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Weekly Reflection from The Spirit Calendar

Justice

News and Announcements

Health Care Advocates Greet Returning State Legislators

HARTFORD -- More than 100 residents from across Connecticut turned out in force today in Hartford to shine a spotlight on the unfinished business of health reform and to urge their elected leaders to take bold action this year on key health care policies. "My faith is calling me to do this," said Michele Mudrick, a congregational organizer at the UCC-related Christian Activities Council, based in Hartford. "Everyone deserves to have quality health care, and we're sending out prayers that the governor will do the right thing." 02/08/2012

March in the Son: A Day to Equip CTUCC Church Leaders

HARTFORD -- The Connecticut Conference has announced a new event for equipping local church leaders with strategies, tools, ideas, and inspiration for their work in the Church. "March in the Son," to be held on Saturday, March 24, at the First Congregational Church UCC in Cheshire, offers sixteen workshops for people in traditional leadership roles as well as for people taking on new tasks in the twenty-first century since the birth of Christ. 02/08/2012

CTUCC Pastor/Playwright Tells Story of Resilience and Hope

BROOKFIELD -- She had no intention of writing a play during her sabbatical. But when the class she wanted to register for at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, New York, wasn't available, she signed up for one on writing and presenting a one-person show. The piece became the opening for the week's performance at the Omega community, and back home, took on new directions. On March 9, Thou Shalt Not Dance will be the pre-season special opening at the Brookfield Theatre for the Arts. 02/08/2012

New Minister Profile: Rev. Dr. John Pelletier

BETHLEHEM -- It's not unusual for a pastor to move from church to church. It is fairly common for pastors to move from one denomination to another. The Rev. Dr. John Pelletier did both. In between, he started a new career, returned to the clergy, retired, and once more was called to serve. 02/08/2012

In Memoriam: Leonette Warburton Wishard

BRIDGEPORT -- Leonette Warburton Wishard, former overseas missionary for the United Church of Christ and widow of Glenn P. Wishard, died on December 2, 2011, in her residence at The Watermark in Bridgeport. She was 109. 02/07/2012

Additional Incentives Make NYE 2012 Affordable to All

CLEVELAND -- Spring still may be several weeks off, but plans for the 2012 National Youth Event (NYE), July 10-13 in West Lafayette, Indiana, are taking root. National and conference initiatives are in place to make participation in and transportation to the event affordable. The Connecticut Conference is offering $100 scholarships and discounting fares on the New England Caravan bus trips to NYE. 02/03/2012

In East Haven, Clergy Pledge to Work Toward Reconciliation

EAST HAVEN -- In a Connecticut shoreline town where a Federal probe has produced criminal indictments against four police officers for systematically violating the civil rights of Hispanic citizens, and where the mayor has twice spoken hastily and insensitively in its wake, local clergy of three faiths called publicly "for prayers for justice and peace and for a sustained reflection on human rights and justice. All of the citizens of East Haven need to build a culture that honors human rights and welcomes the diversity of races and cultures," they said in a statement. "We, the undersigned religious leaders in East Haven, stand ready to facilitate this work of reconciliation." 02/01/2012

Niantic Knits Scarves for Special Olympics

NIANTIC -- The Special Olympics USA Scarf Project caught the attention of Judy Snitkin one day while perusing the plethora of yarn options at A.C. Moore. A brief encounter with a complete stranger from St. Mary’s Church in Groton last spring left Snitkin ready to knit, purl, and spread word of a good cause. Members and friends of the Niantic Community Church UCC got involved and, as the February 27 deadline rolls around, the church has accumulated more than one hundred hand knit and crocheted scarves destined for the Connecticut Winter Special Olympics. 01/31/2012

Walls Rise in Plainville

PLAINVILLE -- "Something there is that doesn't love a wall," wrote Robert Frost; the poet himself was skeptical that "good fences make good neighbors." In contrast, pastor the Rev. Dr. Claire Bamberg and the parishioners of the Congregational Church of Plainville, UCC, love the sight of new walls rising in the winter sun. The wooden frames mark a new stage in the lengthy process of restoring the church's facilities for hosting, nurturing, and educating. 01/30/2012

Silver Lake News

SHARON -- There's lots going on at Silver Lake! Summer conference registration is open, the Maple Sugaring and Spring Action weekends are coming up, and there's still space available if you're hoping to bring a group to God's back yard for a retreat experience. 01/27/2012

New Minister Profile: Rev. Ginny McDaniel and Rev. Nada Sellers

GRANBY -- Ginny McDaniel and Nada Sellers were searching for a church that looked to the future and would consider new ways of becoming a church. At First Congregational Church of Granby, they found that church, through very different paths. 01/25/2012

New England Conference Ministers Extend Invitation to 2012 Lenten Carbon Fast

FRAMINGHAM, MA -- The six leaders of New England's United Church of Christ Conferences have joined together to ask leaders, members, and friends of UCC churches throughout the region to join in the 2012 Lenten Carbon Fast. Those who sign up will receive daily messages throughout Lent with a suggested carbon-reducing activity. This year, four bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts have added their names to the summons to fast. 01/24/2012

Steps on a Long Journey: the Saugatuck Church Moves Forward After November Fire

WESTPORT -- From the Post Road that runs along its front, the facade of the Saugatuck Congregational Church UCC looks reassuringly normal. The 180-year-old meetinghouse door beckons invitingly, the white spire leads the eye to the heavens. Many have told Trustees Chair John Walsh something along the lines of, "Oh, good. It wasn't as bad as I heard." When he hears this, Walsh replies, "You need to see what's inside." One result of the severe damage is that investigators have been unable to isolate the cause of the November 20 fire. 01/24/2012

Educational Missionaries Betty and Ken Frank Visiting in May

HARTFORD -- Common Global missionaries Betty and Ken Frank, who have served overseas for forty-one years, will be in Connecticut May 1-31, 2012, and available to visit local churches at worship, for evening gatherings, and with leadership committees to share stories of their work. The Franks currently serve as co-general secretaries of the American Board with the Health and Education Foundation in Istanbul, Turkey. 01/12/2012

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