BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Brick River Technologies//NONSGML v1.0//EN BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120508T170000Z DTEND:20120511T035900Z SUMMARY:New England Association of United Church Educators (NEAUCE) DESCRIPTION:NEAUCE Annual Workshop “Welcome to the Living Stone, the Sou rce of Life.”Keynote Speaker: Dr. David Greenhaw, President of Eden Seminary  Celebrating and Informing New England Chri stian Educators at the Craigville Conference Center on beaut iful Cape Cod Download the NEAUCE 2012 brouchure now. Associ ation of United Church Educators    “Like” us on Facebook  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120509T160000Z DTEND:20120509T170000Z SUMMARY:History Matters, Brown Bag Lunch Talk: Adrian Weimer - Bosto n DESCRIPTION:Adrian WeimerMartyrs Mirror:Persecution and Holiness in Earl y New England  Today many people remember the Puritans for i ntolerance, witch-burning, and bloody conflicts with Native Americans. Yet, as Adrian Weimer argues in her thoughtful wo rk, the Puritans actually believed they were a beleaguered m inority. By tracing their identity to the persecution and su ffering endured under Mary Queen of Scots, the Puritans saw themselves as martyrs following a painful path to godliness. Weimer's research helps explain Puritan attitudes toward Qu akers, Baptists, and especially, Native Americans, and it be gins an entirely new conversation about this endlessly fasci nating time in American history.Adrian Weimer is assistant p rofessor of history at Providence College.Preregistration is requested for all Brown Bag Lunches.All Brown Bag Lunches b egin at NOON, the program starts promptly at 12:15pm in the Library. Please bring your lunch, chips and soda will be pro vided. There is NO FEE for these programs. Visit us online a t www.CongregationalLibrary.org for a complete list of our r esources, classes, tours, lectures, and more!To R.S.V.P. cli ck http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/N87QRV7Endorsed by the Comm ission on Leadership Development END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120510T200000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Ecumenism Commission Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120510T140000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Volunteer Development Committee Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120511T213000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:MACUCC Board of Directors Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120512T140000Z DTEND:20120512T160000Z SUMMARY:Church Librarians Workshop - Wellesley DESCRIPTION:Are you a church Librarian? Do you know someone who is?The C ongregational Library is proud to present the Cultivating yo ur Church Library: Church Librarians WorkshopContribute your ideas and experiences, while making important contacts with other church librarians.$15.00 includes coffee and snacksSa turday May 12, 2012 | 10 am to 12 pmWorkshop will be at the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church at 207 Washington Stre et, Wellesley Hills, Ma 02481.Please visit our website to re gister for this event, or email mwbook@14beacon.org.Church L ibrarian Workshop led by our head librarian, Claudette Newha ll. This workshop is for church librarians and those interes ted in starting a church library. During this event particip ants will share ideas about resources, weeding collections, and building greater visibility. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120512T130000Z DTEND:20120512T190000Z SUMMARY:MACUCC Board of Directors Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120513T130000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Framingham Transition Town Meeting DESCRIPTION:Edwards House at the Mass Conference Center will be the site of the second day of a 2 day Training for Transition. (May 12, the first day, is at Grace Church UCC Framingham.) The T ransition movement is hundreds of communities in 35 countrie s – a global grassroots network of people taking positive, c reative action to build local resilience in response to glob al climate change. Neighbors come together to create a stron ger community, reduce oil dependency, improve economic well- being, and increase local food production, local energy, loc al jobs, mutual support and security.Transition U.S. (www.Tr ansitionUS.org) is offering the Training for Transition cour se developed by the Transition Network (www.TransitionNetwor k.org) and taught around the world. Participants will learn to describe the challenges posed by climate change and dimin ishing oil supplies, and explore ways to increase community resilience.The cost is $145 before May 5, $155 afterwards, a nd includes breakfast, lunch and materials. Registration/que stions/scholarships – contact Jenny Allen ( jilallen@rcn.com ).This event is endorsed by Environmental Ministries of the Mass. Conference and will be led by Tina Clarke and Fred Bro wn.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120513T200000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Ruth Richards ~ Ordination DESCRIPTION:A LETTER MISSIVEGreetings to the churches, ministers, and de legates of the Central Association.You are hereby invited to attend a Service of Ordination for Ruth E. Richards  on Sun day, May 13, 2012 at 4:00 PM at theActon Congregational Chur ch12 Concord RoadActon, MA (978) 263-2728Ruth has been calle d as Pastor to the Pawtucket Congregational Church of Lowell . Those attending should be aware that an offering may be re ceived during the service to benefit the Central Association Scholarship Fund.Wishing you Grace, Mercy, and Peace.Richar d F. Jones, M.Div., ModeratorRev. Doreen Oughton, Vice-Moder ator Members of the Board of Directors *Clergy and in-discer nment students are invited to robe and process END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120516T213000Z DTEND:20120517T000000Z SUMMARY:Meeting of the Chairs of the Committees on Ministry DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120519T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Webfest Postponed DESCRIPTION:The MACUCC Webfest, previously announced for May 19, 2012, i s being postponed due to scheduling issues. Watch for a bigg er event for church communicators in the fall!In the meantim e, please check out these great resources:Google Groupgroups .google.com/group/macucc-communicatorsJoin our Google group of Massachusetts Conference communicators and webmasters! Th is is the place to go to share ideas and ask questions.Commu nicators Wikimacuccwiki.orgVisit the MACUCC Communicators Wi ki for a host of resources related to all different aspects of church communication. Examples include:Setting up a Faceb ook Presence for Your ChurchWhether your are new to Facebook or already have hundreds of "friends," this article will wa lk you through setting up a Facebook Page for your church. Using the MACUCC Wordpress Theme to create a church websit e. This includes a series of tutorials to walk you throug h the process, from getting a domain name and web hosting to installing the MACUCC theme to adding content.   Set ting up a Facebook Presence for Your Church Whether your are new to Facebook or already have hundreds of "friends," t his article will walk you through setting up a Facebook Page for your church.   E-newsletters Is your church newsletter stuck in limbo - designed for print, but distribu ted primarily electronically for the receipients to print ou t and read? There is a better way - read about the possibili ties here. The wiki is an open resource, meaning anyone can view the information, and visitors who register are encouarg ed to add their own knowledge and expertise. These resources made possible by contributions to Our Church’s Wider Missio n Basic Support and Fellowship Dues.Sponsored by the Commiss ion on Communication, Massachusetts Conference, United Churc h of Christ. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120520T180000Z DTEND:20120521T035900Z SUMMARY:Hampshire Association Annual Meeting DESCRIPTION:Hampshire Association Annual Meeting 2PMMeeting to be held a t Church of Christ Congregational,State St , Granby MAA meal will be provided END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120521T123000Z DTEND:20120522T193000Z SUMMARY:Boundary Awareness Training DESCRIPTION:1. Each session is a two day session, not two separate one d ay sessions. 2. Training is from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm each day , gathering at 8:30 am. 3. Enrollment is limited to 20 peopl e per session and is on a first come first serve basis. 4. T he cost will be $75 for active clergy; $50 for retired and c andidates for authorized ministry. 5. Checks should be made out to The Metropolitan Boston Association and mailed to the Waltham office: 230 Second Ave., Suite 110, Waltham, MA 024 51. 6. Checks are due in the office at least a week prior to the training session.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120524T210000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Commission for Leadership Development Meeting DESCRIPTION:Regular meeting of the Commission for Leadership Development .  Guests are welcome. Please notify Susan Dickerman at dick ermans@macucc.org one week prior to the meeting if you wish to attend. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120601T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:On line registration begins for the 2012-2013 Confirmation R etreats DESCRIPTION:Registration is now open for the 2012-2013 Confirmation Retr eats.Please click below to visit the Confirmation Retreat we bpage with dates and links to the online registration forms: www.macucc.org/confirmation END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120602T123000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:A Day of Restorative Justice DESCRIPTION: A Day of Restorative JusticeFeaturing Dr. Howard ZehrJune 2 , 2012 will be a day of Restorative Justice learning includi ng panels, workshops, film, circle role-play, a photo exhibi t and more. Keynote address, "The Promise and Challenge of R estorative Justice", will be by Dr. Howard J. Zehr, Professo r of Restorative Justice at the Center for Justice and Peace building, Eastern Mennonite University.Widely known as “the grandfather of restorative justice,” Zehr began as a practit ioner and theorist in restorative justice in the late 1970s at the foundational stage of the field. Zehr continues in th is third decade to deepen the principles of restorative just ice and grow its practice worldwide. He has led hundreds of events in some 25 countries and 35 states, including trainin gs and consultations on restorative justice, victim-offender conferencing, judicial reform, and other criminal justice m atters. His impact has been especially significant in the Un ited States, Brazil, Japan, Jamaica, Northern Ireland, Brita in, the Ukraine, and New Zealand, a country that has restruc tured its juvenile justice system into a family-focused, res torative approach, causing a dramatic drop in youth crime. Z ehr was an early advocate of making the needs of victims cen tral to the practice of restorative justice. A core theme in his work is respect for the dignity of all peoples.Schedule Click here to register   Click here for a downloadable flyer w ith workshop descriptions 8:30 AM:  R egistration and coffee9-10 AM:  Opening Welcome by MACUCC  Restorative Justice Task Team Introduction of event and co-sponsors Welcome by C4RJ (Communities for Restorative Justice) Introduction to RJ discussion by Dr. Howard J. Z ehr10:15-11:45 AM:  Session I Workshops (1-1/2 hours)12-12:4 5 PM:  Lunch1-2:15 PM:  Session 2 Workshops (1-1/4 hours)2:3 0-5 PM:  Keynote/Reception Howard Zehr Keynote: "The Prom ise and Challenge of Restorative Justice" Reception Ph oto exhibit Book signingWorkshops (all workshops are offe red both morning and afternoon)Restorative Circles in Congre gationsFacilitated by Karen Nell Smith, Bonnie I. Marden and Mark Siefried. Circles enable the ministry of reconciliatio n and contribute to the restoration of our relationships wit h others that is critical to our relationship with God. This workshop will include the essential principles and componen ts for introducing and integrating the circle process into c ongregational life, sharing a variety of ways in which the c ircle process has been used in congregational settings, and the opportunity to experience its transformative power.Karen Nell Smith, conflict transformation facilitator and pastor. Co-creator of the Brookfield Institute and the “Walking in the Way of Peace,” a program of conflict transformation for congregations, Karen Nell is a skilled facilitator with over 25 years of experience. She received her DMin. from Hartfor d Seminary with a focus on interfaith dialogue and holds cer tificates in mediation from the Lombard Mennonite Peace Cent er, pastoral crisis intervention from International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, and trauma healing through East ern Mennonite University’s STAR program. She serves as pasto r of the Congregational Church of Christ, UCC, in North Leom inster, MA. Convener - Karen Nell Smith, Brookfield Institut e: Cultivating Wholeness, Harvesting PeaceBonnie I. Marden, mediator, facilitator, and peacebuilder. Bonnie's training e ncompasses mediation, intervention and dialogue skills which she loves teaching frequently through circles. She is a "Wa lking in the Way" facilitator and has completed Lombard Menn onite Peace Center's mediation training, Eastern Mennonite U niversity's STAR trauma training and supports the United Met hodist JustPeace Center for Peace and Reconciliation. Mark S iefried, interim pastor.RJ from a Victim's Perspective C4RJ: What Does Justice Mean to You? Convener: Janet Connors. In this workshop, participants will hear a mother's restoration story and travel with her on her restorative justice journe y in the aftermath of her son Joe's murder. Participants wil l discover what justice means to them; learn about the Victi m-Offender Dialogue process, and put themselves in the shoes of a victim/survivor as they explore the potential value of restorative practices for both victims and offenders.Janet Connors, a Community Fellow and trainer with the Center for Restorative Justice at Suffolk University, brings over 40 ye ars' experience working with youth and families in community based organizations. She worked as the Survivor Support Coo rdinator at the Louis Brown Peace Institute where she kept c ircles with families to promote healing from grief and traum a. Today, through her work with JUST Circles, she brings res torative justice practices to schools as alternatives to sus pension and a s means to build positive relationships and co mmunity.  A survivor herself, Janet lost her son Joel to hom icide.  Her own personal journey brought about a change in p olicy practice to the state of Massachusetts which offers vi ctims the option of calling for and participating in Victim- Offender Dialogue.  She has participated on many panels at v arious forums, and was MOVA Advocate Academy’s keynote speak er at the State House for Victim Rights Awareness Week. She was also the receiver of a National Award for Leadership in Community and Restorative Justice. Restorative Justice in th e CommunityConvener: Victor Jose Santana, Team Member at Roc a, Inc., using its intervention model with high-risk youth. This break-out session will focus on how Circles can play an important role in building trust and consensus among divers e communities. Participants will have an opportunity to revi ew real life case studies, ask questions and develop Circle plans for their communities.  .Victor Jose Santana is a rest orative justice practitioner, artist, and youth leadership d evelopment specialist who works at Roca, an organization who se mission is to help very high-risk youth move out of viole nce and poverty. During the last 12 years, Victor Jose has b een collaborating and consulting with organizations national ly on youth development and the peacemaking circle process.  He holds a Master of Education degree with a specialization in Youth Leadership through Restorative Justice and Circles from Lesley University. Victor Jose has been trained in the peacemaking circle process, has a background in community pl anning, public policy, and has worked with the Latin America n School of Social Sciences (FLACSO) in bringing people toge ther through arts and social activists movements across Lati n America. He is also a member of the Kellogg Leadership for Community Change, which is a national network of organizati ons involved in community change through collective leadersh ip approaches to critical social justice issues. Experience a Restorative Justice CircleCome and join the Just Peace Pla yers as they demonstrate the Restorative Circle Process. Thi s workshop simulates the experience of the Restorative Circl e process and connects with the concepts of democracy and in clusivity. Candid communication, deep listening and sincere understanding combine to offer the potential for healing, re storation and the strengthening of community bonds.The Just Peace Players are a group of ministers, ordained and lay, wh o write and perform a new play on peace and justice themes e ach year. They use poetry, music, drama, humor and art to in vite people to explore the connections between peace, justic e and spirituality.Discussion of Clips from "Burning Bridges ", a video of RJ in actionConvener: Christy Barbee, C4RJ Chi ef Case Coordinator. Ever wonder what a restorative justice process looks like in real life? This workshop will offer th e viewing of a documentary that covered the arson of Mood's Bridge, an historic covered bridge in Bucks County, PA, and the restorative conference held in ints wake. The compelling footage captures the before-and-after images of the bridge, story-telling by the young men charged with the crime, the impact upon their loved ones, and expressions of outrage by community members. A discussion will follow among workshop p articipants to debrief the incident, the context and format of the restorative process, surprises, and ways the process might have been improved.Christy Barbee has worked with Comm unities for Restorative Justice for five years as a voluntee r facilitator, circle keeper, and case coordinator. Recently she assumed the staff role of leading other case coordinato rs. She has served on the Carlisle (MA) School Committee and chaired the School Building Committee. She continues to wor k in Citizen Action Team, a disaster-relief organization. Sh e has a long background as an editor and writer, having work ed at the Associated Press and the Boston Phoenix, and havin g contributed work to many magazines and companies. In 2008 she was recognized by the Massachusetts Commission on the St atus of Women as an “Unsung Heroine.” She is the mother of t wo.Restorative Justice in MA Juvenile Courts: Overview of Re storative Justice InitiativesConvener: Hon. Jay Blitzman, Fi rst Justice, Middlesex County Juvenile Court.  Restorative J ustice in the Juvenile Courts - Overview of Restorative Just ice initiatives in the Juvenile Courts in Massachusetts incl uding how Restorative Justice can derail the Zero Tolerance- fueled School to Prison Pipeline.Hon. Jay D. Blitzman, First Justice, Middlesex County Juvenile Court, former Juvenile D efender with the Committee for Public Counsel Services, Lect urer at Northeastern University and Boston University School s of Law and currently working on a Restorative Justice coll aboration in Lowell.Creating a School Where Everyone Belongs : Restorative Practices in SchoolsConvener: Richard Cohen, F ounder/Director School Mediation, Inc.  Would you like to de epen the climate of safety and belonging in your school and to learn effective strategies to address student misbehavior that build personal accountability and a sense of community ?Restorative Practices (RP) is an innovative and systemic ap proach to community building and student misbehavior popular abroad but still relatively unknown in US schools. RP origi nated in part as a response to juvenile crime and they const itute a set of processes that range from those designed to p revent conflict from occurring to those designed to make thi ngs right after wrongdoing has occurred. RP questions the fu ndamental assumption that punishment holds wrongdoers accoun table, and instead stresses the repairing of harm, developme nt of personal accountability, the empowering of victims, an d the strengthening of community.Richard Cohen has worked wi th hundreds of schools since he co-founded School Mediation Associates in 1984. He is the author of two books about scho ol-based mediation, as well as a monthly e-newsletter, “The School Mediator” (with 2,700 subscribers in 70 countries). F or more information, visit www.schoolmediation.com.Restorati ve Justice in the MA Criminal Justice SystemConvener: Len We therbee, Retired Chief of Police of the Concord, MA Police D ept. Disputes over program ownership have long been a theme in restorative justice. If the criminal justice system “owns ” it, does that mean it’s been co-opted by rules and regulat ions? If the community “owns” it, does that mean rights are trampled upon, and vigilantism is imminent? A new model is c elebrating 12 years of success. It boasts a genuine communit y-police partnership where all aspects of the program are jo intly owned. Chief Wetherbee (ret.) will offer a snapshot of how this model came to be, its history, hurdles and horizon .Len retired in January 2010 from the Concord Police Departm ent after 33 years of service, the last 17 as chief of polic e. It was during Len's time as the department's prosecutor a t the Concord District Court that he recognized that the cur rent system was not addressing victim needs or the obligatio ns that were created when an offense was committed. In 1997, Len met with two community members, Jean Bell and Joan Turn er, to discuss the possible role of Restorative Justice in C oncord. As a result of that meeting, the seeds were sown for C4RJ (Communities for Restorative Justice). Len was a found ing member of the Domestic Violence Victim Assistance Progra m, was involved in the start of many community policing init iatives in Concord, and served at various levels on numerous boards and programs in Concord and the Metrowest region.Reg istrationThe cost to attend is $39 until May 18; $50 after M ay 18 and at the door. The cost for students, seniors and "s ignificant volunteers" is $25. Register online. Please note that a church affiliation is optional.Questions? Contact Mik e Rich, Restorative Justice Task Team chair, at kidlaw.rich@ gmail.com.Restorative Justice is a movement which brings tog ether the faith community and the law enforcement community with a Biblical and indigenous framework for a system of jus tice. It recognizes that the harm of an offense is primarily an injury to human relationships and our covenant with God, and secondarily, a violation of secular law. Learn more abo ut restorative justice here.This event is co-sponsored by th e Restorative Justice Task Team of the MA Conference, UCC; C ommunities for Restorative Justice, Inc.; Trinitarian Congre gational Church; and Park Avenue Congregational Church.    END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120606T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Crossroads Luncheon DESCRIPTION:Luncheon for participating Crossroads churches. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120609T123000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:A Workshop in Spiritual Companioning DESCRIPTION:This four-hour experiential workshop offered by the Rev. Eli zabeth Magill and the Rev. Joan Murray is useful for basic t raining and for renewed experience in that deepest of listen ing skills: pastoral or spiritual care.  