United Church of Christ

Digital Funerals & Grief: A Conversation & Ritual
2021-11-11 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
As we collectively both prevent and respond to what is happening in our world, the impacts of a global pandemic on how we grieve continue to offer both opportunities and demand creativity in keeping people safe.
On this panel, we will be talking through the reality of what many are experiencing as grief goes digital. We will look towards how local pastors and chaplains are offering opportunities to grieve, through what has been a shared experience of collective trauma in this age. And together, we will hold a service of collective grief.
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

Disabilities, Mental Health, and Racial Justice
2021-11-09 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Disabilities, Mental Health, and Racial Justice
Join international disabilities scholar Rev. Dr. John Swinton and UCC’s Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund for a theological and practical conversation about God’s calling for us to create communities of radical belonging and liberating love.
We will explore the intersections of disability justice, mental health justice, and racial justice. We will share suggestions for how faith communities can live out this call for radical belonging, liberating love, and justice.
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

Mysticism and Mindfulness
2021-11-04 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Mysticism and Mindfulness
This webinar will offer conversation and practice from some of the leading mystics and mindfulness practitioners in the UCC. Come and listen alongside Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, Shannon Abbott, Rev. Dr. John T. Myers and Rev. Brendan Curran. Come where you are with a willing heart and spirit, and leave grounded and nourished.
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

OWL Taking Flight: OWL and Racial Justice
2021-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
OWL Taking Flight: Racial Justice Replay! Take time to watch or review this practical and reflective conversation with OWL Trainers of Color about how to be more intentionally anti-racist as an OWL facilitator.

Church-Based Reparations
2021-11-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Church-Based Reparations
There is a growing call among many US religious groups to explore financial reparations as part of amends through financial investments and long-term programs benefiting African Americans.
We will explore the theological grounding for reparations and will share learnings, mistakes, suggestions for the next steps and practices for engaging the work. Join us for an ecumenical panel discussion of representatives of various predominantly white congregations and entities who have engaged in reparations.
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

Celtic Worship
2021-10-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
In this ongoing season of Lent and as we gather ourselves in for all to follow; pour yerself a cup of tea, wouldja, and join in on the day after St. Patrick’s for some traditional Celtic music by Laureano Sanchez and worship led by Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, Rev. Brendan Curran, and Chaplain Lynn Cooper.
A blessing from the 19th-century compendium of Gaelic prayer, the Carmina Gadelica:
The guarding of the God of life be upon me,
The guarding of loving Christ be upon me,
The guarding of the Holy Spirit be upon me,
Each step of the way,
To aid me and enfold me,
Each day and night of my life.
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

What Shall We Say to These Things? Crafting a Social Gospel for the 21st Century
2021-10-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Join us for a 90-minute inter-generational conversation, between Ruby Sales: a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960s, founder of the Spirit House Project, and one of fifty African Americans spotlighted in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History; and Brittany Packnett Cunningham: Ferguson Commissioner and activist, co-founder of Campaign Zero, NBC News and MSNBC contributor, and member of President Obama’s 21st Century Task Force, as we discuss the current role of faith and faith leaders in the midst of socio-political crisis. This conversation will be moderated by Rev. Traci Blackmon.
Watch the recording of “The People’s Inauguration.” https://thepeoplesinauguration.org/
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

The Sermons That Keep Preaching
2021-10-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
It’s said that the sermons preachers preach fall into a few key themes, year after year. Join a panel of local pastors thinking through the sermons that keep coming back, year after year, and why those messages continue to be critically important. In times of crisis and calm, we lean on our faith to guide us through. What are the messages that have resonated through the scripture and through the ages?
Thursdays for the Soul is a webinar series to care for the whole church. Topics are wide-ranging and are focused on the spirituality and care of people. Prayer, worship, music, psalm readings, or compassionate teaching are included. This will be a predictable time of gathering for something to feed your spirit.
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

