment of 16,512 children, youth and adults for 2017. This is essentially level with last year’s reported enrollment, which was 16,513. Some churches listed having a church school but gave no enrollment data. 99 churches reported youth group enrollment totaling 2,143.

Information reflecting ministerial standing:

Following the recent merger of the Essex and Andover Associations, there are 10 Associations within the Mass. Conference, U.C.C. Holding standing in these are:

865 UCC Ordained Ministers 19 Licensed Ministers 4 Commissioned Ministers 21 Clergy with Dual Standing in the UCC 9 Clergy with Partnership Standing-Disciples of Christ 74 Members in Discernment

Bonnie Fleming, Secretary

23

Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ

Wider Church Service Recommendation Form For service on a Board, Council, Committee or Working Group

Name of person putting forward this recommendation: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Title First Name Last Name

Email _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of person you are recommending (enter “SELF” if you are recommending yourself): _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Title First Name Last Name

Email _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Church_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Gender* _________________ Age range* _______________________ Race or Ethnicity* ______________________ *MACUCC and UCC bylaws encourage gender, age and racial balance on our boards/councils. LEADERSHIP: If you are recommending this person for a LEADERSHIP position, please choose all that are appropriate:

□ Board of Directors

□ Officer of the Board of Directors

□ Joint Ministry Council - Church Development Council

□ Joint Ministry Council - Clergy Development Council

□ Joint Ministry Council - Lay Development Council

□ Joint Ministry Council - Justice & Witness Development Council

OTHER POSITIONS: If you are recommending this person for another area that they can share their passion, please choose all that are appropriate:

□ Actual Justice Task Team

□ Annual Meeting Committee

□ Audio/Visual Team

□ Boundary Awareness Task Team

□ Continuing Education Units Task Team

□ Chile Partnership

□ Disaster Resource Team

□ Ecumenical Interfaith Task Team

□ Environmental Ministries Task Team

□ Faith Formation Ministry Team

□ Gun Safety Task Team

□ Immigration and Refugee Task Team

□ Lay Academy Task Team

□ ONA Ministry Task Team

□ Restorative Justice Task Team

□ UCC General Synod Delegate

□ UCC National Board

□ Volunteer Development Committee

24

Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ

Wider Church Service Recommendation Form Page 2 of 2

IMPORTANT: Please write approximately 10 words describing your passion for this work/your sense of the passion the person you’re recommending has for this work.

HOW TO SUBMIT THIS FORM: ONLINE: You may complete this form online at: https://macucc-reg.brtapp.com/volunteerform

or

MAIL: Please mail this completed form to: Patti Babcock, MACUCC, 1 Badger Road, Framingham, MA 01702 or [email protected]

https://macucc-reg.brtapp.com/volunteerform

mailto:[email protected]

25


219th

Annual Meeting

June 15-16, 2018

NOMINATING SLATE

Board, Council and Committee Members, Officers and Adjunct Participants of the

Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ as of the close of the 219th

Annual Meeting.

Those in BOLD are the Nominating Slate for the 219th

Annual Meeting.

Board or Committee Name Class Church Membership Association

Officer – Conference

Minister Rev. Don Remick 2019 Old South Union Church, Weymouth Pilgrim

Officer - President Rev. Corey Sanderson 2019 Second Congregational Church, UCC, Greenfield Franklin

Officer - Moderator Linda Mesler 2019 South Church in Andover UCC, Andover Northeast

Officer - Vice Moderator Rev. Jennifer Macy 2019 Disciples, UCC, Danvers Northeast

Officer - Treasurer Chip Hamblet 2019 Pawtucket Congregational Church, Lowell Northeast

Officer – Vice Treasurer Deb Schroeder 2019 West Parish Church of Andover, Andover Northeast

Officer - Secretary Laurie Williams 2019 First Church in Cambridge, Cambridge MBA

Annual Meeting Ian Tosh Moderator First Congregational of Somerville, Somerville MBA

Annual Meeting Linda Mesler Vice

Moderator South Church in Andover UCC, Andover Northeast

Annual Meeting John Hargrave 2019 Wellesley Congregational Church, Wellesley MBA

Annual Meeting Rev. Terry Martinson 2020 Old South Union Church, Weymouth Pilgrim

Annual Meeting Rev. Anastasia Kidd 2020 First Congregational Church UCC, Reading MBA

Annual Meeting Denson Staples 2020 First Church Somerville UCC, Somerville MBA

Annual Meeting Rev. Chad Kidd 2021 First Congregational Church, UCC, Reading MBA

Annual Meeting Rev. Don Remick Conference

Minister Old South Union Church, Weymouth Pilgrim

Annual Meeting Dawn Hammond Staff First Congregational Church UCC, Holliston Central

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Board of Directors Rev. Corey Sanderson President Second Congregational Church, Greenfield Franklin

Board of Directors Linda Mesler Vice

Moderator South Church in Andover UCC, Andover Northeast

Board of Directors Rev. Jennifer Macy Vice

Moderator Disciples, UCC, Danvers Northeast

Board of Directors Chip Hamblet Treasurer Pawtucket Congregational Church, Lowell Northeast

Board of Directors Deb Schroeder Vice

Treasurer West Parish Church of Andover, Andover Northeast

Board of Directors Laurie Williams Secretary First Church in Cambridge, Cambridge MBA

Board of Directors Rev. Liza Knapp 2019 First Church of Deerfield, Deerfield Franklin

Board of Directors Rev. Michael McSherry 2020 Edwards Church of Northampton, Northampton Hampshire

Board of Directors Tracy Keene 2020 Old South Church in Boston, Boston MBA

Board of Directors Rev. Lynne Dolan 2020 First Congregational Church, UCC, Shrewsbury Central

Board of Directors Rev. Holly Norwick 2020 First Christian Congregational Church, Swansea Old Colony

Board of Directors David Welbourn 2021 South Church in Andover, Andover Northeast

Board of Directors Rev. Hannah Brown 2021 West Concord Union Church, Concord MBA

Board of Directors Rev. Charles Morkin 2021 United Congregational Church in Holyoke Hampden

Board of Directors Rev. Martin Riekert 2022 Congregational Church of Topsfield Northeast

Board of Directors Rev. Nell Fields 2022 Waquoit Congregational Church, East Falmouth Barnstable

Board of Directors Jonathan Guest 2022 First Congregational Church of Natick Central

Board of Directors Rev. Philomena Hare 2022 UCC Congregational Church of Norwell Pilgrim

Board of Directors Scott Miller 2022 First Congregational Church UCC, Dalton Berkshire

