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News
Monday - June 17, 2013
Conference bestows honors at 214th Annual Meeting

The Massachusetts Conference honored a number of individuals and churches at the 214th Annual Meeting June 14 - 15 in recognition of their ministries. A look at the honorees follows:

Barnstable award
Christine Burns (left) and Reed Baer (right) accept a Bold Creative Initiative Award from Paul Sangree (center).
CCU Lowell
Elaine Cavanaugh (center) and Nancy Butcher (right) receive the award on behalf of Christ Church United in Lowell from Donna Spencer Collins (left).
Wally Hall
Wally Hall (left) of the First Congregational Church of West Brookfield, UCC, receives a Haystack Award from Lisa Stedman.
Gina Lynch
Gina Lynch (left) of the FIrst Congregational Church of Brimfield receives a Haystack Award from Bert Marshall.

Bold Creative Initiative Awards

The newly formed MACUCC Church Development Council seeks to encourage and support our local churches to build spiritual vitality through bold, creative initiatives. This year’s Award recipients are two examples of how this may be lived out.

Reed Baer (pastor since 1998) and Christine Burns (called as associate pastor in charge of the Saturday contemporary service in June 2012) are pastors at West Parish of Barnstable, United Church of Christ, on Cape Cod.  In response to declining worship attendance and membership, particularly among young families, and as a result of an all-church visioning retreat held in January 2011, West Parish launched a weekly 4:30 PM Saturday contemporary service in the Meetinghouse on October 1, 2011. Informal, 45 minutes long, with weekly communion and the lighting of prayer candles, a rock band playing both hymns and “secular” music, and geared to all ages (children remain in worship for the entire time), the service has attracted new, previously unchurched families, without “cannibalizing” the Sunday service.  The new service is still very much in the “grow and learn” stage, as participants find new ways to reach out together in service to the local community, learn what stewardship is all about, and seek supplemental ways of faith formation for children, youth, and their parents.
 
Christ Church United, UCC, in Lowell, MA, shares a vision and a calling to be the body of Christ in this place, with a heart bigger than its building, and an outreach that extends far beyond its walls.  CCU Lowell is led by the Rev. Peter A. Lovett.  Peter models a down-to earth discipleship for the 21st century that has helped him catalyze growth and change.  Pastor Peter enjoys ministering in fellowship and solidarity with two other pastors in this multicultural faith community. Together, they embrace Christ’s call to live out their faith in mutual love, mission and discipleship enjoying the bounty of an extravagant welcome and generous hospitality.  CCU Lowell has three worship services on Sunday:  10am English in the Sanctuary with Rev. Peter Lovett, 10AM Lao Worship in the Chapel with Pastor Ted Rasakham, and 3PM Spanish Worship with Iglesia Hispana and Pastor Danezza Torres. This trinity of worshipers, also enjoy joint services where each group brings their unique expressions and spirit of worship.  The youth of all three groups gather together in the confirmation process. Their willingness and ability to blend a variety of ethnic communities, worship expressions and outreach is a model for our MACUCC churches.  

Justice and Witness Haystack Awards

Wally Hall – First Congregational Church of West Brookfield, UCC
 
For more than 15 years, Wally Hall has brought youth from his church and surrounding towns to Washington D.C. in the summer to serve the homeless in our nation's capitol. Working with seven soup kitchens and other agencies benefiting the homeless, and staying together dormitory-style at a local church, Wally has influenced hundreds of young people, teaching them about the needs of others, and that our individual acts make a difference. The most immediate impact is to feed and comfort those who are hungry in D.C. But the lasting effect of teaching the many young people involved is perhaps even more profound. 

Likewise, Wally has spearheaded the youth delegations to Centro Shalom in Chile for the Massachusetts Conference, inspiring faithful service on the part of countless youth. He is tireless in his organization and enthusiasm, and his hunger for justice and infectious. His open world view helps others to understand that we are truly united in our love and in our work for peace and justice.

Gina Lynch – First Congregational Church, UCC, Brimfield
 
Gina Lynch, Disaster Relief Coordinator for the town of Brimfield, has worked tirelessly since June 1, 2011 when a fierce tornado ripped through her town, causing massive devastation, human and animal injuries, and the loss of a life. Her responsive assistance has been pragmatic as well as therapeutic.  She has not only coordinated repair groups logistically, but also understands that personal healing comes from inviting volunteer workers to listen to life stories.
 
Gina rose to the occasion in a time of devastation, confusion and loss. She was able to organize and mobilize volunteers and create a system that was efficient and effective. At her direction, a Facebook page was set up, needs were posted, and donations began to arrive.  She coordinated making hot meals at the church, and when volunteers went out into the field, they were given a hand-out listing all available resources. She created message boards so that people who came in could be matched with help from those who were offering showers, housing, hay and fencing for horses, and more.  As donations began to arrive, she organized the volunteers to sort and create boxes so when people came in for food there was a little bit of everything. Because of  her knowledge and effort, she had a system in place even before the Red Cross workers arrived. The Red Cross recognized Gina's work and named her the go-to person for relief efforts. They designated Brimfield Church as the regional field site, and all efforts flowed from that little white church on the hill, a beacon of hope to this very day.
 
Bishop Munoz
Bishop Ulises Muñoz of the Pentecostal Church of Chile received a Special Haystack Award for his work following the earthquake in his country.
Special Award:  Bishop Ulises Muñoz – Pentecostal Church of Chile
 
Mark8: 4His disciples replied, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in the desert?’ 5He asked them, ‘How many loaves do you have?’   At around 3:30 in the morning of February 27th 2010 Bishop Muñoz, his family, most of his parishioners and pastors were fast asleep.  But not for long. At 3:34 the Bishop and the rest of Chile were awakened by an earthquake. It lasted for 3 minutes. The earthquake was quickly followed by a tsunami, bringing in its wake destruction apparently greater than that caused bythe earthquake. The earthquake was stronger than the one experienced in Haiti and about the same strength as the one in Japan.  In spite of its strength the results were less catastrophic than in Haiti or Japan but they were catastrophic - 486 died - one and a half million homes affected - about 200 million left homeless.   None of those figures were known to the Bishop as he got up from his bed at 3:35.  He did not know of the lives lost when he checked on his family.  He had no idea about physical destruction to homes and churches and business when he left his home to check on his church and his people. 
 