Spirit Day with GLAAD
2021-10-21
On October 21, 2021, millions will go purple to stand against bullying and in support of LGBTQ youth. Take the pledge now and go purple on October 21. Purple symbolizes ‘spirit’ on the rainbow flag.
Spirit Day is about speaking out against bullying and standing with LGBTQ youth, who disproportionately face bullying and harassment. Pledging to “go purple” on Spirit Day is a way for everyone — companies, global leaders, celebrities, neighbors, parents, teachers, classmates, and friends — to visibly show solidarity with LGBTQ youth and to take part in the largest, most visible anti-LGBTQ bullying campaign in the world.
The United Church of Christ is partnering with GLAAD to raise awareness for the ongoing struggle for justice and equality for our LGBTQ+ siblings. Be in solidarity by taking the pledge, wearing purple on October 21, and posting to social media to show your support for our LGBTQ+ siblings and a just world for all.
Download UCC Spirit Day social media images

Doctrine of Discovery Hawaii
2021-10-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
In their own voices, Hawaii will discuss the destructiveness of the Doctrine of Discovery past and present on their people and how it differs from the experiences of present-day Americas.
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

A Latine Caribbean Celebration in Words of Praise!
2021-10-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
A Latine Caribbean Celebration in Words of Praise!
Join us as the United Church of Christ continues to celebrate Latine/Hispanic History Month with the celebration of UCC Leaders of Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban Descendant share their stories of faith, hope and love.

Be the Healing Conference 2021 with Dr. Joy DeGruy
2021-10-08 08:30 - 18:00 | Zoom
Conference Objectives
At the completion of this conference, participants will:

Understand how the structural inequalities beginning with the period of enslavement continue to impact African Americans and their communities today.
Select and apply strategies to enhance empowerment for African American populations at risk, and to promote economic and social justice.
Analyze relevant concepts of the Relationship Approach and the Philosophical Aspect of cultural difference as a basis for understanding the behaviors of African American individuals and families within their social/cultural environments.
Examine and investigate culturally appropriate interventions including “Virtues Training” for work with African American individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities.
Understand the role that social learning theory and learned helplessness has played in the adaptive behaviors of African Americans and other racial and ethnic groups.
Apply improvement tools in work with individuals, families and communities.

Vibrant Re-Entry And Voter’s Rights with Desmond Meade
2021-10-07 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Vibrant Re-Entry And Voter’s Rights with Desmond Meade
Please join Rev. Traci Blackmon and Desmond Meade, a formerly incarcerated civil rights activist and recent McArthur Genius Grant Awardee, as they discuss the church’s role in welcoming returning citizens. Desmond Meade’s work centers on restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated citizens and removing barriers to their reentry in every aspect of vibrant life. His voice was a key component of the restoration of voting rights to thousands of Floridians.

OWL Taking Flight: Online Training Sneak Peek AND Ask Us Anything OWL
2021-10-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
OWL Taking Flight: Online Training Sneak Peek AND Ask Us Anything OWL
Join Rev. Thea Racelis and Dr. Melanie Davis Oct 6, noon ET, to get the scoop on online OWL facilitator training. Thea and Melanie were among the 5 trainers to lead field tests in April and August, and they’ll share challenges and successes; explain how online training differs from in-person training; the time commitment, and requirements of facilitators and Religious and Christian Educators. This webinar may help you determine whether online or in-person trainings suit your needs.

Be The Healing – Re-Membering with Dr. Joy DeGruy
2021-10-05 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Be The Healing – Re-Membering with Dr. Joy DeGruy
The United Church of Christ welcomes Dr. Joy DeGruy for a two day Be The Healing Conference combining Dr. DeGruy’s groundbreaking anti-racism work with her next steps work of healing our moral wounds. Tuesday for Nurture on October 4th will feature a recent presentation Dr. DeGruy shared with the United Church of Christ. We are hopeful this sharing will encourage you to register for the course.
Be The Healing

Ministry on the Move
2021-09-30 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Ministry on the Move
A conversation with General Minister & President, John C. Dorhauer, moderated by Rev. Traci Blackmon
The national setting of the United Church of Christ is relocating once again to meet the current and evolving needs of our staff and ministry partners. Join us for a conversation about the move and what we can expect in this new space.

