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FIDO* FAQs

(frequently asked questions)

What is FIDO*?
An online information service from the Connecticut Conference, UCC.
How do I sign up for FIDO*?
Just go to www.ctucc.org and click on FIDO*. Fill in the blanks and select the aspects of the service that interest you.
Why is it called FIDO*?
FIDO* stands for "Faith Information & Discussion Online" and also means "I believe" in Latin (and it's cute).
Who is FIDO* for?
Members of UCC congregations in Connecticut: laity and clergy.
How much does it cost?
There is no direct cost to congregations or members. FIDO* is a ministry of the Connecticut Conference supported by Our Church's Wider Mission (the funds your local church shares for the mission and ministry of the Conference and the national setting of the UCC).
Why should I sign up for FIDO*?
To get the latest info on a broad range of topics (like stewardship, where your One Great Hour of Sharing $$$ are at work) and discussion with people in other congregations (to get great ideas for youth projects, justice issues, and more!) And if your congregation has the highest number of members or the percentage of members sign on before July1, 2000, you could win GREAT prizes: a computer, 8 hours of website consulting, or a year of Internet service.
I'm stuck! How do I get help?
Send email to fidohelp@ctucc.org. If you need an immediate response, you can call the Connecticut Conference office during normal business hours at 860-233-5564 x102.
Can I advertise on FIDO?
No. FIDO is intended to promote discussion and sharing of resources between members of our local churches. If we permit advertising that uses our technical resources, we become complicit in the distribution of unsolicited email. We will not be party to spamming. Those who violate this restriction will be removed from FIDO forums.
I want to start a new discussion. How do I do it?
Contact eMedia specialist Eric Anderson at fido@ctucc.org. He'll advise you about starting a new aspect of FIDO*.
I want to give you some feedback. How do I reach you?
FIDO* is brand new; we need your input to make this service meet your needs even better. Please send suggestions and comments - positive or negative - to fido@ctucc.org.
Can I sign up for CONNtact on FIDO*?
Sure! Even though the full text of CONNtact is now online on our website, you're welcome to a real, paper version! Just fill in the blanks and select "CONNtact subscription." (FYI, CONNtact no longer charges a subscription fee; once a year, a donation envelope will be sent to subscribers.)
I don't have e-mail; can I get FIDO* in paper form?
Sorry to say, FIDO* is exclusively electronic. (We're trying to keep costs low!)

About FIDO Information and Discussion Forums

[Information Lists] | [Discussion Forums]

Information Lists

Disaster Alerts (Disaster-MSC-L)

When a natural or human-made disaster strikes, Christians want to know so that they can provide aid and comfort to the sufferers. This list provides that news, along with descriptions of the best ways to help and news of UCC responses already in place. This list has been operating since 1998 in various forms, and has finally moved onto our list server. Jim Morgan, Associate Conference Minister for Mission Interpretation and Media Relations, moderates the list.

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Connecticut Conference News (News-L)

If there is breaking news in the Connecticut Conference, it will be here, from the activities of our leadership to the special ministries of local people. Moderator Eric Anderson is the web site editor for the Conference.

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Justice Alerts (Justice-MSC-L)

The Conference shares news of justice-related news and concerns via this list. If you want to be current about legislative efforts in Connecticut and the United States Congress so that you can express your convictions to your elected representatives, this list will be of great use to you. There is no real boundary to the kind of concerns which may arise on this list, though the activities of the Conference are guided by those resolutions passed by its Annual Meeting.

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Program Announcements (Program-L)

Upcoming Connecticut Conference programs and selected ecumenical or denominational events will be announced regularly via this announcement list. Be sure to subscribe if you want to know what's coming!

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The Spirit Calendar (SpiritCalendar-MSC-L)

If you'd like a lift each week, an email with some inspiring thoughts or stories of faithful Christian endeavor, subscribe to this list. Each week features the thoughts of a different member of the Conference staff.

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Stewardship (Stewardship-MSC-L)

Ineke Mitchell moderates this list, sending inspiration thoughts, practical suggestions, and just plain good advice to those concerned with developing their church's stewardship program. If you're in church leadership, particularly on a stewardship committee, you'll appreciate this list.