News was not easy to come by,  but what news there was, wasn't good. The Bishop began to learn of the lives lost, including the father and pregnant mother who died in a nearby community leaving two daughters orphaned and homeless. He learned of all the destruction of property, including a nearby town where 80% of the homes were destroyed. And he heard about the many church buildings that were damaged, some beyond repair. The Bishop Muñoz is a man of great faith, but from conversations with him I know there was a moment, if not many moments, when he experienced hopelessness over all that took place since 3:34 AM February 27th 2010.  He also knew that this situation was made even more difficult because of the financial position of most of the members of the Pentecostal church of Chile.  The majority of the Bishop’s flock are not rich by any means.  They do not live the life of luxury by any standards For the most part they are laborers – blue collar workers.  Many of them work in the field – tending and harvesting crops which you and I often enjoy.  Though he knew something had to be done the bishop wondered what could he do - what could his church do.  He was aware of the limited resources at their disposal but Jesus spoke to his heart and asked him and his church, “How many loaves do you have?” 
 
And he and his leadership listened and took stock. They had been raising funds to remodel and expand the cathedral church in Curicó. That was money they could use and so they put their plan of remodeling and expansion aside and used those funds as seed money. 
 
“How many loaves do you have?”  The bishop knew that the blue collar folk who make up his church knew how to build – how to use their hands.  And there were folk in the church who had other skills necessary. “How many loaves do you have?”  Eventually the Bishop and others said we have enough loaves to build 200 – 300 cabins for our people and others without homes.  We can construct them in Curicó and other sites and truck them to where they are needed and assemble them there.   And that is just what they did.
 
The Massachusetts Conference has been in partnership with the Pentecostal Church of Chile for nearly 30 years.  Over that time we have witnessed and heard of many stories such as this one, of the Bishop’s faithfulness.  He is a man who lives out the high calling – who inspires others by his spirit-filled life – who walks the talk.  And so it is with a grateful heart and praise that we are presenting Bishop Muñoz a special Haystack Award at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. 

 

Saturday - June 15, 2013
214th Annual Meeting affirms fossil fuel divestment resolution

By Tiffany Vail
Associate for Communication

Delegates to the 214th Annual of the Massachusetts Conference this weekend overwhelmingly affirmed a Resolution urging divestment from fossil fuel companies - a resolution the Board of Directors had earlier voted to send to the UCC General Synod, the denomination's biennial meeting.

“This resolution arises from two basic realities,” said Vicki Kemper, pastor of the First Congregational Church of Amherst. “The first is that Jesus’ basic core teaching … is that we must love our neighbors as ourselves, and we have realized that future generations of the earth are our neighbors. The second is that climate change is already happening, and if fossil fuel companies continue to carry out their missions to make money from their shareholders by extracting all fossil fuels from the earth, life as we know it on our planet will cease.”

Jim Antal
Confence Minister and President Jim Antal responds to a delegate's question on divestment.

“This resolution seeks to use movement toward divestment to increase awareness of the damage to our environment and to create public pressure on fossil fuel companies to leave 80 percent of fossil fuel reserves in the ground,” Kemper said. “That’s right – we’re essentially asking them to walk away from $20 trillion in resources.”

Some delegates attending a hearing on the resolution Saturday morning questioned whether it would be effective, and whether there might not be more productive ways to combat climate change, such as investing in alternative energy sources.

Kemper acknowledged that if all religious groups and colleges and universities – where the divestment movement began – divested, only 2 percent of fossil fuel stock would be impacted.

But, she said: “The only power we have in this challenge is the moral, spiritual power to revoke the social licenses of these companies to continue to profit from wrecking the earth. The question is – will we exercise that power?”

When the resolution came before the full meeting Saturday afternoon, one delegate asked what effect such divestment would have on the UCC’s portfolio, and what plans were in place to replace those funds so that the portfolio would not be put at risk.

Conference Minister and President Jim Antal acknowledged the importance of that question to all who hold UCC Pensions or whose churches have endowments with United Church Funds. He said the UCC Pension Boards have been unable to fairly analyze the impact given that there are three schools of thought on the questions.

“Some reports talk about this having a huge impact. Some say we would have been better off if we divested from fossil fuel companies ten years ago,” he said. “A third group’s analysis … is that now or in a few years, the world is going to realize what a mess we’re in and when that happens the value of these stocks in fossil fuel companies will plummet because laws will be enacted to disallow them to enact their business plans.”

Susie Phoenix, a delegate from the South Action Congregational Church, said delegates should vote for the resolution, no matter what the impact would be on the UCC’s portfolio.

“Sometimes you do take a hit when you decide to divest from unethical businesses, and I’m proud to do that, if that be the case,” she said.

Another delegate asked if that, by divesting, the UCC gives up the ability to engage in shareholder activism. Antal responded that the resolution lays out a five year time frame for divestment, thereby allowing for activism in the near term.

Since the Conference Board of Directors first voted in December in favor of bringing the resolution to Synod, 10 additional Conference Boards and numerous local churches have voted to co-sponsor or endorse the resolution. Because the resolution had already been submitted, Annual Meeting delegates could not offer amendments to it.

The full text of the resolution, and it's endorsers, is at: macucc.org/divest.

Susie Phoenix

 “Sometimes you do take a hit when you decide to divest from unethical businesses, and I’m proud to do that, if that be the case,” said Susie Phoenix, a delegate from the South Action Congregational Church.

 

 

Saturday - June 15, 2013
214th Annual Meeting: Summary of Actions

VotesThe 214th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference took the following actions June 14 – 15 at the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center:

  • Voted to affirm the Resolution Urging Divestment from Fossil Fuel Companies as submitted to the 29th General Synod of the United Church of Christ. The Board of Directors in December had voted to submit the resolution to Synod.

    More information and resolution text: macucc.org/divest
    Full article: macucc.org/news/detail/231

  • Voted to establish four Ministry Councils – Justice and Witness Ministries, Lay Leadership Development, Clergy Leadership Development and Church Development – in place of the Conference’s previous seven program commissions. The authorization is intended to allow the Conference to further test this new alignment, which the Board of Directors called a “simpler, more nimble and collaborative program structure.”  The transition to this structure began after last year’s Annual Meeting.

    Read more on the restructure

  • Voted to allow two churches – All People's United Church in Belmont and North Congregational United Church of Christ in Amherst – to legally merge with the Conference. The two churches have closed and sold their buildings, and the merger allows them to transfer their financial assets to the Conference to continue their ministries in the wider church.

    Read more in the Special Mailing to Delegates (PDF)

  • Voted to approve Clergy Compensation Guidelines for 2013 which in part include a recommendation for a 1.7% increase over 2012 guidelines, based on the Consumer Price Index increase. Those working on the guidelines acknowledged that there needs to be improvement in how they are presented, and said they plan to pull together a task team to work on that issue in the coming year.
     
