United Church of Christ https://www.ucc.org/ Wed, 07 Feb 2024 03:02:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://www.ucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-favicon-32x32.png United Church of Christ https://www.ucc.org/ 32 32 UCC economic justice minister among those arrested at Arizona protest to ‘end the genocide economy’ https://www.ucc.org/ucc-economic-justice-minister-among-those-arrested-at-arizona-protest-to-end-the-genocide-economy/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:20:08 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=221135 Over 100 protesters gathered outside of the University of Arizona Tech Park in Tucson, Arizona, the morning of Nov. 30, wearing shirts with messages to “End the genocide economy” and “Free Palestine.” Several in attendance gathered in the road leading…

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]]> ‘The consistent theme is love’: In new year, UCC National Setting builds on ‘one-staff model’ https://www.ucc.org/the-consistent-theme-is-love-in-new-year-ucc-national-setting-builds-on-one-staff-model/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:01:42 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=221112 As the calendar turned to 2024, the United Church of Christ national ministry teams began working under three new sets of names, unified by a theme of “love.” Love of Service. Love of Church. Love of Neighbor. These are the…

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]]> Join February webinar series for discussion of thriving churches in rural and small towns https://www.ucc.org/join-february-webinar-series-for-discussion-of-thriving-churches-in-rural-and-small-towns/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 17:00:40 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=221144 A recent United Church of Christ survey found that over 60% of UCC congregations have small memberships, mostly found in rural and small-town settings. A three-part Nurture the Soul webinar series featuring the vitality and thriving experiences of rural and…

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]]> Other Religion News https://www.ucc.org/other-religion-news/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:31:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=130631 Sikh Americans concerned about foreign rise in transnational repressionhttps://religionnews.com/2024/02/01/sikh-americans-concerned-about-foreign/ Pro-migrant pastors on a bus plan to meet ‘God’s Army’ convoy at Texas border townhttps://religionnews.com/2024/02/02/christian-nationalists-at-southern-borders/ Conservative Nebraska lawmakers push bills that would intertwine religion with public educationhttps://apnews.com/article/education-religion-nebraska-private-school-republican-ec94455e5a1053a3f5a53abcee09402a Jesuits in US bolster…

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]]> Black History Month event to uplift current and historic environmental justice leaders https://www.ucc.org/black-history-month-event-to-uplift-current-and-historic-environmental-justice-leaders/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:30:19 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=221166 This Black History Month, the United Church of Christ is celebrating historic contributions to the environmental justice movement.   Current environmental justice leaders will share stories and reflections about some of the “unsung heroes” of the movement who they knew…

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]]> UCC in the News https://www.ucc.org/ucc-in-the-news/ Tue, 06 Feb 2024 16:02:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=130627 ‘Love ultimately wins’: Neo-Nazi who firebombed Ohio church sentenced to 18 yearshttps://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/2024/01/love-ultimately-wins-neo-nazi-who-firebombed-geauga-county-church-sentenced-to-18-years.html Drag reading for children canceled amid concerns for safety in Connecticuthttps://www.fox61.com/article/news/local/hartford-county/pride-drag-story-reading-children-canceled-concerns-safety-enfield-connecticut/520-06304664-7a7b-4ff5-8b7a-05786eabb120 Fuller seminary senior director fired for refusal to sign non-LGBTQ affirming statementhttps://religionnews.com/2024/02/02/fuller-seminary-senior-director-fired-for-refusal-to-sign-non-lgbtq-affirming-statement/ Illinois church goes big with…

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]]> What Can We As Churches Do to Care for God’s Creation? https://www.ucc.org/what-can-we-as-churches-do-to-care-for-gods-creation/ Mon, 05 Feb 2024 20:37:42 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=221106 As Christians, we are called to care for all of creation: land, water, air, animals, plants, people – all of it. We, at the Federated Church, UCC, in the small village of Chagrin Falls, Ohio have been dedicated to a…

