Clergy Deaths: April 2012

Video message from Faithful and Welcoming Churches embraces the 'united' mantra of the United Church of Christ
May 24, 2012
They are congregations that may not embrace all things UCC, but they love being part of the denomination, and are committed to staying. That is the primary message behind "Why We Stay," a short video of testimonials from members of the Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC).

West Hollywood church among newest to UCC after split with Presbyterian Church (USA)
May 22, 2012
As many religious conservatives break from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) over the ordination of gay ministers, a small California parish that believes the church has done too little to accept homosexuality has become a member of the United Church of Christ.

UCC church activist elected NCC transitional general secretary
May 22, 2012
A nationally recognized change-management consultant and active UCC lay person has been elected transitional general secretary of the National Council of Churches (NCC).

UCC-led online forum created to help promote peace in the Middle East
May 22, 2012
The popularity of social media and a continuing passion for peace in the Middle East have resulted in the formation of a UCC-driven online forum.

Illinois UCC church spreads good word of literacy among immigrants of all ages
May 22, 2012
Even the casual observer can read a lot into the passion for social justice at Church of Peace UCC in Rock Island, Ill. This is the church's second year of involvement in the Summer Family Literacy Program – an outgrowth of a popular school year program that helps immigrant adults learn English.

UCC churches in Missouri step up to support bisexual pastor
May 18, 2012
He doesn't even play baseball. But pastors of three churches in Saint Clair, Mo., have decided that the Rev. James Semmelroth Darnell plays for the wrong team. The UCC doesn't see it that way, and is stepping up to the plate with support.

For a song, Council for American Indian Ministries youth accelerate bid for NYE
May 18, 2012
Selling its recorded music to match scholarship monies funding their trip to National Youth Event 2012, the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) has a song in its heart as it prepares to bring nearly 30 members to the quadrennial event.

Empowered and impassioned, Pacific NW group is ready for National Youth Event
May 17, 2012
The Rev. Tara Barber makes a pretty strong case for bringing youth and young adults to the United Church of Christ's National Youth Event. "I know that NYE changes lives," said Barber, one of seven adult chaperones who will accompany 43 youth and young adults from the UCC's Pacific Northwest Conference to NYE 2012 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., July 10-13.

UCC leader calls petition for ‘Pardons of Innocence’ for Wilmington Ten an ‘opportunity to undo the wrong done’
May 17, 2012
UCC General Minister and President the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black reiterates UCC support of the Wilmington Ten as members petition for a formal pardon from the state of North Carolina.

New energy fueling UCC Coalition at 40
May 17, 2012
The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns is making a significant turn as it celebrates its 40th anniversary and approaches the annual National Gathering June 25-28 at UCC-related Elmhurst (Ill.) College.

Global Ministries recognizes work of long-term missionaries; announces other missionary appointments
May 17, 2012
Concluding nearly 40 years of service with the Health and Education Foundation in Istanbul, Turkey, Ken and Betty Frank were recognized during the Common Global Ministries Board of Directors' meeting last month in Indianapolis.

'Longing for sister and brother churches,' Liberation Ministries comes into UCC fold
May 15, 2012
The journey to the UCC for Liberation, which was unanimously received April 27-29 at the UCC's Pacific Northwest Conference annual meeting in Pasco, Wash., began in 2009. A radically inclusive, multiracial, charismatic congregation founded in 2007 by Goodwin, the church was first a member of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Seeking solutions to stop sex trafficking helps build community at Centro Romero
May 15, 2012
She could be your sister, your daughter, your neighbor. A mother. In Mexico, she's also a commodity to buy and sell.

‘I Do!’ addresses real-world issues in ground-breaking resource for all couples
May 10, 2012
For couples facing the unpredictable journey of marriage, there is now a ground-breaking new resource available from the United Church of Christ. I Do! Getting Ready for Marriage: Today’s Guide for Couples offers a fresh take on modern marriage that includes same-gender couples.

Church community rallies around gay pastor in Wisconsin
May 10, 2012
the Rev. Jen Johnson was touched by the May 6 worship service at the small church she pastors in Boscobel, Wis. It was an especially moving Communion Sunday, since more than 120 people showed up to support the lesbian pastor after she was asked to sit out the community's annual baccalaureate ceremony because of her sexual orientation.

Separate journeys lead three newer UCC churches to destinations in various ways
May 10, 2012
Celebrating three new churches joining the United Church of Christ in Philadelphia Pa., Evanston, Ill., and Mitchell, S.D.

Commentary: A letter from North Carolina
May 10, 2012
Many of us in North Carolina are dismayed by the passage of Amendment One in the May 8 primary election.

Geoffrey Black to deliver commencement address at Lancaster
May 10, 2012
The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, will deliver the commencement address for the 2012 graduating class of Lancaster (Pa.) Theological Seminary.

Ohio Conference minister to compete in aquatics disability meet in tune-up for Paralympics Trials
May 10, 2012
In preparation for the Paralympics Trials, the Rev. Bob Molsberry, Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ's Ohio Conference, will compete May 19-20 in Cincinnati at the Greater Toledo Aquatic Club's Disability Open.