United Church of Christ

Nurture the Soul: Labor in the Pulpit
2024-08-29 15:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
God Gave Us One Day of Rest, Unions Gave Us Two
Labor Day is not just a time to celebrate working people and their contributions to our society; it is also a time to remember the struggle workers endured to achieve the many benefits we now enjoy. Labor Day provides a unique opportunity for faith communities and organized labor to rediscover their common bonds: social justice, democracy, equality, the dignity of all people, economic and racial justice, fair treatment in the workplace and the right to form unions. Join a conversation with Rev. Seth Wispelwey, UCC Minister for Economic Justice as we reflect on how this Labor Day can be a launchpad for churches to address current conditions of working people and reaffirm commitments to worker justice every day in these trying times until all are thriving.

3 Best Practices for Stewardship in Congregations
2024-08-28 19:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
We will discuss the three practices most likely to increase giving in a local congregation: teaching about generosity, pastoral leadership, and online giving options. The webinar will examine why these practices matter and discuss how to implement them in a congregation.

Nurture the Soul: Filling the J.A.R. of God’s Economic Justice: Jubilee, Abundance, Reparations
2024-08-22 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
God commissions us to establish economies built around deeply-rooted justice, universal equity, and sustaining compassion so that all might thrive. We are to manifest the canceling of debts, the meeting of needs, and the return of stolen land and wealth. Join a conversation with Rev. Seth Wispelwey, UCC Minister for Economic Justice on the concrete ways churches and individuals are newly empowered in this work with the United Church of Christ.

Community Safety Training Series
2024-08-19 20:00 - 21:00 | Zoom
How can congregations build an ecology of community safety that is rooted in care, investing in each other, believing in each other, and trusting each other and the rhythms and cycles around/within us? What community safety practices can we engage in now that also help us build the world we long for? Our experienced trainers will expand on our “Ecology of Community Safety” guide to offer practical skills, psycho-social care practices, planning tools, and analysis of current conditions, all towards practicing new ways of creating safety within our own congregational contexts.
This series is hosted by the United Church of Christ’s Love of Church FaithINFO team, and is open to all faith traditions.

Nurture the Soul: A conversation with member ministries of the UCC Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM)
2024-08-15 15:30, 2024-08-08 15:30, 2024-08-01 15:30 | Zoom
The Council for Racial and Ethnic Ministries (COREM) is a ministry of racial and ethnic groups of the United Church of Christ – United Black Christians, Ministers for Racial Social Economic Justice, Pacific Islander Asian-American Ministries, Colectivo de UCC Latinx Ministries, Council for American Indian Ministry and United Samoan Ministries. COREM advocates for the racial and ethnic concerns within the United Church of Christ.
Please join Rev Roberto Ochoa as he has conversations with leaders from three member ministries of COREM as each ethnic/racial ministry shares to the wider church their vision and mission for a just world for all.
On August 1st, Roberto will be joined by Ms. Eppie Encabo, Moderator of the Pacific Islander and American Asian Ministries (PAAM), Rev. Mitchell Young, Vice Moderator, and Kahu Rennie Mau, Moderator of Hawaiian PAAM as they share the success of PAAM’s most recent convocation held in Hawaii in June.
On August 8th, Roberto will be joined by Ms. Zillah J. Wesley, President of the United Black Christians (UBC) and Ms. Deborah Dee Brayton, Vice President in which they will discuss the various events and activities by the UBC in 2024 and plans for 2025.
On August 15th, Roberto will be joined by Rev. Yinessa Romero, Moderator of the Colectivo de UCC Latinx Ministries and Rev. Lorraine Ceniceros, Vice Moderator as they review the Colectivo’s activities in the 2024 leading up to a planned gathering of UCC Latinx leaders later in the year.

Defending the Sacred
2024-08-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
For the Apache and other Indigenous peoples, Oak Flat is a sacred site akin to Mount Sinai. It is currently under threat of being mined for copper by Resolution Copper, a subsidiary of the multinational mining companies Rio Tinto and BHP. A legal effort to block the transfer of public land for the project was denied by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The case is now being appealed to the Supreme Court. Join us to hear from those who have been engaged in the struggle to defend Oak Flat as it enters this crucial stage:

Wendsler Nosie, Sr., Former Chairman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe
Sarah Augustine, Executive Director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery
Rev. Carol Rose, Co-Pastor of Shalom Mennonite Fellowship in Tucson, Arizona

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.