Starting from the a ssumption that God loves and cares for each one of us, we wi ll learn to sit with another of God’s children and support t he telling of each one’s story, making connections to God’s story.The workshop is designed to meet the needs of anyone, lay or ordained, who wants to begin or expand skills for the work of pastoral or spiritual care. We will cover basic mat erial and also provide space for your personal experiences t o be explored in relation to the companionship model of past oral care.Click here for downloadable flyer.$35 includes mor ning coffee and lunch. Registration deadline is Monday, June 4th. Register online, or contact Karen Methot Methotk@macuc c.org, and send a check saying “spiritual companioning” to M ACUCC, 1 Badger Road, Framingham, MA 01702.Offered by Worces ter Fellowship and Chaplains on the Way with support from th e Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ (M ACUCC).  The Rev. Elizabeth Magill is pastor of Worcester Fe llowship, an outdoor church reaching homeless and at risk ad ults. The Rev. Joan Murray is founder and chaplain at Chapla ins on the Way in Waltham, MA. She was trained in Companioni ng by The Rev. Craig Rennebohm, author of Souls in the Hands of a Tender God. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120609T143000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:NEREM Meeting DESCRIPTION:New England Regional Environmental Ministries meets with Epi scopal environmental leaders. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120610T040000Z DTEND:20120613T035900Z SUMMARY:44th Annual Secretaries Gathering DESCRIPTION:Simple Gifts ~ Celebrating Our Inner ChildMark your calendar ! Come and play! We can all look forward to the arrival of J une when we get together at the Craigville Retreat Center fo r our 44th Annual Secretaries Gathering.Highlights:“How Do Y ou Play?” – We will introduce ourselves to one another throu gh the medium of play. What do you like to do that brings ou t the child within? What stimulates your imagination?Two wor kshops will be offered on Monday morning and you will have t he opportunity to attend both:  Prayerful Beading led by Kar en Fournier and Iris Folding led by Kathy Krikorian. Followi ng Monday Lunch we will Make a Joyful Noise led by Bev Lange veld. On Tuesday morning we will gather to Worship and Sing Praises for the Simple Gifts God provides. This service will be led by the Rev. Joe Marchio, Associate Pastor of the Fir st Congregational Church in Chatham. Joe is also the Music D irector of the church and the Director of the Chatham Choral e.Download full information and a registration form  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120610T190000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Kazimierz Bem ~ Installation DESCRIPTION:A LETTER MISSIVE Greetings to the churches and ministers of the Central AssociationYou are hereby invited to attend aSer vice of Installation for Rev. Kazimierz Bem on Sunday, June 10, 2012 at 3:00pm to be held atFirst Church in Marlborough3 7 High Street, Marlborough(508) 485-6297 Kaz has been called as Pastorto the First Church in Marlborough Those attending should be aware that an offering may be received during the service to benefit the Central Association Scholarship Fund .Wishing you Grace, Mercy, and Peace.Richard F. Jones, M. Di v., Moderator The Rev. Doreen Oughton, Vice-ModeratorBoard o f Directors of the Central Association A Letter Missive  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120613T160000Z DTEND:20120613T170000Z SUMMARY:History Matters, Brown Bag Lunch Talk: Garth Rosell DESCRIPTION:Exploring New Englands Spiritual Heritage: Seven Daytrips fo r Contemporary PilgrimsGarth RosellHad enough of the Freedom Trail and Fenway Park? Here is an entirely new way to see N ew England, following some of its roads less traveled into s ome surprising encounters with its spiritual past. Garth Ros ell, professor of church history at Gordon-Conwell Theologic al Seminary, has put together a wonderfully informative hand bookcomplete with maps, easy-to-follow directions, helpful c ommentary, and beautiful picturesthat should be a staple of your summer vacation plans. The day trips are great for fami lies, with plenty to interest both children and adults. Come learn more about these trips from the author and pick up a copy of the book at the same time.  Immediately following th e brown bag lunch, start on the right foot. Join Peggy Bendr oth on the tour Exploring Bostons Religious History. You wil l discover sites important to American Congregationalists an d their religious neighbors in one of the nations most intri guing cities.  Preregistration is requested for all Brown Ba g Lunches. All Brown Bag Lunches begin at NOON, the program starts promptly at 12:15pm in the Library. Please bring your lunch, chips and soda will be provided. There is NO FEE for these programs. Visit us online at www.CongregationalLibrar y.org for a complete list of our resources, classes, tours, lectures, and more! For more Information and to R.S.V.P. ple ase email mwbook@14beacon.org  Endorsed by the Commission fo r Leadership Development.   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120615T040000Z DTEND:20120617T035900Z SUMMARY:213th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ DESCRIPTION:Quick Links:Registration DeadlineJune 1, 2012  REGISTER N OW ONLINE Download a registration brochure (PDF) Or re quest a printed registration form by contacting Jane Logee, Registrar, at logeej@macucc.org or 508-875-5233, ext. 221.  Download Advance Materials (PDF) Download Special Mail ing to Delegates (PDF)  AccommodationsDiscount rate deadl ine: May 25, 2012Accommodations are available at the Sturbri dge Host Hotel & Conference Center. Call  508-347-7393 for r eservations and state that you are part of the MA Conference Annual Meeting group. For online reservations, use the code United0615. (As of May 9, 2012, there are still rooms avail able.) Tentative Schedule FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012 4:00 PM: Regist ration opens 5:00 PM: Opening Plenary I Keynote: Ben Guess, UCC Collegium Member and Executive Minister for Local Church Ministries Votes on the standing rules and consent calendar Introductions of Staff and Board of Directors Volunteer Development Committee report Awards and recognitions Dinner w ill be served at tables in the meeting space 9:00 – 10:30 PM: Reception A gathering time for clerg y, delegates and friends SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 2012 7:30 AM: Registration opens 8:00 AM: C ontinental Breakfast 8:30 AM: New Delegate Orien tation and Marketplace New deleg ates are oriented to the “ins and outs” of Annual Meeting Marketplace opens 9:00 A M: Worship Word, Song and Inspiration! Rev. Ben Guess will preach 10:00 AM: Hearings and Forums Smaller group opportunities for en gaging the issues at hand Hearings will focus on: the budget resolutions National UCC Govern ance Changes 11:30 AM: Plenary II The State of the Conference report from Minister and President J im Antal Presentation on the budget 12:30 PM: Luncheon Delegates and v isitors gather at lunch, networking, visit marketplace 2:00 PM: Plenary III Business will continue including: Report from the Board of Directors Budget actions R esolutions and other business of the Conference 5:00 PM: Adjourn or Plenary IV (if needed) Be TransformedDear Members of the Massachu setts Conference, United Church of Christ:How will we indivi dually and collectively be transformed as we move together i nto the future of the United Church of Christ?  