Donor rekindles connection with local church after almost 30 years August 31, 2012
The Rev. Alden C. Hebard and his family have ties to Brookfield (Mass.) Congregational Church United Church of Christ that span as far back as 1945, and the picturesque church has been an important part of the Hebard family's lives. A rekindling of this personal connection to the congregation has inspired Hebard to begin a legacy of giving 26 years after leaving town.
Kansas pastor pushes forward for seat in U.S. House August 29, 2012
Can Tobias Schlingensiepen make the transition from congregation to Congress? The United Church of Christ pastor serving a church in Kansas aims to find out this fall, because he’s headed for Washington, D.C., if he defeats an incumbent for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
UCC pastor to speak at Neil Armstrong memorial August 29, 2012
American hero Neil Armstrong will be memorialized tonight in his hometown of Wapakoneta, Ohio, and the UCC congregation in which he grew up will play a part in recognizing the life and accomplishments of the astronaut.
Introducing "Mission 4/1 Earth" - good works for God's creation August 28, 2012
The United Church of Christ introduces "Mission 4/1 Earth: 50 Great Days," a new, all-church initiative that is about boldly living Jesus' let-your-light-shine proclamation in the Sermon on the Mount: "That they may see your good works!" It is an opportunity to live out our faith — in unity, as one church — for the sake of our fragile planet Earth.
A labor of love restores the heart of Colorado Springs UCC August 28, 2012
Since early spring, pieces and parts of the 125-year-old organ at First Congregational Church UCC in Colorado Springs, Colo., have been removed, repaired and replaced. But in just a few short months, the centerpiece of the historical church will be making music once again.
Pennsylvania UCC takes ‘Flat Jesus’ on summer adventures August 28, 2012
As an example of Christ’s constant presence in our midst, congregation members from First Reformed UCC in Greensburg, Pa., are taking paper cutouts of Jesus with them on vacations, volunteer work and to worship at UCC events.
UCC stands up for harassed Planned Parenthood leader August 23, 2012
Pastors and members of First Congregational UCC in Orlando, Fla., along with national and regional United Church of Christ leaders, have rallied in support of church member Jenna Tosh, the new CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Orlando.
UCC church recognized for interfaith work; NCC seeking 2012 nominees August 23, 2012
The United Church of Christ at the Villages has only been a church for 10 years, but its short history is rich with examples of positive interfaith relationships in the Florida area.
The Central Florida church has been acknowledged by the National Council of Churches for its interfaith work, with an Honorable Mention recognition from the NCC’s Interfaith Relations Commission earlier this year.
Commentary on Planned Parenthood by the Rev. Kent Siladi August 23, 2012
The Rev. Kent Siladi, Florida Conference Minister, today released a statement in support of Planned Parenthood and denouncing the recent terrorism of a local Planned Parent official.
UCC Scouts speak out about anti-gay policies August 22, 2012
After a two-year review, leaders of the Boy Scouts of America just reaffirmed their policy of excluding gay leaders and members. The decision continues to be met with controversy and debate across the country among those who consider the policy to be discriminatory and those who believe, as a private organization, BSA leadership has the right to implement any policy they choose.
Dover UCC mission team builds hope in Bahamas August 21, 2012
Katie Vivona, a senior at Cleveland State University, spent 10 days this summer hard at work on New Providence island. She and fellow volunteers from Dover United Church of Christ in Westlake, Ohio, helped rebuild a run-down HIV/AIDS camp in Nassau
Prayer flags help California UCC connect in a colorful way August 20, 2012
Member prayers, written on pieces of colorful fabric, have been strung together and now hang as flags on the wrought-iron railings of Community Church of Atascadero (Calif.) UCC.
AMEN! group continues work for Maryland marriage equality August 20, 2012
Supporters of marriage equality rights in Maryland worked hard for the state’s same-sex marriage law, and group of UCC churches are now working together to uphold that law, which is being challenged in the fall election.
Extravagant welcome at Massachusetts UCC now showering visitors on mission trips August 15, 2012
Weary travelers on mission trips in the Massachusetts area have always been welcome at Wollaston Congregational Church, UCC, in Quincy. But this summer, a stop at the 100-year-old Parish House has been made a lot more welcoming, with the addition of shower facilities.
Reaching out to save a stranger August 14, 2012
Andrea Schilbe, a 22 year-old member of Dearborn Congregational UCC in suburban Detroit, volunteered to try to save a stranger's life as a bone marrow donor. Someday day, Andrea hopes to meet her anonymous recipient.
Seeking personal testimonies and portraits for General Synod 29 theme August 14, 2012
What is God's vision for you, for our world? If you were asked to choose one or two words that encompass God's vision, what would you say? Your word, your definition. Leading into next summer's General Synod, you, your church, and your community are invited to fill in that blank. Finish this phrase. God's Vision: ____.
NYE youth come through for literacy in a big way August 13, 2012
The youth of the UCC understand and appreciate the value that books bring to people's lives. Through the Literacy Labyrinth at the National Youth Event held at Purdue University in July, more than 4,000 books have been donated to agencies supporting literacy in the Lafayette, Indiana area.
Ms. Connie N. Larkman Managing Editor & News Director Publishing, Identity, and Communication Local Church Ministries/Office of General Ministries 700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland,Ohio 44115 216-736-2196 larkmanc@ucc.org