Nurture the Soul: Navigating Election Do’s & Don’ts for Churches - Be Prophetic, Not Partisan!
2024-07-25 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The United Church of Christ’s mission calls us to “welcome all, love all, and seek justice for all.” As a denomination committed to such values and justice for all, we must speak boldly in the public square through public policy advocacy – as well as election engagement – that collectively shapes our common life together. These two activities are part of what we understand as “politics”. In a country where there is significant confusion and misinformation about the constitutional relationship between church and state, some choose to shy away from politics all together. Yet, politics can not only be seen as part of our civic duty as citizens, but also an activity of righteous resistance and discipleship as Christians. Jesus’ ministry and message had significant political implications for his time – as it does for us today!
However, in our hyper-partisan climate today, clarifying how we engage in politics is critical. Churches and clergy must abide by IRS guidelines to protect 501c3 (tax-exempt) status. It is critical that we are well informed about what we CAN (and can’t!) do as churches in the political sphere and particularly around the 2024 election.
Join a discussion with Heather Kimmel, the United Church of Christ’s General Counsel, and Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy, on the “Do’s & Don’ts” for congregations around the election – “Be Prophetic, Not Partisan!”
This webinar is part of the Nurture the Soul series and the UCC’s Our Faith Our Vote 2024 Campaign – “Vote with Love!”

Narrative Budgets: Telling your Story by the Numbers
2024-07-24 19:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
A narrative budget translates the line items of a traditional budget into a story of how your congregation makes a difference in the world. It can be a helpful tool for a stewardship campaign or annual meeting. By telling the story of our congregations’ impact, we can inspire generosity in our donors.

An Indigenous Translation of Scripture
2024-07-16 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
The “First Nations Version” is an Indigenous translation of the Christian scriptures. It brings a fresh language to how these scriptures are conveyed and understood. Notably, a decolonized rendering of the sacred texts articulates a different understanding of how humans understand their relationship to both God and all of God’s creation. In this webinar, we will hear from three members of the translation council that produced the First Nations Version. Terry M. Wildman, who envisioned the translation, will be joined by Amy Allan and Kimberlee Medicine Horn Jackson. Register to learn about this translation, especially as it relates to caring for God’s creation.
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.

Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention in the Pulpit: Building a Meaningful Harm Reduction Justice Sunday Service
2024-06-27 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
In preparation for this year’s Harm Reduction Justice Sunday (HRJS) on August 18th we will explore the UCC’s HRJS Toolkit, answer questions about the Harm Reduction and Overdose Prevention Ministries and listen into ways to center the voices and leadership of people with lived and living experience of substance use in our churches throughout the year.

UCC Climate Action Assembly
2024-06-26 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
The next UCC Climate Action Assembly will feature Cora Wynet, who is the Senior Director of Research at Rewiring America, the nation’s leading electrification nonprofit, focused on electrifying our homes and communities. She will help us further the UCC’s commitment to electrifying our churches and the homes of our members.
Every two months the UCC Council for Climate Justice hosts a Climate Action Assembly to further collective efforts on three endeavors launched this year: the Freedom from Plastics Campaign, the Electrification Checklist Initiative, and the Vote for Climate Hope Campaign. Each of these programs is rooted in recent General Synod resolutions.
Climate Action Assemblies are open to all members of the UCC.

Healing as Freedom, Freedom as Healing: Lineages of Emancipation toward Wholeness Juneteenth 2024
2024-06-20 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Racial Justice Ministries and Join the Movement toward Racial Justice invite you to honor and celebrate Juneteenth this year by remembering and discovering the healing practices that sustained freedom in the bones of our ancestors, before and after emancipation. Through music and prayer, poetry and art, reflection, and ritual, may we find a medicine bundle, a libation, a Brush Harbor and a clearing, a poultice that teaches us the sound of freedom, echoing from legacies of healing and singing futures of wholeness.
“On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.”
Explore the rich historical legacy of Juneteenth. Deepen practices of restorative healing. Listen and learn from educators, organizers, activists, and next generation leaders. Remember, God is still Speaking!

Vote for Climate Hope Campaign Kickoff
2024-06-18 15:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
For the second year, the United Church of Christ (UCC) is undertaking a nationwide Climate Hope campaign. The first phase of the campaign was an art contest for children and youth. The winning art is now going on Climate Hope Voter Pledge Cards that congregations will collect in the summer and fall. Voter pledges are a proven method for increasing voter turnout, especially when they are tied to causes about which people care deeply. In this special kickoff event, learn everything you need to know about registering your congregation and participating in this vitally important campaign.
Even if one cannot make the event at its scheduled time, all those who register will receive a link to a recording of it.

