Conference Staff Prepares for First Online UCC History and Polity Class Beginning in March
After over a decade of offering a course in the history and polity of the United Church of Christ at ITC, Candler Theological Seminary, and Vanderbilt Divinity School, it is time for the staff to take this class online.  Kathy Clark, Associate Conference Minister for Ministry Formation and Leadership Development (who also has the longest job title on the staff) will be the lead instructor, assisted by Conference Minister Tim Downs.  The class, which can be taken for credit through Candler School of Theology, or audited by contacting Kathy Clark.  Registration and payment on online for auditing is also available by clicking on this link: Center for Progressive Renewal.

The purpose of this course is to explore the history, polity, theologies, and practices of the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations.  The course will include an exploration of denominational identity, African-American traditions within the denomination, case studies around current issues of polity and structure, current ecumenical conversations, emerging trends within the United Church of Christ, and more.  Successful completion of this course will fulfill the history and polity requirement for authorized ministry in the United Church of Christ.

The SEC is Looking for a Few Good Men and Women for
Disaster Relief Training |  March 20th 

On Saturday, March 20th, at First Congregational UCC, Atlanta, the Southeast Conference Disaster Assistance Relief Team (DART)has scheduled a day long training in the hopes of expanding our DART ministries to more effectively cover our 5 ½ state geography.  Click here for DART training flyer. The training will include topics such as:

n What is involved in disaster ministry?
n How do you prepare your congregation to be ready for a disaster?
n The role of FEMA & Church World Service (CWS), and the UCC
n Explore how we can work together throughout the SEC

All costs will be covered, although registration is limited.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details via email or by phone at (931) 277-5529   

Conference Partners with Center for Progressive Renewal
The Southeast Conference over the last 10 years has started 16 new churches and welcomed eight existing churches into affiliation with the United Church of Christ.  This ministry has reshaped and renewed the Conference, and the staffing of this priority continues to evolve to do this work more effectively.  Over the course of the first half of 2010, Cameron Trimble who has served as Associate Conference Minister for Church Development will transition from that position to serve as the Executive Director and CEO of the Center for Progressive Renewal, which will be headquartered in the Conference offices.  What does this mean to the important ministry we have had in church development?  Here are answers to frequently asked questions concerning this transition:

1. Will the Southeast Conference stop planting and renewing churches?
   No, these ministries will grow.  The Southeast Conference has entered into a partnership with The Center for Progressive Renewal to oversee our work in church planting and renewal.  Our new agreement with CPR expands our capacity to include additional staffing and larger consultant infrastructure.  Cameron will continue to be an important part of the team even as she transitions off the SEC staff as of June 30, 2010.
2. Whom do we call if we need help with renewing our church?
   Your first call should be to our Conference Minister, Tim Downs.  He will then refer you to the CPR team or another appropriate resource.
3. How does this impact our Conference Campaign for the Future?Our partnership with The Center for Progressive Renewal allows us to fulfill the vision of our campaign more effectively.  While CPR will provide us the needed expertise through training and coaching of church leaders, the Conference Campaign for the Future provides us the seed funding to help churches revitalize their ministries and start new communities of faith.  Both of these initiatives are vital for our future.

The Southeast Conference is making a difference in the lives of our churches and leaders thanks to your vision and support.  For more information about The Center for Progressive Renewal, see their website at www.progressiverenewal.org.