Board of Directors Rev. Don Remick Conference

Minister Old South Union Church, Weymouth Pilgrim

Board of Directors Dawn Hammond Staff First Congregational Church UCC, Holliston Central

Investment Committee Thomas A. DeMarco III 2019 Pilgrim Church UCC, Sherborn Central

Investment Committee Lyman Jackson 2020 United Parish of Auburndale, Newton MBA

Investment Committee Richard Osterberg 2021 Newton Highlands Congregational Church MBA

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JMC Church Development Rev. Paul Sangree 2019 Congregational Church of Westborough Central

JMC Church Development Pam Wannie 2020 South Congregational Church, Centerville Barnstable

JMC Church Development Rev. Elizabeth Magill 2020 United Congregational Church, Worcester Central

JMC Church Development Susan Sharples 2020 Second Church of Plymouth, UCC, Manomet Pilgrim

JMC Church Development Rev. Donna Collins 2020 Tewksbury Congregational UCC, Tewksbury Northeast

JMC Church Development Rev. Henry Schoenfield 2021 First Congregational Church, Stoneham MBA

JMC Church Development Rev. Don Remick Staff Old South Union Church, Weymouth Pilgrim

JMC Justice & Witness Martha Crawford 2019 First Parish of Westwood, UCC, Westwood MBA

JMC Justice & Witness Rev. Oscar Wallace 2019 First Parish Church of Berlin, Berlin Central

JMC Justice & Witness Rev. Audra Teague Mackey 2020 Wellesley Congregational Church, Wellesley MBA

JMC Justice & Witness Lindsay Popper 2020 Allin Congregational Church, Dedham MBA

JMC Justice & Witness Kathryn Byers 2020 United Church of Christ, Burlington MBA

JMC Justice & Witness Doug Anderson 2020 Christ Congregational Church, Brockton Pilgrim

JMC Justice & Witness Rev. Kelly Gallagher Staff South Congregational Church, Amherst Hampshire

JMC Lay Development Sue LaLone 2019 Hancock United Church of Christ, Lexington MBA

JMC Lay Development Nancy Sides 2021 First Congregational Church of Westminster Central

JMC Lay Development Rev. Debbie Gline-Allen Staff First Parish Congregational UCC, East Derry, NH NH Conf.

JMC Lay Development Rev. Jonathan New Staff First Church in Cambridge, Cambridge MBA

JMC Clergy Development Rev. Suzanne Woolston-

Bossert 2019 Wellesley Congregational Church, Wellesley MBA

JMC Clergy Development Rev. Sarah Weaver 2019 Rehoboth Congregational Church UCC Old Colony

JMC Clergy Development Kathy Olmsted 2021

West Gloucester Trinitarian Congregation,

Gloucester Northeast

JMC Clergy Development Rev. Jennifer Barrett Siegal 2021 Old South Union Church, Weymouth Pilgrim

JMC Clergy Development Rev. Ruth Edens 2021 Old South Church in Boston MBA

JMC Clergy Development Rev. Ellie Richardson Staff Christ Church United, Dracut Northeast

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Volunteer Development Rev. Angie Menke Ballou 2019 Cotuit Federated Church, Cotuit Barnstable

Volunteer Development Rev. Ian Holland 2019 First Church in Swampscott, Congregational Northeast

Volunteer Development Martha Crawford 2019 First Parish of Westwood, UCC, Westwood MBA

Volunteer Development Rev. Todd Weir 2020 First Churches of Northampton Hampshire

Volunteer Development Vard Johnson 2020 Old South Church in Boston MBA

Volunteer Development Melissa Puliafico 2020 United Church of Ware Central

Volunteer Development Rick Lawrence 2021 First Church of Christ, UCC, Sandwich Barnstable

Volunteer Development Rev. Debbie Clark 2021 Edwards Church, UCC, Framingham Central

Volunteer Development Ian Tosh 2021 First Congregational of Somerville MBA

Volunteer Development Rev. Don Remick Staff First Church in Cambridge, Cambridge MBA

Synod Delegate Emmanuel Akyeampong 2019 Acton Congregational Church, Acton Central

Synod Delegate Amelia Becker 2019 Old South Church in Boston MBA

Synod Delegate Emmalisa Belfiore 2019 Cotuit Federated Church, Cotuit Barnstable

Synod Delegate Megan Berkowitz 2019 First Congregational UCC, Somerville MBA

Synod Delegate William Bray 2019 First Congregational Church of Southampton UCC Hampshire

Synod Delegate Rev. Matt Carriker 2019 Agape Spiritual Center, Waltham MBA

Synod Delegate Martha Crawford 2019 First Parish of Westwood, UCC MBA

Synod Delegate Bonnie Fleming 2019 Second Congregational Church, Beverly Northeast

Synod Delegate Alford Green 2019 Hadwen Park Congregational Church, Worcester Central

Synod Delegate Jonathan Guest 2019 First Congregational Church, Natick Central

Synod Delegate Rev. Philomena Hare 2019 UCC Congregational Church, Norwell Pilgrim

Synod Delegate David King 2019 Congregational Church of Harvard, UCC Central

Synod Delegate Rev. Ken Landin 2019 Original Congregational Church, UCC, Wrentham Central

Synod Delegate Amanda Lee 2019 Union Congregational Church, North Reading MBA

Synod Delegate Rev. Mark Longhurst 2019 First Congregational Church, Williamstown Berkshire

Synod Delegate Linda Mesler 2019 South Church in Andover Northeast

Synod Delegate Rev. Charles Morkin 2019 United Congregational Church in Holyoke Hampden

29

Synod Delegate Rev. Jonathan New 2019 First Church in Cambridge, Cambridge MBA

Synod Delegate Rev. Amelia Nugent 2019 Old South Church in Boston MBA

Synod Delegate Rev. Don Remick 2019 Old South Union Church, Weymouth Pilgrim

Synod Delegate John Sharland 2019 Central Square Cong. Church, UCC, Bridgewater Pilgrim

Synod Delegate Deb Washington 2019 Old South Church in Boston MBA

Synod Delegate Rev. Todd Weir 2019 First Churches of Northampton Hampshire

Synod Delegate Rev. William Wildman 2019 First Congregational Church, East Longmeadow Hampden

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219th

Annual Meeting

June 15-16, 2018

“TOGETHER, AS ONE” NOMINATING SLATE

Board of Directors and Officers of the “Together, As One” Conference, United Church of Christ;

elections to be effective as of the first date of legal incorporation of the “Together, As One” Conference.