  • Approved a 2014 budget for the Conference with income of $2,212, 200 and expenses of $2,262,200 and a transfer from operating reserves of $50,000. This budget marks an approximately 3 percent decrease over the 2013 budget. The meeting also voted that the Conference should continue to retain 47% of Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support contributions in the Conference, with the other 53% being forwarded to the national setting of the UCC. The meeting also set 2014 Fellowship Dues at $17.80 per member; a $.20 increase from 2013.
The full text of these resolutions can be found in the Advance Materials and the Spcial Mailing to Delegates found on the Annual Meeting Page.
 
Thursday - June 13, 2013
Updates & Resources from the 214th Annual Meeting: Risking Vision

The theme for this year's meeting is taken from Habakkuk 2:2-3
2 Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. 3 For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. NRSV

News:

Summary of Actions Taken
June 15, 2013

214th Annual Meeting affirms fossil fuel divestment resolution
June 15, 2013

Facebook:

Facebook iconAnnual Meeting Delegates will be invited into table conversations following Friday night's keynote address by Robin Meyers, and they will be encouraged to post their thoughts on the Annual Meeting Facebook Page.

Photos will also be posted on the Massachusetts Conference Facebook Page.

Twitter:

The Twitter hashtag for the meeting is: #macucc2013.  Tweets using that hashtag will be displayed here:

 

Wednesday - June 12, 2013
Fossil fuel divestment, other issues, to come before delegates this weekend

The 214th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference will take up several issues in Sturbridge this weekend, including a resolution urging divestment from fossil fuel companies, a re-organization of the Conference volunteer structure and clergy compensation guidelines.

Risking VisionDelegates will also vote on whether to allow two churches that have closed to legally merge with the Conference, thereby transferring their financial assets to the Conference in order to carry their ministries forward through the wider church. And, delegates will vote on the Conference budget and nominations.

Those in attendance will also hear a keynote address from Author and Pastor Robin Meyers, followed by an opportunity to discuss his message. Friday will provide an opportunity to honor the ministry of retiring Associate Conference Minister Peter Wells, while Saturday's worship will include the installation of new Associate Conference Minister Ellie Richardson. (The full schedule can be seen on the Annual Meeting Page.)

To follow the action at Annual Meeting, visit the Annual Meeting Facebook Page or search for the Twitter hashtag #macucc2013.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring a rainbow scarf as part of a national UCC anti-violence campaign being adapted at the Annual Meeting in reponse to the Boston Marathon bombings. Read more about that project. 

Following is some background on the resolutions being brought to a vote. Full text of the resolutions and votes is available in the Advance Materials and the Special Mailing to Delegates on the Annual Meeting Page. 

Divestment

On Dec. 10, 2012, the Massachusetts Conference Board of Directors voted in favor of bringing a resolution to this summer's General Synod - the national gathering of the UCC - calling on the denomination to divest from fossil fuels. Since that time 10 additional Conference Boards have voted to co-sponsor or endorse the resolution. MACUCC Annual Meeting delegates are being asked to give their approval to the resolution.

More information: macucc.org/divest

Volunteer Restructure

The Massachusetts Conference has seen a major restructuring of its volunteer program development teams this year, transitioning from seven program commissions into four ministry councils on an experimental basis. Delegates will be asked to give provisional authorization to this new setup, thus allowing another year of testing while considering whether to formalize the new structure in a bylaw.

Read more on the restructure

Clergy Compensation Guidelines

Delegates this year will be asked to approve clergy compensation guidelines that include a recommendation for a 1.7% increase over 2012 guidelines, based on the Consumer Price Index increase.

Read the guidelines in the Advance Materials (PDF)

Church mergers

All People's United Church in Belmont and North Congregational United Church of Christ in Amherst have closed their doors and sold their property, and are requesting to merge with the Massachusetts Conference. This will be a simpler and quicker method for them to close than working with the Attorney General’s office to dissolve their churches. Each congregation hopes to transfer significant financial assets as part of the merger, so that the ministry of each congregation may be carried forward through the wider United Church of Christ.

Read more in the Special Mailing to Delegates (PDF)

 

Monday - May 20, 2013
Conference volunteer structure goes through major shift; proposal to go to Annual Meeting
 
The Massachusetts Conference has seen a major restructuring of its volunteer program development teams this year, transitioning from seven program commissions into four ministry councils on an experimental basis.
 
At the request of the Board of Directors, the Conference Annual Meeting in June, 2012, voted to remove from the Conference bylaws the provisions that established seven program commissions, thereby allowing the Conference to test out a new structure. The former commission structure had been adopted in 1988, and the Board, staff, and former committee and commission members were in agreement that it was no longer serving the mission of the Conference. Also, the Conference Volunteer Development Committee had long found it difficult to fully populate and staff the commissions.
 
These commissions are responsible for developing programs and resources - everything from training events to communities of practice to printed and online resources - to aid local church leaders in carrying out their ministries.
 
A year ago, the Board had proposed changing from seven commissions to three ministry councils, but as the idea was discussed further, that was changed to four councils, one each for Church Development, Clergy Development, Lay Development and Justice and Witness Ministries. Each of those councils includes one person designated the "communication specialist' and each has task teams or working groups functioning under its umbrella. Each also includes a representative from the Board of Directors, and each is staffed by an Associate Conference Minister.
 
Numerous members of the previous commissions were transitioned onto the four ministry councils last fall and winter, while other lay and clergy leaders were added to the mix. Other former commission members have been finding new homes in working groups focused on specific projects. (See lists of members in the Conference Boards and Committees Directory.)
 
The four councils have had several meetings together in addition to solo meetings as they feel their way into the new structure.
 
"A key feature of this new model is that the four Ministry Councils meet together on a regular basis," said Conference Minister and President Jim Antal. "This will serve the churches of the Conference because it will make the overall programming of the Conference more integrated. Not only will each Ministry Council advance its particular emphasis, each one will make the others stronger."
 
The Board had initially planned to come back to this year's Annual Meeting, June 14-15  in Sturbridge, with a new bylaw permanently establishing these ministry councils. However, saying that the transition is still underway, the Board will instead ask delegates to provide provisional authorization for this new setup, thus allowing another year of testing while considering whether to formalize the new structure in a bylaw.

