All Together: Insights from Strengthening the Church
2022-06-02 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Gleaning wisdom and possibilities from new church planters and revitalizing churches on how to adapt and do ministry through shifting times. This webinar sets out to explore how “All Together” we can strengthen our church. This webinar will engage new church planters that have received grant funding from Strengthening the Church offering, we will hear the impact of Strengthening the Church offering from a Conference Minister and gain insights from a church coach who supports the work of new church plants in the United Church Of Christ through Strengthening the Church funding.

Discerning and Deciding: Bold Climate Action
2022-06-08 13:00 - 14:00
According to a recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world has less than three years for its greenhouse gas emissions to peak and head into a relatively rapid decline. Careful discernment is needed on where people of faith and conscience should place their time and energy in organizing for the policies that will lead us to a more just and hospitable world. Should the focus be on climate legislation currently being considered in Congress? Should the focus be upon presidential emergency powers? To help answer these questions, this webinar will feature three leaders in the climate movement:

Keya Chatterjee, Executive Director of U.S. Climate Action Network
Miranda Ehrlich, Federal Field Director for the Sierra Club
Jean Su, Energy Justice Director for the Center for Biological Diversity

Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.
This monthly installment of Creation Justice Webinars is co-hosted by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt who serves as the Minister of Environmental Justice for the United Church of Christ and the Rev. Michael Malcom who serves as the Executive Director for Alabama Interfaith Power & Light and the People’s Justice Council.

Faithful Election Engagement in a Time of Increased Voter Suppression
2022-06-09 15:30 - 16:30
The United Church of Christ’s Our Faith Our Vote Campaign is our ongoing commitment to equip you with the tools for nonpartisan faithful engagement in our democratic process. The campaign is made up of three main components; voter registration, issue education, and voter empowerment.
Join us as we explore faithful election engagement in a time of increased voter suppression. This session will offer a variety of resources as you support your community and congregation.

Open and Affirming: the Power of Covenant
2022-06-16 15:30 - 16:30
This webinar is for UCC congregations taking their first steps towards an Open and Affirming covenant, and for existing ONA churches looking for new ways to live into their ONA commitment. We’ll focus on “covenant” as the basic value of our movement, and the reason we’ve become the largest and fastest-growing LGBTQ-affirming church movement in the world. We’ll share best practices we’ve learned from growing ONA churches, including intersectional advocacy, and ways a church can design an ONA conversation that builds consensus and strengthens relationships.
This webinar is part of a special series of Thursdays for the Soul webinars focused on twelve Just World Covenant programs in the United Church of Christ. On the third Thursday of each month, one of these programs will be featured. Learn more at: www.ucc.org/just_world_covenants.

Juneteenth: Revealing Hidden Histories
2022-06-17 12:00 - 13:00
Remembering the day that news of emancipation reached the last outpost of enslaved people in Texas, Juneteenth acknowledges God’s sacred people of African descent. Sacred acknowledgment is recognition of birthplace—the cradle of civilization on the continent of Africa. Sacred acknowledgement is celebration of cultural expressions as first peoples, free people, multilingual, multiethnic, and multi-talented artisans, scientists, creators, builders, navigators, writers, thinkers, and orators. Sacred acknowledgement is remembering and honoring the generations of untold stories that are waiting to be revealed within these sacred bodies.
Amidst growing efforts to suppress the truths of our history, join the United Church of Christ for our Juneteenth 2022 Celebration as African and African American descendants
— geniuses of spoken word and cultural oral traditions—reveal hidden histories so we might take up our roles in the unfolding story of God’s liberating love.

Manual on Church Update
2022-06-23 15:30 - 16:30
Join Rev. Dr. Chris Davies and members of the Manual on Church Working Group for a conversation on where we have been, and where we are going with the document of Best Practices and Covenental Connections. Attendees of this conversation will get a sneak peak into the newly developed Marks of Faithful and Vital Congregations, and be invited into the trials of “how will this work for your setting?”

Prayer and Preparation: Introduction to Rapid Response and Embodiment Practices
2022-06-23 19:00 - 21:00
As the legislative attack on trans and queer persons continue, hate groups have been emboldened to act publicly. In recent weeks armed militias, neo-nazis and violent white supremacists have disrupted public PRIDE festivals and library programing featuring queer people. We anticipate this kind of organized and armed disruption to continue. Join Rev. Tracy Howe, Minister for Congregational and Community Engagement for an introduction to rapid response and embodiment practices to help local church members prepare and respond for this kind of violence. Topics such as risk assessment, intervention, communication and organizing in these scenarios will be addressed.
Audience: Local church lay leaders and authorized ministers. ONA congregations.
Trainer: Rev. Tracy Howe, Minister for Congregational and Community Engagement