Those in BOLD are from Massachusetts, and to be voted on by the 219th

Annual Meeting.

Board or Committee Name Class Church Membership Conference

Officer - President Rev. Corey Sanderson 2019 Second Congregational Church, UCC, Greenfield. MA MA

Officer – Vice President Rev. Cleo Graham 2019 Beneficent Congregational Church, Providence, RI RI

Officer – Secretary/Clerk Grace Steere 2019 First Congregational Church, Bristol, RI RI

Officer - Treasurer Calvin Price 2019 North Madison Congregational Church, Madison, CT CT

Officer – Moderator Rev. Jocelyn Gardner-Spencer 2019 First Congregational Church of Woodstock, CT CT

Officer – Vice Moderator Ian Tosh 2019 First Congregational of Somerville, Somerville, MA MA

Board of Directors Elliot Altomare 2021 First Congregational and South Cong. Churches, Granby CT

Board of Directors Rev. Angie Menke Ballou 2021 Cotuit Federated Church, Cotuit, MA MA

Board of Directors Rev. Hannah Brown 2020 West Concord Union Church, West Concord, MA MA

Board of Directors Sandra Dickson 2020 North Madison Congregational Church, Madison, CT CT

Board of Directors Rev. Bridget Fidler 2019 First Church of Christ Congregational, Suffield, CT CT

Board of Directors Persephone Hall 2020 Liberty Christian Center International, Hartford, CT CT

Board of Directors Chip Hamblet 2020 Pawtucket Congregational Church, Lowell, MA MA

Board of Directors Rev. Philomena Hare 2019 UCC Congregational Church of Norwell, MA MA

Board of Directors Tracy Keene 2021 Old South Church in Boston, Boston, MA MA

Board of Directors Larry Kellam 2020 Central Congregational Church, Providence, RI RI

Board of Directors Rev. Rebecca Floyd Marshall 2021 United Congregational Church of Little Compton, RI RI

31

Board of Directors Frances Munro 2019 Central Congregational Church, Providence, RI RI

Board of Directors Rev. Bob Nolan 2021 Woodridge Congregational Church, Cranston, RI RI

Board of Directors Edwin Perez 2021 United Church on the Green, New Haven, CT CT

Board of Directors Linda Sable 2020 Seekonk Congregational Church, Seekonk, MA RI

32



United Church Mission Opt-In Churches as of May 2018 – 77 churches

(page 1 of 2)

South Acton Congregational Church Edwards Church, Framingham

Main Street Congregational Church, UCC,

Amesbury The Plymouth Church in Framingham

First Congregational Church, Amherst, UCC Second Congregational Church UCC, Greenfield

South Church in Andover, UCC Union Congregational Church, UCC, Groton

West Parish Church of Andover The Congregational Church of Harvard, UCC

First Congregational Church, UCC, Ashfield Pilgrim Congregational Church, Harwich Port

Athol Congregational Church, UCC The Haydenville Congregational Church UCC

First Church of Christ Congregational, Bedford First Congregational Church, UCC, Huntington

Old South Church in Boston First Congregational Church of Lee

Stratford Street United Church, West Roxbury,

Boston Church on the Hill, UCC, Lenox

First Congregational Church, Brimfield Pilgrim Congregational Church, Lexington

United Church of Christ, Congregational,

Burlington First Church of Christ in Longmeadow

First Church in Cambridge Pawtucket Congregational Church, Lowell

Canaan Congregational Church Union Church of Ludlow

West Concord Union Church First Church in Marlborough, (Congregational)

United Congregational Church, UCC, Conway Mashpee Congregational Church, UCC

Cotuit Federated Church Sanctuary United Church of Christ, Medford

First Congregational Church UCC, Dalton First Congregational Church in Melrose, UCC

First Congregational Church of Dudley, UCC Forest Street Union Church, Methuen

First Congregational Church UCC, East

Longmeadow North Congregational Church, Middleborough

33



United Church Mission Opt-In Churches as of May 2018 – 77 churches

(page 2 of 2)

First Congregational Church of Milford, UCC First Congregational Church UCC, Stockbridge

Millbury Federated Church The First Church in Swampscott, Congregational

First Church of Monson, UCC First Christian Congregational Church, Swansea

First Congregational Church of Natick Trinitarian Congregational Church, Warwick

Central Congregational Church UCC, Newburyport Wellesley Congregational Church

The Second Church in Newton, UCC First Congregational Church of the UCC, Wellfleet

First Congregational Church UCC, North Adams West Parish of Barnstable

Trinitarian Congregational Church (UCC), North

Andover Second Congregational Church of Boxford (UCC)

First Congregational Church, North Attleboro First Congregational Church of West Boylston

Edwards Church of Northampton The First Church, West Bridgewater

Trinity Church Northborough First Congregational Church UCC, West Springfield

UCC Congregational Church of Norwell Congregational Church of Westborough

The Federated Church of Orleans UCC, Second Congregational Church, Westfield

Tabernacle Congregational Church, UCC, Salem Westhampton Congregational UCC

First Congregational Church of Sheffield, UCC The Congregational Church of Weston

First Congregational Church, UCC, Shrewsbury First Parish of Westwood, UCC

First Congregational UCC, Somerville First Congregational Church UCC, Williamstown

Foster Memorial Church, UCC, Springfield Original Congregational Church, UCC, Wrentham

The First Church in Sterling, Federated

34


Your Church’s Guide to Giving – 2018-2019 United Church Mission In 2014, the Massachusetts Conference approved the creation of United Church Mission (UCM) as a new way to fund our common mission through Local Churches, Associations, Conference, and the National setting of the United Church of Christ. For 2018, we have 77 churches (22%) that have opted into UCM. It is expected that, in time, UCM will replace Fellowship Dues and OCWM Basic Support for all Conference churches. UCM churches receive no dues bills and are not asked to give an ever-increasing amount to dues and/or OCWM. Instead, their giving is determined by applying the church’s historic wider church giving percentage to its actual total income.* We believe this makes UCM a fairer giving system that is responsive to the church’s financial health. For more information about UCM visit www.macucc.org/unitedchurchmission or contact Jonathan New, Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial Development at [email protected]. (Note: Whether using UCM or the older Fellowship Dues and OCWM Basic Support system, Associations, Conference, and National UCC receive the same overall proportion of contributions made by churches.) *Total income, as applied to United Church Mission and giving guidelines below, includes the following only: operating and mission pledge receipts, plate offerings, fellowship dues contributed by members, investment income, bank interest, dividends from external trusts, regular draw on endowments, and net income from rental, programs, and fundraising to support the general operating budget.

