New Conference for New Ministers (1 to 10 years of experience)
A new conference for new ministers on Star Island is the result of a three-way partnership between Star Island, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and the Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ. The conference, titled Challenges, Questions, Pitfalls, and Joys: The Reality of Serving a Church, will be held from Sunday August 29 to Saturday September 3, and will accommodate 20 credentialed ministers serving local congregations in their first one to ten years of ordained ministry.
Priority will be given to those serving United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist churches, whose members founded and continue to administer Star Island. Ecumenical colleagues are invited to register as well as to explore programming related to the first years of ministry.
The new clergy in attendance will benefit from workshops specifically designed for new ministers that will focus on church organization, organizational vitalization, and living into one’s role as a pastor. Ample time for rest and renewal will be provided as ministers gear up for the new church program year. “The goal is to provide an experience that will leave conferees feeling rejuvenated and ready to return to their congregations with new ideas and resources and a stronger peer-support network,” said Kris LoFrumento of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC. “The Reverend Jane Rzepka will serve as one of the worship ministers and we are seeking a theme speaker.”