More:

 

 

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Wednesday - May 15, 2013
SPOTLIGHT: How One Church Turned a Leaky Roof into a Flood of Enthusiasm
Christ Church United in Lowell Considers Offering Facilities to Help End Homelessness
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Blogs
Saturday - June 15, 2013 - by: Don Remick
Ameni

It is amazing how much has been packed into a little more than 24 hours:

RISKING VISION:
Kids playing in the aisle...the rooster crows for Saturday church "Wake up the person on your left" so you can hear this budget moment one more time.
Write your representative for youth on the streets
"Say grace already"    
Good Carrot cake...but what happened to the decaf   Ameni
 
Tornados swirling destroying still...
    Steeples standing tall again....rainbows reign
    Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain    Ameni
 
Pastoral Excellence;   practices, prepares, prevails
Christian Educators; certified to form faith for the fragile and fearless   Ameni
 
First the bad news, the church of Jesus Christ is in terrible shape
    the pain of seeing too clearly
    a 9 pound sparrow walking down the street afraid to risk flying
    Yeast,  Bread,  Leavened, encrypted, corrupted, subversive
    Off White, Linen White, OR Pearl White
    revolutionary to resolutionary -- a tamed Gospel
    Operation Homage.    Oh No He's Back.  Seasonal Themes
    Non compliant with principalities and powers
    Non compliant with "We've never done it that way before."
    The Surgeon General has determined that Easter may be hazardous to your health.  Be warned     Ameni
 
That Underground Church:   "This might get the church in a lot of trouble" ... "We can only hope!"
 
A teacher in a class that is 90% poor.  500,000 miles Hope's two daughters: anger and courage Statistics are numbers, faces, with the tears wiped away One Day,  One Day, One Day
A farewell full of feeling, a release full of remembrance   Ameni
 
"Then there was evening and morning; the Second Day
 
A paralytic has his sins forgiven...fear released...walking healed
    Dangerous and Subversive, again it lives
    Take up your prophetic pallet and change the world    Ameni
 
Ellie installed
 
Plenary begins with plentiful salads an hour before lunch Speak quickly before the bell rings
Pithy, Powerful and Passionate speakouts    Ameni
 
Budgets Born
Compensation Confirmed
Ministerial Aid maximizes assistance    Ameni
 
Can we get better?    Yes, with depth, courage and bridge-building
Commissions transformed to Councils working collaboratively, cooperatively in coordination and communication An evolution in our ministry with latino and latina brothers and sisters
    building on the foundation of the past
    reflecting the trends of the present
    encuentra - a finding of each other      Ameni
 
Wrapped ourselves in rainbow scarves that love and grace may triumph over bullying and violence    Ameni
 
He who plays well with others
    Calling out names of the visionary prophets who shaped our lives
    From preaching to meddling
       Who are we?
       Who is our neighbor?
       What is God Calling us to do and to be?
       RISKING VISION       Ameni
 
       Not    A     Problem
 
      Grateful for staff coming and going     applause abounds
 
      Courageous firsts
          A Torah and a Crucifer cross the finish line, reclaiming public space, holy space
      No Limit to what we can accomplish in God      Ameni
 
"Peter, we give God thanks for you and your gifts."
    and that turtle on the stump
 
Warm greetings from Chile....Gloria A Dios
 
Churches going Green
 
The media linked to Us    Voices amplified
    25% of your time, your pastor's time, spent outside the walls of your church with the 'Nones"
 
Morally wrong to wreck the planet or profit from it
 
Life's cycles leaving legacies carrying ministry forward      Ameni
 
Songs have been sung
Prayers whispered
Praise shouted
Silence held    Ameni
 
What are you Bringing Home
What difference will it make
 
"The Lord answered me and said, Write the vision: make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it."
 
Ameni
 
Amen
 
Monday - June 10, 2013 - by: Sister Linda Bessom
Report from the Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

 

Special Commission's New Report and Initial Recommendations  

This week, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth released its inaugural report and recommendations. The new report is available here. A brief overview of some of the commission's work and recommendations in the report is also available here. This first report includes initial recommendations on how Massachusetts can move toward ending youth homelessness and a  look to some of the tasks for the months ahead.

If you are interested in learning more about the work of the commission and the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Unaccompanied Youth Homelessness Task Team, please contact Exa Méndez, Community Organizer/Legislative Advocate: exa@mahomeless.org or Kelly Turley, Director of Legislative Advocacy, kelly@mahomeless.org.
 

 Next Steps

Here's how you can help now:

• Please read the Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Report.

• Then call your state legislators. Please share this report with your State Representative and State Senator and ask her/him to support the ongoing work of the Special Commission on Unaccompanied Homeless Youth. To find out who your legislators are, click here. 

• Ask your Representative and Senator to speak to the FY'14 budget Conference Committee members and Legislative Leadership in support of including the House's recommended funding level of $150,000 in the FY'14 budget- Executive Office of Health and Human Services Administrative Line Item 4000-0300 to fund a youth homelessness count, staff the Commission, and, resources permitting, fund demonstration projects. Click here for the MA Coalition for the Homeless update of the FY'14 budget.

• Ask your legislator to sign onto a Dear Colleague letter that will be circulated next week by Representative Jim O'Day and Senator Katherine Clark in support of this budget ask for Line Item 4000 – 0300.

• Ask your legislator to attend the Joint Conference Committee on Children, Families, and People with Disabilities’ State House public hearing on July 17th on House Bill #135 “An Act Providing Housing & Support Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth” and submit testimony in support of it.

• Please also share this report broadly with colleagues, neighbors, faith community members, agencies who work with unaccompanied homeless youth in your area and friends who may be interested in getting more involved in the work to end youth homelessness.

• Find out who your Mc Kinney Vento Homeless Education Liaison is in the public school district in your town and city by contacting the Sarah Slautterback, MA Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education – Office for the Education of Homeless Children, 781-338-6330 or e-mail her at sslautterback@doe.mass.edu. She can also inform you about agencies in your area who are working with unaccompanied homeless youth and how you can become involved in light of this Report from the Special Commission.

Please complete the advocacy circle. Let us know what your legislators will do.

Thank you!

Kelly Turley
kelly@mahomeless.org
781-595-7570 x17

Endorsed by the Homelessness Task Team of the MA Conference, UCC

Tuesday - June 4, 2013 - by: Mission & Justice News Briefs
Act to Establish the MA Innocence Commission hearing scheduled

Representative Benjamin Swan, 11th Hampden District, has re-introduced "An Act to Establish the Massachusetts Innocence Commission" which closely follows our goals. The bill number is H1638.  The hearing on H. 1638 is now scheduled for 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 9, in Rooms A1 and A2 at the state house. Our goal is to move the legislation out of the Joint Judiciary Committee to the floors of the house and senate with a positive recommendation.

The legislation can be found here.

If any of the members of Joint Judiciary represent you, please urge them to vote in favor of the legislation. Please also contact Katherine Clark, the senate chair, Room 140 at the state house, 617-722-1206, and Eugene O'Flaherty, house chair, Room 136, 617-722-2396, with your support.