Association & Conference Fellowship Dues Churches that have not opted into United Church Mission are billed by their Association Treasurers for Association and Conference Fellowship Dues (with the exception of the Hampden and Barnstable Associations for which the Mass Conference handles billing). Association Treasurers remit the Conference dues portion to the Conference. All dues are billed on a per reported official member basis. Association dues rates are set by Associations at their annual budget meetings. Conference Dues rates are set at the Conference Annual Meeting. Association Dues help pay for its services and programs. Conference Dues support the overall mission and ministry of the Conference. For more information about Fellowship dues visit the Conference website: www.macucc.org/fellowshipdues. Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) Basic Support OCWM Basic Support is one of the primary ways Conference and National UCC mission and ministry is funded by churches that have not opted in to United Church Mission. All OCWM contributions should be made to the Conference. The percentage of OCWM contributions passed on to National UCC is determined annually at the Conference Annual Meeting. For 2018, that percentage is 50% to National UCC and 50% remaining in the Conference. To learn more about OCWM, visit the Conference website at www.macucc.org/widerchurch or the UCC website at www.ucc.org/ocwm.

http://www.macucc.org/unitedchurchmission


http://www.macucc.org/fellowshipdues

http://www.macucc.org/widerchurch

http://www.ucc.org/ocwm

35

Giving Guidelines Because of its primacy in making God’s love and justice real for everyone, individuals should make their local church their priority in charitable giving. Likewise, the local church should make the wider church its priority in mission giving. Churches are encouraged to give at least 10% of total income* to mission giving. Depending on available income, some churches will feel called to give even more. Churches giving less than 10% should prayerfully consider increasing their giving at an annual rate of ¼ to ½ % of total income. Because of its indispensable and comprehensive support of the entire ministry of the church across all settings – local congregations, Associations, Conference, and National – churches are asked to give 50% of their total mission giving – ideally, at least 5% of total income – to United Church Mission. This giving recommendation also applies to those churches still using the Fellowship Dues/OCWM Basic Support system of wider church giving. UCC Special Offerings The following UCC offerings are received annually by participating churches, with 100% of funds going to programs and people through National UCC. All offering funds should be sent to the Massachusetts Conference which will forward them to the National setting.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) – Received annual on the fourth Sunday in Lent, OGHS supports partners in more than 70 countries with ministries that fund development projects, feed the victims of famine, provide services for displaced people, and respond to natural disasters. These ministries are the responsibility of Wider Church Ministries, Global Sharing of Resources.

Neighbors in Need (NIN) – Received annually on the first Sunday of October – World Communion Sunday – NIN supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including those carried out by the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) and by the national offices of Justice and Witness Ministries.

Strengthen the Church – Received annually on Pentecost Sunday, this offering supports church growth and leadership development in the Conferences and through the national offices of Local Church Ministries.

The Christmas Fund – Received annually on the Sunday before Christmas, this offering

provides aid to retired and active ministers and their surviving spouses and children who face overwhelming financial demands, a ministry carried out by the Pension Boards.

More Information For more information about ways your church can financially support the mission and ministry of the wider United Church of Christ, or for information about individual giving to the UCC, please contact Jonathan New, Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship and Financial Development, at [email protected] or 508-875-5233 ext. 231.


36

Special Funds of the Massachusetts Conference

Pastoral Excellence Endowment Fund This endowment fund provides income for ongoing support of the Pastoral Excellence Program of the Massachusetts Conference. Income from the Fund may be used to support Conference programming designed to promote pastoral excellence by pastors holding standing in the Massachusetts Conference. Currently this programming includes continuing education events, New Clergy Groups, and Clergy Communities of Practice. Jim Antal Justice and Witness Fund This fund supports the Mission and Justice ministries of both the Conference and the congregations of the Massachusetts Conference. Funds may be used for Barnes grants to congregations, support of Mission & Justice task teams, programming and resources. 21st Century Congregations Fund This fund assists churches to successfully meet the challenges of ministry in the context of contemporary society. Funds may be used for programming, coaching, consulting, training and grants to support local church transformation, missional effectiveness, lay leadership development and long-term vitality. Seeds of Faith Fund This fund promotes faith development within the Massachusetts Conference. Funds may be used to provide programming, resources and grants to local congregations to support faith, generosity and discipleship formation of children, youth and adults. Funds may also be used to support programming and/or resources by the Conference for faith development of individuals. Emerging Communications Technology Fund This fund receives temporarily restricted gifts to enable the use of emerging technologies to spread the Gospel and to connect the churches, clergy and people of the Conference to one another, to partners in mission and to the mission field. Contributions may be used to provide programming, consulting, guidance, and grants to local congregations to assist them to embrace new communications technologies as effective tools for ministry, as well as to support the implementation of these tools for Association and Conference-wide ministry. Sanctuary Churches Fund This fund supports the sanctuary ministry of Conference churches actively hosting individuals. In addition to helping Sanctuary Churches provide shelter, food, clothing, and other basic necessities to individuals in sanctuary, these funds may also be used to assist their families living with loss of income and increased expenses. If the need ends, remaining monies in the Fund will be transferred to the special Fund that assists churches affected by natural disasters. General Endowment Fund This fund provides support for all the services and programs of the Massachusetts Conference. It is a permanent fund with the principal balance being held in perpetuity.

37


Church Legacy Gifts 2007 - 2017 Our Conference of churches has been blessed over the years with many legacy gifts from churches which have closed their doors. In the difficult process of ending their life together, these congregations have had the vision and generosity to dedicate significant resources to the work of the community of UCC churches in Massachusetts. Listed below are the legacy gifts received from closing churches since 2007.

Congregation Amount

Ministries Funded

2017 East Church Congregational, UCC, Springfield 25,000 General Endowment of All Ministries

2016 South Congregational Church, Lawrence 36,728 General Endowment of All Ministries

2015 United Church of Pelham 126,766 General Endowment of All Ministries

2015 First United Parish of Everett 898,934 Missions, New Church Development

2014 Congregational Church of South Hadley Falls 34,756

Pastoral Excellence, Church Renewal

2013 All People’s United, Belmont 454,951

Pastoral Excellence, Hispanic Ministries

2013 North Congregational, Amherst 83,050

Pastoral Excellence, Environmental Stewardship, ONA

2012 Centre Congregational Church, Northbridge 24,119 Pastoral Excellence

2012 Union Congregational Church, Winthrop 256,716 Church Renewal, Church Starts,

Pastoral Excellence

2011 Adams Square Cong'l Church, Worcester 40,000 Pastoral Excellence

2008 Raymond Memorial Church, Millbury 89,403 General Endowment of All Ministries

2007-8 Federated Church of Warren 76,484 Church Renewal, Pastoral Excellence,

General Programming

Total Legacies 2,146,907

In challenging economic times, as many of our congregations have struggled to maintain and increase support for the wider church, legacy gifts have played a crucial role in sustaining and growing our work together. If you appreciate the resources and relationships available to you as member of the Massachusetts Conference, don’t forget to thank God for the saints who, in ending their direct ministries, helped to make our wider ministries possible!

