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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Hampshire church promotes domestic violence awareness year round October 2, 2012
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but the topic is something that Community Church of Durham (N.H.), UCC thinks about year round. The congregation has supported A Safe Place, a Portsmouth-based organization that works to prevent and eliminate domestic violence, for more than 2 decades.
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.
West Chicago minister continues 30 years of immigration reform activism October 2, 2012
The Rev. Denise Griebler was on a bus with about 60 undocumented immigrants, chained at the wrists, ankles and waist. She was praying with them in Spanish right before the bus left for O’Hare International Airport, where the prisoners would board a plane and be dropped off at the Mexico border with $20 from the Mexican Embassy and the clothes on their back.
Jesse Jackson celebrates legacy of Everett Parker with UCC's Office of Communication, Inc. October 1, 2012
The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, the UCC’s general minister and president, had the privilege of introducing the Rev. Jesse A. Jackson as the lecturer for the 30th annual Everett C. Parker Ethics in Communication Lecture in Washington, D.C. And as Black pointed out, he also had the privilege of not having to follow Jackson at the podium.
Faith,In project gives love to Cleveland in a staff day of service September 28, 2012
"We give a visible witness to the spirit that resides in us [when we] embrace the place where we are," said the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black.
Consider that statement by the United Church of Christ general minister and president the theme of the day as nearly 200 members of the UCC national staff lived their faith, loved their community in a work day dedicated to service projects.
Ecumenical leaders begin work for LGBT advocacy at summit September 28, 2012
After spending several days together to discuss inclusion of LGBT people and foster ways to collaborate, religious leaders from five mainline Protestant denominations left the UCC national offices optimistic that the meeting will bear fruit as they find ways to work together to advocate for LGBT rights.
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
