Connecticut Conference 2010 Spending Plan: OCWM |
Conference Life |
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What is OCWM Basic Support? In the United Church of Christ, though the congregation is the fundamental unit of mission, we affirm that outreach and mission is never just local. We are connected to one another, across boundaries of neighborhood, class, race, and national border. Our Church's Wider Mission is the name we use to describe the shared work we do as a United Church of Christ denomination through our Global Ministries, Connecticut Conference, national ministries, and UCC-related institutions. This work is made possible through generosity of UCC congregations. Each year every congregation decides how much of its members' financial support will be shared with the larger church as a gift for OCWM Basic Support. Congregations send their OCWM gifts to the Connecticut Conference, which sends 63 percent to the national and global ministries of the UCC. The balance--37 percent--supports the Connecticut Conference ministries, in combination with Per Capita Income, Friends of the Conference Contributions, and income from unrestricted endowment funds dedicated for the Conference?s general support. This 8.5 x 14 fold-over brochure gives a snapshot of the Connecticut Conference's ministries and the way in which OCWM gifts are allocated to them. |
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Click here to download or view "Connecticut Conference 2010 Spending Plan: OCWM" |
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Christian Educators Salary Guidelines (CAUCE) |
Church Administration |
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The Connecticut chapter of the Association for United Church Educators (CAUCE) has prepared this compensation recommendation for full and part time Christian Educators employed by local churches. |
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Click here to download or view "Christian Educators Salary Guidelines (CAUCE)" |
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Safe Church Online Links |
Church Leadership Development |
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An ongoing collection of resources related to safety practices for churches in digital media, ranging from their own web sites through social networking to protecting their office computer information. |
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2009 Annual Report of the Connecticut Conference, UCC |
Conference Life |
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Click here to download or view "2009 Annual Report of the Connecticut Conference, UCC" |
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2009 Pastors' Salary Guidelines Resources |
Church Administration |
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This page provides links to the two components of the 2009 Pastor's Compensation guidelines: the guidelines resource, which offers comprehensive information about clergy compensation issues; and two Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (in .xls and .xlsx formats) allowing for easy calculations based on the recommendations. There are spreadsheets both for covenants providing a parsonage and for covenants providing a housing allowance. |
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Click here to download or view "2009 Pastors' Salary Guidelines Resources" |
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Green Action Steps for Churches |
Global Concerns |
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Action steps that can be taken by local churches to reduce their impact on the Earth's resources. Completing 80% of the steps in any of the three stages achieves recognition as a Green Church in the Connecticut Conference from the Environmental Ministry Team. |
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Click here to download or view "Green Action Steps for Churches" |
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Climate Change and Global Warming FAQ |
Global Concerns |
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Frequently asked questions about global warming and climate change, prepared by the Connecticut Conference's Environmental Ministry Team |
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Click here to download or view "Climate Change and Global Warming FAQ" |
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Church Stewardship in a Time of Economic Uncertainty |
Stewardship |
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Achieving better-than-normal stewardship results in less-than-normal times also requires practical responses. We must move stewardship to the center of our lives together as Christians, and we must make sure we are constantly educating about stewardship and using best practices in how we carry out the "mechanics" of annual stewardship efforts. |
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Click here to download or view "Church Stewardship in a Time of Economic Uncertainty" |
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Changing Lives: That's Our Church's Wider Mission |
Stewardship |
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These days, we are all especially careful about how we use our money, and that includes our giving. For many people in the United Church of Christ, giving to the church is a deeply held value. And even when circumstances change, giving remains faithful. |
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Click here to download or view "Changing Lives: That's Our Church's Wider Mission" |
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Ministry of the Connecticut Conference, UCC, in 2009 |
Conference Life |
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This description of the Conference's activities in 2009 is intended for inclusion in local churches' annual reports to their members. |
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Click here to download or view "Ministry of the Connecticut Conference, UCC, in 2009" |
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Giv2 Description and Training Manual |
Youth Ministry |
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Giv2 is a CORPS of youth and adults GIVING back to our community in response to the GIFTS of God. Giv2 is designed for middle and high school youth in grades 7-12 who want to explore our faith through SERVICE and FELLOWSHIP. The Training Manual attached to the description provides complete information for using this program of partnership and service. |
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Click here to download or view "Giv2 Description and Training Manual" |
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Recycling Resources |
Global Concerns |
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From the Environmental Task Force of the United Church on the Green: a list of donation sites and recycling centers. Though primarily oriented toward resources in the New Haven areas, this list is useful to people all over the state. |
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Ministry Issues: Ten Basic Questions |
Church Leadership Development |
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Written by Elizabeth Nordbeck, Moses Brown Professor of Ecclesistical History at Andover Newton Theological School, this document is an excellent survey of the issues addressed by the proposed changes to the UCC Constitution and By-laws related to the authorization of ministry in 2010. |
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Click here to download or view "Ministry Issues: Ten Basic Questions" |
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Internet Safety Guidelines |
Church Leadership Development |
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Authored by a team of Connecticut Conference web and youth workers, this document offers guidelines and foundational questions for local churches developing policies for appropriate communication using digital means, including social networking and "traditional" church web sites. The document considers adult to adult as well as adult to youth relationships. |
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Hand to Hand, Heart to Heart: Gulf Coast Response Opportunities |
Global Concerns |
