Massachusetts Conference Edition

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Conference Vision Promotes Church Vitality, Covenant

August/September 2005

Don Remick, Outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors, introduced how the Conference will be pushing into the deep waters by refining the vision of the Conference.  “One of our most significant actions this year was truly a step of faith into the deep waters.   After several years of living into the inspiration and innovation of our Vision for Renewal and Growth we have begun a time of reflection and listening.  By the clear leading of the Spirit, we have refined the vision into a short and memorable statement:  The Board of Directors affirms that the mission of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ is to nurture local church vitality and the covenant among our churches.  This is not about what our Conference can do for you or what you can do for our Conference.  It is about doing the work of Christ together.”

“In the coming years we will measure all that we are and all that we do by this mission.  Our interim time allows us to step back and look at everything from the way we use the time and talents of our volunteers to the same considerations for our gifted staff.   And Steve Sterner, our Interim Minister and President, is the right person to guide our way.  The foundational Vision for Renewal and Growth called for a time of experimentation and new ways of understanding the ministry of our Conference, yet the Conference structure remained much the same.  Now, with several years of experience, we have a chance to see how that is working and how it might work better.    Everything from the nominating process to the budget planning to programs and projects is up for discernment as to how they can be most faithful and open to the movement of the Spirit as it sweeps through our Conference of Churches and fills

our sails.”

“You might say that even as we are pushing out into the deep waters, we are redesigning and refitting and reshaping the boat.  That could be considered foolish and frightening if we were not a people of faith.   Yet, our Sacred Scripture is full of stories of people who were called to do just exactly that.”