Fall Meeting Report of the UCC Board of Directors

This report comes from the Rev. Jasmine C. Quinerly, Chairperson of the United Church of Christ Board of Directors (UCCB). Quinerly has been an ordained Minister of Missions at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, in Houston, Texas for more than decade.

Blessings to United Church of Christ siblings in our beloved community of faith.

The United Church of Christ Board of Directors assembled in Cleveland, Ohio for the annual fall meeting, held October 16 through 18, 2026.

The session began with prayers and communion led by the Board of Life Committee, a recently appointed committee to strengthen board efficiency and spiritual connections. Greetings were offered from Chair and Vice Chair to set the tone for the time together.

The Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson presented the report of the General Minister and President, which included praises for the national staff, who have been supportive of her task to cover vacancies in both Love of Church and Love of Neighbor positions.  Reflections of the end of the second year of this new unified governing leadership model were offered. The report included the success of the “Table of Our Making,” which had just occurred in Cleveland a few weeks prior to this meeting. Information regarding the progress made in the Programmatic Priorities was included, and Rev. Thompson shared exciting, thoughtful preparations for the 70^th Anniversary of the denomination to be celebrated with the next General Synod.

The Rev. Rick Santoas from Church World Services presented a workshop on strategic planning. This presentation provided insight into development, analysis, and the benefit of planning for shorter periods rather than longer periods, based on the fast-paced changes in politics, social and global events. Research on the needs of the future and the ability to have resources in place to address accepted values and goals are necessary for strategic planning to be effective and efficient for non-profit organizations.  The conversation with Rev. Santos led to a review of the most recent strategic plan for the UCC, and conversations regarding the impact of Covid, political changes, and social perceptions impacting the existing 10-year plan.  A new strategic committee was assembled to design a 3-year strategic plan with the active involvement of the entire UCCB for conclusion which is expected by next fall.

The Insurance Board presenter Tim Harris introduced successes and innovations to its lending processes and programs. The changes in church attendance, multiple use of church spaces, and the transitioning ministries are bringing new thoughts to the forefront of products and participants of the Insurance Board.

Committee Reports from Finance and Budget were led by Deborah Dee Brayton. Votes to approve the proposed 2027 operating budget were presented with supporting financials. In addition, the committee recommended approval of National Coinvented Ministries and the Pension Boards, Justic and Witness Ministries, Local Church Ministries, Wider Church Ministries in addition to historic grants to the General Synod infrastructure.

The Investment and Endowment report was delivered by Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, as the chairperson for this committee was absent and Vice Chairperson position was not filled in time for this meeting. The Endowment draw activity and calculations were presented and approved.   

The Audit Committee report was presented by Sara Rabe, which is an intentional activity to insure proper money management. The Rev. Lawrence Richardson and committee are reviewing skill inventory and membership orientations for future UCCB hoping to strengthen future board membership.

The Executive Committee elected Jennifer Sowell to Vice Chair positions of the United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries, Local Church Ministries, and Wider Church Ministries. The Governance Committee report was provided by the exceptional leadership of Janese Murray. 

The Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) presentation explained the work of this leadership training program which benefits many non-profit organizations and congregations. CHHSM will host its annual meeting in Houston, Texas in March of 2027 with a wealth of effective training and growth opportunities.

Saturday’s board session began with staff reports from Love of Service by Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, and a of Neighbor report by the Rev. Shari Prestemon. The Board was delighted to hear the first report of the newly elected Love of Church staff leader, Rev. Jennifer Sowell, after less than two months in this position. She provided an insightful report that shared information about her opportunity to assess staff duties and prepare for missions and visions necessary to effectively lead the Love of Church staff. Rev. Sowell’s report was refreshing and informative.

This fall meeting represented both the joy and faithfulness of volunteering at the national level. The work of this UCCB is to acknowledge the rich history of the United Church of Christ in the past 70 years while continuing to strengthen the church for future generations.

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