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United Church News Archive Index

February-March, 2008 - The Common

More than News... INSPIRATION!

• Five Holy Conversation ideas to share faith
• Welcome to "The Common"
• Minister & President's Column: Can New England Congregationalists bear testimony?
• Sharing faith and unbinding the Gospel
• Staff column: Growing faith in our congregations
• News Briefs

December 2007 / January 2008

• Annual Meeting: Part 2
• Author offers 10 ways to practice faith at home
• Local churches are nurturing interfaith relations
• President's Corner: Excellence: what and how
• Stewardship: What is this treasure worth?
• Board of Directors notes: Proposal affirmed; the journey continues

October-November, 2007

• Conference Disaster Resource Team responds to local tragedy
• Congregational Library offers grants for record preservation
• Federated Church of Warren uses closing funds to support ministry
• President's Corner: Mother Teresa: What a faithful life can cost
• Board of Directors notes: Still more excellent way: hearings summarized
• Mission trips offer worlds of opportunities
• Stewardship: Skewed giving is the norm

August-September, 2007

• Annual Meeting Part 1 sets high expectations for Part 2
• Board proposes shift to more collaboration
  • Board Chair: Even Moses had a team
• President's Corner: Each of you is Jesus' Letter of Recommendation
• MACUCC at Synod highlights
• Three new Acting Associate Conference Ministers named
  • Jill Graham: Work with western churches is dream come true
  • Wendy Vander Hart: Familiar face joins Conference staff
  • Carol Atwood-Lyon: Joins Conference staff after 36 years of parish ministry
• Tom Clough accepts call to local parish in Maine
• Stewardship: You're invited to send a birthday gift

June-July, 2007

• Tired feet and proud souls cross the Commonwealth
• Mashpee church start begins to plant seeds
• Beverly church pre-celebrates 50th Anniversary of UCC
• Presiden'ts Corner: The answer is both
• Board update and good-byes
• Reflection: The stewardship of wealth
• Let it Shine profile: Penn-Strah lets his light shine during transitions
• Webfest 2007

April-May, 2007

• Jump on the bus to Hartford celebration!
• Formation of UCC was a debate topic in Massachusetts 50 years ago
• Minister & President: One Spring day
• News brief: new staff member, new MCC president
• More than 400 people attend listening sessions
• Stewardship: Foolish finances
• Let it Shine profile: ONA Coordinator produced rainbow of colors for 20 years

February- March, 2007

• UCC presence felt in Governor's inauguration
• Start packing for Hartford; two-part Annual Meeting confirmed
• Rev. Scovil will lead Mashpee church start
• Minister & President: People with a public faith
• Listening Committee begins to formulate vision
• Lenten, Easter resources available
• Mission and Justice teams are ready to help your congregation
• Stewardship: Telling our stories
• Let it Shine Profile: Kessler shines among all denominations
• Board Notes: Transitions, treasury, church starts, and Lilly grant extension

December- January, 2007

• Timothy Project aims to build on identified strengths
• New blood brings Quincy church back from brink
• Mid-course change for Central Association
• Minister & President: What does God's vulnerability make possible?
• Board Notes: Board appoints communications facilitator, plans Annual Meeting stages, and considers property changes
• Stewardship: Giving thanks
• Preachig for Advent
• Let it Shine profile: Two shining needles in a haystack
• Share your views and visions at a Listening Session in January

October-November, 2006

• Hurricane disaster relief efforts continue through one-year anniversary
• Williamstown celebrates first straw of mission work
• Hartford annual meeting proposed
• Minister & President: President's Corner
• Listening process task force staffed, meeting held
• Stewardship: Boldly invite all to new levels of generosity
• Changes made in Christian Ed ministry
• Let it Shine Profile: Long-time member a shining light in East Weymouth
• City Mission Society celebrates 190 years

August-September, 2006

• Annual Meeting attendees focus on worship
  • Speaker reminds clergy 'worship is for God, not us'
• Jim Antal elected Minister and President
• Scudder doors are opened
• Interim Minister & President: We are not without hope
• Minister & President-elect: It's a time of preparation
• Stewardship: Giving should not be kept a secret