How will we discern and work towards transformational ministries at the local, association and conference levels in the name of Jesu s Christ?Staff and Annual Meeting planners have received str ong and consistent feedback on the hope that we could return to an overnight schedule. Folks wanted more time to delve i nto the topics and themes presented, more time to visit the marketplace, and, in particular, more time to build relation ships and reconnect with friends. As a result, we are return ing to an overnight format including some business, communit y time, worship, and theme presentation on Friday evening. W e hope you will be able to join with your brothers and siste rs in faith for this whole experience.The Rev. J. Bennett Gu ess (see biography below), Executive Minister for Local Chur ch Ministry, one of our five Collegium of Officers, United C hurch of Christ will be with us keynoting on Friday evening and preaching on Saturday morning.  We are gifted to have su ch a transformational leader present with us around this the me -- Be Transformed.I look forward to seeing you in Sturbri dge on June 15th & 16th.Grace and peace,Nancy LawrenceChairp erson, Annual Meeting Planning CommitteeMember, First Church in Sandwich, UCCPS: Once again Old Sturbridge Village is of fering pre-registered Annual Meeting attendees a discounted admission rate. If you are registered by June 1st, your name will be on the list sent to OSV. Then all you have to do to receive the reduced rate is to check in at the Visitor’s Ce nter and let them know that you are from the MASS Conference UCC Annual Meeting and you will be charged $10 instead of t heir regular $24 rate. So be sure to get your registration i n early!Keynote SpeakerThe Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess is Exec utive Minister of the United Church of Christ's Local Church Ministries and a member of the UCC's five-person Collegium of Officers.Guess has worked for the UCC's national setting since 2000, first as Justice and Witness Ministries' communi cations minister and, later, as editor of United Church News and the UCC's news director. In 2007, he was named the UCC' s communication director, where he helped steer the UCC's St ill-Speaking Ministry. In March 2010, Rev. Guess was asked t o oversee the creation of a new, cross-ministry department c alled Publishing, Identity and Communication that successful ly merged staff from the Office of General Ministries and Lo cal Church Ministries and fostered more cooperative and stra tegic work for the whole national setting. General Synod ele cted him to the Collegium in July 2011.Guess earned a B.A. d egree in journalism from the University of Kentucky. He comp leted graduate studies in public administration and public p olicy at Murray State University, and earned his M.Div. degr ee in 1991 from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He re ceived his D.Min. degree in preaching from UCC-related Chica go Theological Seminary in 2001.Prior to coming to the UCC's national offices, Guess was a local church pastor for 12 ye ars, including eight years as pastor of Zion UCC in Henderso n, Ky., a congregation that grew from 12 elderly members to a vital, justice-focused, multiracial, open and affirming co ngregation of more than 300 people.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120617T200000Z DTEND:20120618T035900Z SUMMARY:Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy ~ Ordination DESCRIPTION:A LETTER MISSIVE Greetings to the churches and ministers of the Central AssociationYou are hereby invited to attend aSer vice of Ordination for Eliza Buchakjian-Tweedy on Sunday, Ju ne 17, 2012 at 4:00pm to be held atSouth Acton Congregationa l Church35 School Street, Acton, MA(978) 263-2332 Eliza has been called as Pastor to First Church, Congregational of Roc hester, NH Those attending should be aware that an offering may be received during the service to benefit the Central As sociation Scholarship Fund.Wishing you Grace, Mercy, and Pea ce.Richard F. Jones, M. Div., Moderator The Rev. Doreen Ough ton, Vice-ModeratorBoard of Directors of the Central Associa tion   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120623T130000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Being a Generous Church - Together! DESCRIPTION:Our regional OCWM breakfasts continue on Saturday, June 23, at the First Congregational Church of Winchester, 21 Church Street in Winchester, MA. The Stewardship and Mission and Ju stice ministry teams continue their free series of regional breakfasts throughout the year to discuss best practices for being a generous church - within and beyond the local congr egation. Pastors and lay leaders: bring a team from your chu rch to meet others who are engaged in a common mission.Discu ssion leaders will include a mix of MACUCC program staff, ar ea ministers, board members, and commission members, as well as national UCC mission staff.A light breakfast is included . Click here for a flyer.Please RSVP to methotk@macucc.org  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120625T123000Z DTEND:20120626T193000Z SUMMARY:Boundary Awareness Training DESCRIPTION:1. Each session is a two day session, not two separate one d ay sessions. 2. Training is from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm each day , gathering at 8:30 am. 3. Enrollment is limited to 20 peopl e per session and is on a first come first serve basis. 4. T he cost will be $75 for active clergy; $50 for retired and c andidates for authorized ministry. 5. Checks should be made out to The Metropolitan Boston Association and mailed to the Waltham office: 230 Second Ave., Suite 110, Waltham, MA 024 51. 6. Checks are due in the office at least a week prior to the training session.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120709T040000Z DTEND:20120715T035900Z SUMMARY:Youth Mission Work Camp DESCRIPTION:A youth mission and service opportunity! Get out your work b oots, pull on your work gloves, and join other youth from ac ross Massachusetts who will be offering tornado recovery wor k in the Monson/Brimfield/Springfield area.  Participants wi ll stay at the South Congregational Church, UCC in Springfie ld.An adult chaperone is required for every five youth parti cipants from a church. If only one or two youth are particip ating from your church, please contact  Elsa Marshall for op tions. The cost is now just $300 per participant, which incl udes lodging, transportation, food and other needs. Scholars hips are available; contact Kelly Thibeault at thibeaultk@ma cucc.org.For a downloadable flyer, click here.         Ready to register?                          For adult volunteer r egistration, click here.                                     For youth registration, click here.Please note: additional health and behavioral covenant forms will be sent to you upo n registration.For more information on this work camp, conta ct Elsa Marshall at elsa@maplestreetchurch.org; or 978-774-4 510.  Jointly sponsored by the Massachusetts Conference, UCC and the Worcester Area Mission Society. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120710T040000Z DTEND:20120714T035900Z SUMMARY:National Youth Event 2012 DESCRIPTION:National Youth Event 2012I am about to do a new thing; now i t springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way i n the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19 (NRS V)The National Youth Event, held every four years, provides an opportunity for over 3,000 youth ages 13-18 to gather for worship, workshops, faith, fun and fellowship. Click here f or a flyer.The Massachusetts Conference will be registered a s a State Delegation. To participate, groups must include an appropriate ratio of chaperones. To join us as a MA Confere nce church, please register through the Massachusetts Confer ence website. Register by April 13.  