Recently, I’ve been listening to a podcast called “The Enneagram Journey,” and I learned that while some people focus on the past and some on the future, I (as a Type 2) tend to focus my attention almost entirely on the present moment. Okay, maybe I didn’t need the Enneagram to tell me that. I know I don’t spend lots of time looking back or forward; I’m mostly in the moment, attending to the task at hand or to the person on the screen, on the phone, or right in front of me. It’s in the present moment that connections are made and healing happens. I know that I’ve never been good at looking at the forest, because too often I notice and appreciate one particular tree and then another and then another…
So, I value the people who help me to see from different vantage points. I need those who tell stories of our past, those who urge me to remember, so that I can understand more fully the current context of our church and our country. I need those who help me to stretch my imagination into the future, so that I can focus beyond the needs of today and gain a sense of what, among so many priorities, holds lasting importance.
Last week I attended the UCC Summit on the Emerging Church in a Post-Pandemic World. We looked back at how churches adapted so quickly in the spring of 2020, working creatively to find new ways to do the important things and to address the needs around them. We listened to the voices of “Catalysts” – who helped us to stretch beyond the current moment and imagine the church of the future. For three days, my head hurt. That’s what stretching feels like, sometimes.
How quickly the needs of the moment called me back. And, yet, I’m grateful for the summit and determined to hold onto those different vantage points, to keep the voices of the Catalysts in my head. Flexibility of perspective is a spiritual muscle, which only grows stronger when exercised.
Are you focused on the past, the present, or the future? I encourage you to join in intentional conversation with those whose focus differs from yours: the vitality of the church depends upon our determination to stretch beyond our comfort zones.
With blessings,
Marjorie
Rev. Dr. Marjorie Purnine Associate Conference Minister for Leadership Development Dean of the New York School of Ministry
Prayers and Reflection During the Annual Meeting, we took time to pause, reflect, and remember all of those who we hold dear to us that have transitioned in the last year or more. It is important for us all to allow for space to mourn, and to know that we are not alone in our moments of sorrow. If you feel you need a helping hand in grieving/mental health wellness, please email: sestilley@uccny.org
The New York Conference, UCC send our condolences to the family and friends of
Rev. Daniel James Maiden and Dr. Robert Allen Chase , IN MEMORIAM
NY UCC Conference Connection
New York Conference Staff Directory
Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams Transitional Conference Minister mwilliams@uccny.org
Rev. Shernell Edney Stilley Associate Conference Minister for Congregational Vitality sestilley@uccny.org
Rev. Gary Ferner Associate Conference Minister of Search and Call UCCNY gferner@uccny.org
Rev. Ryan Henderson Associate Conference Minister for Communication and Online Community rhenderson@uccny.org to set an appointment via phone or online: calendly.com/revjava
Rev. Dr. Marjorie Purnine Associate Conference Minister for Leadership Development Dean of the New York School of Ministry MPurnine@uccny.org
Susan Frost Conference Registrar and Wider Church Ministry Coordinator sfrost@uccny.org
David Losito Manager of Finance and Administration dlosito@uccny.org
We are here to listen, to have you bounce ideas off of us, to ask for specific resources,
to pray and perhaps even to laugh together.
What’s Happening at Your Local Church?
~ New York Conference Happenings now delivered on Fridays! ~
Have your church happenings included and shared throughout the New York Conference.
Please email details, preferably with links and pictures to communications@uccny.org” style=”box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration: underline; color: #8a0dfc;” rel=”noopener”>communications@uccny.org.
Please note items received by Tuesday will be posted in that Friday’s mailing. Anything received after may be pushed to the following week. The New York Conference may not publish all submissions received.
CONFERENCE TRANSITIONAL CORNER
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU!
As our conference moves forward in this time of transition, your Transitional Conference Minister (TCM) and your Board are eager to hear from you as our transitional “plan” would not be complete without the input and insight of you, the members of the New York Conference.
To facilitate meaningful and manageable dialogue, TCM Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams and Conference Moderator, Rev. Judy Van Kennen, are hosting Association-wide Town Hall Zoom meetings. This will be your opportunity to share your ideas, thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future of our conference.
Where are we headed? What are the challenges before us? What ministries should we prioritize in the coming years?
Please see the schedule of upcoming Town Hall gatherings. If you don’t see your association listed, DON’T PANIC! We are scheduling time with every association which will be announced soon.
Mark your calendars and plan to join Marsha and Judy for faithful and fruitful conversation.
Black River- St. Lawrence Sunday, October 2, 2022 2pm | Hybrid
Essex TBA
Genesee Valley Associations (GVA) Sunday, October 30, 2022 Time | In-Person The First Congregational Church, 65 Church Street, Spencerport, New York
Hudson Mohawk Association (HMA) TBA
Metropolitan Saturday, November 19, 2022 9AM-Noon | via Zoom Registration Details to Come
Oneida Saturday, September 24, 2022 9am-12Noon | In-Person Trinity Church, 215 W Court St, Rome, NY 13440-5707 Reformed TBA
Suffolk Saturday, November 5, 2022 9am | In-Person Location TBA
Susquehanna Sunday, September 25, 2022
Western TBA
***UPDATE*** ANNUAL MEETING 2023
June 16-17, 2023 Niagara Falls Convention Center
Due to pandemic bookings, we’ve had to slightly alter the previously announced Annual Meeting 2023 location.
We are happy to announce the 2023 UCCNY Annual Meeting will take place in scenic, Niagara Falls! The Niagara Convention Center and adjacent Sheraton Hotel will be the location for our gathering beginning on June 15, 2023, with the Continuing Education Institute and Annual Meeting, June 16-17th.