-Dawn Hammond, Associate Conference Minister for Policy and Finance

38


25 and 50-Year Ordinands

25-Year Ordinands The Rev. Ms. Julia C. Aldrich The Rev. Ms. Roberta Barr

The Rev. Ms. Laura P. Biddle The Rev. Ms. Amy Bruch

The Rev. Mr. Cesar Depaz The Rev. Ms. Ann L. Hallstein

The Rev. Mr. David Hanks The Rev. Ms. Susan Horgan

The Rev. Ms. Kerry A. Maloney The Rev. Ms. Catherine Michael

The Rev. Ms. Barbara Miner

50-Year Ordinands The Rev. Mr. Richard J. Coleman received his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and a B.D. and Th.M. from Princeton Theological Seminary. He was ordained on September 29, 1968. He was a chaplain and teacher at The Hall School in Pittsfield, MA; an interim minister at yoked churches in Cana, NY and Stockbridge, MA; Executive Director at the Christian Center in Pittsfield, MA; teaching minister at the Durham Community Church, Durham, NH; and minister at the First Congregational Church in Plympton, MA. He is currently finishing a book entitled Untying the Knot of Human Nature. He volunteers for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell and the disaster response service for the Reformed Church of America (World Renew Program). Feeling a “call” to do something about climate change, he sponsored two new bylaws for the town of Westford, MA, one to reduce the use of polystyrene and a second to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags. He is the author of State of Affairs: The Science-Theology Controversy, and Competing Truths: Science and Theology as Sibling Rivals, as well as other books. Dick has been married for more than 50 years to his wife Ruth. They have three daughters and six grandchildren. He loves to travel with his wife and friends, including a local hiking group that does an annual fall hike to places near and far. Dick and Ruth live in Westford, MA. The Rev. Mr. Joshua L. Crowell attended Dennis, MA, schools, and received his B.A. from Boston University and a B.D. from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1968 at the First Congregational Church, UCC in Evansville, WI, by the Southwest Association, Wisconsin Conference. He served First Congregational Church, UCC in Essex, CT, for 27 years;

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The Rev. Mr. Joshua L. Crowell, continued First Congregational Church, UCC, Evansville, WI; West Parish Church, UCC in Andover, MA; and First Congregational Church in Athol, MA. Joshua has served in many roles to many fire departments and organizations including chaplain, member, and firefighter in Evansville, WI; the CT State Firefighters Association; the Essex Fire Engine Co. #1, Essex, CT; and the Dennis Fire Department, Dennis, MA. He is a member of the Dennis Advisory Water Committee, Cemetery Advisory Committee, and Historical Commission, and Trustee of the Caleb Chase Fund. He has served on Committees of Church and Ministry in Wisconsin and Connecticut. Joshua lives in Dennis and has been married for 54 years to the Rev. Mrs. Bette Anne Crowell. They have a son, Joshua C. Crowell, and daughter, Joanna Crowell, and two granddaughters, Jasmine and Caroline. The Rev. Dr. William Loesch attended schools in Melrose, MA, and Glen Ridge, NJ, before graduating from Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, with a B.A. in Sociology and Psychology. He received an M.Div. and D.M. from Andover Newton Theological School. He was ordained in Boston in 1968. During his seminary years, he took part in the civil rights movement activities in Boston, Selma, AL, Lynchburg, VA, and Washington, DC. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and rode to school with students during the 1970’s busing crisis in Boston. He helped design the McCormack School, making it the first Boston public school required to be open for community use. He lived and worked for 15 years in urban ministry at Columbia Point Housing. He developed a local church fellowship there and worked with children and youth, ran a worship center and counselling referral program and worked with neighbors on issues of welfare, housing, drug rehab, and youth work programs. He was a director of pastoral care and education at Boston City Hospital, and worked with over 1,000 graduate students in ministry, through Clinical Pastoral Education training. He helped create several civic organizations including Breath of Life Dorchester Teen Group, the Center for Community Health Education, Research and Service, and the Codman Square Neighborhood Council. He also helped to establish the Geiger Gibson Health Center. The Rev. Dr. Bill Loesch Family Park in Dorchester was re-dedicated by the City of Boston in July 2012, recognizing the 30 years he devoted to improving the park and leading community efforts to have it renovated. Dr. Loesch has three daughters, one son and four grandchildren. He has a twin brother, the Rev. Bob Loesch, also a UCC clergyperson. Due to health, he recently has resigned from all community activities but has long been a community activist for social action to advance public health. The Rev. Mr. Lloyd E. Parrill was ordained in 1968 and resides in Northfield, MA. He was Pastor of Trinitarian Congregational Church in Northfield, MA from 1977 until his retirement in 2012.

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June 15-16, 2018

2018 Christian Education Certification Recipients

Gayle McGlauflin has been the Christian Education Director at the Union Congregational Church in

North Reading, MA since 2015. Gayle currently also works as a toddler teacher for Joyful Noises

Preschool which is run by the Congregational Church of Topsfield. Prior to taking on the CE position, she

was an elementary classroom teacher for Boston Public Schools, where she taught for 9 years. Gayle

holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Teaching, both from Northeastern

University. She also has a certificate in Teaching Religion to Children from Boston College. She is a

licensed elementary school teacher and certified early childhood teacher, as well as a licensed Zumba

instructor, certified lactation counselor, and certified Baby Signs instructor. Having grown up Unitarian

Universalist, she joined the Union Congregational Church in High School. Gayle's husband and their two

daughters Savanna and Ayla attend Union Congregational with her. Gayle feels blessed to have the full

support of her family and her congregation as she continues to improve her knowledge and

understanding of theology and best practices.

