At the annual meeting you see folks you know from local Berkshire churches in Pittsfield, Williamstown, and other local towns, but also you ‘ll meet some from Rhode Island and Connecticut as well as from the rest of Massachusetts. At the meeting we get to listen and learn from people about activities, initiatives, and ideas happening in their congregations. We also get to attach faces to names we have only heard about, especially those people who can be particularly helpful as a resource. Plus, annual meeting worship is always innovative and topics for presentation and discussion are typically thought-provoking and informative. Typically, attendees leave filled with new ideas, exciting possibilities, and renewed passion for what the church can be.

A topic for particular discussion will be around the UCC’s WISE program. WISE is an acronym for Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged. Specifically WISE seeks to address mental illness. Like ONA, WISE is intentional. It encourages congregations and conferences along a path of exploration, conversation, and education to increase awareness and reduce the stigma of mental illness.

We can send up to three delegates. Won’t you consider going since I cannot? Your fees and travel are reimbursed by the church. Attending by Zoom is an option as well. If you would like to attend, please let Jay or Quentin know. You can get more information and register for the meeting by clicking on the following 5th Annual Meeting of there Southern New England Conference.