The gulf coast of Pinellas County, Florida recently suffered a destructive double whammy within the space of two weeks. Hurricane Helene, which moved up the shoreline some 100 miles to the west on Sept. 26, sent eight-foot waves surging over the dunes and low seawall lining the Pass-A-Grille Beach, some 50 yards from Pass-a-Grille Beach
It’s been one week since election day and people across the nation are experiencing a myriad of different emotions. Many are looking toward the next few years with a sense of resolve and hope for change. As we each consider the future political landscape, it is critical to take time to nurture our souls. Be
On the day after the presidential election, Nov. 6, the Climate Action Assembly met to assess the implications of the election results and begin to plan ahead. The Rev. Brooks Berndt, UCC minister for Environmental Justice, acknowledged it was a “heavy moment” for those gathered. The Rev. Brooks Berndt leads the Climate Action Assembly. “Many
published on Nov 7, 2024 Each month we unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, the Washington D.C. Office reflects on the election results, finding space for grief, and our unchanging mission to work towards a just world for all. “But while our political landscape has undoubtably shifted, our mission and work remain unchanged. No matter who
The calendar said Halloween, but on October 31, the United Church of Christ wanted to help keep the “scaries” away when it comes to Election Day jitters — and offered a Nurture the Soul webinar called “Don’t Be Scared, Be Prepared! What to Expect in the 2024 Election.” Now that November 5 is here, many
As ministers and justice advocates, I think we can forget about our own bodies – especially – in tense moments such as making our way to a presidential election. In tense moments, I often need reminding that to be loving in just action, I must first be human. I’ve witnessed clergy and community members share
On Wednesdays, congregants of Sojourners United Church of Christ, gather along the road in front of their church building in Charlottesville, Virginia, holding signs with messages like “Vote hope, not fear” and “Register to vote here.” It’s a ministry they call Wednesday Witness. Since the church is located near the exit of a busy interstate
On Oct. 27, United Church of Christ General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, along with several UCC leaders, joined members of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) at the Elmslie Memorial Church in the center of George Town, Grand Cayman, for a Reformation Sunday worship service. After opening the service with Martin
Being in nature brings many people closer to God, and the United Church of Christ Outdoor Ministries offers outdoor experiences that can complement people’s weekly worship in buildings of churches. Thousands of guests of all ages and backgrounds visit these camps and deepen their faith through encounters with God in creation — from the shores
As a new pastor in a church in Amish country, I did not expect to be welcomed by all. I was female, single and, as we say in my home state of Maine, “from away.” When I walked down the street in my town or other nearby locations wearing my pastoral collar, men in black
