The largest human comma

On Sunday, April 10, 2005 more than 400 loyal UCC folks gathered in the quadrangle of Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis to testify to the good news that God IS still speaking,

The group's claim, that this is the world's largest human comma, has prompted the Minnesota Conference to challenge Missouri with a "commatition" and plans to break the record. Read more

A knack for hospitality

Pleasant Street Congregational UCC in Arlington, Massachusetts created a contest as incentives for members to get excited in their extravagant invitation and welcome of new guests. Pleasant Street experienced a one-third increase in its Christmas worship and twenty-two new visitors filled out information cards. Read more about how they did it

Merger brings people together

A 35-member charismatic, predominately African-American congregation voted to merge with the UCC church where it had been meeting after 18 years as an independent church. "People are coming together in brotherly love," said the pastor of the smaller church. "Being an integrated congregation, we welcome all people, meeting people where they are and not turning people away." It was the concept of inclusiveness that attracted the bishop to the UCC church, where they began holding services about a year ago. "Usually, when there's an ecumenical move, when people come together, it's people who look alike, believe alike, worship alike," the UCC pastor said. "For us, it's a bringing together of the strengths of both congregations and a common belief in God's grace."

"Bong!"

I was in the bank yesterday when I heard the familiar "bong" and knew the ad was coming on. I was so excited and said, "That’s my church!" I ended up giving directions to one of our churches to both of the tellers. God is good!

Welcome to all

A woman had seen our ad and was intrigued by the concept that "Jesus didn't turn anyone away; neither do we." She had heard of the UCC but knew little of it. She and her husband have an autistic 11-year-old daughter and were looking for a church where there is a liberal theology and their daughter could find a place in our children's program. I told her we were that place. They visited the past two Sundays and are very impressed with the friendliness and welcome they have received. It looks like we have new members. It is very moving for me to think that we have touched this family in this way. It is fun and awesome to be part of such a church and such a denomination. I love it!

Imitation is flattery

Members of another Christian denomination in a New England church were so excited by the message expressed in the UCC ads, and felt so strongly that their denomination also embraced that same desire for welcome, that they began raising funds for a similar TV ad campaign offering unconditional welcome.

Web traffic grows

Our website has received a great many hits and I'm thinking that the identity campaign is directly responsible. We've had numerous visits from people in our community who are looking for an inclusive community. Two [joined] on February 27! Our Justice & Witness Class, The Andrew Class, is doing a long-term study of the "Ron in a Box" DVD and the Stillspeaking training materials. Furthermore, the Andrew Class will be hosting our church-wide retreat in September and the theme is "God is Still Speaking!" I/we are truly excited of what God is doing and saying through the UCC community, especially at St. Andrew! Keep up the tremendous work God is calling us all to share!

Inclusive Christianity on the rise

I just want to applaud your organization for the work you are doing. Your ad campaign is WONDERFUL! Your message, in my opinion, is what Christ wished for us, and I am happy to see it out there in the world, with so much energy behind it. We need your voice now. I lived in Boston for four years, about four blocks from the state house at the time of the ruling on same-sex marriage, in a Quaker intentional community. Each day, I and many of my friends (some straight, some gay) would walk over with our signs to demonstrate. Every time I saw at least two or three of your ministers there, and it always warmed my heart. I firmly believe there is a growing, vibrant INCLUSIVE Christianity in this country, and I just want to thank you again for being at the forefront in the struggle to bring LOVE to all people. That IS what Christ asked of us.