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This trifold brochure provides background information and contacts for churches and members looking to assist with the long-term recovery efforts for the Gulf Coast and Florida. |
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Click here to download or view "Hand to Hand, Heart to Heart: Gulf Coast Response Opportunities" |
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Resources for a Sacred Conversation on Race |
Justice Resources |
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On May 18, 2008, many pastors across the UCC will preach on race in hopes of beginning a sacred conversation. These resources are offered to facilitate those discussions. |
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Click here to download or view "Resources for a Sacred Conversation on Race" |
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Resources on Racism at ucc.org |
Justice Resources |
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Click here to download or view "Resources on Racism at ucc.org" |
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360 Degrees of Financial Literacy |
Stewardship |
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As stewardship leaders, growing generous givers begins with financial wellness. This web site, recommended by the Pension Boards, UCC, gives local church members the tools needed to help them out of a financial crisis, assist them in teaching their children about money or guide them with their retirement plans. |
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Click here to download or view "360 Degrees of Financial Literacy" |
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Sacred Conversations on Race: Commitment to Change |
Justice Resources |
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"Our goal is to create a beloved community," said the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, "and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a qualitative change in our lives." This brochure offers those interested in engaging in Sacred Conversations on Race with ideas for next steps, which will help make progress toward personal commitment, congregational commitment, and community commitment to a better society. |
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Click here to download or view "Sacred Conversations on Race: Commitment to Change" |
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The Pastor as Pontiff, Prophet, Poet, and Promise |
Church Leadership Development |
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The Rev. John H. Thomas' presentation to the 2009 General Association of the ministers of the Connecticut Conference. For the gathering's 300th anniversary, the UCC's General Minister and President encouraged thinking of the pastoral office as whole and integrated, while expounding on four dimensions of that calling. |
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Click here to download or view "The Pastor as Pontiff, Prophet, Poet, and Promise" |
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Health Care for All: A Curriculum for Churches |
Justice Resources |
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This page describes in more detail the 2008 resource "Health Care for All: A Curriculum for Churches," and provides a link to download the PDF version of the curriculum. |
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Click here to download or view "Health Care for All: A Curriculum for Churches" |
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Best Practices for Handling Church Offerings |
Church Administration |
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The days of carrying church offerings home in a paper bag hopefully are over, but just in case: Here are some helpful guidelines. |
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Click here to download or view "Best Practices for Handling Church Offerings" |
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Religious Giving in Tough Times |
Stewardship |
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The Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, part of the Philanthropy Center at Indiana University, offers these insights and practical suggestions for congregations and other not-for-profits during times of financial stress and upheaval. |
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Click here to download or view "Religious Giving in Tough Times" |
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Cool Congregations Carbon Footprint Calculator |
Global Concerns |
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The Regeneration Project and the Center for a Sustainable Economy have created this easy-to-use calculator for evaluating a congregation's impact on the atmosphere through carbon emissions. There is a calculator for households to use as well. |
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Click here to download or view "Cool Congregations Carbon Footprint Calculator" |
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Health Care Cuts = Vulnerable Families |
Justice Resources |
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This document, prepared by Connecticut Voices for Children during the 2009 debate on the state budget, makes the case for maintaining funding for health insurance programs for low-income families and children. Links to a PDF flyer suitable for distribution and posting. |
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Click here to download or view "Health Care Cuts = Vulnerable Families" |
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A Biblical Persepctive on the Environment |
Global Concerns |
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A Bible study compiled by the Rev. Martha M. Nilsen of the First Congregational Church UCC of South Windham. |
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Click here to download or view "A Biblical Persepctive on the Environment" |
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Summer Reading List on Sacred Conversation |
Justice Resources |
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The Fall Session of the 2009 Connecticut Conference Annual Meeting offers a special opportunity to participate in a Sacred Conversation on Race, and to find inspiration and energy to bring the conversation to the local church. To give some further grounding to the conversation, members of the Annual Meeting planning committee have assembled a reading and viewing list of fiction and non-fiction books an films. They hope the creative voices of the authors and filmmakers listed here may spark ideas, sharpen minds, and open hearts in preparation for the discussion in the fall. |
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Click here to download or view "Summer Reading List on Sacred Conversation" |
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CTUCC Contributions Remittance Form |
Church Administration |
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As an aid to local churches in making clear their intent when sending gifts to the Connecticut Conference, this form (in three file types) aids identification of OCWM, special offerings, and directed gifts. |
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Click here to download or view "CTUCC Contributions Remittance Form" |
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Church World Service Kit Guide 2009 |
Caring Ministries |
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Church World Service's brochure on how to prepare, collect, and send their disaster response kits. |
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Click here to download or view "Church World Service Kit Guide 2009" |
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Silver Lake Scholarships |
Conference Life |
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This brochure describes the summer conferences program of Silver Lake Conference Center, and the importance of financial support for the scholarship programs that allow young people whose families have limited means to participate in this life-enhancing experience. It describes some of the ways that local churches and individuals can help make make building the next generation of leaders for the Church and the world possible. |
