Connecticut Conference UCC Events
Event Listings from the Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ
  • Health Care for Everyone Action: Feb. 8, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
    Opening Day of the 2012 Legislative Session: The lobbyists will be there.Will you?There's a lot at stake this year, and the opponents of health reform are already working overtime. Join with healthcare4every1 activists to send a message to Governor Malloy and legislative leaders: they must act in 2012 to deliver on the promise of health care we can all count on. Wear your red healthcare4every1 T-shirt (T-shirts available if you don't have one).Join us for all or part of the day. There will be coordinated activities throughout the day to make sure that health care reform work gets done in 2012. Come to Room 2600 -- 2nd floor of the Legislative Office Building -- to check in and get your assignment.

  • National Preach-in on Global Warming: Feb. 10 - 12
    In February, hundreds of faith leaders of different religious traditions from around the country will use the weekend closest to Valentine's Day as a time to express their love of Creation and their concern about climate change. Faith leaders are invited to give a sermon or lead a reflection. Some congregations will host film screenings and discussions. Others will run Bible study or youth activities around the topic of global warming. Different faiths celebrate their holy day on different days of the weekend, and the Preach-In for Friday, Saturday, and/or Sunday provides flexibility. Congregations can choose the day that's best for them.Sign up now at interfaithpowerandlight.org to receive a variety of resources as soon as they become available:- Denomination-specific liturgical and thematic notes- Ready-to-go sample sermons on global warming- Global warming fact sheet and bulletin insert- Selected DVDs on request with companion discussion guides.Leading up to the event, participating congregations will receive Valentineandacirc;€™s Day postcards to mail in to their representatives, encouraging political leaders to love their neighbors and the Earth by supporting policies that protect the climate and clean air.

  • Group Spiritual Direction Experience: God and the Contemporary Scientific Understanding of the Unive: Feb. 13, 5:30 - 7:30pm
    As we learn more and more about the Universe, we wonder more and more about The One from whom it all emerged. This “Wondering” is a Gift calling us Deeper and Deeper. Join with other searchers for a six session program of group spiritual direction focused on exploring an expanding understandings of who God is. We will begin with viewing the new epic film, “The Journey of the Universe.” Subsequent session will explore “The Powers of the Universe.” Facilitators: Margaret Galiardi,OP , Lois Happe, and Melina Rudman When: 5:30-7:30 pm February 13, March 12, April 10, May 8, andamp; June 11, 2012 You are welcome to come to one, a few or all. Please bring a brown bag dinner if you so choose

  • Youth Ministry Now Colloquium:Youth’s Questions, Faith’s Stories,Christ’s Claims: Feb. 14
    Our young people have God-given yearnings for community characterized by unconditional acceptance and love, for ecstatic experiences that lift them out of the real or inflated regrets and anxieties of quotidian existence, for constructive ways of reflecting on the existential questions raised in their day to day interactions, and for guidance on the ways of life that lead to authentic human flourishing. Who will help them channel their passions to the only Lord in whom their yearnings are fulfilled? Are our churches—is your church—equipped for this challenge? For this opportunity? Youth Ministry: Now will gather four leading scholars to share the fruits of their reflection with a community of ordained and lay leaders committed to youth ministry in their home congregations. We invite you to join the conversation as we listen and learn from one another in a series of luncheon presentations, followed by an opportunity for networking conversations. Join us for a series of four luncheons and lectures for pastors and youth ministry leaders The series is free and open to all — come for one or come for all four!

  • Stepping Stones: After Sardines, then what?!: Feb. 15, 2012, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
    What is youth group for? Why are we here every Sunday night? Is it just for community building or are we reaching for something deeper? An opportunity for high school youth group advisors to discuss why we do what we do; including some how-to and how-not-to of "regular" meetings, those times when our groups are NOT on mission trips or holding a fundraiser. LEADER: Ms. Marji Hughes, Director of Christian Education, CC of Naugatuck Stepping Stones is a popular series of mini-courses for Christian Educators, pastors, superintendents, and those responsible for Christian formation that want to energize, renew or challenge their ministry. These workshops explore faith formation topics and contemporary issues and ideas, and offer an opportunity to network with others. Stepping Stones is sponsored by the Connecticut Partners in Education- P.I.E. All workshops will be held at First Congregational Church in Southington, CT. Light Supper begins at 6:00 p.m. Workshops 6:45 – 8:30 p.m.