Nurture the Soul: Love of Children 3-Part Series
2024-06-13 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The landscape of children’s and youth ministry has been quickly changing over the last decade and these changes were accelerated with the pandemic and other social justice issues. As a result, many of us are wondering how to effectively provide services to and ministry with young people. This webinar series is an opportunity to learn more about today’s youth culture, how we can support them in their faith formation as well as gain some practical skills to equip our leaders to walk alongside of them.

Politics, Polarization, and Prophetic Ministry
2024-06-12 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
As the attention of the world focuses on the 2024 elections, what will be the role of churches that embody the prophetic tradition of the Christian faith? What will preachers say from the pulpit? How will justice-centered ministries be called to act? These can be difficult questions to answer in the context of church cultures in which there is a fear of political conflict and polarization. In this webinar, we will address these critical issues and questions with the help of our featured panelists:
-Dr. Obery Hendricks, Author of “The Politics of Jesus” and “Christians against Christianity”
-Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, Author of “Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the Red-Blue Divide”
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.

Nurture the Soul: Love of Children 3-Part Series
2024-06-06 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The landscape of children’s and youth ministry has been quickly changing over the last decade and these changes were accelerated with the pandemic and other social justice issues. As a result, many of us are wondering how to effectively provide services to and ministry with young people. This webinar series is an opportunity to learn more about today’s youth culture, how we can support them in their faith formation as well as gain some practical skills to equip our leaders to walk alongside of them.

Episode II: Volunteer Engagement in our pandemic informed world has changed and continues to evolve. Volunteering is different, and people view their time differently. Churches, non-profit organizations, and companies are slowly receiving volunteers that commit to their organization long-term. And yet, a thriving, sustainable Children’s Ministry is founded on a healthy group of volunteers. So how do we as leaders support, serve and connect with volunteers in our pandemic informed ministry settings? Please join us for a purposeful conversation as we explore how to build relationships with our volunteers and motivate them to return. Volunteers enter service with expectations for how their time will be used or how the opportunity aligns with their passions. This conversation will allow us to explore how to engage a volunteer’s passions and build connections to lead to long-term volunteer commitment.

OWL Taking Flight: Raising Kids Beyond the Binary
2024-06-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Jamie Bruesehoff, author of Raising Kids Beyond the Binary: Celebrating God’s Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children, joins us to discuss her book, in which she helps us dream of a church and a world transformed by the bold celebration of all children.
Jamie Bruesehoff is an award-winning LGBTQ+ advocate, speaker, and mother of three, including a transgender child. Jamie has twenty years experience working with youth and adults in and outside the church, she strives to create a world where LGBTQ+ people thrive.
Your Hosts: Rev. Amy Johnson is the UCC (United Church of Christ) Minister for Sexuality Education & Justice and part of the Gender and Sexuality Justice Ministries Team in the National Ministries of the UCC. Dr. Melanie Davis is the UUA (Unitarian Universalist Association) OWL Program Manager within the Lifespan Faith Engagement in the UUA.

Cleveland Pride
2024-06-01 10:00 - 2024-06-02 19:30 | Zoom
Saturday, June 1 – Marching in Pride with Heartland/Living Water/National Staff at 10:00am ET
Sunday, June 2 – Worship at Pilgrim Congregational UCC at 6:30pm ET (in-person and virtual)

Nurture the Soul: Love of Children 3-Part Series
2024-05-30 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The landscape of children’s and youth ministry has been quickly changing over the last decade and these changes were accelerated with the pandemic and other social justice issues. As a result, many of us are wondering how to effectively provide services to and ministry with young people. This webinar series is an opportunity to learn more about today’s youth culture, how we can support them in their faith formation as well as gain some practical skills to equip our leaders to walk alongside of them.

Episode I – Thick Trust: Taking Young People’s Longings and Belonging Seriously
The inner and outer lives of Gen Z and Alpha are complex and layered. The way young people form bonds and make meaning is changing as the world grows more complicated daily. As leaders, allies, and co-conspirators, we must take seriously the need to build layered positive relationships with young people that help them grow and flourish. This webinar will provide practical ways to build “trust capital” with young people and have brave conversations

Gaza Today: Perspectives from Palestinian Christian Partners
2024-05-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
As Israel’s war on Gaza continues, more than 34,000 Palestinians have been killed in the past seven months, many more are injured, and thousands are unaccounted for. Most of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza are suffering starvation, desperate for medical care, and are displaced from their homes and communities which have been targeted and destroyed.
Our Palestinian partners remind us that the history of crisis in Gaza did not begin on Oct. 7, 2023. It is a history that goes much deeper.
Join us in this webinar to hear from partners who are deeply involved in serving the community in Gaza and speaking with clarity on what is required. Nader Abu Amsha is the Executive Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches’ Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees. DSPR has been present in Gaza for three-quarters of a century and continues to serve its community in Gaza despite the many challenges. The Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac is pastor of the Christian Lutheran Church in Bethlehem and Dean of the Bethlehem Bible College. He has spoken to the world, challenging mainstream framing of the war, and urging Christians to engage authentically. They will share a perspective not generally heard.

