In 1215, at Runnymede in England, King John signed the Magna Carta. The mythos surrounding this document as a foundational text of Western democracy, which ensured that even kings were subject to the rule of law, inspired the those who drafted the founding documents of the United States. I confess I was taught this mythos
Hiking trails perfumed with pine needles. Lakes shimmering like diamonds. Mountaintop sunrises that awaken the soul, and valley sunsets that tug at the heart. It’s summertime in Vermont’s Green Mountains and, borrowing from George Gershwin’s opening aria in the 1935 production of “Porgy and Bess,” the “livin’ is easy.” Or is it? First Congregational Church
“People know that things aren’t right in this world right now,” said the Reverend Seth Wispelway, minister for Economic Justice with the United Church of Christ. “I wanted to create a resource for those who want to go a little deeper into why systems are not interested in people thriving. You aren’t losing it—capitalism and
There’s a meme that spreads throughout social media in times of collective contention reminding people “in a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Kindness can make a difference in the world, with recent studies showing that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound positive impact on mental health. It can
At First Congregational Church, UCC, in Colorado Springs, CO, our Climate Justice Leadership Team worked with individuals to help them identify their deep sense of purpose to help them align with like-minded groups and causes, both inside the church and beyond, so they can make meaningful contributions toward combating climate change. Reaching into the scientific
The following is a report from the Reverend Randy J. Mayer, lead pastor at the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita, Arizona. Rev. Mayer is also the co-founder of the Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritans Humanitarian Group, and a member of the board of the American Waldensian Society. Rev. Randy Mayer visits with the children
War is hell. Since arriving in the West Bank of Palestine midday on Sunday, we’ve sat with multiple friends and partners, as well as our Global Ministries mission co-workers who are serving here. Every conversation inevitably turns to the war in Gaza. Every encounter makes abundantly clear just how devastating it is, and not only
When is the ringing of a church bell more than just a call to Sunday worship? When it rings on a Monday, or a Tuesday — or any other day besides the Sabbath — calling people with each clang to remember, to learn, and to love as Jesus loved. In the Connecticut town of Enfield,
The United Church of Christ’s Washington, D.C. Office of Public Policy and Advocacy recently welcomed three members to its team. Hannah Santos began as communications and campaigns specialist in early June. She will provide strategic and technical support for the overall communication functions of the D.C. office. Santos recently served as the religious freedom program