  • Benefit Dinner and Show for Somers Congregational Church: Feb. 17, 7:00 pm
    Belchertown UCC's Playhouse presents Muscling in on Murder (by Paula Hilton) at Joanna's Cafe in Somersville. Tickets benefit the Somers Congregational Church Restoration Fund. Dinner includes: baked chicken, ziti with marinara sauce, green beans, salad, dinner rolls, dessert and coffee. What do a high-powered salesman, an inventor, a marketing guru, a big eater, a sound sleeper, a sex kitten, and a diet enthusiast have in common? The Bycle Cycle, an amazing new exercise device that is taking the fitness world by storm. How the cycle was invented is another story, however, and has a twisted ending that will make your muscles ache with laughter. Join Michael Bycle, Ian Ventor, Sheila Closit, Sue Flay, Matt Napper, Callie Katz, and Dan D. Diet as they bend, push, and pull their way through an intriguing night of exercise. And whoever said exercise will kill you is right!The scripted show happens around the tables while you eat. Pay close attention and you might be the sleuth that solves the crime at the end of the evening!

  • Sacred Conversations: An Interfaith Dialogue on Freedom Justice and Equality: Feb. 19, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
    Join in this opportunity to engage in a sacred converstion on race, sponsored by Faith Congregational Church UCC, Amistad UCC, the Muhammad Islamic Center of Greater Hartford, and Sacred Conversations on Race of the Connecticut Conference UCC.

  • Breath by Breath Mediation Group: Feb. 20, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    This monthly meditation group will explore how mindfulness practice can enhance our everyday experience of life. Mindfulness is the art of quieting the mind and living in the present moment by gently cultivating inner stillness, attention, and compassion for oneself and others. Our gatherings will provide an opportunity for sitting and walking meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, Ekhart Tolle, and Jon Kabat Zinn along with discussion on mindful living. This time of shared contemplative practice can enhance one’s experience of life no matter one’s religious backgrounds. People from all religious traditions or no religious tradition are warmly welcomed. Co-sponsored by the Holy Family Retreat Center and The Spiritual Life Center. Facilitators: Ellen Graham and Brandon Nappi When: Third Monday of Every Month 1/16/12, 2/20/12, 3/19/12, 4/16/12, 5/21/12 12:00 pm –1:00 pm* * If you have not attended previously, please arrive at 11:45 for some helpful hints to better your meditation experience.

  • RESCHEDULED: Podcasting 101 for Faith-based and Neighborhood-based Organizations: Feb. 23, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
    Millions of people, in every age group and nearly every economic stratum, now uses a portable digital player to listen to programming on the run, in the car, and at home or office. Houses of faith and community organizations can use this technology both to share their message and to provide a foundation for further engagement. Thanks to widely available technologies, podcasting is both practical and affordable for congregations and neighborhood groups.Learn the basics of podcasting from the ground up, as taught by Carol Vassar-Pettit, CauseCommunications Manager of the Conference of Churches in Hartford, and the Rev. Eric Anderson, Minister of Communications and Technology for the Connecticut Conference UCC.

  • TAWFG Shepherd's Luncheon: Feb. 23, 12:30 pm
    This semi-annual luncheon is for Pastors of Congregations who have young vocationers, those who may be Thinking About Working For God. Pastors are invited to this lunch to learn about the TAWFG program and to receive hands on tools and resources for nurturing vocational exploration in their congregations. Please RSVP to cecileg@ctucc.org.