Digital Ministry Summit
2022-06-27
We need digital ministry leaders today…
As we enter the third year of a worldwide pandemic we continue to realize that digital ministry is real ministry and it is essential for the future of the church in our world. As faith leaders we can naively hope to return to “the way things used to be” or we can intentionally and strategically create digital ministries that engage our congregations and the world around us with the good news of love and justice. The Digital Ministry Summit provides an in depth look at hybrid worship, online church, virtual community, and more. Through interviews with leading digital ministry faith leaders, the Digital Ministry Summit equips faith leaders and congregations with the ideas, inspiration, philosophy, and theology to start or enhance the digital ministry in your context.
Join us for this five day summit, learn with 20 leading digital ministry experts, and explore new possibilities for digital ministry, hybrid worship, and online church in your context.
The Digital Ministry Summit is for you if…

You want to learn the “how to” and the “why to” of digital ministry.
You want to hear best practices from digital ministry leaders.
You want to create a sustainable digital ministry for your congregation.
You want to improve your online/hybrid worship experience.
You want to proclaim the good news of love and justice by any media necessary.

Register

An Afternoon of Theatre with the Just Peace Players
2022-06-30 15:30 - 16:30
The Just Peace Players are a group of interfaith religious leaders who write and perform plays on peace and justice themes. They perform live and virtually for local congregations and Association gatherings throughout the New England area and beyond. Join us as the Just Peace Players perform and discuss their ministries for the wider church and interfaith communities.

OWL Taking Flight: Amazing Amaze!
2022-07-06 12:00 - 13:00
Dr. Rachael Gibson, Amaze Education Senior Program Manager at Advocates for Youth will join us for a lively conversation about their amazing resources. Join us as we explore the challenges and rewards of providing public-facing sexuality education.

Wartime Threat: Increased Fossil Fuel Production at Home
2022-07-06 13:00 - 14:00
The fossil fuel industry is using the war in Ukraine to push for ramping up production in the United States. As a result, communities on the frontlines of the industry face the wartime threat of more pollution and more harm to their health. In this webinar, we will learn about the history that shapes the threats faced, and we will hear directly from those fighting at the grassroots to protect their families and communities. Featured speakers will include Roishetta Ozane from Healthy Gulf, Lois Bower-Bjornson from the Clean Air Council, and David J.X. González from the University of California-Berkeley.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.
This monthly installment of Creation Justice Webinars is co-hosted by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt who serves as the Minister of Environmental Justice for the United Church of Christ and the Rev. Michael Malcom who serves as the Executive Director for Alabama Interfaith Power & Light and the People’s Justice Council.

Blessed Youth
2022-07-07 15:30 - 16:30
Join Rev. Dr. Chris Davies as she interviews Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund, Minister for Disabilities & Mental Health Justice, Health & Wholeness Advocacy at the United Church of Christ and author of the newly released book, Blessed Youth: Breaking the Silence about mental Health with Children and Teens. They will discuss challenges, hope, and practical resources.

The Flag in The Sanctuary
2022-07-14 15:30 - 16:30
One of the most difficult and theological conversations a congregation may have is about the flag in the sanctuary. Join alongside Rev. Roberto Ochoa, Rev. and Rev. John Gage to discuss what considerations go into this conversation, as well as how your congregation might engage it with grace and care for the people involved. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, this program does not prescribe an outcome, but will provide resources for engaging the conversation.

Witnesses with the World's Workers
2022-07-20 14:00 - 15:00
Join us as we hear the testimonies of Union Workers and workers in the “informal” economies of the world. We will be joined by leaders representing informal economy workers in Zimbabwe, migrant workers, union workers, and more. Learn key ways you and your church can help support and educate about worker Justice rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, to include participation in this year’s Labor in the Pulpit.

Our Faith Our Vote 2022: Faithful Engagement in a Time of Increased Voter Suppression
2022-07-21 15:30 - 16:30
Throughout Scripture and in the teachings of Jesus, we hear the faith call to be in just, compassionate right relation with each other. So discipleship draws us to engagement with our common life, what we call the political process, as the way we order our relationships.
Join this webinar and learn how the UCC Our Faith Our Vote campaign can be integrated into congregational life and shape congregational identity, complementing and amplifying other congregational covenants like ONA and Just Peace.
We will hear from several members of congregations that have participated in the Our Faith Our Vote campaign and learn from their stories.
This webinar is part of a special series of Thursdays for the Soul webinars focused on twelve Just World Covenant programs in the United Church of Christ. One the third Thursday of each month, one of these programs will be featured. Learn more at: www.ucc.org/just_world_covenants.