Each person is responsi ble for their own meals and snacks on travel days. A $10 con tribution to gratuity for the bus driver is requested. Are y ou registering from a church outside of Massachusetts? Pleas e see special instructions.How do I get there and how much w ill it cost?New England UCC Conferences are coordinating bus es to NYE. We will depart from Framingham and Springfield. B uses are filled on a first-come, first-served basis…so regis ter soon! There are two travel options from which to choose:     SERVICE PR OJECT Bus Option: Cost $645.00 (includes $100 sub sidy from MACUCC) Depart Sat., July 7   ~   Retur n Sat., July 14   In addition to NYE, this option includes: Two days of mission work in Cleveland Visiting the National UCC offices at Church House  The cost does not include: Meals on travel days (two meals each way)  Sn acks or souvenirs at NYE     EXPRESS Bus Option: Cost $505.00 (includes $100 subsidy from MACUCC) Dep art Mon., July 9   ~   Return Sat., July 14   The cost does not include: Meals on trave l days (two meals each way) Snacks or souvenirs at NYE  For more information or questions on eith er option, contact Kelly Thibeault at 508.875.5233 x274 or b y email: thibeaultk@macucc.org.   Ser vice Trip DetailsPut your faith in action with summer missio n work on the way to NYE! Here’s your chance to do mission w ork AND enjoy the NYE experience. Get on one of the service  project buses on Saturday, July 7 and drive to Cleveland, OH . We will work at the Cleveland Food Bank and urban shelters and learn about poverty issues that confront this mid-weste rn city. You will develop community with friends from neighb oring conferences as we travel, cook, worship, and work toge ther. We will “camp out” at an urban church, worship in a si ster UCC Congregation in the Cleveland area, do service work in downtown Cleveland, and tour the UCC National Headquarte rs.  Special Instructions for youth and adults from NH, CT, RI, MAINE, VT:Register here for transportation and choose se rvice bus or express bus option. An $80 deposit is required to hold a space on the bus. Register for NYE here. Cost for the event is $425 per person (double occupancy)Click here fo r national Informational Flyer to post in local churches, di stribute to youth groups, and more! Contact Kelly Thibeault with questions: thibeaultk@macucc.org, 508-875-5233 x274.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120726T180000Z DTEND:20120729T220000Z SUMMARY:Adult Music Camp 2012 DESCRIPTION:Join other musically minded Christian adults for the opportu nity to spend a long weekend making beautiful music together .  We will worship, rehearse, relax, and enjoy fellowship wi th one another.  On Sunday afternoon we will share our talen ts in a concert.  All participants are expected to sing in t he choir.  And all of this takes place at the beautiful sett ing of Craigville with access to the beach, walking trails a nd a peaceful environment.  Come alone or bring a friend.  M inimum age is 18. For more information about Adult Music Cam p, contact Jane LogeeCost per person $350.00 (includes 10 me als and linens)  $60.00 additional for the extra night (7/29 )A minimum non-refundable deposit of $75.00 is required at t he time of registration.Register online today.More about the Craigville Retreat Center   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120804T040000Z DTEND:20120811T035900Z SUMMARY:Clergy Conference: Faith, Justice and Incarnation DESCRIPTION:A colloquoy for UCC, UU and ecumenical clergy colleagues wit h a passion for justice, on beautiful Star Island.  For more information please visit  http://www.macucc.org/pages/detai l/2522 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120822T130000Z DTEND:20120823T193000Z SUMMARY:Boundary Awareness Training DESCRIPTION:1. Each session is a two day session, not two separate one d ay sessions. 2. Training is from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm each day , gathering at 8:30 am. 3. Enrollment is limited to 20 peopl e per session and is on a first come first serve basis. 4. T he cost will be $75 for active clergy; $50 for retired and c andidates for authorized ministry. 5. Checks should be made out to The Metropolitan Boston Association and mailed to th e Waltham office: 230 Second Ave., Suite 110, Waltham, MA 0 2451. 6. Checks are due in the office at least a week prior to the training session. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120907T040000Z DTEND:20120909T035900Z SUMMARY:Clergy Contemplative Retreat DESCRIPTION:A retreat experience facilitated by Liz Neal that will lay t he ground work for spiritual-practice focused Clergy Communi ties of Practice.More details to follow. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120912T040000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Welcome Reception at Andover Newton DESCRIPTION:Welcome reception for students at Andover Newton Theological School.  To support ANTS students in their discernment and call process and provide awareness of the resources of the M ACUCC and its staff. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120914T220000Z DTEND:20120915T190000Z SUMMARY:Turnaround Boot Camp DESCRIPTION:"How to re-connect with the community around the church and reach new people."  A pastor and team of at least three lay leaders are required for this workshop. Come join this Frida y night to Saturday event and learn: Led by Rev. Paul Nickerson of Nicker son Coaching. Paul teaches and coaches congregations all ove r the country. How to leave behin d 1955 strategies How to figure out your community and wh o you can reach How to free up 20% of the pastor's time t o network How to generate a "culture of invitation" in th e congregation How to have excellent hospitality How t o navigate changeRegistration Information: The cost for a pa stor and three lay-leaders is: $299/team (register before Au g. 1) or $349/ team (Aug. 1 or later). Each additional team member is $60. Fee includes lunch on Saturday, snacks and al l materials. Registration ends Sept. 7 or when workshop is f ull. Contact Karen Methot with questions: methotk@macucc.org ; 508-875-5233 x234Click here for a downloadable flyer.               Click here to register.Sponsored by the Commission for Evangelism and Congregational Vitality   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120921T213000Z DTEND:20120922T190000Z SUMMARY:MACUCC Board of Directors Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120923T190000Z DTEND:20120923T220000Z SUMMARY:Robert H Jackson ~ Installation DESCRIPTION:A LETTER MISSIVE Greetings to the churches and ministers of the Central AssociationYou are hereby invited to attend aSer vice of Installation for Rev. Robert H. Jackson on Sunday, S eptember 23, 2012 at 3:00pm to be held atFirst Congregationa l Church in Worcester1070 Pleasant Street, Worcester(508) 75 2-4635 Robert has been called as Pastorto the First Congrega tional Church in Worcester Those attending should be aware t hat an offering may be received during the service to benefi t the Central Association Scholarship Fund.Wishing you Grace , Mercy, and Peace.Richard F. Jones, M. Div., Moderator The Rev. Doreen Oughton, Vice-ModeratorBoard of Directors of the Central Association   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120925T140000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:NECCL Meeting DESCRIPTION:New England Consultation of Church Leaders END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20120926T140000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:CE Open House DESCRIPTION:An opportunity for Christian Educators of all stripes to sha re and learn about new resources as well as participate in L ay Academy Exploration and deepen faith formation.More detai ls to follow. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121002T170000Z DTEND:20121004T200000Z SUMMARY:Tending the Fire Clergy Retreat Part I-Opening DESCRIPTION: Teaching clergy how to manage themselves and their congrega tions in effective, faithful and life-giving ways.Tending th e Fire is a three part retreat for clergy that is based in f amily systems theory developed by Dr. Murray Bowen and refin ed for congregational life by Dr. Edwin Friedman in his book  Generation to Generation. Facilitated by Rev. Barbara Lemme l, an ordained pastor in the New England Conference of the U nited Methodist Church, this series of retreats has deeply a ffected past participants and is an opportunity for MACUCC c lergy to gain tools necessary to understand dynamics in thei r congregations as well as experience new energy in their mi nistry.  