Leea Snape has been the Music Director at Second Congregational Church for 14 years and when the

need arose for a Christian Education Director at the church she felt led to apply. She has been the

Christian Education Director for five years. Leea has her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education

and she is currently enrolled in a Master’s of Education program for Mild to Moderate Disabilities in

Elementary Education. Leea is married and has one daughter, age 11. She lives in Colrain,

Massachusetts. Leea loves both her positions at Second Congregational Church and looks forward to

learning about more ways to teach children about the peace and love of God.

Sherril Willis graduated from Andover Newton Theological School in 2002 and began her ministry as

a Youth Pastor in Hadley, MA where she combined youth groups from three UCC churches in different

towns. She worked as Pastor to the Church School in Sunderland MA where she entered ordained

ministry in 2004.

Sherril also worked as an Interim Minister in Conway, MA and Minister to Youth and Children in Pelham

MA and most recently in Montague, MA. In June, Sherril retired from public elementary school teaching

after 37 years. Although she has also been an ordained minister for almost 15 years, she feels her call is

best fulfilled when teaching. Because Sherril understands the importance of continued education she

decided to receive her certification as a Christian Educator. She believes that education is the one true

path to social justice and that Christian Education gives form and structure to families at a time when

the world is filled with much faithless miscommunication and chaos.

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Bold New Initiative Recognitions Page 1 of 2

WOVOS ~ Congregational Church of Brockton To change lives and create a better world. That is the goal of WOVOS, “World Voices: Raising Voices for a Better World”. WOVOS was birthed out of Christ Congregational Church of Brockton, United Church of Christ. It is an ‘intensive music and art experience, developing leadership skills for a multicultural world.’ Young women in grades 6 - 12 from the Brockton area come together at the church after school or during a school vacation week to form a multicultural choir and participate in activities that develop skillful musicians with a passion for the arts; build skills that create collaborative leadership; cultivate a sense of belonging through inclusion, safety and respect; and empower students to change the world. The WOVOS program culminates in an outstanding community concert. This is one of many programs at a church which continues to reach out to its community by addressing racism, white privilege, issues of poverty and drug addiction, LGBTQ awareness, and environmental justice. With support from local groups and a grant from our UCC Neighbors in Need offering, the church is able to provide this experience at minimal or no cost. You can learn more about WOVOS at www.wovos.org. You can learn more about Christ Congregational Church of Brockton and its pastor, the Rev. Patricia Hayes, at www.brocktonucc.org. First Congregational Church of Lee

Facing some challenges with finances and attendance, the people of the First Congregational Church of Lee looked beyond their walls. They recognized their church was already seen as “our church” by the people of Lee. They partnered with community groups to preserve and restore local landmarks that express the history and identity of the region, including "our church". With some assistance from the Conference, they became even better at looking beyond their walls. As they did this, they saw and heard about some of the challenges faced by both members and neighbors. They became instrumental in the formation of “Berkshire Interfaith Organizing”. Focusing on transportation and food insecurity, they gathered community partners for both advocacy and relief programs. Exemplary of their new vision is the recognition that the name “Fellowship Hall” was most applicable if its use were only for church members and church functions. Now they know it as the “Community Center”. So does their community.

http://www.wovos.org/

http://www.brocktonucc.org/

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Bold New Initiative Recognitions Page 2 of 2

West Concord Union Church

The West Concord Union Church (WCUC) founded the Sunday Fellowship Ministry in 1982 to welcome neighbors with developmental disabilities. Over time, this ministry has evolved and transformed the whole congregation. Today Sunday Fellowship is an ecumenical group of people of all abilities gathering twice a month for interactive worship including music, scripture stories, and crafts.

Sunday Fellowship also offers leadership for the whole congregation each year on Sunday Fellowship Sunday, as part of the Epiphany Pageant, and at special events like dances and talent shows. Some Sunday Fellowship participants join the congregation on Sunday mornings.

Sunday Fellowship has helped WCUC experience the love of God and live as the body of Christ in a fuller way. You can read more about this ministry at http://www.westconcordunionchurch.org/sunday-fellowship . West Concord is looking to help other churches plant similar ministries. Please be in touch if you are interested!

http://www.westconcordunionchurch.org/sunday-fellowship

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Haystack Justice and Witness Recognitions 2018

Joy Harris and Bruce Roberts - Lakota Youth Stay program

Joy Harris and Bruce Roberts envisioned and made real the Lakota YouthStay program following years of

personal, hands-on engagement with families, elders, and youth on Pine Ridge reservation in South

Dakota. The mission of the Lakota YouthStay program is to provide cultural exchange opportunities

between Native American youth from Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota and people, native and

non-native, in the greater Boston area and to build authentic, mutually fulfilling friendships through

participation in an enriched homestay program. In 2015, there was a wave of youth suicide and Joy and

Bruce felt called to do more - to do something to inspire hope and a sense of a future for the youth.

With significant effort to develop ever-widening connections and discernment about how to proceed

with elders on the reservation they engendered support from the Lakota community and the Sanctuary

congregation. Thus was the Lakota YouthStay program born. Because of their own passion for Native

American culture and their commitment to justice for Native Americans in general and volunteerism

with the Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Reservation specifically, Joy Harris and Bruce Roberts have

spread that same passion and commitment to others. They have personally invested an inspiring

amount of time, talent and treasure to understand, teach and motivate others to do the same. Their

humility in pursuing cross-cultural understanding; their dedication to seeking justice for the Lakota

people, especially for the youth.

Carmen Ramos-Kaslow

Carmen spearheaded a Lexington-wide effort to brings goods and cash directly to three areas of Puerto

Rico after Hurricane Maria. The effort became known as Lexington Unites for Puerto Rico (LUPR). A

Puerto Rico native, Carmen tried to find organizations that we could support doing direct relief work in

the country. Upon not finding much that seemed well organized, she decided to take it upon herself,

with the help of Hancock Church, and eventually the whole town of Lexington. Carmen recruited two

other Hancock women and they did nothing for two weeks but plan the details of loading a 40 foot

cargo crate to be loaded at the church and shipped directly to PR. Then Carmen and two others flew to

PR and met the cargo container in port, then escorted the container directly to two churches who were

eagerly awaiting desperately needed supplies. Carmen is an unstoppable force when it comes to LUPR,

and she has made several more trips since the initial one to oversee the progress in the three areas of

partnership. We are now planning next steps which will likely include a team of people from Hancock

Church (and Union Congregational in NJ) who will help with rebuilding houses and community centers

for the citizens of these areas. Carmen is full of compassion and able to put that into action with

tangible things (generators, water, diapers, cash) in ways that have changed many lives in the last few

months.

