We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. It if is serving, let him serve; it if is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. ~ Romans 12: 4-8

We have talked some this summer about our gifts; what are they, how should we use them. We want to know what gifts God has given us, but are unsure what they are or how to go about discovering them.

These conversations got me thinking about the many offerings available to us through the NH-UCC Conference office.

1. There is a very exciting event coming up on September 20th. We are all invited to a dinner up at the Opechee Banquet Center in Laconia to learn about the amazing abundance our church has to offer. Too often we hear about what our churches don’t have, but on this night we will hear about what our churches do have. This is an affordable evening with dinner and live music. The Rev. Ben Guess will inspire us and revive us. Only $16.50 per person (or $132 for a table of eight, hint, hint)! It promises to be an evening that will feed our souls. If you are interested in attending, go to www.nhcucc.org and you will see a link for Ambassadors of Abundance. Don’t delay! Tables are filling up.

2. If you have never been to one of the NH Conference ‘s annual meetings, consider yourself invited. This year’s annual meeting, entitled, “Proclaiming our Unity” will be held on October 25th at the Grappone Center in Concord. The year’s theme is one that reminds us that we are a denomination of individual churches that are united together. Individually, churches in the UCC govern themselves, and collectively, we come together to share in our riches and wisdom. At the Annual Meeting we learn more about conversations happening within our conference and on the national level. It’s a one great way to get to know people from other churches. Only church delegates can vote, but all of us can learn and grow from this day. (Plus, the food is really good.) If you are interested in attending, go to: www.nhcucc.org/ConferenceMinistries/ConferenceAnnualMeeting.

3. One annual event that is well worth attending is “Prepared to Serve.” It is an all day event filled with workshops that help us learn more about our spiritual gifts and passions. It is also another great way to get to know people from other churches in our Conference. Mark your calendars that February 21, 2015 for the next Prepared to Serve conference and it’s located right next door at Pembroke Academy.

For information on all of these events and more, contact Jesse Evans at the conference office jevans@nhcucc.org to start receiving The Weekly News, a newsletter that details upcoming events sponsored by the Conference and its mission groups. Attending these various events provides us opportunities to discern our gifts and deepen our understanding of God.

God bless you,

Pastor Holly