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Whether you are a ‘regular’ visitor or a first time visitor to our site, I want to extend a warm SCNC welcome because it is really true: no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, YOU are very welcome with us here, virtually, and actually in the churches and life of this Conference!
As a newcomer to this Conference myself --having arrived in February as Interim Conference Minister--- I can testify without (much!) bias that this is a truly exciting Conference. With our priorities of New and Revitalizing Churches, Building Community in Diversity and Youth/Young Adult Ministries, outstanding elected leaders and gifted staff, we are seeking to serve the living God and the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. Each local church has its uniquely beautiful identity and call to mission but together as a Conference and part of the United Church of Christ, we are stronger together than any congregation can be on its own.
The gifts of this Conference are many and I’m sure I have only begun to mine the treasures here but some that I have already seen and can affirm include:
• Welcoming congregations with meaningful worship
• Racial and ethnic diversity in membership within and among our congregations
• Awareness of the human pain and needs in the world and a desire to face those with the gifts of the church
• Strong commitment to the United Church of Christ, even when acknowledging differences among us (that is, after all, part of who we are!)
• A Conference Strategic Plan with real substance and implementation
• Leadership and members who understand that in a time of transition our common ministries and plans need to be evaluated and new, prayerful discernments and decisions made.
And that’s just what I see ‘on top’. So explore our website and learn more about this Conference and don’t hesitate to contact our office if you have questions, suggestions or concerns. Above all, please hold the people, pastors and leaders of this Conference and our United Church of Christ in prayer as we seek to be the church together in this time of change in the church and world.
With You in Christ’s Service,
Jane Fisler Hoffman
Interim Conference Minister
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