THE BUZZ
UCC New England Women's Celebration 40th
Anniversary with Rev. Alice O’Donovan I
n March of 1982 we drove from Scotland, CT to Portland, ME to be part of the fi rst United Church of Christ (UCC) New England Women’s Celebration, the largest gathering of women I had
ever stepped into. That weekend, hundreds of women sang their hearts out; listened to powerful speakers, including Pat Schroeder the fi rst woman elected to Congress from Colorado; learned about Lydia, a business woman and leader in the very early church; attended fascinating workshops and was part of a movement that changed women's lives. They returned home and made important contributions to their communities and congregations.
Since Celebration I, UCC New England Women’s Celebrations
II, III ... VII, VIII, and IX have been held spanning over 40 years. Leadership, technology, themes and locations have changed but the purpose, quality, importance, and blessing of Celebration has remained constant. Now, Celebration X, “A Place at the Table”, is close at hand. From April 6-8, women will once again gather in Portland, ME to hear powerful speakers, attend and learn from workshops, visit with old friends and make new ones.
What is the New England Women’s Celebration? The New England Women’s Celebration takes place every 4
years at various locations in New England. It is held over (or near) the weekend of Mothering Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent, which is traditionally a time when the strict observances of Lent were re- laxed for a day so church folks could return to the Mother Church of their roots.
The purpose of the Celebrations is to reach women in the
pews and to involve them in learning and sharing their faith beyond the local church and conference setting. It is organized by women from United Church of Christ (UCC) congregations across New England, however women from all denominations and reli- gious traditions are welcome to attend.
It’s time to feel good in your skin again.
We use the time-tested wisdom of Chinese herbal medicine to help you heal your skin naturally, from the inside out. An individualized, customized, whole-person approach to treating skin disease.
Why have I continued to be involved with this event and why do I encourage others to attend?
• Because the UCC New England Women’s Celebration X will bring hundreds of women together.
• Because listening to powerful speakers, like the Rev. Traci Blackmon, Leslie Lewin, Rev. Deborah Blood and more will nourish your spirit and soul.
• Because worshiping together will make hearts soar and sing with joy.
• Because attending fascinating workshops on topics like Under- standing Refugee Neighbors, Interfaith Dialogue, Support in Prison Ministry, The ART of Self Compassion and many more will inform and encourage congregations and communities all across New England with new ways to minister and serve.
• Because all over the world, people will be blessed, lives will be better, hope will live because hundreds of women gathered together here, in Portland Maine, and became Celebration X.
Eczema • Psoriasis • Acne • Rosacea Vitiligo • Fungal and Yeast infection Hives • Hair loss • Lichen Planus • and more
Alexa Gilmore, LAc, MAcOM
www.atxskin.com (207) 756-4301 100 Brickhill Ave, Suite 304 South Portland
You are invited to celebrate our 40th Anniversary with us and be part of the goodness of Celebration X! Claim your seat at the table! Come for a blessing—leave to be a blessing! Fill a car, a van, or a bus from your town, church or village because there really is a seat at the table for you, for everyone! For more information and to register, visit:
www.uccwomenscelebration.org.
8 ELM™ Maine - March/April 2018
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