Report to the church from the UCC Board: October 2025

The United Church of Christ Board convened in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, October 24, 2025, and concluded on Sunday, October 26, 2025. The meeting began with opening worship led by the Board Life & Development Committee followed by a welcome from the Chair, Rev. Jasmine Coleman Quinerly; the Vice-Chair, Rev. Cean James; and the GMP/CEO, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson. The new Class of 2031, consisting of twelve board members, joined the returning board members for a time of orientation, connection, and relationship building. The board will meet semi-annually as a group, however committee assignments will require several gatherings between those sessions so it was important for this first gathering to meet and get to know each other.

Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson provided an introduction to the role of the UCCB and the future growth of the United Church of Christ with the challenges of both national and global social changes. The UCCB applauded the election of Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson to serve as the President of the World Communion of Reformed Churches.

Important actions and affirmative votes that took place:

The draw rate approval for 2026 consisting of administrative fees and draw on unrestricted endowments.

The operating budget approval for 2026 consisting of total revenues and expenses.

The corporate bylaws amendments approval to maintain consistency with the United Church of Christ Bylaws.

Reports were provided by each National Ministries’ Units: Love of Service (Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson, GMP/CEO), Love of Neighbor (Rev. Shari Prestemon, AGM), and Love of Church (Bentley deBardelaben-Phillips, Transitional Executive), and Church Building & Loan Fund (Rev. Dr. Patrick Duggan, CDOO). All reports indicate progress mandated by the principles of UCC and intentions of a just and fair world.

Reports were provided by Council for Health & Human Service Ministries (Jamar Doyle), United Church Funds (Charles Buck), and The Pension Boards (David Klassen).

A report was provided regarding the cost-of-living adjustment structure and upcoming bonus for National Ministries’ staff.

The AGM Love of Church Search Committee shared it is anticipated that this work would be concluded early next year.

An update from the Council of Conference Ministers was provided by Rev. Carrie Call. This report provided discussion regarding OCWM, and the Board agreed this discussion should be addressed in depth in future board meetings, as other committee reports also expressed concern regarding this offering to the church.

The United Church of Christ Board will meet virtually in January for a special meeting where they plan to receive a follow up report from the AGM Love of Church Search Committee. The next in-person board meeting will take place again in Cleveland from Thursday, March 12, 2026 through Saturday, March 14, 2026.

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