United Church of Christ

Climate Savior or Neocolonialist?: Assessing Biden from an Indigenous Christian Perspective
2021-03-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom
The environmental movement has widely lauded the actions taken by the Biden-Harris administration in addressing the climate crisis through early appointments and executive orders. Yet, there is a larger context to consider as indigenous leaders continue fights against pipelines domestically and Syria is bombed internationally. In this webinar, Mark Charles, a dual citizen of the US and the Navajo Nation, will provide an indigenous Christian perspective on Joe Biden’s presidency. Mark is a co-author of the book, “Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery.” In 2020, Mark ran as an independent candidate for the US presidency.
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.
Special thanks to the sponsorship of the Cornerstone Fund in making this webinar possible.

Beyond the Children’s Moment: Children’s Ministry Today
2021-03-09 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Come for a conversation of Children’s ministry in 2021. How are we seeing people connect to the children in their congregations and beyond? What tenets of faith formation do we hold towards our children when faith becomes digital? Join the Association of Christian Educators and Faith INFO Team Lead Chris Davies, with esteemed panelists across the UCC discussing how they engage Children in the life of the church.

The State of Women
2021-03-04 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
As we begin Women’s History Month, we are joined by leadership from the World YWCA and the Cleveland YWCA to discuss the state of women globally. Women continue to live at the margins across the world often unemployed, underemployed, and fighting for human rights and dignity. We will discuss some of the issues facing women and children, including sexual and gender-based violence, digitalization, and the impact of COVID on young people. These are three critical issues (of many) that we are feeling especially and globally relevant since the pandemic.

Living by Faith: Overcoming Hurricanes in Nicaragua and Honduras
2021-03-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Zoom
Global Ministries partners from Nicaragua and Honduras will share their assessment of damages due to Hurricanes Eta and Iota in November 2020. They will also share the ways they have been working to provide for the needs of their communities and the present and the future of disaster relief in their countries.

OWL Taking Flight: "Five Tips For Selecting Fantastic OWL Facilitators!"
2021-03-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join Dr. Melanie Davis, UUA OWL Program Manager, and Rev. Kelly Burd, UCC OWL Trainer and local pastor, for tips about how to choose great OWL facilitators. What qualities should you be looking for? Who is the best fit for your congregation or organization? Join us to find out!

The State of Creation
2021-03-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
What is necessary to halt the deleterious effects of climate change in the 21st century? Join Rev. Brooks Berndt, Minister for Environmental Justice, UCC and Jim Antal, author, public theologian, Special Advisor on Climate Justice to the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ. Rev. Antal will address:

The current state of climate change.
The impact of the roll-back of over 100 EPA regulations and disengagement from the Climate Accord: Needed reforms.
The role and responsibility of people of faith.
Actions we can engage both as individuals and as communities in 2021

Join us in a formal address from Rev. Antal as well as some dialogue moderated by Rev. Brooks Berndt about what we can do together to ensure God’s creation thrives in 2021 and beyond.

Recovering Spiritual Practices of Enslaved Africans
2021-02-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Join us for a conversation about African spiritual practices and the church. The spiritual practices of Africans were problematized in the enslavement and colonization of African people. Those brought into the Americas as enslaved people carried with them heritage, culture and spiritual practices that were interrupted with the introduction of Christianity and the vilification of African traditions. Is the “table” wide enough to make room for the ways in which African spiritualities are accompanying African descendant people on their spiritual journeys? How can we honor people and traditions shrouded by the imposition of racism and afrophobia?

Church-Based Reparations
2021-02-23 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
There is 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 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.

The State of the Poor
2021-02-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Who and what is hurting our poor and low-income siblings? Join Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, the President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, and Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign, as he addresses the State of the Poor in America in 2021. Rev Barber will address:

The current state of poverty in the US
The Poor Peoples’ Agenda: Needed reforms
The role and responsibility of people of faith

And leave us with actions we can engage both as individuals and as communities, as well as some dialogue about what we can do together to ensure that we all have what we need to thrive in 2021 and beyond.

Equity and Equality in the Movement for Racial Justice
2021-02-16 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Racial justice continues to be a concern for African descendant communities globally. The onset of COVID-19 in early March has affected people across the globe but in the US people of color, particularly Black people, have been disparately affected resulting in heightened racial ethnic disparities and inequities. The movements for justice is complex and includes the call for equity and inclusion – issues which are essential to bring changes in church and society. Join Aundreia Alexander, Associate General Secretary for the National Council of Churches, Adele Halliday from The United Church of Canada and Karen Georgia Thompson as they discuss the role of the church in creating a just world for all.

