08
Sep
07
Sep
First observance of 988 Day for suicide prevention comes this Sunday, Sept. 8
The lifeline crisis phone number 988 for suicide prevention is being highlighted this coming Sunday, Sept. 8 (9/8/2024) in faith communities across the U.S., including the United Church of Christ. 988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and emphasizing the importance of mental health and
07
Sep
A Letter to My Sons About Climate Change
Dear Soren and Emerson, I am writing you this letter in 2024, but presumably you are reading it many years later, if for no other reason than neither of you can read right now since you’re 3 and 5 years old, respectively. I asked you to open this letter when you found yourselves angry or
06
Sep
UCC opens search for two Associate General Minister positions
Applications are now open for the Associate General Minister of Love of Church and the Associate General Minister of Love of Neighbor. A search committee has been formed for each position, and they are beginning the process of discernment to identify the people called to these roles, in accordance with the UCC Bylaws. Both positions
06
Sep
Toward a Better Understanding of China
Prejudice and hostility have been directed against many minority groups and those perceived as “other” throughout US history. During difficult times, politicians often stoke social division for political advantage. People of Asian heritage have been frequent targets of scapegoating, like with the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 or the internment of Japanese during World War
05
Sep
Countering Project 2025 With Love: A UCC Response
published on Sep 5, 2024 Project 2025 is a compilation of policy proposals and presidential transition project launched by the Heritage Foundation. The document outlines an extreme set of policies that, if implemented, would threaten basic freedoms, punish the most vulnerable, and dismantle not only the structure of our federal government but attack deeply held
05
Sep
JPANet SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER – United Church of Christ June 2024 JPANet Newsletter
published on Sep 5, 2024 Each month we unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, the National Staff of the United Church of Christ reflects on the Project 2025. This Project includes a policy guide for the next presidential administration and a playbook of actions to be taken within the first
04
Sep
What Welcome Means This Election Year
As the United Church of Christ, we pride ourselves in providing an extravagant welcome for all because we believe all people, regardless of background or immigration status, are made in the image of God. Many UCC congregations have become Immigrant Welcoming or Sanctuary Congregations over the last several years, volunteering to accompany undocumented people or
04
Sep
Ukraine: When Faith Remains – United Church of Christ
“What do you need most right now?” I asked a group of pastors and members of the congregation on Sunday afternoon in Beregszasz, Ukraine. “We need first the blessing of God,” the lead pastor replied. A second person responded with just one word: “People.” Members of our delegation stand with a few pastors and staff
03
Sep
Beyond back-to-school backpacks: Churches get creative in meeting students’ unmet needs
Watch the UCC News video story: “Churches get creative in meeting students’ unmet needs” A new school year is underway, and many students are arriving to class with backpacks that have been blessed and overflowing with supplies that have been generously donated. But two congregations have gone beyond school backpacks, finding creative ways to meet