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]]> In Midst of Anti-Immigrant Discourse,  People of Faith Must Offer a Prophetic Welcome https://www.ucc.org/in-midst-of-anti-immigrant-discourse-people-of-faith-must-offer-a-prophetic-welcome/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=219067 In the midst of the 2024 presidential election, anti-immigrant rhetoric is on the rise. A large percentage of voters are now naming immigration as the most important issue in this election in light of the influx of migrants at the…

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]]> ‘These books have work to do’: Download Banned Books Blessing for Racial Justice Sunday https://www.ucc.org/these-books-have-work-to-do-download-banned-books-blessing-for-racial-justice-sunday/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:04:27 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=219010 In recent years, there has been an unprecedented number of attempts to ban books, and local churches have an opportunity to bring these stories to the forefront. The United Church of Christ’s Join the Movement toward Racial Justice and Love…

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]]> Help America Vote in 2024 by signing up to be a poll worker through the UCC https://www.ucc.org/help-america-vote-in-2024-by-signing-up-to-be-a-poll-worker-through-the-ucc/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:50:01 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218970 Jan. 30 is Help America Vote Day, and the United Church of Christ is marking this observance with a continued call for poll workers in this important election year.  The Our Faith Our Vote campaign — an initiative of the UCC’s…

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]]> Reproductive justice webinar will take faith-based approach to abortion rights discussion https://www.ucc.org/reproductive-justice-webinar-will-take-faith-based-approach-to-abortion-rights-discussion/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 16:06:58 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218816 Access to, and discussion of, reproductive healthcare is not only a political concept, it is a religious one. This will be the focus of a special online event on Sunday, Feb.11 from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring the Rev. Rebecca…

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]]> Jan Gomoll, 72 https://www.ucc.org/jan-gomoll-72/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:44:33 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218877 In Memoriam image w/sun & treesLong-time United Church of Christ national staff member Janet “Jan” Gomoll died Jan. 21 in Bay Village, Ohio. She was 72. During her time at the UCC until her retirement in 2021, Gomoll interacted with thousands of UCC members through her administrative work with General…

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]]> Minnie’s Seaside Rest opens history to visitors at UCC offices in Cleveland https://www.ucc.org/minnies-seaside-rest-opens-history-to-visitors-at-ucc-offices-in-cleveland/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:39:15 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218880 Minnie’s Seaside Rest is now lakeside, along the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, at home in the United Church of Christ’s national offices. Today, it is a museum of archival objects commemorating the history of UCC foreign missionaries. But…

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]]> Prestemon begins as Associate General Minister with commitment to UCC witness of love, inclusiveness, justice https://www.ucc.org/prestemon-begins-as-associate-general-minister-with-commitment-to-ucc-witness-of-love-inclusiveness-justice/ Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:23:02 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218960 The United Church of Christ has welcomed a new Associate General Minister to the national offices in Cleveland. The Rev. Shari Prestemon began her role as Acting Associate General Minister and Co-Executive of Global Ministries on Jan. 16, filling the…

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]]> JPANet February 2024 Newsletter https://www.ucc.org/jpanet-february-2024-newsletter/ Thu, 25 Jan 2024 19:27:59 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218784 Happy new year advocates! Each month we ask UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, the Rev. Seth Wispelwey, UCC Minister for Economic Justice offers perspective on some of the recent…

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]]> The Purpose of Education https://www.ucc.org/the-purpose-of-education/ Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218765 What is the purpose of education? For many, it is economic advancement. We pursue education to get better employment opportunities, which (theoretically) lead to better earnings and a better quality of life. But education serves a greater function in society…

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]]> Imagine Reparation Germination https://www.ucc.org/imagine-reparation-germination/ Wed, 24 Jan 2024 14:42:50 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218776 When a tree is planted, establishing the “root ball” correctly is critical to long-term growth and thriving for the entire plant. And placement! Will it have enough sun? How will its growth impact the world around it? Most importantly, is…

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]]> Newly released Statistical Profile highlights strengths of small UCC churches https://www.ucc.org/newly-released-statistical-profile-highlights-strengths-of-small-ucc-churches/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:33:22 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218714 If you have ever felt curious about how the United Church of Christ appears by the numbers and the ways it has changed over time, the UCC Center for Analytics, Research & Development and Data (CARDD) has the resources for…