MLK Day of Service
2021-02-15 18:00 - 2021-02-16 20:00 | Zoom
MLK Day of Service
February 15 & 16, 2021
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Two, 2-hour sessions
“By the time we reached the counter, we’d already won.”
–Dr. James Lawson, Theologian & Tactician of Non-Violence within the Civil Rights Movement

Join Chuck Alphin, Certified Kingian Non-violence Trainer, in two, 2-hour teach-in sessions as we explore:
– The Myths and Facts of Nonviolence
– Types and Levels of Conflict
– Six Principals of Kingian Non-violence
– Six Applications of Kingian Non-violence
Event fee: $35

Celebración Afro-Latine En Palabra y Oración
2021-02-11 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The Latina, Latino, y Latine identity is rich in cultural diversity. Join us as we celebrate and honor the Afro-Latine influences and experiences in word and prayer.

Evangelical Christianity and the Climate Crisis
2021-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
With its size and its collective power, evangelical Christianity has had a significant presence in the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the United States. As such, it becomes critically important to understand evangelical Christianity today in relationship to the climate crisis. How do evangelical Christians regard the climate crisis? What are the political implications of this? To address these questions, we will be joined by a panel of speakers who will give attention to the trends as well as the diverse perspectives to be found within evangelical Christianity. Among the speakers will be:

Dr. Robin Veldman, author of “The Gospel of Climate Skepticism: Why Evangelical Christians Oppose Action on Climate Change”

Kyle Meyaard-Schaap, National Organizer and Spokesperson for Young Evangelicals for Climate Action

This webinar is co-hosted by the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt of the United Church of Christ Environmental Justice Ministry and the Rev. Michael Malcom of Alabama Interfaith Power & Light and the People’s Justice Council.
Sign-up now to join the webinar! Even if you can’t make its scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send you a recording of it.

Incorporating Innovation into the Life of the Church
2021-02-09 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
What’s a Theory of Change and why does it matter for local church ministry? If you’d like answers to these questions you didn’t ask, tune into to this webinar to learn more about UCC’s new ministry initiative in collaboration with the United Church of Canada and the Disciples of Christ. You’ll hear from a couple participants who have just gone through the most recent Theory of Change workshop as well as the project lead, the Rev. Phiwa Langeni, who is the Ambassador for Innovation and Engagement in the UCC’s Center for Analytics, Research & Development, and Data (CARDD).

The State of the Church
2021-02-04 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
After decades of ecological disasters, years of political division and disruption, and now one year into the throes of a global pandemic, we invite two denominational leaders and theologians to reflect together on what is the role, condition, and emerging mission of the Church.
Spend an hour with Bishop W. Darin Moore, Bishop of the AME Zion Church, and the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ

OWL Taking Flight: Parents and Caregivers As Sexuality Educators
2021-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Our February Taking Flight webinar will feature Robin Slaw, credentialed religious educator and author of “Parents and Caregivers as Sexuality Educators, Small Group Ministry.” This 10-session program helps adults explore their roles as the most important sexuality educators their children will have. Robin will give an overview of the program and share tips for using it online.
The current version has a Unitarian Universalist perspective, and a United Church of Christ adaptation is progress. The program can be adapted for other faith traditions and secular settings. This is a wonderful learning opportunity to all who support adults caring for children.
Time will be available for general interest Q/A related to Our Whole Lives and at-home resources.

The State of Rural Churches and Communities
2021-02-02 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
In rural and small towns, the church is often a focal point for the spiritual and social well being of a community. During these times of health, economic, and social uncertainties facing the U.S., how are UCC congregations serving rural and small towns, and what are they doing to meet the needs of their communities?
In the United Church of Christ, rural and small congregations make up 60% of the denomination and are the backbone of the UCC.
Join Roberto Ochoa, UCC Program Associate for Congregations of Color/Ethnic Identified Congregations as he moderates a panel of Conference and pastoral leaders as they bring voice to the celebrations, challenges, and the needs of leading UCC congregations in a rural/small town setting.

When your Church Goes Viral
2021-01-28 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Despite evidence and relevance to the literal, what happens when your church goes metaphorically viral on the internet?! Join Rev. Adam Ericksen, Pastor of Clackamas UCC, and Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, about faith in the technological sphere, the memes of Jesus, and pastoring folks in our own relative age group.

The State of the Children
2021-01-26 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
HOW ARE THE CHILDREN? Join Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, President and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund, as he addresses the state of our children in America, in 2021. Dr. Wilson will identify the most pressing issues facing the children, and then note the policy shifts necessary for their care, as well as the measurables to know are markers of progress we can be vigilant in monitoring. Join us in a formal address from Dr. Wilson as well as some dialogue about what we can do together to ensure that all children have what they need to thrive in 2021 and beyond.

