We are doing something new because lay and clergy leaders have both requested it. We are offering additional training for lay leaders, youth workers and camp staff. Our Boundary Training weekend will include training for youth workers and camp counselors on Saturday, April 4, and lay people on Sunday, April 5. Both events will include satellite sites in Sacramento and Fresno. Click the appropriate link below to sign up.
 
The Saturday training will assist anyone who works with youth to understand more about the importance of boundaries. Case studies and opportunities to talk specifically about situations we encounter in this sacred work will be the format for the training. If you work with youth in any capacity, this training will be very helpful. All camp staff and NYE leaders are required to have Boundary Training or they cannot serve on camp staff. The facilitator will be in-person at Community UCC (10 Irwin Way, Orinda) and will be available for specific questions during breaks and lunchtime. Satellite locations in Sacramento (Pioneer Congregational Church) and Fresno (First Congregational UCC, Big Red) will join the presenter online and then go off-line for facilitated small group conversations. The training is from 10 AM to 2 PM. Register here.

The Sunday training is being offered at the request of ministers and lay leaders who want to better understand the boundary issues related to Authorized Ministers and who want to learn more about how to handle difficult situations in their own churches. It is not just ministers who have to be concerned about boundaries. Lay leaders not only want to be aware of their own boundary issues, they are often called upon to support the church when issues arise. Case studies and conversation around particular situations will be the format for the training. The facilitator will present from First Congregational UCC in Palo Alto (1985 Louis Road) from 2-5 PM. Satellite locations will be available at Pioneer Congregational Church in Sacramento and First Congregational Church in Fresno. Register here.
 
Also, as a reminder, Boundary Training for Authorized Ministers will be held on Friday, April 3, 9 AM to 4 PM at Community Congregational UCC, 1305 W Second St., Benicia CA 94510. Register here.
 
All three trainings will be led by The Rev. Al Miles, Lead Chaplain for Pacific Health Ministry serving at The Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. 
 

  Get your early bird discount to Annual Gathering!  
      

Registration for Annual Gathering opened on November 1 and the Early Bird discount will end as of February 29. Churches, get your delegates and ministers registered now! We again offer a full suite price, 6 people all at the double room price although a suite has 2 double rooms and 2 single rooms. If you are unsure who your delegates are, you may register them using the church name such as "FCCB Delegate #1" or "Big Red Delegate #3" and provide names later. You may also register a delegate and substitute another person later if plans change.

 Youth Steward applications are available and must be sent to NCNC by March 15. We are looking for 12 youth stewards, preferably only one per church. Youth Stewards may also be youth delegates. For youth who are not in the Youth Steward program, we will provide housing with chaperones, but no separate youth program. An adult from the church must commit to being responsible for youth from your church during the day.

The Annual Gathering page on our website includes  information you need to know about Annual Gathering, including information about the number of delegates, standing rules and registration. Click HERE for more.

  Town hall with Congresswoman Barbara Lee

Every year, we celebrate Black History Month and honor the countless accomplishments of African Americans across the United States. The contributions that our great heroes and sheroes – giants like Dr. Martin Luther King, Maya Angelou, and Shirley Chisholm – made to the fight for civil rights and social justice cannot be overstated.   

But as we celebrate our progress, we must also take time to reflect on the systemic challenges our communities still face, and how much further we have to go.

African Americans still experience disproportionate levels of poverty, incarceration and inequality in education and economic opportunities. For more information or to RSVP please click HERE.

  Invited to Sign Climate Crisis Letter 

Briefly, the Climate Crisis Letter, written by a team of clergy members and scientists, explains how religion and science lead to the same conclusion:  We have to act now to protect the planet and the poorest among us. If you are interested in signing plese click here for more information. 

  Lifelong Learning

Did you know that the Conference website has a direct link for Lifelong Learning? You can find this, along with similar links for Youth and Outdoor Ministries, and Justice and Witness in the big green box labeled "A Covenant People" near the bottom of the main page. The Lifelong Learning Policy page has sections for Active, Retired, and Exempt clergy. Section B of the Committee on Ministry manages our Lifelong Learning policy.

 
A number of important updates have been made on the Lifelong Learning Policy page, Click here to learn more about them.