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]]> Join the Movement announces new All Church Read titles, reflects back on 2023 https://www.ucc.org/join-the-movement-announces-new-all-church-read-titles-reflects-back-on-2023/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:19:22 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218671 As one book closes, two more open. The United Church of Christ’s Join the Movement for Racial Justice concluded discussion of 2023’s All Church Read of Ibram X. Kendi’s How to Be An Antiracist during a virtual celebration on Jan.…

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]]> From Minneapolis to Palestine: UCC’s Lent 2024 resources focus on liberation, saying no and flexibility https://www.ucc.org/from-minneapolis-to-palestine-uccs-lent-2024-resources-focus-on-liberation-saying-no-and-flexibility/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 16:08:53 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218698 Lent begins early this year, and the United Church of Christ has resources ready for both personal and congregational Lenten journeys. The season that begins with Ash Wednesday on Feb. 14 and continues through Easter Sunday on March 31 will…

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]]> UCC members show solidarity for Gaza in multiple events https://www.ucc.org/ucc-members-show-solidarity-for-gaza-in-multiple-events/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:38:33 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218706 United Church of Christ members, clergy and staff recently took part in multiple days of action, calling for a ceasefire and demilitarization in Israel and Gaza.  In Washington, D.C., local UCC members participated in the March on Washington for Gaza,…

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]]> In Praise of (Some) Organized Religion https://www.ucc.org/in-praise-of-some-organized-religion/ Wed, 17 Jan 2024 20:59:19 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218594 A new report on spirituality in the United States was recently released by the Pew Research Center. It was greeted with the usual round of news stories about how “Americans have been abandoning organized religion in droves” while a growing…

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]]> With asylum under threat from Congress, UCC joins interfaith vigil, action in D.C. https://www.ucc.org/with-asylum-under-threat-from-congress-ucc-joins-interfaith-vigil-action-in-d-c/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:49:06 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218231 The United Church of Christ joined with interfaith partners Jan. 9 in Washington, D.C., to call for protecting the U.S. asylum program, which is under threat from Congress amid a looming government shutdown deadline on Jan. 19. The day began…

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]]> ‘Reclaiming Christianity’: Massachusetts churches take stand against Christian nationalism https://www.ucc.org/reclaiming-christianity-massachusetts-churches-take-stand-against-christian-nationalism/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 17:44:10 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218220 On a frigid Jan. 6, churches and groups around the state of Massachusetts braved the cold to stand against Christian nationalism. Bundled in parkas, groups gathered in front of multiple church buildings and public parks and held signs depicting messages…

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]]> Ohio church awards thousands to students through annual MLK Day essay contest https://www.ucc.org/ohio-church-awards-thousands-to-students-through-annual-mlk-day-essay-contest/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:37:53 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218129 It was 34 years ago when Sharon Jefferson — a member of East View United Church of Christ in Shaker Heights, Ohio, since childhood — learned that a friend’s church sponsored a pancake breakfast to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King…

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]]> Resources for Health and Human Service Sunday 2024 offer support and healing for essential workers https://www.ucc.org/resources-for-health-and-human-service-sunday-2024-offer-support-and-healing-for-essential-workers/ Tue, 16 Jan 2024 16:16:26 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218211 The United Church of Christ Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) recently released resources for Health and Human Service Sunday, which takes place Jan. 28, the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The resources provide a means for UCC churches,…

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]]> Hope in the Bleak Midwinter https://www.ucc.org/hope-in-the-bleak-midwinter/ Thu, 11 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218056 Witness for JusticeI love the end-of-year holiday season. Starting with Thanksgiving and running through Christmas, it’s a time of anticipation, family, fun, and food for me. Growing up in central Maine, it was usually snowy and just cold enough to remind you…

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]]> JPANet January 2024 Newsletter https://www.ucc.org/jpanet-january-2024-newsletter/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 16:47:12 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218100 Happy new year advocates! Each month we ask UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, the Rev. Erica Poellot, minister of harm reduction and overdose prevention ministries for the United Church…

