This and That

It's been a little while since my last posting. My wife, Susan, and I were on vacation last week. We went to Williamsburg, VA for a couple of days. The weather was perfect, like here: blue skies, warm temperatures. But, unlike here, the trees and early spring flowers were in full bloom and the grass was a rich green. It was very nice.

It's nice to be back, also. Although, the warm sunshine would draw me out from my office to enjoy a nice walk through my favorite golf course! Alas, my discipline is sharp and I remain glued to my laptop. ("Ahhh! Too bad!," I hear you collectively moaning.)

There are some things to share with you, however. Some significant things.

Jeremiah Wright is going to appear on Bill Moyers' Journal this Friday, April 25. Check you local listings. (In Central New York WCNY broadcasts this program at 9:00 PM. Check the PBS channel in your own area for scheduling.) For more information click on the link to the article on the United Church of Christ website: http://www.ucc.org/news/jeremiah-wright-to-be-intervie.html.

In response to John Thomas' call for a national "Sacred Conversation on Race" in every UCC pulpit, the UCC blog invites pastors to share their preparation ideas and thoughts for the day. Here is the link to the article from http://www.ucc.org/ announcing the invitation: http://www.ucc.org/news/blog-invites-ucc-pastors-to-sh.html. Pastors are urged to contact Chuck Currie, the blog convener, at chuck.currie@gmail.com.

Association Meetings are coming up. The Susquehanna Association is meeting this Saturday, April 26, at the Danby Federated Church. Registration begins at 8:30 AM with worship at 9:00 and program at 9:30. The program will consist of a series of workshops: Sprite Johnson will introduce the new UCC Christian Ed. curriculum; Kelly Shiflett will share videos of some of the speeches given at the last UCC General Synod; and David Heckman will lead a workshop on designing your own website. You can still register by contacting Jan Jeffers at registrarsany@hotmail.com.

The Oneida Association will meet this Sunday, April 27, at the Pulaski Congregational Church. Registration begins at 2:30 PM. The program will be "Music in our Churches". A special part of the day will be the vote to officially receive Three Steeples United into membership as one of our churches. Paris UCC came together with the Presbyterian congregations in Sauquoit and Waterville to form Three Steeples United. time is running out to register for the meeting and the dinner. Please contact Sue Gibson at sgibson@twcny.rr.com.

Wayne Gustafson reported to me last week that he has started a blog through his ministry as the Interim Pastor at The Park Church, Elmira. He very kindly said that he was inspired by UCCNY Crossroads to start one himself. Check it out at hlc-at-park.blogspot.com.

Increasingly, our churches are trying new media to connect with their members and the community. UCC Norwich has a tradition of participating in an ecumenical Palm Sunday parade. Last year I shared a photo of pastor Joe Connolly carrying the cross in one of my postings. This year the church has produced a video.



There is still time for authorized ministers to register for the Spring Clergy Retreat, August 28-30, at Christ the King Retreat Center in Syracuse. Click on this link to register: https://webview.shelbyinc.com/app/03051/default.aspx.

Blessings,

Rick Cowles