For more information please visit www.tending-the-f ire.com.Opening Intensive:  October 2-4, 2012Deepening Retre at: November 13-15, 2012Sending Retreat: January 8-10, 2013A ll three retreats are held at Edwards House, Framingham Conf erence Center and begin at 1:00 PM on the first day (Tuesday ) and end at 4:00 PM on the last (Thursday.)Overnight accomm odations are available for a nominal fee of $35.00 per night including linens.Cost per person for the three part retreat is $400.00.Register online today!    END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121013T133000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Christian Education Certification Program DESCRIPTION: Resources for Sacraments and Worship END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121013T130000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:The Transition-Sized Church DESCRIPTION:Many churches find they plateau between 90 and 130 in worshi p. They are in between church sizes and unable to move forwa rd. This workshop will help churches deal with all the reali ties, strategies and tactics it takes to grow beyond this aw kward size and to grow in ministry and mission.In this works hop you will learn: The stress points of staying “in-betw een” The role of the pastor in leading the transition Overcoming “resistance points” in your congregation.  Wha t larger churches know that can help your congregation.Who s hould come?Pastors and teams of leaders that want to help th eir church transition through the “awkward size”. A team mus t include the pastor and at least three lay leaders.  The wo rkshop is led by Paul Nickerson of Nickerson Coaching. Paul is a leader in church transformation, and coaches congregati ons all over the country. www.nickersoncoaching.orgWhat is t he cost for a pastor and 3 lay leaders?Early bird registrati on (by September 10): $159/team. After September 10 the cost is $189/team. Costs include lunch and all materials. Regist ration closes Oct. 7, 2012.Click here to register.Click here for a downloadable flyer. This workshop is endorsed by the Commission for Evangelism and Congregational Vitality.   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121026T040000Z DTEND:20121102T035900Z SUMMARY:Writing for the Pastoral Life DESCRIPTION:Writing for the Pastoral Life Writer's Conference with Maren Tirabassisponsored by the Pastoral Excellence Program and t he Collegeville InstituteFor complete information, please vi sit http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2526   END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121027T130000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Super Saturday DESCRIPTION:Come and "Be Transformed" at our 5th "Super Saturday," Satur day, October 27, 2012 (location TBD).  The event worship lea der and speaker, Rev. Gregory Jones, Senior Strategist for L eadership Edcuation at Duke University, will share his persp ectives on vocation, leadership and strengthening the church and it's ministries.  More than 25 worksops will be offered on a variety of topics relevant to church lay leaders and c lergy.  Online registration wills start in June.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121029T130000Z DTEND:20121030T193000Z SUMMARY:Boundary Awareness Training DESCRIPTION:1. Each session is a two day session, not two separate one d ay sessions. 2. Training is from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm each day , gathering at 8:30 am. 3. Enrollment is limited to 20 peopl e per session and is on a first come first serve basis. 4. T he cost will be $75 for active clergy; $50 for retired and c andidates for authorized ministry. 5. Checks should be made out to The Metropolitan Boston Association and mailed to th e Waltham office: 230 Second Ave., Suite 110, Waltham, MA 0 2451. 6. Checks are due in the office at least a week prior to the training session. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121102T230000Z DTEND:20121103T210000Z SUMMARY:Confirmation Retreats 2012-2013 Craigville Retreat Center DESCRIPTION:The 2012-2013 Confirmation Retreat Program is open to youth grades 8 & up.  All the details about the program are availa ble at http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2170 Registration will begin June 1 and MUST be done online. NO mail in regist rations will be accepted.  A $100 deposit must be paid withi n 30 days of registration to hold your spot.For more informa tion, please contact Cindy Bolton at 508-875-5233 ext 237 or by email at boltonc@macucc.org. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121108T050000Z DTEND:20121114T045900Z SUMMARY:Putting it On Paper DESCRIPTION:Putting it on Paper Writer's Conference with Mary Nilsenspon sored by the Pastoral Excellence Program and the Collegevill e InstituteFor complete information, please visit http://www .macucc.org/pages/detail/2526  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121110T140000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:How to Start an Additional Worship Service DESCRIPTION: This workshop will be led by Paul Nickerson of Nickerson Coaching. Churches often think about starting additional worship services but are unclear how to go about it. This workshop will teach church teams how to d esign and implement new worship services that start strong a nd continue to grow.     In this workshop you will learn: How to move beyond the “traditional” and “contemporary” wor ship wars. How to identify the group in your community yo u wish to reach with a new worship service. How to grow a critical mass of people before you launch a new service.  How to develop all the essential ministries to make a new service thrive. Who should come to this workshop? A pastor a nd a leadership team who wish to develop an additional worsh ip service. Cost: (for pastor and three team members) Early registration (by Oct. 1): $159/teamAfter Oct. 1: $189/teamLu nch and all materials are included Click here to registerCli ck here for a downloadable flyer  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121113T180000Z DTEND:20121115T210000Z SUMMARY:Tending the Fire Clergy Retreat Part II-Deepening DESCRIPTION: Teaching clergy how to manage themselves and their congrega tions in effective, faithful and life-giving ways.Tending th e Fire is a three part retreat for clergy that is based in f amily systems theory developed by Dr. Murray Bowen and refin ed for congregational life by Dr. Edwin Friedman in his book  Generation to Generation. Facilitated by Rev. Barbara Lemme l, an ordained pastor in the New England Conference of the U nited Methodist Church, this series of retreats has deeply a ffected past participants and is an opportunity for MACUCC c lergy to gain tools necessary to understand dynamics in thei r congregations as well as experience new energy in their mi nistry.  For more information please visit www.tending-the-f ire.com.Opening Intensive:  October 2-4, 2012Deepening Retre at: November 13-15, 2012Sending Retreat: January 8-10, 2013A ll three retreats are held at Edwards House, Framingham Conf erence Center and begin at 1:00 PM on the first day (Tuesday ) and end at 4:00 PM on the last (Thursday.)Overnight accomm odations are available for a nominal fee of $35.00 per night including linens.Cost per person for the three part retreat is $400.00Register online today     END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121117T000000Z DTEND:20121117T220000Z SUMMARY:Confirmation Retreats 2012-2013 Berkshire Outdoor Center DESCRIPTION:The 2012-2013 Confirmation Retreat Program is open to youth grades 8 & up.  