If you are able to come to the hearing at the state house, you can submit written testimony there, or sign up, outside the rooms, prior to the hearing, to give oral testimony. Speakers will be taken in the order they signed up.

For background on this bill, go here.

 

Rev. Jonathan C. Tetherly, Chair

Innocence Commission Task Team

MA Conference, UCC

Wednesday - May 29, 2013 - by: Mission & Justice News Briefs
Do you have an interest in helping the homeless?

Are you interested in what the Mass Conference can be doing in the struggle to support people who are homeless and to end homelessness? The "reconstituted" homelessness task team is going to get started this June with setting goals for our actions in the next year.  And  YOU are invited to join the team!

Our meeting is Thursday, June 20, from 5-7 pm at the MACUCC offices in Framingham (1 Badger Road). Please RSVP to Karen at methotK@macucc.org so that dinner can be provided.

After that we will meet on Third Thursdays from 5-7, every other month: September 19, November 21 (thanksgiving is the 28th), January 16, March 20, May 15.

Please feel free to invite others to join our team!

-Liz
(The Rev.) Elizabeth M. Magill for the Homelessness Task Team
www.worcesterfellowship.org ~ www.mosaic-commons.org ~ 508-450-0431

 

Wednesday - May 29, 2013 - by: Andy Gustafson
Franklinton Center at Bricks

Editor's note: Associate Conference Minister Andy Gustafson is on sabbatical, traveling across the country. He will be visiting United Church of Christ Justice and Witness immersion centers and mission sites and blogging about what he sees.  His posts about those sites will be posted here on macucc.org. His full travel blog is here: http://travelblogs.mapquest.com/32860/changing-lives-tour.

Vivian Lukas, Director and Diana Allen, Office Manager, Franklinton Center

 It was my privilege to visit the UCC Franklinton Center at Bricks in Whitakers, NC today. The Franklinton Center is directly tied to New England and Northern Congregationalists of the American Missionary Association who founded schools in the South after the Civil War for newly freed slaves. The site is a former slave plantation purchased by a Mrs. Bricks to start the school. Today education is still central to the purpose of the center, both for people in the community on food, nutrition, literacy and for UCC and other folks who visit for retreats and conferences. Vivian Lukas, Diana Allen and Eunice Carrasco-Hill are our UCC staff who run the center. The new hospitality house has hotel quality rooms and a wonderful Fellowship Hall named in honor of Yvonne Delk, longtime leader in the UCC on Justice issues, and who happened to be at Bricks today.

Two important projects through which Franklinton Center is changing lives are the Just Food Project and the Literacy Project. Franklinton Center is located in one of the poorest counties in North Carolina. Food insecurity and educational deficits are realities facing children. The Franklinton Center's literacy project is reaching children and adults through summer enrichment programs, adult literacy programs, after school tutoring and many more activities. The Just Food Project operates a local farmer's market, maintains a sustainable community garden, provides education in healthy cooking ,eating and food preservation and physical fitness programs. To learn more about how we in the UCC are changing lives at the Franklinton Center, visit their website: www.ucc.org/franklinton-center, or call them at 252-437-1723.
 
There is a sense of peace, of holiness and wholeness at the Center which can only be experienced in person. The trip is well worth it and I hope many from the UCC will have a chance to visit.

At right, Vivian Lukas, Director and Diana Allen, Office Manager.

See more photos.

 

Wednesday - May 29, 2013 - by: Mission & Justice News Briefs
God Suffers When We Suffer

by Stan Duncan, MACUCC pastor

Early in the afternoon on May 20, an EF5 tornado, the largest recorded in U.S. history, moved slowly through my home state, with winds up to 300 mph, and creating a path of horror roughly a mile and a half wide. All tolled, somewhere between 13,000 to 15,000 homes were completely destroyed, flattened beyond recognition. Hundreds were injured, dozens died, many of them children.

The Plaza Towers Elementary School was one of the places where people were most concerned because many children were trapped inside the wreckage for almost two days. Thankfully, only nine children died, when it could have been many more, but each one was a child of God and loved by grieving parents. The death toll overall was amazingly low given the horrific destructiveness of the storm, but that's poor comfort to the families and friends of those who were lost.

For many years I lived with my family in Oklahoma City, down in the south west corner, right on the border with Moore. All of my (now grown) children went to Moore schools, and I called them this week to see how they were and tell them I loved them. They're all gone now, but I have two cousins who do live in the area. One of them lives in Norman, just below Moore, and she had the roof of her home blown off. She's now staying with her sister in Dallas. Another lived right in the center of the storm and she lost her entire home. Everything. The neighborhood looks like piles of firewood. She's now living with her aunt in another town several miles away.  

Read Stan's entire blog on the Huffington Post religion page.

photo above from UCC website

 

Events
Thursday - June 20, 2013
Meeting for those interested in working on the issue of homelessness

Are you interested in what the Mass Conference can be doing in the struggle to support people who are homeless and to end homelessness? The "reconstituted" homelessness task team is going to get started this June with setting goals for our actions in the next year.  And  YOU are invited to join the team!

Our meeting is Thursday, June 20, from 5-7 pm at the MACUCC offices in Framingham (1 Badger Road). Please RSVP to Karen at methotK@macucc.org so that dinner can be provided.

After that we will meet on Third Thursdays from 5-7, every other month: September 19, November 21 (thanksgiving is the 28th), January 16, March 20, May 15.

Please feel free to invite others to join our team!

-Liz
(The Rev.) Elizabeth M. Magill for the Homelessness Task Team
www.worcesterfellowship.org ~ www.mosaic-commons.org ~ 508-450-0431

Thursday - June 20, 2013
Molly's Concert-9th Annual Memorial Handbell Concert - Brimfield
The Brimfield Bells is a memorial hand bell choir, founded in 2003 by Vivian Wells and Paul Watson in loving memory of their infant daughter, Molly Frances Watson, who suffered from the rare blood disease, Langerhans Cell Hystiocytosis.
 
The concert benefits the Songs of Love Foundation, whose mission is to create an original personalized song for any child with a serious illness.
Brimfield Bells is joined by the Belles & Beaus Hand Bell Choir from Elm Street Congregational Church, Southbridge and by the Hand Bell Choir of the 2nd Congregational Church, Palmer
 
FREEWILL DONATIONS GLADLY ACCEPTED  
Cupcake & Fruit Reception immediately following the concert
Saturday - June 22, 2013
100th Anniversary Silver Tea - Methuen

FOREST STREET UNION CHURCH
15 FOREST ST., METHUEN, MA
100TH ANNIVERSARY SILVER TEA

Please join us on Saturday, June 22, 2013, between 2 and 4 p.m. for our 100th anniversary Silver Tea and Art Show at Forest Street Union Church.  We will also feature a historical display and video, with pianist Michael Hajjar.   Tea, coffee, punch and desserts will be available. 