June-July 2006

• Minister and President candidate to be presented
• Conference prepares for staffing changes
• Spotlight highlights Lunenburg church
• Interim Minister & President: It's a time to rekindle and restore
• Stewardship: Giving is a way of faith
• Still Speaking profile: a nursing home pastor
• Annual Meeting reminder

April-May, 2006

• Barnes bequest helping to rebuild lives
• Several honored for ONA work
• Board members recommend Conference restructure
• Interim Minister & President: Spring will bring changes to the Massachusetts Conference
• Minister & President search update
• Staff changes brings farewells and welcomes
• Stewardship: Remember bequests in your will
• Still Speaking Profile: an in-care student and hospital chaplain
• 207th Annual Meeting: Transforming Worship
• Edwards House offers newly renovated accommodations
• PEP Sponsors Spirituality and Leadership Event

February-March, 2006

• Preparations Underway for Annual Meeting
  • New Resolutions Format Developed
• Prayer Shawl Ministries Knit Comfort and Warmth
• Interim Minister & President: Let's Give Thanks, Bless Others
• M & P Interviews Begin in February
• Local Churches Partner with S. African Churches
• Stewardship: Tithing Goals Can Be Reached
• Conference Appoints Disaster Response Coordinators
• Demographics Available to MACUCC Churches
• Take a Look At Your Verizon Yellow Pages Bill
• A New Look For the MACUCC
• Still Speaking Booster Parties
• Still Speaking Profile: hurricane victims and relief workers

December-January, 2006

• Women Ministers Celebrated, Challenged
• Churches Challenged to Adapt
• Interim Minister & President: We Believe Things Can Change
• Hurricane Tragedies Continue to Inspire
• Hancock Church Hosts an Alternative Christmas Fair
• Stewardship: Tithing is a Step Forward in Faithfulness
• Neighbors Welcome Scudder House
• December Deadline Looms for New M & P Applicants
• Still Speaking Profile: a long-time female minister
  • Still Speaking Quote

October-November, 2005

• MACUCC Staff, Local Churches, Respond to Hurricane News
• Congregational Library, Churches House Historical Documents
• Pastoral Excellence Sponsors Leadership Event
• Interim Minister & President: A Season of Chagne Could Mean A World of Change
• Hingham Church Steeple Hit by Lightning
• Search Committee Met in Summer
• New Book Chosen for Second 'Reads' Program
• Stewardship: OCWM Affects Many Lives
• Still Speaking Profile: A graphic artist
• New Ad Planned for Advent

August-September, 2005

Annual Meeting Coverage

• Annual Meeting Stirs the Deep Waters
• Delegates Vote Dues Increase
• Resolutions Speak Out on Springfield Schools, Sudan, Federal Budget, The Environment and World Debt
• Churches Need to Embrace Change If They Are to Grow and Thrive
• Educator of the Year Award Presented
• It Was Heard at the Meeting
• Still Speaking Profile: the Importance of Personal Invitation

• Interim Minister & President: The Year Ahead Will Be Filled With New Experiences
• Conference Vision Promotes Church Vitality, Covenant
• Edwards House Opens its Doors
• Search Committee Selected for Minister & President Position

June-July, 2005 (No May Issue)

• Community Support is Key to Success in Church Starts - Southeast Area Moves Towards a Mashpee Church Start
• Hispanic Pastor Hits the Streets of JP to Find New Members
• Affirmation Ceremony Held for Youths
• Interim Minister & President: Massachusetts Conference Helps Grow the Bouquet of Congregations
• Not All Forms of Wealth Are Equally Respected in Lesotho
• Stewardship: Parents Need to Market Stewardship To Children
• Taunton Loses Community-Minded Pastor
• Still Speaking Profile: Owners of a Christian Gift Shop
• Search Underway
• Worcester Church Resurrected

