Search and Call in the United Church of Christ
a series of events for seminarians
Are you getting ready to graduate from seminary? Have you already graduated and are now entering the search process? Join us for a series of four events which will provide you with key information on how you get from seminary to a local church within the United Church of Christ.
For all the details
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Narrative Approaches to Deep Change
A workshop with Rev. Dr. Lawrence Peers
 Religious traditions have used sacred story to give broader meaning and interpretation to contemporary events. Today, there is an emerging use of narrative in therapeutic and organizational work as well. In this workshop, we will explore the use of traditional and contemporary narrative approaches to focus our ministry practice toward personal and congregational renewal and change.
For all the details
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Small Church Vitality
A day long workshop with David Ray for pastor-lay teams
 Is your congregation a small church with 100 or less in worship? Two out of every three Protestant churches are, so you're not alone! David Ray believes that small churches are the right size for being and doing all that God calls a church to be and do. Clergy and lay leaders are invited to attend the upcoming workshop with David, the Associate Conference Minister for Small Church Development for the Maine Conference, U.C.C. where he will help us better understand smaller churches and equip us for leading them toward greater faithfulness and effectiveness in our changing times.
For all the event details
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Preaching for Advent and Christmas
a workshop with Matthew Myer Boulton
Join clergy, seminarians, and in-care students in this hands-on preaching workshop. Take some time out of your busy schedule to gain a deeper theological understanding of this liturgical season and to put together a personalized schedule of ideas for preaching through Advent and Christmas.
Find all the details here
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PEP Calendar
For a listing of all the upcoming Pastoral Excellence Program events in the Massachusetts Conference take a look at the calendar!
View calendar
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Thanks to Ann Plumley!
 A generous thank you and words of gratitude are extended to Ann Plumley who has served as the Associate for Church and Ministry Concerns through the Pastoral Excellence Program. Ann's three year full time contract began in March of 2003 and ended June 15, 2006. During her tenure as a member of the Pastoral Excellence Team, Ann developed guidelines for clergy conduct and continuing education; identified issues for screening and nurturing of candidates for ordained ministry; and provided training modules for membership on Church and Ministry Committees of the Massachusetts Conference. Ann is presently a part time student at Andover Newton Theological School and is serving as part time Interim Associate at the First Congregational Church in Keene, New Hampshire. |
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The Lilly Endowment focuses on Sustaining Pastoral Excellence
Masschusetts Conference, U.C.C. benefits from Lilly grant
The Lilly Endowment is convinced that many congregations in the nation, in a variety of settings and within a multiplicity of faith traditions, are being served by excellent pastoral leaders. These leaders and the work they do are of inestimable value. The quality of pastoral leadership is key to vital congregational life. When churches and parishes are led by spiritually strong, thoughtful, able and imaginative pastors, congregations tend to thrive. The Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ, received $1,500,000 in support of Developing and Sustaining Pastoral Excellence in the Conference. The grant period began January 1, 2003 and continues through December 31, 2007.
Read more about Sustaining Pastoral Excellence
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Book recommendations
by the Pastoral Excellence Team
Overwhelmed by all the great books on ministry being published??? Don't worry - we're here to help! Check out one of these great reads:
- Practicing Our Faith: A Way of Life for a Searching People by Dorothy BassTell it Like it Is: Reclaiming the Practice of Testimony by Lillian DanielStorycatcher: Making Sense of Our Lives through the Power and Practice of Story by Christina Baldwin
- Calling: A Song for the Baptized by Caoline A. Westerhoff
Read our reviews of these and other titles |
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Resources
There are great things happening in ministry! We are very fortunate to be able to pass on some wonderful resources that are being generated by other organizations and programs around the country. The Lewis Center for Church Leadership at Wesley Theological Seminary has developed 50 Ways to Build Strength series based on the work of the U.S. Congregational Life Survey. Find out 50 ways your congregation can improve on caring for children, caring for youth, increasing participation, and welcoming new members.
Read more...
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