  • DATE TBA: Email, Websites, and Social Networks: Oh, My!: Feb. 25, 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
    This workshop needs to be rescheduled due to a sudden conflict in Eric Anderson's schedule. We will post the new date as soon as it's determined.In the days of the Apostle Paul, there were relatively few technologies for distributing messages, and transmitting them over any distance required a physical messenger to make the trip. Paul himself used them all. He wrote letters and dispatched them; he walked and rode many miles; he took ship (and endured shipwrecks) several times.In contrast, today's communications media are many and varied, and new ones emerge frequently. Some further conversations, while others "broadcast" a message from one person to many. In this workshop, church leaders will meet a few of the new technologies to get a sense of their importance to congregations and what their best uses might be.Workshop leader the Rev. Eric Anderson is Minister of Communications and Technology for the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ. In addition to his years of service in that setting of the church, he has served as pastor and interim pastor of local churches in Maine and Connecticut, and operated an independent IT consulting business.This event is part of Manantial de Gracia's Circle of Leaders series in honor of the Rev. Carlos Noel Velez.

  • Leap of Faith: A Multi-Faith Symposium on Trauma and Violence: Feb. 29
    This pre-conference event will give leaders of varying faith traditions an opportunity to explore the role of faith in healing from violence, abuse, and trauma through education, faith sharing, networking and advocacy. Pre-conference participants will have special access to nationally renowned speakers who will share their perspective and raise issues of trauma and violence relevant to all communities of faith. Workshops will offer reflection on issues of trauma imbedded in the faith experience. Continental breakfast and kosher lunch will be served. Hear national, regional, and local leaders recognized for their work in faith, trauma, healing, theology, and community organizing. Topics include: Theologies of trauma Healing rituals for trauma survivors A conversation with survivors of clergy misconduct Organizing to end trauma and violence Vicarious traumatization of those who minister in the midst of violence (trauma) Featured Symposium Leaders: Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune, Founder and Senior Analyst of FaithTrust Institute, a national multi-faith, multi-cultural organization dedicated to education and training around issues of faith, child abuse, and domestic violence, Seattle,WA Elena Giacci, Anti-Sexual Violence Education Specialist and Sacred Circle Native American spiritual healer, Albuquerque, NM Michael Mack, Actor, Poet and Author of his one man play, "Conversations With My Molester" Cambridge, MA Who Should attend? Clergy, Chaplains, Seminarians, Advocates, Mental Health Clinicians, Victims of Violence, and Religious Administrators

  • Confirmation Retreat: Mar. 2 - 4
    As you may know, there is a new theme and a new look to the curriculum for the weekends! Becoming and Belonging explores the journey of faith and discipleship through baptism and the six core themes of the United Church of Christ. Join us for a great experience with a new set of activities and renewed worship and fellowship experiences! Staffed by pastors and educators from throughout our state.

  • Sing Praise Reunion: Mar. 4, 10:00 am
    Participants in last summer's Sing Praise conference at Silver Lake will present portions of the original Biblical musical they wrote, rehearsed, and produced in a week's time last July. Come see, celebrate, and encourage these young people who have brought their creativity and talents to their faith, and still sing praise!

  • Stepping Stones: Maintaining Best Practices for a Healthy Church: Mar. 6, 2012, 6:00 - 8:30 pm
    Explore the best practices and resources available for implementing your church’s safe conduct policy effectively and consistently. Tips, strategies, and resources will be shared! LEADER: Ms. Karen E. Ziel, Minister of Christian Education, CT. UCC *Some content in this workshop will be presented at a similar workshop in New London Association in Nov. 2011. Stepping Stones is a popular series of mini-courses for Christian Educators, pastors, superintendents, and those responsible for Christian formation that want to energize, renew or challenge their ministry. These workshops explore faith formation topics and contemporary issues and ideas, and offer an opportunity to network with others. Stepping Stones is sponsored by the Connecticut Partners in Education- P.I.E. All workshops will be held at First Congregational Church in Southington, CT. Light Supper begins at 6:00 p.m. Workshops 6:45 – 8:30 p.m.