All the details about the program are availa ble at http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2170 Registration will begin June 1 and MUST be done online. NO mail in regist rations will be accepted.  A $100 deposit must be paid withi n 30 days of registration to hold your spot.For more informa tion, please contact Cindy Bolton at 508-875-5233 ext 237 or by email at boltonc@macucc.org.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20121201T140000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:MACUCC Board of Directors Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130108T180000Z DTEND:20130110T210000Z SUMMARY:Tending the Fire Clergy Retreat Part III-Sending DESCRIPTION: Teaching clergy how to manage themselves and their congrega tions in effective, faithful and life-giving ways.Tending th e Fire is a three part retreat for clergy that is based in f amily systems theory developed by Dr. Murray Bowen and refin ed for congregational life by Dr. Edwin Friedman in his book  Generation to Generation. Facilitated by Rev. Barbara Lemme l, an ordained pastor in the New England Conference of the U nited Methodist Church, this series of retreats has deeply a ffected past participants and is an opportunity for MACUCC c lergy to gain tools necessary to understand dynamics in thei r congregations as well as experience new energy in their mi nistry.  For more information please visit www.tending-the-f ire.com.Opening Intensive:  October 2-4, 2012Deepening Retre at: November 13-15, 2012Sending Retreat: January 8-10, 2013A ll three retreats are held at Edwards House, Framingham Conf erence Center and begin at 1:00 PM on the first day (Tuesday ) and end at 4:00 PM on the last (Thursday.)Overnight accomm odations are available for a nominal fee of $35.00 per night including linens.Cost per person for the three part retreat is $400.00Register online today!     END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130201T223000Z DTEND:20130202T200000Z SUMMARY:MACUCC Board of Directors Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130204T050000Z DTEND:20130209T045900Z SUMMARY:Intentional Interim Minister Training DESCRIPTION:For those who are serious about the calling to be a Professi onal Interim Pastor, the advanced program of the IMN provide s a proven path to success. The course requires extensive re ading in the literature, class work of both an academic and experiential nature, a demonstrated competence in computer r esearch and networking, the completion of a practical projec t under a field mentor and a final experiential peer program .The academic portion of the work is scheduled for five full days, Monday through Friday (9:00am - 4:00pm; exception Mon day 8:30am for registration).  Participants are expected to arrive and conclude each day's activities according to this schedule and be prepared to remain for the entirety of each day.  Please visit WWW.IMNEDU.ORG for complete course detail s.Attendees must have successfully completed the Fundamental s of Transitional Ministry course within the previous year w ith a recommendation from a faculty coordinator and a curren t IMN Membership.Need to complete Fundamentals Training? Upc oming Fundamentals Training Date: IMN Fundamentals Training - October 23-25, 2012Genesis Center, Westfield, MA - Visit w ww.imnedu.org for complete details  The Cost for Intentional Interim TrainingPre-Registration and Payment Required(If pa yment is not received the week before the event, your space will not be held.) $960 In cludes training, breakfast and lunch for 5 days     $11 45 Includes training, lodging and meals for 5 day s   Add $3 5 if staying over on Sunday night To Register:Online Registration Only:http://www.macucc.org/regi strations/register/124Questions:Andrea Bellarosa - bellarosa a@macucc.org(508) 875-5233 ext. 230 Downloadable Flyer END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130209T000000Z DTEND:20130209T220000Z SUMMARY:Confirmation Retreats 2012-2013 Grotonwood Conference Center DESCRIPTION: The 2012-2013 Confirmation Retreat Program is open to youth grades 8 & up.  All the details about the program are avail able at http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2170 Registration will begin June 1 and MUST be done online. NO mail in regis trations will be accepted.  A $100 deposit must be paid with in 30 days of registration to hold your spot.For more inform ation, please contact Cindy Bolton at 508-875-5233 ext 237 o r by email at boltonc@macucc.org. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130223T143000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Christian Education Certification Program DESCRIPTION:Topic: Resources for theories of religious education. More d etails will follow. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130302T000000Z DTEND:20130302T220000Z SUMMARY:Confirmation Retreats 2012-2013 Grotonwood Conference Center DESCRIPTION: The 2012-2013 Confirmation Retreat Program is open to youth grades 8 & up.  All the details about the program are avail able at http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2170 Registration will begin June 1 and MUST be done online. NO mail in regis trations will be accepted.  A $100 deposit must be paid with in 30 days of registration to hold your spot.For more inform ation, please contact Cindy Bolton at 508-875-5233 ext 237 o r by email at boltonc@macucc.org. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130315T230000Z DTEND:20120316T210000Z SUMMARY:Confirmation Retreats 2012-2013 Berkshire Outdoor Center DESCRIPTION: The 2012-2013 Confirmation Retreat Program is open to youth grades 8 & up.  All the details about the program are avail able at http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2170 Registration will begin June 1 and MUST be done online. NO mail in regis trations will be accepted.  A $100 deposit must be paid with in 30 days of registration to hold your spot.For more inform ation, please contact Cindy Bolton at 508-875-5233 ext 237 o r by email at boltonc@macucc.org.  END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130315T230000Z DTEND:20130316T210000Z SUMMARY:Confirmation Retreats 2012-2013 Craigville Retreat Center DESCRIPTION:The 2012-2013 Confirmation Retreat Program is open to youth grades 8 & up.  All the details about the program are availa ble at http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2170 Registration will begin June 1 and MUST be done online. NO mail in regist rations will be accepted.  A $100 deposit must be paid withi n 30 days of registration to hold your spot.For more informa tion, please contact Cindy Bolton at 508-875-5233 ext 237 or by email at boltonc@macucc.org. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130316T130000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:MACUCC Board of Directors Meeting DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130323T133000Z DTEND:00010102T045900Z SUMMARY:Christian Education Certification Program DESCRIPTION:Topic:  Resources for theories of religious education.More d etails will follow. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130405T230000Z DTEND:20130406T210000Z SUMMARY:Confirmation Retreats 2012-2013 Craigville Retreat Center DESCRIPTION:The 2012-2013 Confirmation Retreat Program is open to youth grades 8 & up.  All the details about the program are availa ble at http://www.macucc.org/pages/detail/2170 Registration will begin June 1 and MUST be done online. NO mail in regist rations will be accepted.  A $100 deposit must be paid withi n 30 days of registration to hold your spot.For more informa tion, please contact Cindy Bolton at 508-875-5233 ext 237 or by email at boltonc@macucc.org. END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART:20130614T040000Z DTEND:20130616T035900Z SUMMARY:214th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC DESCRIPTION: END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR