Annual Report for 2008

Note: The Clerk's and Treasurer's reports are not included here, but are available from the church office.

Dear Members and Friends,

2008 has been a remarkable year for the Bridgewater Congregational Church!

Our church is united in common devotion to the life and ministry we share, accomplishing so much in fellowship and service, and with a level of energy and goodwill that seems limitless. The retrospective on the Parish House bulletin board and in January’s Good News both give a visual summary of events and experiences that leave the viewer-reader in awe. These and some of the nuts and bolts of our year together are recalled in this Annual Report. And along the way, and of great consequence, we turned a projected deficit of $43,000 into a healthy surplus.

You have taken on all the challenges and hard work of 2008 without a hint of these being onerous tasks, but with grace, generosity, and even a joyful spirit! We can feel a great sense of accomplishment and gratitude for God’s many blessings in the people of our congregation and the resources we have been given.

We enter 2009 from a place of institutional strength and spiritual vitality. That is important because these remain challenging economic times. I was reminded of this recently when Michael Ciba, our Regional Conference Minister, spoke of the continuing financial hardships faced by individuals and families, churches, our nation and the world. He reminded us that it is in these very circumstances that people turn to the church for meaning in their lives and hope for the future. Those people might already be among us or they might come through our doors in the months ahead. It will be important, he said, when people turn to the church that they find the church. How sad it would be for those people to find instead churches so mired in hopelessness over the gravity of their own financial difficulties that they have gutted their programs and ministries at the time a church most needs to be the church.

It is quite possible, and even likely, that 2009 will bring its share fiscal concerns for the Bridgewater Congregational Church. With the time, talent, energy and enthusiasm you each have given, those who turn to us will find a warm, strong, and spirit-filled congregation ready to share God’s word of hope and joy. A church, in the words of our proposed Mission Statement, that “seeks to be a Christ-centered, loving community of faith, welcoming to all, a supportive and joyful home for each individual’s spiritual journey, energetically committed to sharing Christ’s love through fellowship and service.”

With gratitude for each of you and God’s presence among us,
Peter M. Hammond, Minister

2008 - We started the New Year off by celebrating Epiphany with a bonfire of Christmas trees, then into the Parish House for cake, the selection of the kings and the story of La Befana. These are Epiphany traditions from other countries that we have brought to our church in recent years.

In February Fat Sunday became Fat Friday for this year. This is the second year for celebrating this at our church with a chili supper made and organized by deacons, great musicians from our church and community. The "Saints?" came marching in (our kids!) and everyone had lots of fun and contributed to a "joyful noise" offering to help support the Shelter of the Cross and continuing Katrina relief.

As we moved into the season of Lent we commemorated Ash Wednesday with a service at our church. We started this last year and although it is small group so far, it is a meaningful service which we hope to continue. On the evening of the Tenebrae Service, the deacons made and served a simple soup supper. Our mission was to recreate the supper that Jesus and the disciples had together before his arrest and crucifixion. This is the second year for the supper, but even more people from our church and communtiy came and hopefully we will continue this tradition in the upcoming year. Easter Sunrise and the 10:00 Easter service were beautiful and meaningful with readings from the scripture, chattering teeth, a bonfire, delicious scones (sunrise service), wonderful music and inspiring words from our pastor.

The deacons met with the board of trustees to discuss organizing our membership list. The result of that meeting was a letter put together by the deacons (thanks Larry Miller) and mailed to everyone who was on any of our various lists asking that they respond with their interests in our church, their thoughts about membership (are you a member? do you want to be a member?). Of course we didn't hear from everyone, but we did get responses from a large number of people and that was a great help.

The deacons with help from Kim Gellatly, Josephine Dill and Jean Jusko also sponsored the concert series that began this year. First was a beautiful Oratorio evening sung by Linda Burton and Valerie Sorel, followed by a champagne and dessert reception. Next in the series Linda Burton and her "group from New York" brought us the opera "Alcina" with Linda singing the title role. The concert series continued in October with an exciting bell concert by Christine Anderson. These concerts were wonderful with gorgeous music as well as bringing people from our greater community to our church. In the upcoming year concert support will have its own committee, but the deacons were wonderful this first year in helping to get everything organized to start us off.

At the request of the Church Council, the deacons wrote a new description of the tasks of the board of deacons. It was a good reminder of what we are supposed to do as a board, and it seemed to me that we have been doing the right things . . . always open to discussion of course.

Projects planned this year for the next year will include the Field of Flags which will be on our church lawn over the 4th of July weekend in 2009. This visual event honors all who have fallen in the war in Iraq. Also, we will include the the singing of the Stabat Mater with Linda Burton and Valerie Sorel as part of our Lenten events.

This was my last year as a deacon and again I want to say what a wonderful group of dedicated, hard-working and thoughtful people make up your board of deacons. Every person brought their "gifts and graces" to the board and to our church and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.

Peace to all,
Chris Smith

A year ago, at the first trustees meeting of 2008, Carl Dill nominated me as the new chairperson. (I was not present, henceforth my last missed meeting) This was a necessary requirement as the term of our long time trustee and chairman Dick Jones had expired.

This report will discuss the financial performance for 2008 and the Buildings and Grounds, the two primary responsibilities of the Trustees. The actual numeric financial figures are available in the annual Treasurers report if you wish a closer examination. A detailed list of building requirements (too lengthy for this report) is also available upon request.

FINANCIAL
In 2008 we saw three live concerts, a top-notch theatrical production, high fidelity musical recordings and demands greater than supply of seasonal product sales. Although it sounds much like a performance business, we are in, these unbudgeted events supplemented our worship income in 2008. These and other fund raising efforts accounted for 25% of our revenue (most at very high profit margin). At the end of the year we received an unexpected and very generous gift of $10,000 from a member of our church family. This gift and these new fundraising efforts made it possible to eliminate our projected deficit of $43,000 and break even for 2008.

This allowed the BCC to reduce the necessary amount withdrawn from our investment account to balance the budget. Unfortunately, due to the declined worth of our financial investments; we are still in a short-term survival mode, with annual expenses remaining greater than income and investments not large enough to offset the “red ink” for many more years. Individual Pledge Units (the number of pledges, not the dollar amount) has declined by 23% in the last 5 years, many of them still living within our community. We do have “40 apostles” who have been consistently active pledgers for the last 8 years.

Our operating expenses are currently at minimal levels and our ability to finance maintenance and repair items has been a challenge. Thank goodness for our talented volunteers that continually help us out.

Salary increases were deferred in 2008 and we continue to save money on the Director of Music's salary thanks to Linda Burton who has filled that role on a volunteer basis. All operating costs were closely monitored with “give and takes” on a monthly basis.

Throughout the year a number of initiatives to assist in the financial area were investigated and discussed. Some required extreme changes to the way we function as a Church and some not practical at the moment whilst others are still under study. In 2009, a formal Rate Card will be posted and advertised for the use of our building and grounds for non-church activities. The fees will be fair, equitable and at market value. It is projected to be a start of sustainable income streams from these assets.

A 2009 proposed budget will be distributed prior to the annual meeting.


BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Wayne Woodard and Kevin Hobbs headed our buildings committee with the assistance of Carl Dill. Repairs as needed were performed by volunteers and time-to-time by professional tradesmen. No major renovations were carried out because of limited financial resources and the need to prioritize the tasks.

Kevin Hobbs has since compiled a lengthy list of items requiring repair or upgrade in each of our buildings. Some of these need to be performed soon, prior to matters getting worse. We will utilize our Capital Reserve for such repairs come spring.

The heating system in the parish house was under a close watch as oil costs exceeded budget. After professional examination, it was recommended that insulating windows and other physical improvements would yield a better return on investment than upgrading the boiler or heat distribution system.

New lockable file cabinets were donated and installed for personnel files and other sensitive documents

The crib room was given a make over and suitable for young children again.

A permanently installed church sound system (for hearing impaired and general amplification) was designed and specified. Contributions dedicated to this cause will finance the installation in early 2009.

New energy efficient (and functional) appliances were installed in the parsonage.

Respectfully Submitted,
Dennis J. MacDonald

January–June 2008: Approximately 20 children participated in our Sunday School program. On June 8th we had our end of the year Youth Sunday service and annual picnic. Two children entering the 6th grade received Good News Bibles during the service. Participation in the service was primarily focused on the Confirmation Class as the lower grades have had dwindling attendance. The younger children were included as greeters, ushers and a bell-ringer.

The Mission Trip to Philadelphia - July 13 through 19: Nineteen youth and several adults made the journey to Philadelphia. They worked at children’s summer camp, soup kitchens and a rehabilitation center. The congregation overwhelmed the volunteers with contributions of food, funds and supplies for the camp.

The 2008/2009 year started with Sunday School registration and an ice cream social event on September 7th. Our Sunday School program began on September 14th with 22 children registered. We are happy to welcome back so many of our youth and are pleased to have new faces in our Pre-K - 3 class.

The Pre-K - 3 class, taught by Artricia Gordon and me, has seen increased attendance this year. The 3rd – 5th grade class, taught by Jane McGrath and Joanne Woodard, created a bulletin board to display the Sunday School projects with all students from Pre-K to Grade 6 creating self portraits and beginning the year with a focus on Genesis. The middle/high school class is our largest group and is preparing for confirmation on May 3rd. Led by Sharon Carlson and Kim Gellatly, this group has led several service projects including a Food Drive, Coat Drive and the Santa Fund for forty children. The congregation showed their support for these service projects by their outpouring of food, cash, coats and gifts. Some of the children assisted in delivering these items to the New Milford Food Bank and stocked the food pantry shelves. We applaud the energy that this group and their mentors have brought to the program.

Our Halloween night celebration was a huge success, with a group of dedicated members of the congregation participating in the event. Many of the middle/high school youth participated in the set-up and decorating as well as serving candy from “trunks” during “Trunk-or-Treat.” We served over 150 dinners, had several amazing trunks and collected over $700 in donations for the New Milford Food Bank. This year many other organizations participated to make it a town-wide event. We expect this to be an annual event for our church as well as the community. Thanks to everyone who participated in making this event such a success.

This year the Christian Education board is thrilled to have Joanne Woodard join the committee. We would welcome additional board members and Sunday School teachers.

The Christian Education Committee will be scheduling a committee meeting in February to plan for the coming year.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Stern
Board of Christian Education

Two Memorial Sundays were held this year in May and November, resulting in $2,922.25 being given. The board spent no monies in 2008 as no requests were received. The Board of Memorials balance is $16,634.32.

Respectfully submitted,
Helen Jackson
Marjorie Rapp
Barbara Tanguay

We have had a full and busy year. We donated our monies as follows:
January - Loaves and Fishes Hospitality House, New Milford - $300
February - Shelter of the Cross - $300
March - Silver Lake - $300
April - ARC (Association of Religious Communities) - $300
May - Habitat for Humanity - $300
June - Save the Children - $300
July - Danbury Hispanic UCC - $300
August - WestConn Campus Ministry - $300
September - Hanahoe Children's Clinic - $300
October - Amos House - $300
November - Healing the Children - $300
December - We donated $500 to Matt Hines Medical
Fund and the remaining $470 went towards the
Church’s heating bill

This past year we were unable to organize a fundraiser for the monies to use at Loaves and Fishes but we were carried by personal donations.

We received some monies at the end of the year that was donated to the December recipient.

Respectfully submitted,
Fran Kelly
Chair, Benevolence & Stewardship

The members of the 2007 Personnel Committee, Dick Jones, Stu Rapp and Jane Storrs, joined other Church and Ministry Covenant Committee (CMCC) members in hosting an all church forum on Jan. 6, 2008. The CMCC presented their report on a year’s worth of work and welcomed responses from the congregation. There were approximately 30 – 35 congregants attending and we were joined by our Regional Conference Minister, Mike Ciba, who had worked in close concert with the CMCC throughout the year. The CMCC had focused on three areas of the evaluation results that had been deemed necessary for improvement, including worship and preaching, pastoral care and Christian education, especially that of young people. A meaningful dialog with Rev. Hammond over the months of meetings has proved to be very beneficial.

The open, honest, and heartfelt comments from our church members at this forum were reviewed by the Church Council at the Jan. 24, 2008 meeting. The CMCC members, in addition to the Personnel Committee were Sharon Carlson, Chris Smith, Ted Anson and Rev. Hammond. All were thanked for their dedication and hard work on behalf of our church. It was agreed that the work of the CMCC had been successfully completed, and that the progress they had accomplished would be continued utilizing other church committees. The CMCC was formally disengaged.

In response to a suggestion at the all church forum, the Personnel Committee took on the responsibility of outreach to disaffected and inactive church members. Working with Rev. Hammond, 10 – 12 individuals/families were contacted through personal notes and phone calls. Although we met with limited success, the Personnel Committee hopes to continue their outreach, in cooperation with the deacons, in 2009.

During the year, members of the Personnel Committee met with church employees to discuss aspects of their work performance. These meetings were well received, and will help to keep our church functioning smoothly.

At the expiration of his term in 2007, and once the CMCC was disbanded, our dedicated colleague, Dick Jones, was replaced by Jamie Pfeiffer on the Personnel Committee. Jamie has already demonstrated that her background in fostering healthy interpersonal relationships, together with her positive attitude and compassion, will be valuable to our committee.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jane Storrs, Chairman
Jamie Pfeiffer
Stu Rapp

In 2008 the pledge committee initiated two mailings and handed out pledge cards personally to all members and friends of the Bridgewater Congregational Church. Additionally, Wendy Jones, the church’s financial secretary, mailed to those individuals that we normally expect to hear from but didn’t. We received 63 pledges from these efforts for a total of $106,952.

This represented a 28.75% increase over 2007 and 12.58% over the budgeted amount.

We remind all members and friends that a pledge is not a contract, but a guideline from which the Trustees are able to plan for the year. While most pledges are met, it is understood that economic conditions dictate a family’s ability to contribute. Also, only the financial secretary knows who pledged and for what amount.

Respectfully submitted

Ron Emond
Larry Miller
Larry Neary

As I gathered my thoughts at this same time last year for the report, my introductory observations were as follows:

“…we continued our great tradition of worshiping God through the Ministry of Music. Miraculously, we continued to maintain—no, to exceed—the unbelievably high musical standards we had previously set. I truly believe that this tradition is core to our overall Ministry in Bridgewater, perhaps even its very heart and soul (stated with great humility).”

There was such an excitement level regarding what we were able to achieve in 2007 that I never dared take the opportunity to wonder if we could ever raise the bar, take it to another level in 2008. Well guess what – we did! Under the direction of our indomitable Director of Music, Linda Burton, the Bridgewater Congregational Church assembled and performed a body of musical work that many cities and towns in Connecticut would envy. From unparalleled worship services featuring our choir, bell choir, organists, pianist and featured soloists, to our concert series and the release of the first ever choir and bell choir CD (270 copies sold), the evidence was overwhelming.

With all the success we have achieved musically, I believe we need to put it into an appropriate context, to frame it properly. I was chatting with Linda as I began pulling together data for this report and I believe she said it best: “I see the music in our church as a part of the church service and one that should send a message to the congregation. It is not entertainment. Every anthem and hymn that we sing in church has a message for us all. Sing the message, man!”

That we have been able to “step it up” year over year, in the absence of a settled Director of Music, is truly amazing to me. In addition to being amazing, it is indeed a considerable tribute to all those dedicated professionals involved. As is my custom, the remainder of this report will be dedicated to making sure you know who those individuals are “behind the curtain.”

Our Music Committee: Jean Kavanek, Chris Smith and Alan Smith, with the assistance of our pastor, Peter, and Linda Burton. Jean will be leaving the committee after serving for 6 years. Her time as Committee Chair and Committee Member is marked by leadership and dedication. Thanks, Jean, you’re the best.

Our Choir Director: Linda Burton. If our tradition of music is the heart and soul of our Church ministry, Linda is the heart and soul of our music tradition.

Our Organists: Larisa Podoprigora and Howard Rovics. Their great talent in accompanying the choir is a major contributing factor to our ability to reach new heights.

Our Pianist/Choir Member/Committee Member/etc.: Chris Smith. Yes, Chris is everywhere - again. We couldn’t do it without her

Our Choir: Heather Detrick, Jessica Stewart, Diane Wilson, Linda Burton, Peggy Anson, Jean Kavanek, Jamie Pfeiffer, Donna Hawks, Larry Miller, Sharon Harvey, Stu Rapp, Bob Burden, Bill Harvey and John Seeger. Bob Burden will be retiring from the choir and will be very much missed – thanks for your service, Bob. Jan Lewyn and Jeff Kelly have joined the choir – welcome and thanks for stepping up.

Our Bell Choir: Ed Terry, Kevin Hobbs, Bill Harvey, Linda Burton, Chris Smith, Marge Rapp, Jessica Stewart, Jamie Pfeiffer, Peggy Anson, Maryia Anson and Sharon Harvey. Sharon Harvey organizes the group and Amy Cox directs the group, but Franz Ryerson stepped in for Christmas. Thanks to you all.

Our Recording Studio Production Manager: Kevin Hobbs for keeping the choir in line and getting the CD recorded and produced – unbelievable job!

Lastly, thanks to you, the Congregation, for your support and participation throughout the year. Stay tuned for 2009, it should be unbelievable.

Respectfully Submitted,
Alan Smith, Chair

Nominating Committee Members 2008:
Candee Kilian, Jon Dill (Deacon), Carl Dill (Trustee), Fran Kelly (Ben & Stew),
Kim Gellatly (Christian Ed), Ted Anson (Moderator), Peter Hammond (Minister)

Potential board and committee members listed below are nominated to be voted in at this January meeting. Remaining vacancies will hopefully be filled soon and voted on by the Church Council. If anyone is interested in filling any vacancy, please speak to someone on the Nominating Committee.

Nominations for Officers

Moderator: Ted Anson 2nd term, 1st year
Auditor: Donna Hawks (filled vacancy '08, will continue - 1st term, 1st year)
Historian: VACANCY

Nominations for Committees

Pledge Committee
Dan Storrs 1st term, 1st year

Fellowship/Sanctuary Committee
Monsie Hobbs: 1st term, 1st year
Jeanne Paparazzo: 1st term, 1st year
Janice Lewyn: filling vacancy, 2nd year of term

Nominations for Boards

Board of Deacons
Sharon Carlson - 2nd term, 1st year
Jon Dill - 2nd term, 1st year
VACANCY - 1st term, 1st year

Board of Trustees
Carl Dill - 2nd term, 1st year
Wayne Woodard - 2nd term, 1st year (he had also filled 2 years of a vacancy)
Deron Grabel - 1st term, 1st year
Bill Harvey - Filling vacancy 2nd year of term
Board of Christian Ed
VACANCY 1st term, 1st year
VACANCY 1st term, 1st year

Board of Benevolence & Stewardship
Christine Hora - 2nd term, 1st year
Marjorie Rapp - 1st term, 1st year (also filled 1 year of a vacancy)

Board of Memorials
Marjorie Rapp - 2nd term, 1st year

Board of Music
Jessica Stewart - 1st term, 1st year

Litchfield South Assoc. Representative
Stu Rapp - 1st term, 1st year

CT Conference Delegate
Ann Pratt - 1st term, 1st year (had filled vacancy)

Nominating Committee
Candee Kilian—Non-board/Committee Member at Large

A special thank you to those going off our boards & committees:
Chris Smith (6 years Deacon)
Stu Rapp (6 years Trustee)
Jean Kavanek (6 years Board of Music)
Ron Emond (Pledge)
Fran Kelly (Trustee)

Ministry of the Connecticut Conference, UCC, in 2008

Following the exhilarating year of hosting the United Church of Christ’s 50th Anniversary General Synod, the Connecticut Conference entered the new year with confidence, and found itself facing both significant blessings and unforeseen challenges. A year that was pivotal for so many was no less so for the Conference and its 246 member congregations.

As the year began, the Conference found that member churches’ giving to Our Church’s Wider Mission had increased in 2007 over the previous year. Local church leaders experienced new and innovative program initiatives, including “Church on the Brink,” “New Dollars, New Partners,” and two Small Church Convocations. The Partners in Education (P.I.E.) series of mini-courses, “Stepping Stones,” presented invigorating new ideas for educational ministries in Sunday Schools, youth groups, and on mission trips. Conference financial and moral support enabled the Freedom Schooner Amistad to complete its Atlantic Freedom Tour.

In May, the Conference gathered at South Congregational Church UCC in Middletown to explore creativity within the Church. The Rev. Cliff Aerie, with the national church’s Ministry of Imagination, Creativity, and the Arts, led the assembly in a Worshipful Imaginarium around Pentecost, featuring music, dance, visual arts, and drama. The day also included presentations from local churches’ art programs in a New Wineskins festival around downtown Middletown.

The new Associate Conference Minister for Youth and Young Adult Ministries, the Rev. Da Vita “Day” McCallister, began to reach out “N.O.W.” to young people and church leaders, working with them to Nurture Gifts and Call, foster Outreach, and Worship, Welcome, and Work together. In July, over sixty young people journeyed to the National Youth Event in Knoxville, Tennessee, for four days of faith and renewal.

Now for the Future, the Campaign for Silver Lake, reached over $2.6 million in pledges, had representatives in 92 churches, and had its first new structure standing by the end of 2008. The Commons Building for the Hillside cabin village rose from bare ground to walls and roof in just four weekends in November thanks to the efforts of the First Congregational Church of Wallingford, UCC. Plans are to break ground for the first year-round structure, the Retreat Lodge, by 2010.

At Silver Lake Conference Center, your Conference Center, 1,136 conferees — 8% more than last year — learned to love God, love their neighbors, and love themselves in one of God’s most beautiful settings last summer. Over 37 weeks in the retreat season, 97 groups totaling 2,611 participants — an 18% increase — sought renewal and refreshment. June’s second Silver Lake Golf Tournament attracted 60 golfers and raised $6,000 in support of the Conference Center’s program.

Throughout the year, Regional Ministers the Rev. Susan Page Townsley, the Rev. Michael Ciba, the Rev. Dr. Michael Penn-Strah, the Rev. Dr. Lois Happe, and the Rev. Ineke K. Mitchell carried on their ministries in support of the work of local churches. They assisted with congregations in transition and with those facing challenges; they celebrated with their joys and brought comfort in their sorrows.

The Conference published a brand-new adult study curriculum on Universal Health Care. Written by Amy Beveridge, the material is freely available on the Conference’s web site at www.ctucc.org.

Karen Ziel joined the Conference staff as part-time Minister of Christian Education in November, following the retirement of Amy Beveridge earlier in the year. She works with local church educators and consultants and administers the Ruth Dudley Resource Center. Silver Lake welcomed new Site Manager Dave Kobersmith, and as the year ended prepared to bid farewell to Registrar Lesley Munshower.

The Conference announced a new Associate Conference Minister for Generosity Ministries position, which will offer support to the whole Church as it seeks to understand the new patterns of giving in this time. To create the new ministry, the position of ACM for Wider Church Ministries had to be eliminated. Communications and Technology ministries were consolidated at the desk of the Rev. Eric S. Anderson, who is now responsible for print and electronic media.

In late summer the Conference received a shock: Conference Minister the Rev. Dr. Davida Foy Crabtree had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Prayers, cards, and electronic messages began to arrive, particularly at the Caring Bridge site where she shared her journey. By year’s end, her medical team reported excellent results from chemotherapy and surgery. Follow-up radiation will be less strenuous, allowing her to return to a more active schedule. During the fall, she relied heavily on the gifts of the Rev. Dr. Ron Brown, Associate Conference Minister for Clergy Concerns.

As the summer ended and the Conference prepared for its Fall Meeting, the nation and the world suddenly realized the extent of the financial crisis. Keynote speaker the Rev. Stephen Gray came at the right time, and brought a compelling message of the reality of abundance to oppose the fear of scarcity: “In the face of the fear of scarcity, we are called to do two things that at first appear powerless, but in reality, can change the world: we are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength and with all our mind. And like unto it, we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. When we take these two commandments with utter seriousness and when we actually do these two commandments: we witness the abundance and generosity of the God revealed in Jesus Christ.”

During the year, UCC members in Connecticut responded generously to assist those affected by a major cyclone in Myanmar, an earthquake in China, tornadoes and floods in the Midwest, and more hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico.

Connecticut’s gay and lesbian citizens obtained equal recognition for their relationships when the state Supreme Court ruled that all are entitled to marriage licenses. The Conference responded by making worship resources available at ctucc.org. As the year closed, Public Policy Advocate Kim Harrison warned that anticipated shortfalls in state revenue could result in severe budget cuts for services to the most vulnerable citizens in Connecticut.

As 2009 begins, the Conference faces a world in even greater need of the grace of Jesus Christ and the generosity of Christ’s people. In partnership with the local churches of this state, and in prayerful fellowship with UCC congregations across the nation, the Connecticut Conference of the United Church of Christ will strive to faithfully serve God’s people, by equipping the saints to proclaim the Gospel, to teach the Good News of Jesus Christ, to do the work of reconciliation and justice, and to live faithfully in daily life.