The Art Show and Historical Display will continue on Sunday following the 10 a.m. service until 2 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.




 




 

Sunday - June 23, 2013
Open House - Pastoral Counseling Centers of MA - Westboro office

Now that the Assabet Valley Pastoral Counseling Center and the Worcester Pastoral Counseling Centers have joined, they have a new name (Pastoral Counseling Centers (PCC) of MA), and the main office has a new home --  7 Church St., Westboro MA. 

Please join us for an Open House to celebrate our beautiful new location, the ministry of the centers that makes such a difference in so many people's lives, and the generous support of the Congregational Church of Westboro, other area churches, Board members and friends that make it all happen.

Monday - June 24, 2013
Raleigh Ringers Handbell Concert - Melrose


The Raleigh Ringers are an internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell choir based in Raleigh, North Carolina. They dazzle concert audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular, and popular music, while performing on one of the most extensive collections of bells and bell-like instruments owned by any handbell ensemble in the world.

The Raleigh Ringers are being hosted by the Jubilate Ringers of the First Congregational Church in Melrose, UCC. For more information, please email melrosebellringers@gmail.com.

Preview a Raleigh Ringers performance on YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaezGnkqm7A

Tuesday - June 25, 2013
Interfaith Youth Initiative 2013

“The Ways of Truth and Love”
June 25 ~ July 2, 2013
Brandeis University in Waltham, MA

Nominate youth and young adults today!  Click here for a downloadable flyer.

IFYI has five Core Values: Building Bridges, Engaging Faith, Training Leaders, Making Peace, and Serving Others. Participants explore and embrace their own leadership and peacemaking styles, becoming agents of positive social transformation in their schools, communities, and congregations.

This program offers a dynamic mix of community building, fun social activities, workshops, service experiences, and learning trips which engage urban and suburban realities. Youth express their visions of faith, justice, and peace through visual art, poetry/spoken word, theological reflection, dance, drama, and film.

All are welcome at IFYI! Youth and staff come from diverse religious backgrounds and grow more deeply in their own religious traditions through dialogue and interaction with others. Leadership (currently!) comes from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Interfaith, and Unitarian Universalist faith traditions. Men and women are housed in separate staffed areas of the school, or if desired may commute from home. All religious and dietary needs will be accommodated.

Come join us for this eight-day immersion experience, followed by ongoing opportunities during the academic year for mentoring, retreats, and support for spiritual, academic, and professional pursuits.

This transformative week for youth leaders from Greater Boston communities and beyond will culminate in a "Celebration" on Tuesday, July 2nd. Bring your congregation and come see what our young people have to say!

For more information about IFYI 2013, contact Matt Carriker at IFYI@coopmet.org or 617-244-3650. Check out the CMM website: www.coopmet.org/IFYI.html for applications, flyers, and more information.

Endorsed by Church Development Council

Classifieds
Monday - June 10, 2013
7th-8th grade Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Counselor - Needham
 
Job Description:
The Congregational Church of Needham (an Open and Affirming church in the United Church of Christ) is looking for a 7th-8th grade Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Counselor. Responsibilities include preparing for and leading the Sunday morning Sunday School class for 7th-8th grades from 10am-11am, and attending Junior High Youth Group on Sunday evenings from 5pm-6:30pm. The churchs youth minister leads the youth group; the youth group counselor will assist during meetings.
 
Sunday School Teacher Duties:
  • In charge of the Sunday school class each week.
  • Make sure attendance is taken each week.
  • Keep room in good condition when leaving each week.
  • When the opportunity arises, communicate with parents regarding their child's Sunday school experience (directly to parent or via the Youth Minister).
  • Secure a substitute teacher when they cannot be there by calling someone from the substitute list.
 
Key requirements include:
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Confidence working with children in grades 7 and 8 (ages 11-14)
  • Familiarity with the Bible, Christianity, Spirituality, Current Events, and Religious Issues
  • High level of oral and written communication skills
  • Musical skills a plus
 
Hours:
This is a part-time job, staring Sept. 8, 2013
Hours are: 9:30am-11:30am (for the 10-11am class) and 4:30-6:30pm (for the 5-6:30pm group) most Sundays, and up to two hours of week of preparation time, for a total of 6 hours a week. Extra hours may include: training sessions, open houses, and other church activities as available.
Compensation - $20/hour
 
Apply:
Please contact Youth Minister, Rev. Jamie Green, at revjamie@needhamucc.org and email your resume to apply. More info atwww.needhamucc.org
Monday - June 10, 2013
Director of Christian Education - Paxton

First Congregational Church of Paxton has an opening for a part time 20 hrs/wk Director of Christian Education.   Our ministerial team of 41 years is retiring and an interim is in place as of June 30th, 2013.  Responsibilities of the Christian Ed Director include managing and overseeing the Sunday school program (100+ enrollment), delivering weekly Children's sermons,  coordinating youth fellowship groups, adult study groups and seasonal education oriented church services/events.

This position will require strong leadership skills and creativity.  We are looking for someone with a strong and secure faith who will help lead and grow our programs.

Applicants should have a background in religious education and preferably 5+ years of experience in Christian education. Start date is August 1st, 2013.  For more details on our church and the job position log onto www.paxtonfirstchurch.org.

Send resumes/cover letter/references to fccpresearch@verizon.net.

Monday - June 10, 2013
Youth Workers need at After School Program - Needham
Youth Worker Job Description
 
The responsibilities of the Youth Worker include ensuring the safety & supervision of the youth at The Center, developing and implementing age appropriate project-based learning activities in the areas of recreational sports, leadership, community service, teamwork and the arts; and developing behavior management plans on an as needed basis. This part-time position requires approximately a 25 hour commitment per week for 10 months of the year (1:30pm-6:30pm on every school day listed on the Town of Needham School District Calendar, and 11:00am-6:30pm on every early release day with the exception of Thanksgiving week). This staff position reports to The Director of The Center, with additional support and guidance from The Center Steering Committee. The mission of The Center is to provide a safe place to develop independence.
 