World Communion Sunday Worship
2021-09-29 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Join us the Wednesday before World Communion Sunday as we celebrate and worship together. The first Sunday of October has become a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. On that day, we remember that we are part of the whole body of believers. Whether shared in a grand cathedral, a mud hut, outside on a hilltop, in a meetinghouse, or in a storefront, Christians celebrate the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations.
We will be celebrating communion together virtually so please have something to eat and drink ready. It can be whatever you have on hand, not necessarily bread and juice.

A Conversation with Dr. Wilda C Gafney: A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church
2021-09-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The Rev. Dr. Wil Gafney is a scholar, pastor, preacher and activist. She is the Right Rev. Sam B. Hulsey Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Ft. Worth, TX. Dr. Gafney is also an Episcopal priest and remains a member of the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, PA. She is the author of Womanist Midrash: A Reintroduction to Women of the Torah and of the Throne, a commentary on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah in the Wisdom series; Daughters of Miriam: Women Prophets in Ancient Israel; and co-editor of The Peoples’ Bible and The Peoples’ Companion to the Bible. She is the author of A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church and translator of its biblical selections. Please join us for this important conversation with Dr. Gafney about her latest groundbreaking work: A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Wilda C. Gafney, Ph.D.: A Women’s Lectionary for the Whole Church.

Receive Your Wisdom: A Gift from the Divine Within
2021-09-23 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Receive Your Wisdom: A Gift from the Divine Within
Using a loosely guided meditation practice, you will have the opportunity to connect with the Holy Within. Discern the lessons, yearning, direction your Soul has to offer you for this time in your life’s journey. Bring a notebook, if you’d like, to further explore your vision gift.

2022 Midterm Elections Ahead: The Fight for Voting Rights
2021-09-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
In states across the country efforts are underway to significantly erode voting rights. Join with us to learn more about these threats, and what steps are being take at the federal level to address them. You’ll leave with a better understanding of the state of democracy in the U.S. and more importantly some concrete actions you can take to protect you and your neighbor’s vote.

Colectivo Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month Celebration
2021-09-16 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Thursdays for the Soul: A webinar series to care for the whole church. Topics are wide ranging, and are focused on the spirituality and care of people. Prayer, worship, music, psalm readings, or compassionate teaching are included. This will be a predictable time of gathering for something to feed your spirit, offered by Faith Education, Innovation, and Formation and Justice and Local Church Ministries of the national setting, United Church of Christ.

Reflections on Mission in the Time of COVID
2021-09-15 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
Join mission co-workers serving around the world as they reflect about their call, serving during the pandemic, and what mission means to them as they live and work with global partners.
Andrew Larsen, serving with the NCCP in the Philippines, Kahala Cannon, serving with the Council of Churches of Swaziland in eSwatini, Nishan and Maria Bakalian both serving with the Union of Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East in Lebanon, will be in conversation with Cathy Nichols, Executive for Mission Personnel.

UCC Justice and Local Church Ministry Grants - 101
2021-09-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
UCC Justice and Local Church Ministry Grants – 101
Justice and Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ has decided to take a bold step in creating a common application that streamlines our granting process. The hope and goal is to ensure granting is made easier for congregations in the United Church of Christ as we honor the intentions for funding for seven funding areas. Come and learn about the new application process, application deadlines, and types of congregational grants available from JLCM grants for 2021-2022 cycle.