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Handbook for a Conversation on Race |
Justice Resources |
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A resource developed by the Massachusetts Conference UCC in conjunction with the visit of the Freedom Schooner Amistad to Boston in 2003. |
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Click here to download or view "Handbook for a Conversation on Race" |
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Endowment Management Workshop Handouts |
Church Administration |
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The handouts provided by the Associate Conference Minister for Endowment Ministries when leading a workshop on healthy endowments for churches. |
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Click here to download or view "Endowment Management Workshop Handouts" |
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Tools for Effective Church Management |
Church Administration |
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A collection of documents developed by Ken Ulmer, former Connecticut Conference Associate Conference Minister for Administration, for use by local churches in supporting their programs and ministries. The collection includes sample forms, policy statements, financial tools, position descriptions, and more. this is a superb resource for any local church. |
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Click here to download or view "Tools for Effective Church Management" |
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Is Your Church Ready? |
Church Administration |
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If the fire alarm rings during a Sunday morning Worship Service (assuming, of course, that your church has a fire alarm system), is an evacuation plan in place? Do you know which exit to take from the Sanctuary? Is anyone prepared to direct visitors and to assist those with mobility problems to an exit? Has the Church School had a fire drill? Do the teachers know what to do when the alarm goes off? Do you know who the Emergency Management Officer is in your community? Is your church prepared to respond to a community-wide disaster? Is there a plan in place with the rest of the faith community in your town so resources are shared and not duplicated? These are just a few questions that every congregation needs to answer. The Local Church Check List will help you get started on an assessment of your church’s preparedness in case of an emergency or community disaster. |
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Safe Church Resources |
Church Leadership Development |
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This page contains links to resources useful in developing, implementing, and maintaining abuse prevention policies in a local church. |
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Building a Firm Foundation: A Creation-Friendly Building Guide for Churches |
Global Concerns |
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Our church buildings reflect who we are as a community of faith. Buildings that are built sustainably or "green" outwardly reflect our concern for and responsibility of God's beloved creation including those human communities that can be disproportionately impacted by unsustainable building practices. "Green" buildings also inwardly reflect this concern to congregants, reminding us of our responsibilities to live in loving community with all of God's creatures. This resource was developed by the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. |
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Partners in Education |
Christian Education |
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Partner In Education are Christian educators, trained by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries to assist local church leaders in creating new recipes for Christian education using a variety of fresh, innovative combinations of homegrown ingredients. |
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Information on Holy Joe's Cafe |
Global Concerns |
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Holy Joe's Coffee Ministry is a project of UCC military chaplains in Iraq and Afghanistan. Supported by local churches in Connecticut and around the nation, it gives service men and women a casual place to find spiritual and social comfort and support. The link provides instructions for assisting with this ministry. |
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Click here to download or view "Information on Holy Joe's Cafe" |
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Politics and the Pulpit 2008: A Guide to the Internal Revenue Code Restrictions |
Church Administration |
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The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has published this "plain-English" guide to the current rules governing political activity by churches consistent with their tax-exempt status under Federal law. |
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Mission Partners of the Connecticut Conference |
Conference Life |
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A part of the 2008 Annual Report, this document contains contact information and web site addresses for a number of the Connecticut Conference's mission partners around the state and the nation. |
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Click here to download or view "Mission Partners of the Connecticut Conference" |
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2008 Annual Report of the Connecticut Conference, UCC |
Conference Life |
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Click here to download or view "2008 Annual Report of the Connecticut Conference, UCC" |
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Primer for Discernment Process |
Conference Life |
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This primer provides the information needed to participate in the dialogues on moral imperatives, expressions of faith, and responses to contemporary circumstances, within and beyond the Connecticut Conference. Please review the guidelines carefully; for assistance in preparing resolutions, contact the Resolutions Committee through the conference office. |
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Click here to download or view "Primer for Discernment Process" |
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Spirit Calendar Archive |
Spirituality and Prayer |
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An archive of the Spirit Calendar, the Connecticut Conference's weekly theological reflection and prayer resource, distributed via email through the FIDO system. This archive goes back to the beginning of 2007. |
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2008 Address of the Conference Minister |
Conference Life |
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Conference Minister the Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree's address to the Fall Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference, entitled "Wilderness, God, Joy." |
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Click here to download or view "2008 Address of the Conference Minister" |
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Annual Meeting 2008: Growing Beyond the Reluctant Steward |
Conference Life |
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The Rev. Stephen Gray's presentation to the Authorized Minister's Event at the 2008 Fall Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference encourages the participants to move from beyond reluctant to enthusiastic stewards of the financial gifts given by God. |
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Click here to download or view "Annual Meeting 2008: Growing Beyond the Reluctant Steward" |
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Keynote Address: From the Myth of Scarcity to the Reality of Abundance |
Conference Life |
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The Rev. Stephen Gray thoroughly engaged his hearer's with this address to the Fall, 2008, Annual Meeting of the Connecticut Conference. |
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