A Conversation with Franklinton Center at Brick’s Rev. Elly Mendez Angulo
2022-07-28 15:30 - 16:30
The mission of Franklinton Center at Bricks is to provide a nurturing home to local, national, and global programs and organizations seeking liberation. (FCAB’s website).
Come join us as for a conversation with Rev Elly Mendez Angulo, Program Manager and Interim Executive Director who will share the history, the UCC connection and current vision of Franklinton Center to manifest a world where systemic oppression does not exist; the whole divinity of a person is realized; the memory, contribution and resilience of our ancestors is embraced; and the environment is healed.
Today, Franklinton Center at Bricks programs continue to focus on living up to the legacy of our ancestors and our predecessor institutions by serving the people of our community, through the following broad program areas:

Center for Rural Community Development and Education
Center for African American Historic Preservation
Center for Land-based Innovation
Social Justice Conference and Retreat Center.

2022 Grant informational Meeting
2022-08-03 13:00 - 14:00
This is to register for an informational meeting to learn about the 2022 Justice and Local Church Ministries grant
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.
1. Operational Support (Rolling Monthly deadline until November)
2. CASA New and Rebirthing Church grant (October 3,2022)
3. Neighbors in Need Grant (October 3,2022)
4. Pension Board New Church Benefit support grant (September 12, 2022)
Interested individuals and churches can find out more information and apply for the grant here:
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Faithful Abortion Access: Then And Now
2022-08-04 15:30 - 16:30
The Clergy Consultation Service was a nationwide network of getting people access to safe abortion services and resources before it was legal. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, join alongside To Offer Compassion: A History of the Clergy Consultation Service On Abortion authors D.A. Dirks and Patricia Relf to learn more about the extensive network of the time, and hear the testimony of Rev. Donna Schaper about her work along the way. Faith Choice Ohio’s Executive Director Elaina Ramsey will join alongside Dr. Sherry Warren, the United Church of Christ’s Minister for Gender Justice in speaking towards ways people of faith can show up now that we look towards state-led decision making.

Overdue: Environmental Justice for All
2022-08-10 13:00 - 14:00
The United States has a long history of environmental injustice that has led to undue burdens of pollution on people of color and low-income communities. In this webinar, we will focus specifically on environmental injustice in relation to access to clean water. Our special guest will be Lynn Thorp who serves as the National Campaigns Director for Clean Water Action. She will discuss how we can make strides in reducing water pollution, including exposure to toxic substances such as persistent and pervasive PFAS chemicals also known as “forever” chemicals. She will additionally discuss how to ensure that large new water infrastructure investments are spent equitably and effectively as well as how to modernize our drinking water systems. Finally, she will draw the connections between securing clean water while also addressing the climate crisis and promoting clean energy. Join us as we learn about what reforms are needed (and possible!) from our federal government.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.
This monthly installment of Creation Justice Webinars is co-hosted by the Andy Wells-Bean who serves as the National Environmental Justice Fellow for the United Church of Christ and the Rev. Michael Malcom who serves as the Executive Director for Alabama Interfaith Power & Light and the People’s Justice Council.

Building an Endowment
2022-08-10 19:30 - 20:30
7:30pm to 8:30pm Eastern Time (6:30pm to 7:30pm Central)

An endowment can provide support to a congregation and its wider mission. But where do you start? This webinar will provide ideas and policies for creating and growing an endowment for your congregation.
Register in advance for this meeting:
REGISTER

Sharing Leadership in UCC Community
2022-08-11 15:30 - 16:30
Some mistakenly believe that United Church of Christ faith communities resist leadership by design. The truth is that UCC polity calls on communities to share leadership, voluntarily and covenantally. Sharing leadership is so countercultural, it’s easy to misunderstand.
Join Dean Sarah B. Drummond of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School and Rev. Dr. Chris S. Davies for an energizing and timely conversation about Drummond’s new book from the Pilgrim Press, Sharing Leadership: A United Church of Christ Way of Being In-Community.
Davies and Drummond will reflect on questions like, “How can faith communities share leadership well?” and, “How can the UCC help its members to carry the life-giving practices of sharing leadership into their families, communities, and workplaces?”
*Please note this session is pre-recorded.

Accessible to All Churches and Disabilities Justice
2022-08-18 15:30 - 16:30
The United Church of Christ adopted the Accessible to All (A2A) covenant as a denomination in 2005 as part of our commitment to disabilities justice. Barriers to accessibility are both physical and attitudinal. Disability justice intersects with the UCC’s commitments to racial, economic, gender, sexual identies, just peace, and environmental justice. Join representatives of the UCC Disabilities Ministries Board for practical resources for what UCC members and congregations can do to create a more just world for all.
This webinar is part of a special series of Thursdays for the Soul webinars focused on twelve Just World Covenant programs in the United Church of Christ. One the third Thursday of each month, one of these programs will be featured. Learn more at: www.ucc.org/just_world_covenants.

