UCC pastor/rap artist staging a show as Chicago area gears up for NYE
March 6, 2012
Whether you are a musician on a mission, a pastor of poetry or a minister of mime, the Rev. Julian DeShazier will find a place for you at his church's upcoming talent extravaganza geared toward building momentum for National Youth Event 2012.

Registration for historic National Gathering 2012 begins March 12
March 5, 2012
Registration for this summer's special National Gathering of the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns, celebrating its 40th anniversary, begins March 12.

'Windows and Mirrors' exhibit brings images of Afghanistan war to UCC church in Washington, D.C.
March 2, 2012
Comprising more than 45 large-scale paintings that memorialize Afghan civilian casualties, "Windows and Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan" is a traveling mural exhibit on display at First Congregational UCC in Washington, D.C., March 1-22, 2012.

Amidst celebratory setting, Maryland becomes eighth state to legalize gay marriage
March 2, 2012
In one of the grandest stagings for any bill-signing in recent memory, hundreds of onlookers watched as Gov. Martin O'Malley signed into law on March 1 a bill making Maryland the eighth state to legalize gay marriage.

Migration, immigration at heart of final Black History Month worship
March 1, 2012
Likening the African-American experience as both immigrant and migrant to the dual role of Jesus Christ, the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black concluded the UCC's Black History Month series of weekly worship services Feb. 29 in the Amistad Chapel of the UCC Church House in Cleveland.

Pastoral Changes: March 2012
March 1, 2012

UCC among 24 interfaith leaders bringing role of religion in diplomacy to Congress
March 1, 2012
The UCC’s minister for ecumenical and interfaith relations was among 24 Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith leaders who met Feb. 29 with members of the U.S. Congress, culminating a 12-day international journey exploring the role of religion in advancing peace and understanding in the world.

Kansas seminarian prepares for six-day fast with Coalition of Immokalee Workers
March 1, 2012
For 360 days this year, Shannon Gorres says she will eat as she has become accustomed to eating. The other six will be a different story.

Young member of Pennsylvania UCC church a master in arts of caring, sharing
February 28, 2012
A creative, compassionate member of Grace UCC in Lebanon, Pa., Megan was greatly concerned about children affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan in March 2011. She wanted to raise money for relief efforts. So in May 2011, the Millers rallied fellow members of Grace.

UCC Florida Conference using survey to help shape vision for changing times
February 28, 2012
In light of rapidly changing times and economic tribulation, the UCC Florida Conference has culled results from a recent survey and is following a vision plan focused on connecting churches, forming networks and strengthening local ministry efforts.

Senseless violence in our community
February 28, 2012
The UCC's 5-member Collegium of Officers today (Feb. 28) released a pastoral prayer in response to the tragic shooting of five high school students at Chardon (Ohio) High School, near Cleveland.

Maryland Senate approves gay marriage; both sides expect voters to have final say
February 24, 2012
The Maryland Senate voted Feb. 23 to legalize same-sex marriage, the latest sign of growing national recognition of such unions among gay and lesbian couples. Gov. Martin O'Malley has pledged to sign the bill into law, which had been approved earlier this month by the Maryland House of Delegates.

Center for Progressive Renewal bolsters revitalization efforts with new team of senior consultants
February 24, 2012
Marking the start of its third year of renewing the church, the Center for Progressive Renewal (CPR) has announced the creation of a team of senior consultants designed to boost the ever-increasing revitalization efforts of local churches.

Bangor Theological Seminary to end pair of master's programs in 2013
February 23, 2012
Facing elimination of two master's degree programs at the end of the 2012-13 academic year, the faculty, staff and students of UCC-related Bangor Theological Seminary have prepared for "a new frontier," the Rev. Robert Grove-Markwood, Bangor president, told colleagues during a Council for Theological Education meeting Feb. 20-21 at the Church House in Cleveland.

French youth to give NYE international flair in 2012
February 22, 2012
Eighteen youth and young adults from France, along with three pastors, are planning to join their U.S. counterparts for the National Youth Event, July 10-14 at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

UCC signs on to interfaith statement to end rancor over religion in election campaigns
February 22, 2012
The UCC is among a diverse coalition of major national religious organizations that on Feb. 21 issued an "Interfaith Statement of Principles," calling on candidates for public office to help ensure decency, honesty and fair play in the 2012 elections by conducting campaigns that honor religious liberty and avoid sowing religious discord.

Driskell uses broad brush to inspire Black History Month worship gathering
February 22, 2012
The "good news" can be delivered via myriad methods, and if you ask David C. Driskell, it may well involve a paintbrush, a keyboard or a strong set of pipes. Appearing on the eve of the Lenten season as part of the UCC's celebration of Black History Month, the 80-year-old Driskell is one of the world's leading authorities on African-American art.

UCC Open and Affirming churches now number 1000 congregations
February 21, 2012
The 26-year-old Open and Affirming movement in the United Church of Christ reaches a milestone today (Feb. 21) with the certification of Pillar of Love Fellowship UCC in Chicago as ONA congregation #1,000.

UCC churches picking up pens, working for justice as Lent begins
February 21, 2012
Nestled in a small Minnesota harbor village on the north shore of Lake Superior in the middle of winter, members of First Congregational UCC in Grand Marais have warmed to the idea of the Bread for the World Offering of Letters campaign.

N.J. gay-marriage bid clears second hurdle of the week
February 17, 2012
Even as Gov. Chris Christie’s threat of a 'swift' veto looms, gay-rights activists basked in victory after the state Assembly voted Feb. 16 in favor of legalizing same-gender marriage in New Jersey.