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Consolidated Trust Fund News (CTF-info)

Associate Conference Minister for Endowment Ministries Charlie Kuchenbrod will use this list to provide updates and information on the activity of the Conference's Consolidated Trust Fund, which a number of congregations use to manage their endowments.

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Discussion Forums

Our discussion forum lists are currently oriented to the program divisions established by the Conference structure: the Regional Ministry Teams and the Focus Communities. We also have added forums for other areas of interest. If you have ideas for topics that should have their own list, please email the FIDO administrator.

Child Concerns (ChildConcern-L)

The Child Concerns Focus Community and all others interested in this vital ministry are invited to use this forum to share information and develop strategies for the most vulnerable among us.

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Christian Education (ChristianEd-L)

Professional Christian Educators, Pastors, Sunday School Teachers, parents, and anyone else interested may find something to learn or to share in this discussion group. Ask away; it may be answered!

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Colombia Partnership (ColombiaPartnership-L)

The Connecticut Conference has been developing a partnership with Justapaz, the Mennonite Church's peace and justice ministry in Colombia. This forum will help us share information about and generate new ideas for this challenging ministry.

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Connecticut Churches On Line (CtChurchesOnLine-L)

Are you looking for ways your church can create a presence on the web? Wondering how the internet can enhance the ministry of your church? Come and share your experiences and ideas or come and learn how other churches are using this new avenue of communication.

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Connecticut Interim Ministers (CTInterim-L)

Interim clergy carry out a unique and important ministry in our Conference. We invite UCC and non-UCC interim pastors to use this resource to further develop their skills and "get their heads together" when they encounter knotty problems.

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Connecticut Women of the UCC (CTWomen-L)

This is a forum for members and friends of the Connecticut Women of the UCC. Expect to find or share news, develop friendships, and keep in touch with valued friends in this forum.

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Generation X (GenX-L)

Are you a member of Generation X? What are your challenges, what are your interests? What are your resources, and how might new ways be found to minister to this generation? This forum is for all who look for ways to love and serve this generation.

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Job's Unexpected Friends (JobsFriends-L)

If you have interest in advocacy for those with disabilities, or are looking for advice on making your church or home more accessible, or have other questions, join this forum and ask away!

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Justice and Witness Discussion List (JusticeTalk-MSC-L)

Are you concerned with matters of justice and peace? How do you learn about them, and how best to share them with members of your church? How do you organize a program, or how can you declare your convictions effectively? News, ideas, stuff-that-worked and stuff-that-didn't is the heart of this list.

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Korean Partnership (KoreanPartnership-L)

For some years, the Connecticut Conference has had a special partnership with the Kyung-Ki Presbytery in South Korea. Several of our churches have partner relationships with Korean congregations. In this forum, we will seek for new ways to extend this ministry, and perhaps our partners beyond the Pacific will participate, too!

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Local Church Ministry Discussion List (LocalTalk-MSC-L)

There's so much that goes on in a local church: Christian Education, stewardship planning, property management, capital campaigns, etc. If you've got a question about anything happening inside a local church, this is the place to ask. Of course, nobody else may know the answer either, but maybe together we can come up with something wonderful!

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Open and Affirming Ministry (OpenAffirming-L)

The Open and Affirming Focus Community of the Connecticut Conference is very active in supporting civil and eccesiastical rights for those of all sexual orientations. Join this forum to learn more or find out how you can help.

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Public Education (PublicEd-L)

The Connecticut Conference has a long history of advocating for high quality education for all students in this state. A lot of that work has been done by the Public Education Committee. In this forum there is an opportunity to continue that work with members of the Committee and other interested persons. Participants may also wish to subscribe to the Justice Announcements list as well.

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Senior Forum (SeniorTalk-L)

Our elders have their unique needs, and also their unique strengths. In this forum we'll seek for both, to share wisdom and to try to meet the trials of aging.