Annual Campaigns 101
2022-08-24 19:30 - 20:30
7:30pm to 8:30pm Eastern Time (6:30pm to 7:30pm Central)

Designed for pastors and lay leaders planning an annual pledge campaign, we will explore ways to create an effective campaign. We will reflect on the core purpose of a campaign, discuss practical steps leaders can take, and explore creative ideas to design a campaign uniquely suited to your congregation. Join this webinar to develop and strengthen plans for a successful fall campaign.
Register in advance for this meeting:

Moving Through Life With Embodied Grace
2022-08-25 15:30 - 16:30
How do we connect the inspired mind of Christ to the often tired Body of Christ? What spiritual practices allow us to tap into the “fount of every blessing” even as we engage the urgencies of our time?
Join Matt Carriker, the founding pastor of Agape Spiritual Community UCC in Waltham, Massachusetts and Gabrielle Chavez, organizing pastor of Christ the Healer UCC centered in the Portland Oregon metro area as we explore some cutting edge work at the intersection of activism and contemplation coming out of two newer congregations.
As part of the conversation, there will be an offering of understanding and practice that evolved from over a generation of experience and experimentation to quickly access embodied grace, the state of being Jesus called “heaven on earth”.

Gather in Joy…Go in Justice
2022-09-01 15:30 - 16:30
Rejoice with us in worship as Cheryl Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology, and conference ministers of the United Church of Christ reflect on the Spirit at work among us…moving in joy and justice.

You Know, Sex
2022-09-07 12:00 - 13:00
Join us as we welcome Cory Silverberg to talk about You Know, Sex (Cory’s new book), as well as the books What Makes a Baby? and Sex is a Funny Word. Learn about these inclusive resources, their language, illustrations, and why and how they were written the way they were.

UCC Colectivo de Latinx Ministries: Present & Future
2022-09-08 15:30 - 16:30
Join Rev Roberto Ochoa as he speaks with the leaders of the UCC Colectivo de Latinx Ministries about their role in uplifting the contributions of Latines/Latinas/Latinos in the United Church of Christ. They will share how they were formed and their hopes and vision for the Latinx communities in the wider church.

The Birth of a Movement: A 40th Anniversary Retrospective
2022-09-14 13:00 - 14:00
Just as the Montgomery Bus Boycott was a watershed event in kickstarting the Civil Rights Movement, a six-week civil disobedience campaign in Warren County, North Carolina, served as the watershed event for the Environmental Justice Movement in 1982. As more than 500 people were arrested to prevent the dumping of toxic waste in a predominantly black community, a nation soon became awakened to the crisis of environmental racism. This September will mark the 40th anniversary of the Warren County protests that would ripple outward around the world with far reaching impacts that continue until today. A wealth of insight and inspiration is to be found in this critical moment of history during which leaders grounded in their faith played an integral and significant role. In this webinar, we will hear from three persons who were an important part of the protests: Dollie Burwell, the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr., and the Rev. William Kearney.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.
This monthly installment of Creation Justice Webinars is co-hosted by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt who serves as the Minister of Environmental Justice for the United Church of Christ and the Rev. Michael Malcom who serves as the Executive Director for Alabama Interfaith Power & Light and the People’s Justice Council.

Just Peace Churches and the Disruptive Power of Peace!
2022-09-15 15:30 - 16:30
The United Church of Christ was the first Christian denomination to declare itself a “Just Peace Church” in 1985. Over the past 35+ years, the concept of Just Peace- that intersection of peace with justice reflected in the biblical vision of God’s Shalom – has been affirmed by ecumenical partners around the world. As our world suffers from conflicts around the world, now is the time to seek alternatives to militarism and turn our focus to building peace from the ground up.
This webinar will introduce you to the concepts of Just Peace and highlight ways in which local churches are living out their Just Peace identity. We will also lift up our 2022 theme for Just Peace Sunday “The Disruptive Power of Peace: Friendship, Justice & Security” to be celebrated on Sunday September 18th this year. Speakers for this webinar will include members of the UCC’s Just Peace Network and Steering Committee.
This webinar is part of a special series of Thursdays for the Soul webinars focused on twelve Just World Covenant programs in the United Church of Christ. On the third Thursday of each month, one of these programs will be featured. Learn more at: www.ucc.org/just_world_covenants

How to Grow A Movement: Invest to End Racism
2022-09-15 19:00 - 20:00
Join us as we kick off the historic Join the Movement Capital Campaign with co-chairs Otis Moss III, Naomi Washington-Leapheart, and Starsky Wilson sharing their visions of a church and a world moving toward fuller embodiments of racial justice. On the 59th anniversary of 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama that galvanized movements to end segregation and establish civil rights, we come together to remember and discover how our sharing of resources can fuel and grow our racial justice work today and for generations to come.