March-April, 2005

• Annual Meeting Promises A Full Net of Fellowship
• Seafarers Rock The Boat
• First weeks on the job are pleasantly uneventful for interim
• Interim Minister & President: Easter is More Than a One-Day Event
• Falmouth Church Loses Loving Pastor
• Stewardship: Children Raise Money for Tsunami Victims
• Earth Day Energy Events Planned for Faith Community
• Creating a Church Website
• Still Speaking Profile: A Steward of the Environment
• Local Churches Use the StillSpeaking Campaign to Reach Out

January-February, 2005

• Sterner Arrives as Taylor Says Farewell :
  • Interim Minister & President Takes Office in February
  • Nancy Taylor Gives Charge to Conference of Churches
• Book Group Sparks Faith Discussions
• Interim Minister & President: Worship Services Quench Arid Souls
• MACUCC Encourages Help in Wake of Tsunami
• Stewardship: New Year's Resolutions Foster Stewardship
• 206th Annual Meeting
• Still Speaking Profile: a missionary
• Brief Notes

December, 2004

• Saints Alive!
  All Saints Worship Celebrations Launch the Advent Still Speaking Campaign
• Blue Christmas Services Are A Comfort For Many
• Interim Minister and President to Be Appointed by First of Year
• Mustard Seeds Ministries Project
• Still Speaking Profile:  Christian Educator
• Still Speaking Questions Get Answers
• Minister and President:  Advent An Opportune Season
• Stewardship:  Awards
• MACUCC Receives Generous Bequest
• Red Sox Bell Ringing
• Brief Notes

November, 2004

• Seeds of Change Have Been Planted: Taylor to step down
• Minister & President: Transitions
• What's Next? Process for finding next Minister & President has begun
• Dorchester's Pilgrim Church plans a New Beginning
• Amesbury Churches Combine Talents and Consider Merger
• Still Speaking profile: God is still speaking to the members of the MACUCC who are learning new ways to welcome
• Topsfield Attendees learn How to Welcome
• Stewardship: New Members May Not Know How To Give
• Who is a Young Adult?

• 205th Annual Meeting of the Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ:
• Declare it Boldly
• Scudder House Door Unlocked
• Keynote address: God is still speaking
• Pastoral Excellence sponsors workshops, jazz, lunch
• Year's highlights and honoring 50-year-ordinands
• Delegates struggle over same-gender marriage
• Voting results
• Two-day conference at-a-glance
• Minister & President: Don't keep this UCC secret
• ACM for Stewardship and Financial Development named
• New editor on staff

June, 2004

• Once visitors come, what brings them back to a congregation?
  • Transformational gifts: Sign-up sheets in Danvers
  • Transformational gifts: Belchertown's action screensaver
  • Vibrant worship: Jazz 5:30 in Harvard Square
  • Vibrant worship: Praise Band on North Shore
• Housing workdays generate enthusiasm in Central Area
• Southeast Area visitation project lets Conference staff know what churches need
• Link to Iraq touches parishioners in Norfolk
• Minister & President: Join us for the UCC's 50th Anniversary Celebration
• Worthley to retire from Congregational Library
• Mustard Seed Ministries - an urban service opportunity for youth

May, 2004

• Churches and clergy prepare for possibility of same gender marriage
• Annual Meeting marriage resolutions
• Children paint peace murals for Dove Campaign in Northeast
• Minister & President: Please pray for our Annual Meeting delegates
• Board of Directors votes Still Speaking grant
• Steinke workshops encourage good leadership
• Still Speaking ad campaign: Is your church ready to welcome seekers?

April, 2004

• Test ad in Western MA brings rave reviews
• Annual Meeting to consider resolutions
• Guidelines for clergy pay increased over 2%
• 'The Passion of the Christ' stirs feelings, opinions
• Minister & President: Search for the True Cross: Pointing to Resurrection
• Lobby Day on Boston's Capital Hill
• Search Committee for Stewardship position

March, 2004

• Annual Meeting to feature Word, Worship, Wonder: Declare it Boldly!
• Interfaith activities, right in your congregation's home
• 'Transforming Globalization through Community' conference set for April in Holyoke
  • Opinion and reflection: View of globalization's burden
• Minister & President: Catalyst Project: time of testing becomes growth opportunity
• 'God is still speaking' TV ad campaign to test market in Western Area
  • Opinion and reflection: Welcome to our community!
• Forum on Public Education links school quality with justice issues