  • Reading in Faith Traditions: Mar. 7, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
    Join us for conversation and community as we explore together a variety of faith traditions through the eyes of persons both well-known and, perhaps, little known to us. You are welcome to attend monthly or as you are able. The Anam Cara Room will be available for reading and quiet conversation before and until 2:00 following our discussions. Beverages will be provided. The books that will be discussed are the following: January: Wishin’ and Hopin’, Wally Lamb February: The Girl from Foreign, Sadia Shephard March: Silence and Noise: Growing Up Zen in America, Ivan Richmond April: The Wisdom Jesus , Cynthia Bourgeault May: Standing Alone: An American Woman’s Struggle for the Soul of Islam, Asra Q. Nomani Some books are available for borrowing at the JP Webster Library, First Church, Main Street, West Hartford. www.jpwlibrary.org Facilitator: Rev. Sara Jane Munshower When: First Wednesday of Every Month, 11-1pm March 7, 2012 April 4, 2012 May 2, 2012 Please bring your book and a bagged lunch.

  • Thou Shalt Not Dance: Mar. 9, 8:00 pm
    Based on a true story, Thou Shalt Not Dance is a new play about losing religion and finding God. Raised in a conservative evangelical preacher’s home, Sara knows exactly what God expects of her—no dancing, no drinking, and above all, no questions. But when following the straight and narrow leads to heartbreak, and toeing the party line means keeping secrets even from herself, Sara discovers that the road to hell might be her only way out. Written by Lynn McNeil, a UCC minister, Thou Shalt Not Dance is a story of faith and doubt, pain and wholeness, coming out and breaking free. March 9 and 10 at 8pm and March 11 at 2pm.

  • Group Spiritual Direction Experience: God and the Contemporary Scientific Understanding of the Unive: Mar. 12, 5:30 - 7:30pm
    As we learn more and more about the Universe, we wonder more and more about The One from whom it all emerged. This “Wondering” is a Gift calling us Deeper and Deeper. Join with other searchers for a six session program of group spiritual direction focused on exploring an expanding understandings of who God is. We will begin with viewing the new epic film, “The Journey of the Universe.” Subsequent session will explore “The Powers of the Universe.” Facilitators: Margaret Galiardi,OP , Lois Happe, and Melina Rudman When: 5:30-7:30 pm March 12, April 10, May 8, andamp; June 11, 2012 You are welcome to come to one, a few or all. Please bring a brown bag dinner if you so choose

  • Breath by Breath Mediation Group: Mar. 18, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
    This monthly meditation group will explore how mindfulness practice can enhance our everyday experience of life. Mindfulness is the art of quieting the mind and living in the present moment by gently cultivating inner stillness, attention, and compassion for oneself and others. Our gatherings will provide an opportunity for sitting and walking meditation in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, Ekhart Tolle, and Jon Kabat Zinn along with discussion on mindful living. This time of shared contemplative practice can enhance one’s experience of life no matter one’s religious backgrounds. People from all religious traditions or no religious tradition are warmly welcomed. Co-sponsored by the Holy Family Retreat Center and The Spiritual Life Center. Facilitators: Ellen Graham and Brandon Nappi When: Third Monday of Every Month 3/19/12, 4/16/12, 5/21/12 12:00 pm –1:00 pm* * If you have not attended previously, please arrive at 11:45 for some helpful hints to better your meditation experience.

  • Youth Ministry Now Colloquium:Youth Ministry as Practical Theology: Mar. 20
    Our young people have God-given yearnings for community characterized by unconditional acceptance and love, for ecstatic experiences that lift them out of the real or inflated regrets and anxieties of quotidian existence, for constructive ways of reflecting on the existential questions raised in their day to day interactions, and for guidance on the ways of life that lead to authentic human flourishing. Who will help them channel their passions to the only Lord in whom their yearnings are fulfilled? Are our churches—is your church—equipped for this challenge? For this opportunity? Youth Ministry: Now will gather four leading scholars to share the fruits of their reflection with a community of ordained and lay leaders committed to youth ministry in their home congregations. We invite you to join the conversation as we listen and learn from one another in a series of luncheon presentations, followed by an opportunity for networking conversations. Join us for a series of four luncheons and lectures for pastors and youth ministry leaders The series is free and open to all — come for one or come for all four!