Missionaries share sense of purpose at Missionworks!
October 29, 2012
Though she only spent three months overseas on her first trip to Palestine, the Rev. Loren McGrail is optimistic and looking forward to returning to one of the world’s political hot spots. By sharing her stories, McGrail experiences a renewed hope and belief that her work in the region makes a difference.

Church gives money to members with hope of making a difference
October 29, 2012
The Rev. Gary Rarick promoted "Big Surprise Sunday" at Plainville (N.Y.) Christian Church United Church of Christ for about four weeks. The surprise -- the church was giving each member $20 with which they were to go out and try to make a difference.

JWM board nominates Linda Jaramillo for third term
October 29, 2012
Board members for the United Church of Christ Justice and Witness Ministries decided unanimously Saturday morning to approve the Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo's nomination for a third and final term as executive minister.

North Carolina church rides the bus for free speech
October 26, 2012
Henry Lister and his five-member team of marketing professionals and graphic designers in the congregation have been spreading the message of Chapel Hill United Church of Christ in an unconventional way – on the sides of city buses.

UCC emergency assistance pledged to assist the people of Syria
October 25, 2012
The United Church of Christ is stepping in to assist the people of Syria, forced from their homes and their families by civil war. As hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee the country, the humanitarian relief comes at a critical time with winter approaching and the number of people needing assistance increasing.

UCC joins faith response to Anti-Muslim billboards in Washington D.C.
October 24, 2012
The United Church of Christ has signed on with a coalition of interfaith partners in a counter-campaign responding to a series of anti-Muslim hate speech billboards which went up in the subway tunnels in Washington, D.C.

Akron UCC to host interfaith discussion on religion and politics
October 23, 2012
To promote freedom of religion, equality and understanding, First Congregational UCC in Akron, Ohio, will host an interfaith discussion with the Akron Area Interfaith Council on Wednesday to explore the intersections of religion and politics in an event titled ‘How Does God Want You to Vote?’

Syracuse UCC promotes culture of call – without even really trying
October 23, 2012
Fairmount Community Church UCC has a spirit that calls an unusual number of members to serve the church in an official capacity.

New Sacred Conversation on Race resources take discussion to deeper level
October 22, 2012
In an effort to take the dialogue on racial justice in today’s society to a new level, the Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ is adding resources to the Sacred Conversations on Race series to help UCC members continue conversations on confronting racism and to bring more participants into the discussion.

UCC sisters renewed in ministry at African American Women’s conference
October 22, 2012
Through a sense of community, spirit and discussion, African American women in the United Church of Christ came together at the Franklinton Center at Bricks to renew their commitment to ministry. The 2012 African American Women In Ministry Conference, held Oct. 11-13, examined opportunities for women at various stages in their ministry -- beginning, middle, and retirement -- to serve the church in the global arena, advocacy work and non-profit work.

High praise, more funding for Center for Progressive Renewal
October 20, 2012
People who have used the Center for Progressive Renewal indicate that the Atlanta-based center is working as planned. On Wednesday Oct. 17, Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ decided to continue funding the mission.

Pilgrim Press Writers Conference draws a crowd
October 20, 2012
Writers came from as far as Illinois, Texas, and even Florida. They came in large numbers to the Pilgrim Press Writers Conference to learn from some of the best in the business about sharpening their craft and how to succeed at telling their stories.

Best-selling author shares secrets to success with Pilgrim Press Writers Conference crowd
October 19, 2012
George Fraser has been writing stories since he was a kid, and during the course of his life he’s learned a very successful way to share them. The best-selling author talked about some of those experiences and lessons with dozens of attendees Thursday morning as the keynote speaker for the Pilgrim Press Writer’s Conference in downtown Cleveland.

UCC's newly-formed MESA team conducts first team event
October 19, 2012
The newest members of the United Church of Christ's Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization Ministry Team are finally at home at the UCC's national headquarters, and the newly-formed group just concluded its first event as a cohesive team.

African-American clergy deliver powerful video message for marriage equality in Maryland
October 19, 2012
Prominent African-American clergy from around the country are featured in a new video campaign for same-sex marriage in Maryland, delivering a powerful message in defense of equality for all people.

'Best Minds' brings together leaders across UCC to share ideas
October 18, 2012
The Best Minds Event Series is bringing United Church of Christ members, lay leaders and clergy from across the life of the church to join in a continuous conversation with each other about designated topics, including philanthropy and branding.

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.