January/February, 2004

• Partnership between full and 'empty' churches leads to growth and understanding for both
• Thompson of First Church in Cambridge honored for ecumenical work with accessibility
• Minister & President: Let's go to Annual Meeting and make history
• Bendroth, formerly of MA, to head Congregational Association
• Men's group breaks stereotypes, enjoys in-depth discussions
• Seaside Rest continues traditions for missionaries

December, 2003

• Amistad celebration draws 8,000
  • Amistad by the numbers
  • Moving forward on race
• Minister & President: We cannot be righteous if we do not do justice
• China visit transforming for Just Peace Players
• Lavos to return as editor of Conference UC News
• Percept service temporarily halted

October, 2003

• Amistad day to 'educate, inspire'
  • More to visit than pomp, ceremony and celebration
• Gay marriage issue challenges church, state
• Visitation program building connections in Southeast
• Minister & President: Our faith must find expression in public life of nation
• Busy fall for pastoral excellence program

September, 2003

• Blackout becomes a highlight of NYC youth mission trip
• Churches want Amistad to make lasting impression
• Conference, state team up to bring 'ReLeaf" to urban areas
• First woman ordained 150 years ago
  • Littleton woman first in New England
• Planting 'Seeds for Life'
• Minister & President: A challenge to churches to claim their UCC identity

July-August, 2003

• Amistad event moved to FleetBoston Paviliion
• Amistad and the costs and joys of Christian Discipleship
• Younger faces take center stage at 204th Annual Meeting
• Minister & President speaks on Being a Prophetic Voice
• Delegates struggle with Christian response to war
• Delegates want more data in clergy pay guidelines
• North Reading teen receives Haystack Award

June, 2003

• Just Because He Lives: St. John's Easter service attracts 5,000
• Young and old rally 'round Comma
• Hoyt called as Acting Associate Conference Minister
• Minister & President: Amistad = Mission
• Where does the money go - a breakdown of Amistad costs

May, 2003

• Prayers for Peace: Attleboro children's prayers take flight
• Prayers for Peace: Gulf War vet finds comfort in prayer
• Prayers for Peace: Resources for war developed
• October 25th event at the Amistad taking shape
• Resolutions will be central part of Annual Meeting:
  • Resolution process examined
  • Christian Response to War on agenda
  • Resolutions propose action both globally and locally
  • Guidelines would hike clergy pay 1.5 percent
• Minister & President: Amistad story is about the soul of the United Church of Christ
• News in Brief:
  • Reclaiming Mother's Day
  • Church posts GPS coordinates

April, 2003

• Pastoral excellence program team in place
  • Ann Plumley
  • Lawrence Peers
  • Christina Braudaway-Bauman
• Military chaplains are on front lines
• Minister & President: Christ's gift of peace is a gift of power
• Youth groups improve Warner Farm
• Over 225 turn out for worship event

March, 2003

• Conference churches rise to 2002 Dues challenge
• Conference clergy arrested for blocking air base access
• A final celebration: Newtonville church refuses to go quietly
• Host committee co-chairs feel ties to Amistad story
• 204th Annual Meeting will put forth a new, younger face
• Taylor co-leads interfaith service
• Minister & President: Christians are called to analyze goals and consequences of war

January-February, 2003

• Conference to host Amistad's visit to Boston
• Minister & President: Amistad visit will be good for UCC, Boston and state
• New Roslindale church off to hope-filled start
• Laura Lee Kent called as new Central Area Minister
• Conference, Wellesley church pool Lilly resources

December, 2002

• Beverly church brings nativity to community
• Seven Lenox churches work together to rebuild Afghan village
• As I See It: Why Don't They Hate Me?
• Together, clergy wade into ministry's gray areas
• Minister & President: We must share Advent's great gift of extravagant words
• Computing in the Church Office