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Support Staff Forum (SupportStaff-L)

These are the people that sort the mail, type the bulletins, mail the newsletters, and perform a hundred vital and unseen tasks in any given day. Whether your title is Office Administrator or Church Secretary, this forum is yours, to ask questions of each other and lend a hand where you can.

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Wider Church Ministry Discussion List (WiderTalk-MSC-L)

What's happening with UCC mission work beyond the local church? How to find out, how to share the news, how to participate in it? Well, a good way to learn all these things is through this discussion forum. It's all about ministry in places overseas or just outside the church front door.

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Youth Ministry Leaders Discussion (YouthMinistry-L)

This is an opportunity for youth group leaders all over the state to share their wisdom and learn from each other. Now you can know you're not alone!

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Gathering for Youth (YouthTalk-L)

This is the on-line place for Connecticut Conference youth! If you're looking for somebody you met last summer at Silver Lake, or want to share ideas about group programs, or want to meet members of another group, sign up now!

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Historians' Forum (Historians-L)

If you're a local church historian, or are simply interested in learning more about local church history, this is your forum!

TheoTalk Forum (TheoTalk-L)

Anyone who believes something about the ultimate nature of the universe is a theologian: you don't need a degree and you don't need to be paid for it! Join this forum for lively debates about the nature of God, the world, Christ, humanity: anything at all!

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In Care Students Forum (InCareStudents-L)

If you or someone you know is considering for or preparing for ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ, or if you are interested in the process for any reason, we encourage you to join this forum. Students, members of Association committees, and other interested persons are welcome. Join the conversation!

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Arts Ministry Forum (ArtsMin-L)

The Connecticut Conference's Right Brain Ministries Committee has been very active over the last two years encouraging and supporting expressions of faith through the arts. Join this forum to learn more about ongoing activities, or to share the ways you have experienced art as a powerful influence on your faith.

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Treasurers' Forum (Treasurers-L)

It's not an easy job, being treasurer of a church. The law can be confusing, it's hard to know what tools are available, and to whom do you turn for advice? Well, this forum can provide support for the church treasurer, from those others working at the same task: stewarding the church's resources for ministry.

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Theology from Ground Zero Forum (GroundZero-L)

The terrorist attack on the United States of September 11, 2001, raises serious and difficult questions for Christians. What are the claims of peace? What are the claims of justice? What resources will we use to answer these questions? What other questions must we ask to answer these?

Note: Unlike most FIDO* forums, this is a moderated discussion. Postings will be reviewed by the forum moderator, Eric Anderson, before they are forwarded to the members. This vital topic demands full attention to the matter at hand.

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Care in a Time of Crisis Forum (CrisisCare-L)

As well as theological questions, the loss of so many lives on September 11, 2001, has raised questions about the care for the grieving, the traumatized, and the caregivers themselves. Please participate in this forum to seek, find, and share ways to support others and each other in the midst of crisis.

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CT Christian Writers' Forum (CT-christianwriters)

This forum allows those engaged in Christian writing to get feedback from each other. Those who join this forum agree to seriously read and respond to what others post, and to accept both praise and correction in the spirit of learning and improvement.

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CT Conference Church Moderators' Forum (Moderators-L)

Local church moderators have a unique and challenging job in the life of the local congregation. If your title is Moderator, Council Chair, Church President, or one of many others that puts you in this role, this forum can provide you with support from your colleagues.

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God is Still Speaking Forum (StillSpeaking-L)

Church leaders and members who are participating in or interested in the UCC's God is Still Speaking identity campaign will find news and announcements as well as others engaged in this work in this forum.

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Workshop Rotation Model Forum (CE-RotationModel-L)

This forum is for Christian Educators who are using or interested in learning about the Workshop Rotation Model in a Christian Education setting.

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No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. National Youth Event, July 24, Knoxville, TN ACE: Education for Christian Educators Our Church's Wider Mission Video General Association, Sept. 28-30, Silver Lake Small Church Convocation, Oct. 10, Windsor Annual Meeting News and Information Hurricane Relief
The Connecticut Conference United Church of Christ
United Church Center
125 Sherman Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06105
(866) 367-2822
www.ctucc.org