Black Churches Leading with Solar: Incentives, Financing, and Stewardship
2024-05-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Livestream
With the federal government paying for at least 30% of the cost of solar installation, if not 40 to 50%, many congregations that own their own building can no longer afford to not go solar. One of the benefits of going solar is a lower electricity bill, which means an increase in churches revenue. An increase in revenue is an increase in security and ministry. It is also a way to show good financial and environmental stewardship. Yet, the upfront cost of going solar can often be a hurdle for some congregations. This is where advantageous financing can play an important role. In this webinar, we focus on Black churches leading with solar. We will hear experts discuss everything one needs to know about government incentives and solar financing.
The Rev. Michael Malcom from the People’s Justice Council and the Rev. Dr. Ambrose F. Carroll from Green The Church will host this webinar that will feature these panelists:
-Dr. Anthony Kinslow II, CEO, Gemini Energy Solutions
-Patricia Eggleston, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago
-Rebecca Perera, Chief Credit Officer, Cornerstone Fund
Even if one cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time, all those who register will receive a link to a recording of it.
Co-Hosted by the United Church of Christ, Green The Church, the People’s Justice Council, and Alabama Interfaith Power & Light.
Co-Sponsored by Blessed Tomorrow, Creation Justice Ministries, Green Chalice of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Interfaith Power & Light, Third Act Faith, Unitarian Universalist Association, and United Black Christians.

UCC and the Mental Health Journey: It’s the WISE Thing to Do
2024-05-23 15:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
The World Health Organization definition of mental health is “state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and work well, and contribute to their community… it is a basic human right.” The Mental Health Network W.I.S.E. program, (welcoming inclusive, supportive and engaged) provides a path for congregations, associations, conferences and nonprofit organizations to join to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being. Come learn how to become W.I.S.E. and hear the stories of those who have taken this journey.

Together for Tomorrow: Planned Giving in the Local Congregation
2024-05-22 19:30 - 20:30
While a significant wealth transfer occurs as each generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. This workshop will share key concepts and help you create an action plan for your congregation or ministry to promote planned giving.

Strengthen the Church Offering
2024-05-19
Strengthen the Church offering is traditionally taken on the first Sunday of Pentecost. This year it will be on May 19, 2024. Order your offering theme materials and make a donation here.

Nurture the Soul: Building Up a New World with Fellows from Across 5 Conferences
2024-05-16 15:30 - 16:30, 2024-05-09 15:30 - 16:30
The needs are great, and the stakes are high in the work of justice building. The good news is most of our local churches are already equipped more than they know. In fact, many local churches might find renewal and growth by revisioning and reprioritizing what it means to be engaged in ongoing justice work and using a more intersectional analysis as to where they will have transformative impact. For the past two years Rev. Tracy Howe designed a fellowship to intensively train a handful of leaders and nurture the support necessary for sustained engagement in the complex and urgent issues facing our world. Through this leadership program 5-Fellows, worked to develop organizing strategies, programing and educational opportunities regionally, according to specific needs and contexts in which the fellows live. Come and learn more about their experiences and glean from the wisdom of their dedication to build congregation and community engagement.

Menstrual Health and Justice for All
2024-05-15 15:30 - 16:30 | Livestream
Women’s and Gender Justice is releasing a new toolkit to help congregations plan menstrual health and hygiene period pack projects to address the needs for people in transitional situations such as natural disasters or homelessness. Join Dr. Sherry Warren, Minister for Women’s and Gender Justice, as she speaks with partners in menstrual justice from Church World Service and introduces the new period pack toolkit.

People on the Move
2024-05-08 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
The number of people forcibly displaced from their homes and communities is at an all-time high, now over 100 million people worldwide, and continues to grow. Due to violence and conflict, natural disasters, climate change and other social, political, and economic factors, people have been uprooted and are seeking safety and security elsewhere. Our partners in the Middle East and Europe are directly involved in assisting people who have left their homes, responding to their needs and providing assistance and care. In this webinar, we will hear from partners which are directly involved and from people who have been impacted, to hear their experiences and stories. Following up from a regional consultation held in Rome this January, please join us to hear from colleagues at the Forum for Development, Culture, and Dialogue (Lebanon and Syria), the Afghan Association for Women, and Mediterranean Hope (Italy) to learn about their work and current realities.
Sponsored by: the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy (FCEI), the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Reformed Church in America, and Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ.
