LCM board unanimous in nomination of Guess as executive minister
October 18, 2012
The overwhelming support shown for the Rev. J. Bennett Guess by peers and colleagues made the decision for Local Church Ministries board members easy. Wednesday’s board vote to nominate Guess for re-election as LCM’s executive minister was unanimous based on his leadership, passion and creativity in his short time in the role.

Support our youth - Go Purple on Spirit Day!
October 16, 2012
Take a stand against bullying and show your support for young people across America on Friday! Join the millions of people around the country wearing purple on Spirit Day, Oct. 19.

UCC's Executive Council bringing General Synod back to Cleveland in 2015
October 13, 2012
The UCC’s biennial General Synod is coming back to the Buckeye State for the first time since before the United Church of Christ moved its headquarters to Cleveland two decades ago. Based on the recommendation from the Synod Program and Planning Committee, members of the UCC’s Executive Council voted Friday night to bring General Synod 30 to Cleveland in 2015.

Michigan UCC pastor urges support of renewable energy legislation
October 12, 2012
The Rev. Terry Gallagher of First Congregational UCC of Gibraltar is working to generate support for Michigan's Renewable Energy Amendment from churches across the state.

UCC's Executive Council votes Geoffrey Black as nominee for general minister and president
October 12, 2012
Upon walking into the Meeting House at the UCC’s Church House in Cleveland, the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black received a standing ovation from members of the UCC’s Executive Council. They unanimously voted Friday to re-nominate him for a second term as the denomination’s general minister and president.

Massachusetts UCC supports developing countries through fair trade products sale
October 12, 2012
This year marks the Community Church of Durham UCC's fifth Fair Trade Products Sale, taking place Oct. 20-21, which will feature products from groups that support developing communities by selling locally made goods at a fair price.

Songwriter dedicates "God Is Still Speaking" song to the UCC
October 12, 2012
After years of having lyrics "bonking" around in her head, Heather Jerrie has expressed her love for the United Church of Christ the best way she knows how – through song.

Seattle congregation bringing together music to support marriage equality
October 11, 2012
One of the newest UCC churches in the state of Washington will sing for marriage equality this weekend. Liberation UCC in Seattle joined the United Church of Christ in April, and is working so that its voice is heard this Sunday at an ecumenical Gospel concert.

UCC Southeast Conference churches to band together for LGBT awareness at pride parade
October 11, 2012
By coming together and marching as one in the Atlanta Pride Parade this Sunday, six United Church of Christ congregations will help set an example of open inclusion and extravagant welcome during a celebration of LGBT rights.

Connecticut UCC church sponsors traveling tribute to fallen U.S. troops
October 11, 2012
Field of Flags is a mobile memorial to casualties of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars that has been hosted by more than 60 churches in nine states.

Small Illinois congregation meets huge goal to equip community schoolchildren
October 10, 2012
The 25 members of Bethel UCC in Cahokia, Ill., had to look outside their own walls when they set out to begin a supply drive to collect pencils for 5,000 students in the local school district. They quickly learned that people are willing to join a project if it is meaningful and simple in its idea.

Minnesotans United organizing a faith-based campaign of education around marriage amendment
October 8, 2012
The Rev. Obadiah (Oby) Ballinger is working to make sure Minnesota voters are aware of all sides of an upcoming marriage amendment issue. Ballinger is an independent contractor for Minnesotans United, a campaign based in St. Paul that is working with faith communities to defeat the amendment that would restrict marriage in the state between a man and woman.

Mission 4/1 Earth website, resources available now
October 8, 2012
There is no time like the present to get ready for Mission 4/1 Earth. The all-church initiative begins April 1. Resources available today.

UCC joins Christian leaders in letter to Congress outlining human-rights violations in the Middle East
October 5, 2012
Leaders of the United Church of Christ are joining other Christian leaders representing U.S. churches and religious organizations in a two-page letter to Congress, asking that Israel be held accountable for potential human-rights violations through its use of U.S. military aid.

Ohio congregation stands with members of vandalized mosque
October 5, 2012
Park Congregational United Church of Christ in Toledo, Ohio, has stood in solidarity with Muslim brothers and sisters for more than a decade, since 9/11. On Sunday, the congregation will once again join its Muslim neighbors in support, after an arsonist set fire to the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo.

Loey Powell to guide UCC multicultural leadership development
October 3, 2012
In a new role as the UCC’s Executive Associate to the General Minister and President for Leadership Development and Diversity Initiatives, the Rev. Lois M. (Loey) Powell will help guide the denomination's work in identifying the next generation of leadership in the UCC.

Commentary: Why preach an election sermon?
October 3, 2012
The way I see it, God's sovereignty does not end where politics begins. To put it another way: As people of faith, we acknowledge God as the Lord of every aspect of our lives, including even our politics.

UCC Southwest Conference encouraging congregations to welcome immigrants
October 3, 2012
Members of the UCC’s Southwest Conference are hopeful that training around the issue of immigration helps churches in Arizona open themselves to immigrants instead of turning them away.

Voter ID law blocked in Pennsylvania
October 2, 2012
United Church of Christ leaders welcomed a decision by a judge in Pennsylvania which blocks a law that would have put significant voter ID requirements in effect on Election Day.

Ohio UCC congregation kicks off centennial celebration with $10K collection
October 2, 2012
To kick off the celebration of its centennial anniversary, the congregation of East View UCC in Shaker Heights, Ohio, set an ambitious goal, pledging to collect $10,000 in the offering on Sunday. Together, members met that pledge, starting a fund for improving the building they’ve called home.