UCC advocates stay true to message, to protect families in immigration reform debate
May 10, 2013
Immigration reform advocates from the United Church of Christ joined other faith leaders for a vigil in front of the Russell Senate Building on Thursday, May 9, during the debate over immigration reform now underway in the U.S. Senate.

UCC general minister calls for closing of ‘Gitmo’ prison
May 10, 2013
UCC General Minister and President the Rev. Geoffrey Black signed his name to a letter to the White House, joining other faith leaders in calling on President Barack Obama to close the prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba and end a dark chapter in the inhumane treatment of prisoners.

Park Hill UCC planting 4/1 Earth postponed but not deterred by Mother Nature
May 10, 2013
The community of Park Hill Congregational UCC, in Denver, Colo., has spent a lot of time working 4/1 Earth this Eastertide. In fact, 3,950 earth care hours to be exact, mostly worship and project preparation, as noted in the pastor's first Mission 4/1 Earth report May 2. But all of the advance planning in the world couldn't prepare the Rev. David Bahr for a curve ball from Mother Nature.

Bolstered by efforts of UCC pastors, Minnesota approaching marriage equality
May 10, 2013
On Thursday, May 9, Minnesota cleared its biggest hurdle in becoming the next state to support marriage equality when the Minnesota House voted in favor of a bill that would permit same-sex marriages. The rapid shift of public opinion shows how quickly change can happen, said the Rev. Obadiah (Oby) Ballinger, a United Church of Christ minister in St. Paul, Minn.

UCC Collegium, Coalition for LGBT Concerns sign covenant to solidify mission
May 10, 2013
Two of the UCC's executive ministers took the lead on behalf of the UCC national officers and asked the Coalition for LGBT concerns for a more formal covenantal bond this spring to strengthen the historic work that both have done in some 40 years together.

Spring brings new congregations to the UCC
May 9, 2013
Promise UCC in Dallas and ANEW UCC in South Dakota are just two of several congregations that have joined the United Church of Christ or have been planted in the last 12 months. That number is sure to grow as the UCC's Local Church Ministries continues to tally the total as conferences report new churches following annual meetings this spring.

UCC leaders, pastors celebrate another win for marriage equality in Delaware
May 8, 2013
Another state has voted against discrimination, choosing love and inclusion for all couples who want to marry, with leaders from the United Church of Christ celebrating another historic moment in the movement for full marriage equality. On Tuesday May 7, Delaware became the 11th state to pass a law extending marriage equality to all citizens.

Preplanning makes Mission 4/1 Earth easy in Baltimore
May 7, 2013
Before Mission 4/1 Earth even began, the Social Justice Ministry Team at Heritage United Church of Christ in Baltimore had 50 days of activities ready for the congregation.

Connecticut UCC takes pride in community recycling program
May 6, 2013
The United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational is truly immersing its members into earth care issues – by hosting an upcoming vesper service at the local landfill.

Miami church sends Mission 4/1 Earth efforts to the Arctic
May 3, 2013
Miami's Coral Gables United Church of Christ has sent letters and photographs to Secretary of State John Kerry to take with him to the Arctic Council's biennial meeting May 14-16 in Sweden.

Saturday a California sun and fun day at General Synod 2013
May 3, 2013
Can't imagine heading to the West Coast for business, without spending a day in the California sun? No worries. The General Synod 2013 Local Planning Committee of the UCC Southern California Nevada Conference has found a way to combine sun and fun on Saturday, June 29, with an afternoon festival and evening luau.

Commentary: Immigrant Rights Sunday
May 3, 2013
Now is the moment for prayers and action for immigration reform.

General Synod service projects express God’s Vision through justice work
May 2, 2013
In selecting service projects and immersion experiences during the United Church of Christ’s General Synod 2013 in Long Beach, Calif., participants can live out a culture of justice work and civic engagement that changes lives. Among the activities that have been planned are a blood drive, a trip to the United States-Mexico border, and visits to a local food bank, federal prison and beach.

Members of Arizona UCC raise awareness of immigrant injustices
May 2, 2013
Grace Bunker, of Casas Adobes Congregational UCC, has joined other immigration advocates to raise awareness, debunk the stereotypes, and generate support for the area's immigrants who need it most.

UCC leaders, members call for inclusive hate crime legislation
May 2, 2013
Responding to the brutal murder of a young transgender woman in the Cleveland area, leaders and members of the United Church of Christ joined dozens of people Wednesday afternoon in a show of support outside Cleveland City Hall.

Child care offered at General Synod 2013
May 2, 2013
Children of all ages are welcome at the United Church of Christ General Synod in Long Beach, Calif., June 28 - July 2, with on-site child care offered at a low cost during all scheduled business sessions and worship services.

Youth learn environmental lessons during Mission 4/1 Earth
May 2, 2013
By keeping it simple and letting the children express themselves through hands-on activities, little stewards can take home a big lesson.

Climate Revival charges ecumenical leaders to influence earth care
May 2, 2013
More than 600 people from multiple faiths returned to their communities this week, charged and ready to bring about change for the environment. The group came together in Boston from all over New England for "Climate Revival,” joined by a common cause -- the church, and people of faith must lead the mission to save the earth.

Texas UCC welcomes neighbors of church damaged by plant explosion
May 2, 2013
The ecumenical work of one small United Church of Christ congregation in Texas has been very evident for almost three weeks. First United Church UCC of West, Texas, the tiny town rocked by a deadly explosion at a fertilizer plant, opened its doors to welcome members of a neighboring church.

UCC congregations recognize May Day, Immigrant Rights Sunday
May 1, 2013
The topic of immigration is front and center in Washington, D.C., and throughout the United States, and United Church of Christ congregations are taking this opportunity to make their voices heard with unprecedented vigor.