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]]> Overdose Prevention Centers Show Us How to End the Overdose Crisis  https://www.ucc.org/overdose-prevention-centers-show-us-how-to-end-the-overdose-crisis/ Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:46:37 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218107 In 2023, the overdose death rate rose to over 112,000 people, the highest rate ever recorded during a twelve-month period (Centers for Disease Control). During a similar time period, the nation’s first sanctioned overdose prevention centers in New York, OnPoint…

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]]> UCC co-sponsors Faith in Democracy vigil near Jan. 6 insurrection anniversary https://www.ucc.org/ucc-co-sponsors-faith-in-democracy-vigil-near-jan-6-insurrection-anniversary/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 16:15:07 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218085 In the shadow of the U.S. Capitol Building on Jan. 5, staff from the United Church of Christ’s Washington, D.C., Office joined with interfaith partners for a “Faith in Democracy” prayer vigil. The UCC co-sponsored the event, which was hosted…

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]]> Climate Commissioning Service starts year with encouragement that ‘a new world is possible’ https://www.ucc.org/climate-commissioning-service-starts-year-with-encouragement-that-a-new-world-is-possible/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:42:12 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218069 With 2023 in the books as the hottest year on record and predictions for a similar 2024, climate scientists have said there’s still time to change course and prevent continued warming of the planet. The United Church of Christ Environmental…

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]]> Commentary: Preaching an ‘election sermon’ is urgently needed https://www.ucc.org/commentary-preaching-an-election-sermon-is-urgently-needed/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 15:40:21 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218075 In this commentary, the Rev. Jim Antal — a longtime United Church of Christ environmental justice advocate and former Conference Minister — urges and offers advice for pastors to preach about the climate crisis, democracy and civic engagement as the…

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]]> The Sacredness of Rest https://www.ucc.org/the-sacredness-of-rest/ Thu, 04 Jan 2024 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217949 Witness for JusticeRest is not optional. Resting one’s whole self is necessary. Closing your eyes and being still is not an elusive privilege. “Rest is as natural as breathing and waking up.”(Hersey, page 82). Rest does not always come easy for those…

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]]> The Revolutionary Power of a Little Yeast https://www.ucc.org/the-revolutionary-power-of-a-little-yeast/ Wed, 03 Jan 2024 21:10:32 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217975 What at first seems small and inconsequential can ultimately prove to have an enormous impact.

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]]> Looking ahead to 2024: Programs, projects and plans from UCC National Ministries https://www.ucc.org/looking-ahead-to-2024-programs-projects-and-plans-from-ucc-national-ministries/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 16:39:47 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217879 With the new year comes plenty of new plans for ministries throughout the United Church of Christ. As an election year with pressing, ongoing advocacy issues, 2024 promises to be a year with many opportunities for getting engaged in faith-filled,…

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]]> Children in Connecticut church learn about Christmas giving through year-round mission work https://www.ucc.org/children-in-connecticut-church-learn-about-christmas-giving-through-year-round-mission-work/ Tue, 02 Jan 2024 15:46:45 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217885 Amid the excitement of presents from Santa, getting children to focus on the meaning of Christmas Eve worship can be challenging for even the most patient parent — and pastor. The Rev. Kate VanDerzee-Glidden, senior pastor of First Church of…

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]]> Care For Your Neighbor and Live https://www.ucc.org/care-for-your-neighbor-and-live/ Thu, 28 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217751 Witness for JusticeThe term “Good Samaritan” long ago expanded from a character title in Luke’s parable to a colloquialism that encompasses all people who provide care for strangers in need. News stories about Good Samaritans going to extreme measures to save another…

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]]> 2023 JPANet Sign Off https://www.ucc.org/2023-jpanet-sign-off/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:40:25 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217834 Dear JPANet Advocates, As we near the end of 2023, it’s important to reflect back on all we have accomplished this year as a community committed to creating our UCC vision of a Just World for All. Together we have…

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]]> Year in review: Our top stories of 2023 https://www.ucc.org/year-in-review-our-top-stories-of-2023/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 19:26:15 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217773 2023 was a year filled with historic events in the United Church of Christ and the world. And the UCC News team was there to capture it in stories along the way. As this eventful year comes to a close,…

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]]> Injustice is Heavy: Let There be Light https://www.ucc.org/injustice-is-heavy-let-there-be-light/ Thu, 21 Dec 2023 18:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217619 Witness for JusticeA quick glance at the news and I almost shut down completely. There are so many social problems, acts of violence, and injustices that I cannot even begin to list them, let alone analyze them or find a meaningful response…

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]]> Vote for Climate Hope 2024 Art Contest https://www.ucc.org/vote-for-climate-hope-2024-art-contest/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 17:16:16 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217688 While children and youth can’t vote in elections, their well-being is integral to how people of faith vote their values on Election Day. The decisions made by our elected officials will have an enormous impact on their lives and their…

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]]> La Estación de la Esperanza https://www.ucc.org/la-estacion-de-la-esperanza/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 17:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218259 Esa luz verdadera, la que alumbra a todo ser humano, venía a este mundo. El que era la luz ya estaba en el mundo y el mundo fue creado por medio de él, pero el mundo no lo reconoció. Vino…

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]]> Commissioning service will offer ‘pastoral and prophetic’ witness to those seeking climate justice https://www.ucc.org/commissioning-service-will-offer-pastoral-and-prophetic-witness-to-those-seeking-climate-justice/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:30:38 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217699 The United Church of Christ Council for Climate Justice will host a virtual Climate Action Commissioning Service on Wednesday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m. ET. The service will celebrate prophetic witness and ministries across the UCC in the cause for…

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]]> Christmas Fund: A ‘nest egg for future generations’ of UCC leaders https://www.ucc.org/christmas-fund-a-nest-egg-for-future-generations-of-ucc-leaders/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:30:28 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217704 For more than a century, annual donations to the Christmas Fund have supported United Church of Christ clergy and lay employees. Advocates of the fund are asking for gifts to help that continue for another 100 years. “Most Americans live…

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]]> Engendering Spirit: Video series expands understanding of what it means to be human https://www.ucc.org/engendering-spirit-video-series-expands-understanding-of-what-it-means-to-be-human/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:28:30 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217693 Sherry Warren looked around and saw a need for more discussion around faith and gender: gender roles, reproductive justice and women’s role in the church. So she went to work putting together an educational video series addressing these issues. Warren,…

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]]> Lewiston, Maine tragedy sparks wider support for ASL interpretation https://www.ucc.org/lewiston-maine-tragedy-sparks-wider-support-for-asl-interpretation/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:02:26 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217701 This holiday season will be the first for many still grieving since the Oct. 25 shooting in Lewiston, Maine, where 18 people were killed and 13 injured. One of the tragedy’s impacts has been widening awareness of the need to…

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]]> Season of Hope https://www.ucc.org/season-of-hope/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 16:00:00 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=218210 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his…

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]]> UCC GMP shares message on ‘commemorating’ Christmas amid crisis in Gaza https://www.ucc.org/ucc-gmp-shares-message-on-commemorating-christmas-amid-crisis-in-gaza/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 15:23:30 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217680 While many around the world prepare to celebrate Christmas, the United Church of Christ’s General Minister and President is reminding the church that some do not have that luxury this year — particularly those in Gaza, Palestine.  “In this season…

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]]> Launching into Climate Justice in 2024 https://www.ucc.org/launching-into-climate-justice-in-2024/ Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:51:48 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217609 Climate justice ministries in the UCC launched into action on January 3rd with a denomination-wide Climate Action Commissioning Service featuring the preacher Nellis Kennedy-Howard. We now look ahead to a number of opportunities in front of us for advancing and…

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]]> Traci Blackmon steps down as Associate General Minister https://www.ucc.org/traci-blackmon-steps-down-as-associate-general-minister/ Thu, 14 Dec 2023 22:37:40 +0000 https://www.ucc.org/?p=217629 Following sabbatical and a period of discernment, the Rev. Traci Blackmon has resigned from her position as the United Church of Christ’s Associate General Minister for Justice and Local Church Ministries (JLCM), effective Dec. 14. Blackmon had been on sabbatical through the fall…

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