Qualifications:
  • Completed or currently working towards a Bachelors Degree
  • Must be CPR and First Aid certified or willing to gain certification
  • Knowledge and experience working with children and youth
  • Able to access email and phone
  • Good computer skills, e.g. MS Word, MS Excel, and e-mail
  • Must be able to work Monday through Friday, 1:30pm-6:30pm, from September 1 to June 30, on all regular school days and 11:00am-6:30pm on 8 early release days on Needham Public Schools calendar. 
  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs and have physical ability to actively play and participate with youth ages 11-13
  • Must be able to pass an initial criminal and registered sex offender background check
  • Possess flexibility, initiative and ability to work independently as required;
 
 
Job Responsibilities
  • Work with youth at The Center during open hours
  • Set up and clean up The Center each day
  • Establish positive relationships with youth and their families
  • Create structured activities for youth
  • Assist with homework and academic skill building as needed
  • Communicate youth progress and needs clearly with appropriate personnel
  • Model empathy, healthy coping skills, and alternatives to aggression
  • Complete job tasks and paperwork in a timely manner
  • Attend relevant meetings, orientation and trainings
 
 
The Center is located at The Congregational Church of Needham, in Needham, Massachusetts.
Please visit our website at www.myyouthcenter.org for more information.
 
To apply, please fill out and submit an application, or send a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@myyouthcenter.org
Wednesday - June 5, 2013
Organist Wanted - Norton

We are a medium-sized church seeking an organist for Sunday worship service, special services, funerals, weddings and weekly choir rehearsals.

The position equals approximately ten hours per week, 42 weeks per year. We presently have a six to ten person choir that participates in Sunday worship and the candidate must accompany the choir and work cooperatively with the choir director.

Our organ is an early (1851) tracker that has been well maintained and is fully functioning. We also have a Steinway grand piano in the sanctuary.

The candidate should possess all or most of the following criteria:

  • A degree in music (Associates or Bachelors) and/or private study on the organ
  • An understanding of Congregational and United Church of Christ worship and liturgy especially traditional hymns
  • Knowledge of music history and theory, sight reading skills, experience in accompaniment and sensitivity in hymn playing
  • A willingness to work with staff members and to comply with requests including the ability to play a broad range of styles encompassing early to contemporary music
  • A love of  pipe organs and (perhaps most importantly) a recognition of the decades-long tradition of a strong music program at Trinitarian Congregational Church

We are used to high quality music that brings beauty and a sense of the sacred meaning to our services. It is our hope that the spiritual momentum of this tradition can be maintained for many years to come.

Salary for this position is $10,500. Funerals and weddings are contracted separately.

We are also building a list of substitutes. If you are willing to be on-call, please submit your information.

Friday - May 31, 2013
Director of Christian Education/Faith Formation - East Granby, CT
 
East Granby Congregational Church, an active suburban church located in East Granby, Connecticut, is a seeking Director of Christian Education/Faith Formation to serve a thriving children and youth program with from birth through high school. We are seeking an outgoing candidate for a 20-hr/wk part-time position.  The ideal candidate will have a strong personal Christian faith and knowledge of Scripture; teaching experience with youth and families; good organizational and creative problem
solving skills; excellent leadership abilities; volunteer management,
communication and multi-tasking skills.
 
Interested?  Please email resume with cover letter to:
office@egchurch.necoxmail.com, with CE Director in the subject line.

Wednesday - May 29, 2013
Director of Religious Education - Newton
United Parish of Auburndale
64 Hancock Street
Newton, MA  02466
 
The United Parish of Auburndale (United Church of Christ and United Methodist) seeks an organized and enthusiastic candidate to become our new Director of Religious Education.  The job will require 20 hours per week for 10 months a year (roughly follows public school calendar) with an annual salary of $24,000.  A Bachelors degree is preferred.  The job may develop into a full-time position with the right candidate.
 
A successful candidate will have at least five years of experience (paid or voluntary) leading an education program including coordination of volunteers, budget, classrooms, and supplies. (The candidates educational programming experience does not have to be religious, however it is preferred.)  The specific job responsibilities include:
 
         Directing weekly Sunday School and occasionally teaching (Pre-K through 8th grade),
         Resourcing the Board of Education (monitoring safety, inclusivity and effectiveness),
         Innovating new means of outreach both within and beyond the church. 
         The position may also include facilitating activities for youth (middle and high school) and occasional programming for adult education, depending on the candidate's experience and interests.
 
The candidate must be outgoing, able to recruit and train volunteers, and able to work collaboratively with software such as Google Docs, Facebook, and Microsoft PowerPoint. The Director of Religious Education reports to the pastor. 
 
Who We Are
Our church of around 350 members gathers in a beautiful building in the historic district of Auburndale (Newton) just across the street from Lasell College.  We are easily accessible by both the MBTA commuter train (Auburndale 5 min. walk) and the Green Line (Riverside 10 min. walk).
 
We are welcoming to all persons who seek a compassionate space to explore their faith, including the g/l/b/t/q community.  We draw inspiration from a progressive reading of the Bible, the arts (with numerous concerts and graphic art shows), and from each other (community is cherished).  United Parish participants are involved in numerous social justice and advocacy efforts, and our outreach work benefits underserved groups locally, nationally, and internationally.
 
Please send resume by e-mail to:
UPA Staff-Parish Relations c/o: office@upanewtonma.org
Obituaries
Tuesday - June 4, 2013
Rev. J. Stanley Dahlman

The Rev. J. Stanley Dahlman died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at this home in Northfield, Massachusetts on Tuesday, June 4th, 2013.  Rev. Dahlman and his wife Lucille (who predeceased him in 2010) were married for 66 years.  He is survived by his children Kirsten Durbin and her husband Jerry, his daughter Mary Johnson and her husband Dave, and his son Eric.  He is also survived by many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Rev. Dahlman served churches in Waltham, Norton, Deerfied and New Salem, MA, Cleveland, OH, and Chester, Winchester and Auburn, NH.

Even before the civil right movement was in full swing, Rev. Dahlman a champion of social justice.  He preached sermons about justice, the beauty all around us and especially of wonder.  He was an artist and a creative cook.

There will be a memorial service at First Church of Deerfield on Thursday, June 13th at 11am.  Those who attend are asked to bring a few garden flowers to make communal bouquets at the church.

To read more please go to:  www.legacy.com/obituaries/recorder/obituary.aspx

 

 

Sunday - April 28, 2013
Nevin Miller Kirk

The Rev. Nevin Miller Kirk, of Centerville MA died on April 28, 2013.  Rev. Kirk served the Craigville Conference Center as Director of Social and Recreational activities from 1962 through 1966.  A memorial service was held at South Congregational Church in Centervill MA on Saturday, May 4, 2013.

For a full obituary, please go to:  www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article.

Saturday - April 27, 2013
John Eusden

The Reverend Dr. John Dykstra Eusden of Brunswick, Maine died on  April 27.  Rev. Eusden was a Chaplain at Williams College for over 30 years.  There was a memorial service for Rev. Eusden at First Parish Church in Brunswick ME on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 1:00pm.  To see a full obituary, please go to:  www.brackettfuneralhome.com/obituaries/John-Eusden/#!/Obituary.

