Peter stepping down as CGNEWS editor

Friends

I write to you with a sense of excitement as we enter this new year. Let me start with a personal announcement.

After seven years I am stepping down from my formal role with the UU SGM Network. With the addition of new television and UU video production projects I lost the time I dedicated to our network. Time to turn things over to our fabulous board and growing number of volunteers. Those of you interested in my work and keeping in touch, drop my website, uuplanet.com.

So what is happening with CGNews? Our amazing board will be compiling the news and our president, Diana Dorroh, will serve as editor. You can submit news by writing office@smallgroupministry.net. I will continue to be involved in with our network, just as a member, not a coordinator/editor. If you are not a contributing member, I hope you will join me. The UU SGM Network is funded in its entirety by your memberships. Existing members, this is a great time to renew.

Your membership form may be found online at:
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/pdf/Membership%20Form.pdf

Thank you for an amazing seven years!

In faith,
Peter Freedman Bowden
Co-Founder, UU SGM Network
Retired editor, CGNews ;-)

Event: Gathering the Power of Small Group Ministry

Gathering the Power of Small Group Ministry

Day 1: March 8 at Allen Avenue UU Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland, Maine

Day 2: March 15 at First Universalist Church, 9 Easy Street, Pittsfield, Maine

9 AM to 1 PM each day, before Lunch

Congregations that have Small Group Ministry and those considering starting Congregational Leaders, Ministers, Coordinators, Facilitators Bring a team!

Sessions by Interest.

1.“Starting Small Group Ministry Program in Your Church” Rev. Helen Zidowecki, Augusta, ME

2.“Facilitators—New and Experienced” Carol Hayden, Allen Avenue, Portland, ME

3.“Questions and Answers for Ministers, Coordinators, Steering Committee Members” Kathy Kellison, Augusta, ME

This program is sponsored by the Northeast District Small Group Ministry Network.

For more information contact: Helen Zidowecki, 207-582-5308, hzmre@hzmre.com or Joy Blanchette, UU District Office, 603-228-8704, uua-me.nh.vt@comcast.net

Event: Beyond the Basics with Mellen Kennedy

Beyond The Basics:
A Gathering and Training for Leaders of Mature Small Group Ministry Programs
Saturday, February 23, 2008, 10am - 4pm
First Universalist Chapel Society, Woodstock, VT

This workshop is aimed at lay and professional leaders working with functioning SGM programs -- that is programs that have been in existence for at least a year. It will be an opportunity to gather for mutual support, in depth sharing and advanced training. Registrants will be asked to bring materials to share from the successes and challenges of their programs.

This program is being organized by the NH/VT Small Group Ministry Committee.

For more info contact M'ellen Kennedy at mellenken@aol.com.