Blessings for the Ongoing Work of our Country
2021-01-21 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
As we witness and watch what the season will bring for the United States of America in the transition of power, the United Church of Christ is adding blessing towards our future, aligned with faith. We will call on God to show up with all of God’s might in support of our shared future of liberation. On this Thursday for the Soul, Local pastors and ministerial leaders will offer prayers of blessing, redemption, confession, and commission for the United States on this day, praying into a Just World for All. Join, listen along, and add your prayers along the rest! Together we can create the kind of world God imagines for us all.

Building Back Hope: A Service of Release & Renewal
2021-01-19 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Please join the United Church of Christ and The People’s Inauguration as we curate space for Release & Renewal at the intersection of Pain & Promise. At the close of Martin Luther King Day Celebrations and on the cusp of the 47th Inauguration, we will worship together bearing witness to this past year and pouring Hope into the future. What is Hope? Hope is the confident expectation that all God intends will come to pass. Valarie Kaur, author of See No Stranger; Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Senior Pastor of Middle Collegiate Church; Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, Director of Faith Formation, UCC will join the Officers and staff as we Build Back Hope, followed with a sermon by Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, Senior Pastor of Trinity UCC-Chicago. *closed captioning and Spanish translation will be available. We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of Love into the veins of our civilization. ~ Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Epiphany Music with Musician Lea Morris
2021-01-14 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Come for guiding stars and guiding music with Lea Morris, child of the universe, singer, songwriter, parent, teacher and perpetual student… notably known through not only through her work with acclaimed songwriting, and now well known in the UCC through her performances on this webinar series and through the Christmas pageant! Join us as we journey through epiphany and beyond.

What’s Possible?: Faith and Climate Policy in 2021 (1PM – 2PM ET) January 13th
2021-01-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
After the Georgia Senate runoff election on January 5th, we will know the legislative landscape for the new Congress. What will be possible for climate policy? Aside from congress, what might President Biden accomplish through executive orders? This webinar will address these questions with an eye toward what faith communities can do to put their values into action in pressing for the kind of climate policies urgently needed in this time of crisis and inequality.

What Shall We Say to These Things? Crafting a Social Gospel for the 21st Century
2021-01-12 15:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
Join us for a 90 minute inter-generational conversation, between Ruby Sales: member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) in the 1960’s, 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.

National Call to Prayer and Vigil (7:30PM - 8:30PM ET) January 6th
2021-01-06 19:30 - 20:30
We are witnessing events unfolding that call for a gathering of prayer. Join the officers and staff of the United Church of Christ in a National Call to Prayer where we will gather to pray for our nation and world. Bring a candle to light where you are.
7:30pm Eastern Time
6:30 pm Central Time
5:30 pm Mountain Time
4:30 pm Pacific time
2:30 pm Hawaiian

OWL Taking Flight: WYD sliding into my DMs?
2021-01-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Join us for an engaging conversation with James Wadley, PhD about how to initiate conversations with teens and young adults who court, maintain, and sever relationships using social media (e.g., Tiktok, IG, Snapchat, and Whatsapp). How can you encourage and support healthy relationships based on the OWL values of Self-Worth, Responsibility, Sexual Health, and Justice & Inclusivity?

Hymn Sing!
2020-12-22 15:30 - 17:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gather together to listen to the music of advent and Christmas, sing along, and close the year off together! You are welcome to dress up and “show off” your Christmas spirit throughout the program. We are looking forward to being together digitally once again this year.

Blue Christmas Service
2020-12-17 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year—or is it? For many, it echoes old griefs and illuminates the new. When so many things have changed this year, we’ve lost people important to us, and so many hold their hardest parts in isolation, This Christmas will be so difficult for so many people. Blue Christmas is a service that holds the tension of the grief and difficulty of the season for many, in tension and awareness of the societal messages that Christmas is a season of ONLY JOY—at the expense of all other feelings and circumstances. Jesus’ mother Mary will be our guide for this journey as she reminds us of God’s presence in the midst of our suffering. Join us for a worship service “Mary’s Blue Christmas” hosted by the National Setting’s Thursday’s for the Soul in partnership with the Overdose and Drug Use Ministries as well as the UCC Mental Health Network.

Stepping into the Archives
2020-12-15 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The United Church of Christ has a complex history full of the stories of people. We came together calling, Let Them All Be One! And we are seeking ways to unite ever since, even as we clarify our purpose in loving God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and our neighbor as ourselves; and our vision in uniting through Christ’s love towards a just world for all. Join Caroline Dunleavy, Executive Director of the Evangelical and Reformed Historical Society, and Ed Cade, Associate for Historical Preservation and Archivist, as we browse through our archives.