Training for UCC Churches: Serving Afghan Refugees
2021-09-11 17:00 - 18:30 | Zoom
This hour and a half training builds on the new toolkit Welcoming and Advocating for Afghan SIVs and Other Afghan Refugees (“SIV”) and Other Afghan Refugees, tailored for UCC congregations that want to engage effectively in support for Afghan SIVs and other Afghan refugees being resettled to the United States.
The training will include stories and insights from refugees resettled by UCC churches, UCC churches who have built successful refugee ministries, and migration professionals concerning effective ways that churches can make an impact.
Presenters will include Seo Conrad, a former refugee from Laos; Rev. Carolyn Lambert from the Maine Council of Churches; Irene W. Hassan of UCC Refugee and Migration Services; Katie Adams of the UCC Washington, D.C., Domestic Policy Advocacy Office.
They will offer tailored resources for UCC congregations to take action and take questions from churches wanting to build responsive ministries. Participants will walk away with confidence for action in response to the call to help.
Need more information? Contact Irene Hassan, UCC Minister for Refugee and Migration Services, at hassani@ucc.org.

Coming Home
2021-09-09 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Join members of the national setting of the United Church of Christ as we begin the third season of Thursdays for the Soul in worship. We remember….We renew….We rejoice….in coming home.

OWL Taking Flight: Why We Do The Things We Do
2021-09-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Explore the behind-the-scenes craft of Our Whole Lives design! This “tour,” will help you with scheduling and implementation and provide tools you can use to craft other types of lessons and programs. You’ll learn the rationale behind workshop length, scope, and sequencing; how to use learning goals and objectives to your group’s advantage; and how to tailor OWL to a group’s personalities and needs. You’ll also get the scoop on field testing and keeping current between revisions of the curriculum.
Note: There will not be a live chat or Q & A feature for this webinar. You may submit questions which will be forwarded to the presenter for answering at a later time. Please include contact information in your question.
Recommended: Before you start or restart your OWL program, please review the July Taking Flight webinar “Framing Conversations About Restarting OWL Programs,” which encourages slow re-entry into group programming.

Meet our Racial Equity Auditors
2021-07-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Zoom
The United Church of Christ affirms God’s call to be an anti-racist church. Now what? How do we begin to live out this Synod mandate? How might our conferences and churches collaborate? Why do we need an audit? If these questions, and more, are on your mind join UCCB Board Chair, Yvette Wynn; Associate General Minister, Rev. Traci Blackmon, Conference Minister Chair, Rev. Gordon Rankin, and CULTURE BROKERS, our chosen racial equity audit partners for a panel discussion as we continue the journey toward anti-racism.

OWL Taking Flight: Framing Conversations about Restarting OWL Programs
2021-07-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Eager to start or re-start your Our Whole Lives program? Join national UCC and UUA OWL staff and guests to explore the value of a “soft reentry” focused on safety, community building, and relearning how to be in shared spaces, including considerations for justice and the integrity of OWL.

Looking Back; Looking Forward
2021-07-06 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Join Rev. Traci Blackmon, and Rev. Dr. Chris Davies from the Tuesdays for Nurture and Thursdays for the Soul webinar series for a conversation on where we’ve been—and where we hope to go. As we move into General Synod and a Summer Sabbatical in the webinar series, we want to celebrate some highlights of our shared digital space together. But don’t worry! We’ll return with worship on September 9th with more relevant programming for our audience in the United Church of Christ, and beyond.

Polity Primer 101: How is our Polity Lived out at General Synod?
2021-07-01 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The United Church of Christ has a way of governing itself (“polity”) that’s different than many other denominations. Bound together by covenant and freely entered into through congregational autonomy, the UCC gathers in many different expressions to be the church. Every two years, the United Church of Christ comes together for worship and business, taking time to speak to the church about matters of faith and conscience. Come listen to some UCC History, Theology, and Polity teachers talk about the gifts and challenges of our structure, how our theological values show up at General Synod, with attention to proposed resolutions for this year’s General Synod.