Also the following in the Boston Globe:  http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=john-dykstra-eusden&pid=164553996#fbLoggedOut.

 

Sunday - April 7, 2013
Riley P. Shirley, Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Riley P. Shirley of Concord MA died on April 7, 2013.  There will be a memorial service at 10am on Saturday, April 13, 2013 in the Duvall Chapel, 80 Deaconess Road, Concord MA.  For online guest book and directions go to Fowler-Kennedy.com.  Rev. Riley had served as an interim pastor at Halifax Congregational Church in Halifax, MA.

Sunday - March 17, 2013
The Rev. M. Alicia Corea

The Rev. M. Alicia Corea, 92,  passed away on March 17 in Walnut Creek, California after a lengthy illness. 

Reverend Corea was born in Ashland, Maine on November 4, 1921 to Fred and Annie Coffin. Her brother, Charles, was born ten years later.
 
Alicia attended elementary school in Ashland, but her parents moved to Bangor so she could attend Bangor High School, from which she graduated in 1939.
 
Religion was an important part of Alicia’s childhood.  Her parents were active members of the church, and her mother was a pianist and organist for many years.
 
In Bangor she was active in All Souls Congregational Church. Under the guidance of the minister, Frederick Meek, she joined the church. Her religious quest continued throughout her college years when she was influenced by Ruth Seabury, a Christian missionary who interested her the Danforth Foundation, and encouraged her to become a full time religious worker.
 
Alicia attended the University of Maine in Orono where she joined the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History and Journalism from Univ. of Maine in 1943. The academic year 1943-1944 was spent at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln working under a Danforth Graduate Fellowship.  As a traveling Secretary for the World Student Service Fund, in the fall of 1944, she visited campuses in Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky; she spent the summer of 1945 as the student Summer Service Worker in South Dakota on the Cheyenne Reservation.
 
After her work at the University of Nebraska, Alicia felt the need for more religious study in order to be better able to work with young people.  She enrolled at Andover Newton in January 1945 as a part-time student. It was at Andover Newton that Alicia met Peter V. Corea as a fellow student and they married on June 1, 1946.
 
In September 1947 Peter came to the Houghs Neck Congregational Church to preach for one Sunday.  The congregation liked him so much that on Sunday, October 16, 1947 he was called to be the minister.  His ordination to the Christian ministry followed on Sunday, December 8, 1947.
 
During their first two years in Houghs Neck Church, Alicia continued as a student at Andover Newton.  Following her graduation in 1949, and with the strong support and encouragement of her husband and the parish, Alicia was ordained by her former minister, Dr. Meek to the Christian ministry on May 5, 1949.  She was the first woman in Quincy, and one of the first in Massachusetts to be ordained.
 
Over the years the Coreas created and shared a unique team ministry in teaching people through worship and personal counseling.  Peter loved teaching and for many years was a Professor of Psychology at Emerson College.  As his teaching duties increased, Alicia gradually assumed more responsibility within the church.  She attended Church Council, played the organ, sang in the choir, taught Bible classes, was involved with the youth of the church, attended Mothers Club, prepared the Newsletter and the church bulletins, and worked closely with the Diaconate.  She performed her ministerial responsibilities with grace, compassion, and good humor.
 
Alicia’s ministry extended beyond the walls of the Church to the greater community as reflected in the significant committees and boards on which she has served, the denominational positions that she has held, and her involvement in social issues that positively impacted people’s lives.  Among these activities are the following:  Scribe and Moderator of Suffolk South Association of Congregational Christian Churches; Member of the Board of Supervisors at the Woodward School for Girls; President of the Quincy Assembly and Supreme Chaplain of the Social order of the Beauceant.  In addition, with her husband, Reverend Corea helped to establish the Scholarship Fund for the Houghs Neck Congregational Church.
 
Reverend Corea is survived by her son, Dr. William C. Corea of San Ramon, Caliornia, and his wife Patty; her brother Charles and his wife Diana, niece Jannatha Coffin-Malia and her husband Scott and son Nathaniel of Mansfield, Massachusetts.
 
A memorial service is planned for early June in Quincy.  Donations in Reverend Corea’s honor may be made to the Houghs Neck Congregational Church and the Scholarship Fund for the Houghs Neck Congregational Church.

You can read about Rev. Corea in the Quincy Sun:

thequincysun.com/2013/03/19/community-mourns-passing-of-rev-m-alicia-corea/

You can read more about her in this article about the special reception at Houghs Neck Congregational Church honoring her 56 years of service in 2010: 

www.wickedlocal.com/quincy/topstories/x1129168147/Quincy-church-honors-Rev-Alicia-Corea-at-farewell-reception#axzz2NtqjZDTG

Tuesday - March 5, 2013
The Rev Ms. Joan M. Haner

The Rev. Joan M. Haner, 80, of Fairhaven, passed away on March 5, 2013, at Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.  

The Rev. Haner graduated from Hiram College and Oberlin Seminary and was ordained in her hometown of Warren, Ohio on July 27, 1958.  Early service included positions as Director of Christian Education in Ohio and Washington, D.C., a campus ministry position at the University of South Dakota, and several years in government service at the Head Start Program, the educational phase of the War on Poverty.
 
In 1976, the Rev. Haner moved to Massachusetts where she began her career as an intentional interim minister in the United Church of Christ.  She served congregations in eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island including the Old North Church on Nantucket, the United Church of Christ in Lakeville and the Pilgrim United Church of Christ in New Bedford.
 
A time of remembrance and celebration of the life of the Rev. Joan M. Haner will be held on Sunday April 28 at 3:30 PM at Beneficent Congregational Church at 300 Weybosset Street and Chestnut Street in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. All are welcome.
 

 

Transitions
Thursday - June 13, 2013
Brecht, Susan
called to Eliot Church of Newton #3300 as Pastor
Thursday - June 13, 2013
Child, Virginia
leaving Congregational Christian Church of Somerset #4230 as Interim Pastor
Thursday - June 13, 2013
Floyd, Rebecca
Ordained by the Berkshire Association Green's Farms Church, Westport, CT
Thursday - June 13, 2013
LaMontagne, Melinda
leaving United Chruch of Christ Federated, Webster #4880 as Pastor
Thursday - June 13, 2013
Maybeck, Cynthia
leaving Trinity Church Northborough #3440
Thursday - June 13, 2013
Rieder, Cheryl
called to Congregational Christian Church of Somerset #4230 as Pastor