Churches across the United Church of Christ rose before the sun on Easter morning and gathered at gardens, beaches, and a variety of outdoor settings to join the longtime tradition of holding Easter sunrise services. Some bundled up and built fires, while others sang in warm church courtyards to greet the morning light coming into
Imagine spending your life with a partner, and when the time came for seeking a place to live during retirement years, the homes and assisted living neighborhoods you found made living with that partner uneasy at best. Fears of safety and belonging follow those in the LGBTQ+ community in many places, but home shouldn’t be
In 2011, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ passed a “Resolution for Mindful and Faithful Eating” that encouraged the discussion of our food choices in accord with our faith, particularly in regard to “implications for the environment, human well-being, and animal welfare.” In the spirit of that resolution, I offer this reflection
“Why do you do this work?” The question came from the pastor of the youth group visiting the United Nations. The group had unknowingly arrived on the opening day of the Commission on the Status of Women—arguably one of the busiest days of the year at the United Nations in New York City. After navigating
published on Apr 3, 2024 Each month we unpack the complex justice issues that we’re working on. This month, Global Ministries and UCC DC Office staff offer perspectives on the many ongoing crises around the globe. A Cry for Peace In recent months, we have seen international news coverage focus on what is happening in Gaza and
At Mayflower United Church of Christ in Minneapolis, we went through an intentional process of revising our liturgical language for baptism to reflect our commitment to care for creation as an expression of our caring for the child being baptized and future generations. In reflecting upon the act of baptism, Team Lead Minister Rev Sarah
An Easter video reflection from the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, takes the church on a journey beyond the grave with memories of where we were just four short years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the recording, Thompson reminds us that we were left alone
i find myself nervous to write for this publication—like every time i step up to preach, i don’t take this invitation lightly. Over the past several years, we’ve witnessed narratives being weaponized and we focus so much on the “unlearning” of something (as if learning isn’t a continuum) that we leave little room for transformation.
More and more people from more and more countries are risking the perilous journey across the U.S-Mexico desert to find safe haven and sanctuary for themselves and their families. And yet, already limited government funding for a humanitarian response to these asylum seekers is under threat while militarization of the U.S. border increases. That’s what