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Green Congregation Recognitions 2018

LEVEL ONE AWARD

Waquoit Congregational Church East Falmouth, MA http://waquoitucc.org/ Located in the heart of the village of Waquoit, in the town of Falmouth on Cape Cod, Waquoit Congregational Church has considered itself green for several years. They have an active recycling program, including a large bin for books (accessible to community members), and have migrated from paper cups to mugs for coffee hour. In addition, they had a comprehensive energy audit by Cape Light Compact; as a result, they have replaced all light fixtures to LEDs, use power strips, and maintain energy-efficient furnaces and water heater. The church celebrates Earth Day Sunday, and every year they feature a different local environmental group to showcase its work. In 2011 the church started a Spring Farmers Market that features local organic farms and artisan-food-vendors. Recently, they have partnered with one of the farms to create an organic bulk-buying program (seeds, nuts, etc.) in order to reduce waste with packaging, etc. The church also started the Monarch Butterfly Project of Cape Cod, which distributes free milkweed seeds so residents can repopulate milkweed, the primary food for monarch caterpillars. The church’s GO Green! group is active in the community and works closely with the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve on educational programs related to creation care, including efforts to preserve Waquoit Bay. GO Green! is open to non-church members and other faith communities. First Church of Christ Longmeadow Longmeadow, MA http://www.1stchurchlongmeadow.org/ First Church officially started its Environmental Justice Team in the fall of 2014 after several church members had joined with other concerned town citizens in establishing an official Longmeadow Transition Town Group. Like many UCC churches, their building is quite old, some sections as old as 120 years. Undaunted, the newly formed Environmental Justice Team first evaluated what simple changes they could make. They concentrated on completing structural tasks such as changing to LED lights, using and turning off power strips, and turning down temperatures.

http://waquoitucc.org/

http://www.1stchurchlongmeadow.org/

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Some of the core group members have become involved working closely with other faith-based green teams in Longmeadow. Together, they arranged multiple talks on the environment, green energy symposia, and solar programs for the community. Two years ago they formed the Springfield Area Interfaith Climate Action Network, SAICAN, which disseminates information and promotes a call to action. The Environmental Justice team meets monthly with six active members, including the minister. The church also continues to host the monthly meetings of the Longmeadow Environmental Transition Group and has hosted other environmental group symposiums including the Massachusetts Interfaith Power and Light organization. First Church has completed twelve of the Level One tasks and is halfway to completing the Level Two tasks. As a witness to its commitment to stewardship of the earth, a long-term goal of the church is to add solar panels over a portion of the roof now facing major repairs. First Congregational Church Winchester, MA http://www.fcc-winchester.org "What does it mean to follow Jesus in a climate crisis world?" from "Climate Church, Climate World" by Rev. Jim Antal "Hope is a thing with feathers, that perches in the soul..." Emily Dickenson Faced with unprecedented climate change, a tidal wave of ecological devastation and a cacophony of voices denying that it even exists, it is understandable to feel powerless in the face of such a formidable challenge. Yet when the church aligns faith with specific concrete action - then even small steps - can become a catalyst for hope. To enlist members of the congregation to take actual, concrete steps towards reducing the church's carbon footprint, the church used the results of a recent electrical energy audit to create an "Adopt a Light" initiative. Borrowing on the approach employed by Heifer International, individual congregants were invited to "adopt" an LED device or bulb that would replace older/less efficient and more costly lighting technology throughout the church's sanctuary, classrooms, hallways, offices and fellowship space. Though the "adoption" meant paying for a particular LED device and/or bulb of their choice, the initiative was designed to educate and empower members of the congregation to actively take part as environmental stewards and people of faith. What was particularly rewarding was that members of all ages (children, teens, adults, and elders) actively took part. As the varied LED devices and bulbs were adopted, chart thermometer(s) were posted to show the scale of participation, so that congregants could see firsthand the results of this initiative.

LEVEL TWO AWARD Edwards Church Framingham, MA http://www.edwardschurch.org Edwards Church has an earth-centered Sunday School curriculum that focuses on a garden box installed near their parking lot. It was built by members of Grace Church, as a gift before the two churches merged. Last summer the Sunday school students planted the box with herbs and peppers and shared the fragrant growth with the community, as the box is open for all to

http://www.fcc-winchester.org/

http://www.edwardschurch.org/

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pick. They used water from their rain barrel while teaching about the precious gift of water in God’s creation. They also coordinate with the community farm that shares their campus.

Many energy efficient changes were made to the building, including LED lights, and light sensors and dimmers. A new bicycle rack has been installed. A letter writing campaign is underway to encourage the new mayor of Framingham to have a “sustainability coordinator” in the budget.

Edwards Church has a composting program maintained by the “Composting Crew.” Members who cannot compost at home are welcome to bring it to church. They also work with Transition Framingham, an organization that is working to help Framingham transition away from fossil fuels towards a greener, local, and more sustainable future.

The Edwards Church Green Team looks forward to continuing to green their church and surrounding community, raise awareness, and show care for God’s creation. First Church Natick, UCC Natick, MA http://www.firstchurchnatick.org First Church in Natick completed the divestment of its endowed funds from companies engaged in fossil fuel exploration and extraction in early 2018, joining the network of Fossil Free UCC churches to stand with those whose lives and livelihoods are endangered by climate change. They continue to upgrade the physical plant to reduce their carbon footprint, and to celebrate the great gift of creation through worship and faith formation opportunities using resources from the Seasons of Creation lectionary and Greenfaith. They created their own summer environmental curriculum for children. Quarterly Environmental Action Sundays focus on a variety of topics including updates from the town’s Sustainability Coordinator, and a discussion of Lyme disease with their state representative. First Natick partnered with local groups in Natick to pass single use plastic bag bans and restrictions on polystyrene, and to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Natick set a state-wide record for solar capacity! Church members are active in Keep Natick Beautiful and Natick Trails projects. They celebrate their great open spaces by being involved in a project to plant milkweed seedlings - a plant essential to monarch butterflies - in an area of town forest previously cleared of knotweed.

