On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially declared Covid-19 a global pandemic. Within days, offices, schools and churches stopped meeting in-person and began scrambling to adapt to a new way of life — masking, social distancing, and meeting online. The United Church of Christ joined other denominations in embarking on a five-year pandemic
Womxn’s History Month is designated in March, and the United Church of Christ is celebrating. The celebration began with a webinar on March 4 entitled, “Womxn Are Here: Inspiring Generations Onward.” This featured intergenerational voices from across the UCC. Stories were shared, bringing hope and calling for justice for all. “We kicked off Womxn’s History
This past Ash Wednesday, March 5, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, appeared at press conferences, vigils, and rallies in Washington D.C. On a Holy Day grounded in reflection, lamentation, and repentance, these events centered around calling on our federal government to act with boldness in
United Church of Christ congregations, Associations and Conferences all need websites to boost engagement with those who are involved, or interested in being involved with UCC churches, and many do not have one. It’s an important way to keep membership engaged in this digital age. Getting online and having a presence on the Internet can
Marie Higgins had a problem — a good one. On the fifth Sunday of a month, her church — Hope Community United Church of Christ in Aurora, Illinois— gathers not for traditional worship, but for “work-ship.” This gathering has become known as “Jesus Has Left the Building and We’re Following Him” Sunday. “It’s a time
In the 45 days since Inauguration Day, we have witnessed overwhelming changes in our federal politics. Since taking office, President Trump has released dozens of executive orders that step well beyond his legal authority as president. These orders violate the free speech of NGOs, the civil rights of vulnerable communities, longstanding privacy laws, and laws
This week, faith leaders across the country carried church to the people with the practice of offering “ashes to go” in their communities. As the Lenten season began with Ash Wednesday on March 5, pastoral staff of Covenant United Church of Christ extended love, prayer, and ashes through car windows as people drove through their
“Fear is such a powerful emotion for humans that when we allow it to take us over, it drives compassion right out of our hearts.” – Thomas Aquinas, 13th century Italian theologian, philosopher Lately, I have been saddened by the daily representations of newly elected leadership whose brand or reputation is fear-based. I struggle to
The Lenten season begins this week with Ash Wednesday. Lent is a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving (giving money or food to the poor) focused on repentance and renewal. This definition with its concept of almsgiving is ancient, with the word feeling obsolete. The definition of almsgiving invites reflection as we ponder the poor