November, 2002

• Conference gets $1.5 million grant for new pastoral excellence project
• Iraq war debate puts many pastors in tough position
• As I See It: Exposing the myths surrounding 'contemporary' worship
• Essex Association delegates learn lessons of Salem
• Minister & President: Every congregation will share the benefits of Lilly grant
• News in Brief:
  • New program offered for youth leaders, educators
  • Amesbury pastor wins reporting award
  • Central Area search committee interviews five

October, 2002

• Churches there for one, all on 9/11
• Finding ways to express the inexpressible
• Gifts from the heart sent to Afghan children
• Churches find Scripture is key to stewardship efforts
• Minister & President: We have a Vision; it is up to us to live it together
• Conference strategic plan updated
• Clergy to explore boundary issues at five Nov. colloquies

September, 2002

• Churches aim for unity in Sept. 11th commemorations
  • Concord Trinitarian Church remembers one of its own
  • Minister & President: Christian vocation is reconciliation - even on September 11th
    
• Medical professionals learn language of spirituality
• Treasurer warns of big budget shortfall
• Sister churches renew relationship
• Conference activist dead at 54
• Conference center renovations delayed
• New director hired for resource center
• News is Brief:
  • Craigville program minister resigns
  • Former Craigville director honored
  • Harter to serve as interim president at Chicago Theological School

July/August, 2002

Coverage of the 203rd Annual Meeting:

• Evangelism, mission are woven together
• Delegates speak out on war; homelessness; Colombia
• Delegates approve land sale to fund Edwards House renovation
• Taylor calls on churches to teach about, support, UCC

Other coverage

• Young adults join feast in San Diego
• Conference delegation takes part in AIDS walk
• Royalston church, ANTS professor win awards

June, 2002

• Clergy gather to learn new law
• New Area Minister called for Northeast
• Conference Board approves new criteria for church starts
• Board recommends sellilng land to pay for renovations
• Minister & President: Pastors need to communicate about limits of confidentiality
• Board gets diversity training
  

May, 2002

• Church sells home, starts anew
• Annual Meeting delegates to address war on terrorism
• Youth take the lead in Conference Reach Out! Program
• Minister & President: Resolutions are best decided once we are gathered
• Malden church donates van to Elon Homes for Children
• Northeast search to finish as Central gets underway
• Staff to be dedicated at Annual Meeting

April, 2002

• Local church giving drops
• 203rd Annual Meeting to tackle justice issues
• Framingham conference center will finally be accessible
• Minister & President: With recognition comes responsibility to speak Christ
• Taylor weighed in on sex abuse legislation

March, 2002

• Ministry in small groups: Spiritual growth can come in small packages
• Abuse scandals lead to questions; answers
• Annual Meeting half price for young adults
• Big change comes on Mass. Council's 100th birthday
• Minister & President: Reflections on six months of Conference ministry
• Churches respond to Hope from the Rubble; Afghan appeal

January/February, 2002

• Conference Board takes leap of faith
• Area Minister called for West
• Church finds hidden treasure
• Minister & President: What symbols best evoke the God whom we encounter?
• New program to help churches transform conflict
• 203rd Annual Meeting to focus on in-house expertise

December, 2001

• Blue Christmas services a comfort for many
• Interest high in evangelism coaching
• Church and Ministry Committees play vital role in life of churches
• Minister & President: We should help non-Christians avoid the 'December dilemma'
• Communication seminars moved to high-tech location
• Clergy praise colloquy as chance to confer
• Ground broken on Emmaus Family House in Haverhill
• Letters: U.S. flag has a place in the church

November, 2001

• Attacks impact churches at core
• Rise in patriotism causes tension for some
  • Churches turn to hymnals, old and new, for words of comfort
• Workers bring hope to NYC
• Minister and President: The goal of a just and lasting peace is worthy of pursuit
• Change in store for Suitcase Seminars
• New program minister hired for Warner Farm

October, 2001

Church Response to September 11th:

• Churches open doors, hearts
• New Conference Minister's presence felt by many
• Technology plays crucial role in church response
• Chaplains on scene doing holy work
• What Can I Do?
• Generosity eclipses theft in Sharon
• A gift of peace received
• Minister and President: Our churches were there to handle the deep questions

• Judge upholds right of clergy to report abuse

September, 2001

• Conference camp embraces some special kids
• Fall brings changes to Conference offices
• Auburn church case has lesson for all
• Churches host children of Chernobyl
• Technology grants go to 126 churches
• Baptist church on list of projects on Conference mission trip
• New, two-year program for educators begins Oct. 3rd
• President: Reaching out to neighbors is difficult and holy work
• News in brief:
  -- New health ministries program offered at Andover Newton
  -- Walker Center open house to honor founder
  -- Andover Newton offers clergy a time apart

July/August, 2001

Annual Meeting coverage:

• Taylor elected: Annual Meeting votes in first female Minister and President
• Meeting votes Dues increase to raise salaries
• Delegates like 2-day format
• Resolutions passed on economy, environment
• Concern expressed over racial makeup of Board

Other news:

• Flad named interim for Central Area
• Northeast Area search to re-open
• President: An ending and a beginning in life of Conference
• Dennis Union Church educator given award
• Worcester Area Mission Society recognized

June, 2001

• Bandy: churches must change to survive, thrive
• More changes coming in Conference staff:
  • Area Minister called for MBA
  • Sparrow is called to national UCC post
  • Baker announces plans to retire in fall
• President: Annual Meetings are heart and soul of Conference
• United Church News will be offered free to all who request it
• Four Conference clergy members arrested at protest
• Mass. Council of Churches testifies for Sabbath; re-launches Web site

May, 2001

• Idaho pastor chosen as candidate for Minister & President
• Board proposes Dues hike to increase lagging salaries
• Youth spend April vacation serving others
• President: Technology has broadened our connection as Body of Christ
• Conference members participate in Good Friday Crosswalk
• Site manager hired for Warner Farm
• Planned Giving director called

April, 2001

• Battle waged over future of Brockton's Lincoln Church
• Church presents Passion Play
• Resolutions focus on environment, economy
  • Environment brings activists together in faith
• President: Young adults offer best hope for new life in Christ
• Educators get look at new preview center
• Help available for churches looking to make a change

March, 2001

• More pastors are in second career
• Board makes budget cuts
• Church uses team spirit to help the hungry
• President: There is a time to die and a time to be reborn
• Candidates for president, area minister, interviewed
• Gift and Promise coordinator hired
• CONNECT! extended: Three months added to program
• Christian educators will be able to preview software
  • Women's union has long history of giving grants

January/February, 2001

• Clergy shortage looms as average age rises
  • Commentary: Lack of young clergy a loss for churches
• Thomas speaks on ways to unite UCC
• President: May we learn fresh ways to discern the will of Gods
• Board urges term limits
• Whiten honored for ecumenical work

December, 2000

• Church promotes simpler Christmas
• Excitement builds for Provincetown new church start
• Conference receives $145,000 bequest
• President: Evangelism and justice ministries need each other
• Massachusetts religious leaders call for unity
• 250 churches could still get CONNECT! computer grants
• Thomas visits; will return in January

November, 2000

• Growth is tough topic for many church leaders
• Church, villagers, strengthen bond
• 202nd Annual Meeting to be one day shorter
• President: Tomorrow's churches need leaders who are servants
• Searches underway in MBA, Northeast, West
• Lack of access is costing Conference
• Author Wink leads Southeast workshop
• Congressional leaders agree on debt relief

October, 2000

• Future of weekly offering in 'cashless' society debated
  • History: Offering was not always part of worship
  • Opinion: Act of offering still has a place in the church
• Demographics can help churches plan mission, ministry
  • Center helps new parents in need
• Search on for president
• President: Leadership is the key to everything we do
• Board chair sees business-church link

September, 2000

• Churches begin getting, spending, computer grants
• First steps taken in reaching young adults
• Fall brings big turnover in Conference staff
• Churches host Elon Homes youth
• President: For everything there is a season
• Brookline church works for living wage