The congregation also collaborated with their pastor to create a sabbatical program focused on environmental action. While the pastor trained with Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project and joined in advocacy initiatives with Mass Interfaith Power and Light, the congregation created community garden beds, added a rain barrel, and participated in Mass Audubon programs and the launch of 100% Renewable Natick. As part of her sabbatical, the pastor traveled to Costa Rica, which is on track to become carbon neutral by 2021, and brought along the church mascot, Biscuit the stuffed sloth. As part of their travels, they visited Kids Saving the Rainforest – a wildlife rescue sanctuary supported by the children of First Church.

http://www.firstchurchnatick.org/

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Federated Church of Orleans Orleans, MA http://www.fedchurchorleans.org The Federated Church of Orleans’ Care for Creation team has continued to raise awareness both with the congregation and in the community about environmental justice and creation. They revised the church’s Covenant to include language related to creation care which was unanimously adopted at the church’s annual meeting in January 2018. They intentionally included creation care language in the weekly liturgy and have periodic sermons on creation care from their pastor and guest speaker, the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas. A new “Boldly Caring for All Creation” banner was placed on the building. The annual Lenten series in 2018 was about faith responses to creation care. A creative and novel idea they had was to construct a float for the town July 4th parade that was all about Creation Care. The float included a “solar panel,” images of the earth, lots of “animals” and other creation images. About 15 church members, including youth, walked and rode with the float. It told the town that creation care is an important emphasis for the church! Many practices in the church were made more environmentally friendly. They developed an online network for church members with information and articles about environmental advocacy, screened cleaning and landscaping products for green suitability, and worked on a congregation-wide ban on the use of plastic water bottles and plastic utensils, in particular for church events. The church was instrumental in creating a Cape-wide Faith Communities Environmental Network. Members of the Care for Creation Team are active participants in this network, hosting a Cape-wide Faith Network forum in April 2018. The Care for Creation Team showed “A Plastic Ocean” as part of the annual Orleans Pond Coalition event in October 2017 and look forward to a similar program in 2018.

http://www.fedchurchorleans.org/

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Recognitions of Generosity: Top Giving Churches in 2017

Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support: Trinitarian Congregational Church

UCC, Concord

United Church Mission: Wellesley Congregational Church

Neighbors in Need: Wellesley Congregational Church

One Great Hour of Sharing: The Second Church in Newton UCC

Strengthen the Church: Congregational Church of Westborough

The Christmas Fund: First Congregational Church UCC of Harwich

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The Andy Gustafson Award 2018

Andy Gustafson (Associate Conference Minister for Stewardship & Financial Development, who died May 2014) inspired countless UCC members, pastors and congregations to live more abundantly, to hope without constraint, to share with joy and enthusiasm the gifts God has given them, and to wake up each morning with gratitude and generosity in their hearts. His life testified to resilience, humility, and a love for the church committed to making visible the transforming light of God. The Andy Gustafson Award was established in 2015 and is given each year to a member of the Massachusetts Conference who embodies these characteristics. This year, at the Annual Meeting Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, June 16, 2018, Massachusetts Conference Board of Directors Chair, Corey Sanderson, will present the Andy Gustafson Award to The Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, retiring Minister and President of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ (2006-present). Abundance is at the heart of Jim Antal’s ministry and leadership. He shares the perspective of mentor and friend, Henri Nouwen: “God's Kingdom is a place of abundance where every generous act overflows its original bounds and becomes part of the unbounded grace of God at work in the world.” In his 2016 Annual Report letter, Jim encouraged us to ask, “What would you do if you were brave and faithful?” He then urged us to call upon the extraordinary power God has given us, “recognizing that – with God – all things are possible.” And in his recent book, Climate Church, Climate World, he speaks to a wider audience of God’s call to the Church in our generation to respond faithfully to the climate crisis, affirming, “The gifts of the Holy Spirit empower us to accomplish more than we could ask or imagine.” Allied to a theology of abundance is Jim’s fierce commitment to hope. Whether rejecting a scarcity mentality, a narrow-minded narrative of church decline, or pessimism in the face of global climate change, Jim Antal is relentlessly hopeful. Recipients of Jim Antal emails know his characteristic sign off, “sharing the yoke of defiant hope.” In Climate Church, Climate World, he says, “I continue to believe that the most important contribution people of faith can and must make as humanity confronts the climate crisis is to proclaim hope.” Clarifying that hope isn’t the same as optimism – an attitude that carries with it no cost or risk – he quotes from the prophet Jeremiah about God giving us a future with hope, and adds, “Deep-seated hope is what we need, and what God intends for us.” In many ways, Jim has pushed us to claim this promise, hoping actively by putting our faith into action. A person who takes no greater pleasure than laughing at himself – and what a hearty and distinctive laugh he has! – Jim Antal has manifested and brought to the mission and ministry of the Massachusetts Conference a joy that is undeniably infectious. We offer our enduring thanks for his leveraging of his gifts to identify, equip, and empower so many of us in the use of ours, in the service of God’s mission and the special calling God has for each and all of us. In him and through him the transforming light of God has indeed been made visible!

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The Board of Ministerial Aid Incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1869

One Badger Road, Framingham, MA 01702 508-875-5233 FAX 508-875-5485

June 2018

To: Clergy in the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ Re: Pastoral Counseling Emergency Grants Financial Counseling Quarterly Grants Christmas Gifts Dear Friend in Ministry, You have responded to the call “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ…” (Eph. 4:12). The Board of Ministerial Aid (BMA) honors your gift of ministry on behalf of the church of Jesus Christ. Now it is our privilege to support you. BMA offers emergency grants for immediate financial needs, quarterly grants for retired clergy to supplement inadequate retirement income, and Christmas gifts in cooperation with the UCC Pension Board. BMA also has contracted with Money Management International (MMI) to provide confidential financial counseling to improve fiscal fitness. MMI offers financial guidance, credit counseling, and debt management assistance to help get one’s fiscal house in order. Clergy who have used their services vouch for its benefits. In addition, BMA has contracted with pastoral counseling centers in several locations throughout Massachusetts. These centers draw on the rich traditions of psychology and spirituality to offer confidential counseling. These services are available to clergy who serve, or have served, in the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ, and their families, who seek or are referred for such care. If we can help, we look forward to hearing from you. We hope you will help spread the word about our services to clergy colleagues in the Massachusetts Conference.

To apply for help, contact one of the Associate Conference Ministers or the President of the Board of Ministerial Aid, Walter Kreil at 978-944-0259 or [email protected]

For Pastoral Counseling, call: Pastoral Counseling Centers of Massachusetts (Westboro, Worcester, Hudson areas) at 508-366-4000, or NE Pastoral Institute (Eastern Massachusetts, including Boston metro area) at 603-890-6767. This is a confidential service.

For Financial Counseling, call: Dedicated line at Money Management International (MMI) at 866-722-1876. This is also a confidential service.

We hope you will spread the word about our services to clergy colleagues in the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. Thank you and God bless you.


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