Report to the Church from the Board: March 2026

What a view for the March 12-14, 2026 United Church of Christ Board to be held in the National Office 1300 E. 9^th Street in Cleveland, Ohio.  This meeting was held on the new 12^th floor, a place where the space felt like home.  The Board of Directors of the United Church of Christ Corporation, Justice and Witness Ministries (a Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ), and Wider Church Ministries (a Covenanted Ministry of the United Church of Christ) each represented in each meeting of the UCCB and is  a meeting of each of these corporations.  

This Spring meeting represents shared time and is designed to strengthen relationships between the UCC Board and the Council of Conference Ministers. This gathering create space for mutual reflection, and shared hopes for the United Church of Christ in this season.  The Opening Devotion and Framing was hosted by the new Board Life Committee utilizing scripture and opening prayer grounded in covenant and shared call. The morning focused on a relationship-building and shared discernment relative to service in the United Church of Christ. Stories of call and commitment to serve the church were shared, followed by discussions regarding Programmatic Priorities that serve as a guide for UCCB presently.  Thursday’s morning’s joint meeting concluded with communion and lunch as this annual UCCB and CCM gathering being successful in forged relationships and a common bond for the good of the United Church of Christ.

The UCCB completed training for working together with training of Anti Racism Training provided by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio and Anti-Harassment Training provided by Praesidium Academy.   This training assists in providing our time together to be comfortable and enjoyable, being essential for respectful interactions.

The UCCB were updated on the activities and accomplishments of the GMP/CEO, Rev. Dr. Karen-Georgia Thompson and all were excited to note the United Church of Christ has been represented with excellence both nationally and internationally since our last gathering.  The National staff presented fiscally responsible actions and money management decisions executed at the close of 2025 and in the first quarter of 2026.  Brian Tracy, Chief Financial Officer, and Heather Kimmel presented information related to the efficiency and effectiveness of corporate spending, and decisions.  The Finance and Budget Committee’s report also provided support, research and clarifications of financials and the intensity of discussion indicates this well-informed board was prepared for the task set before the Board.

A highlight for the meeting was information presentations by the United Church of Christ Media Justice Ministry founded in 1959 by Everett C. Parker, a UCC minister.  This Ministry is still needed today as an advocate for fairness in broadcast and other media outlets.  The work of this organization operates to limit media market mergers that would limit a variety of voices and also monitor public expressions of untruths and hurtful bias.

In addition to committee reports and recommendations, updates and accomplishments of The Pension Board by David Klassen, CCM representative Rev. Kim Wood, Love of Neighbor by Rev. Dr. Shari Prestemon, and Church Building and Loan Fund by Rev. Patric Duggan provide good news and pride in the actions made on behalf the United Church of Christ.

The upcoming Special Synod and introductions of Rev. Jennifer Sowell, candidate for the vacant position known as Love of Neighbor in this off-year placement.  Efforts to ensure adequate presentation of Rev. Sowell to the church and voting delegates take great responsibility, effort and technical considerations as much of this will be completed remotely. 

This meeting of the UCCB provided not only information, but also inspiration as these servants of God seek to undergird the United Church of Christ in creating a just world for all.

With the warmest of Love

Rev. Jasmine C. Quinerly
Chair, UCC Board

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