What if Jesus’s main goal had been to raise awareness? Imagine Jesus as a non-stop marketing-machine with a single-minded focus on telling people to love their neighbor. In some respects, it’s an alluring idea. If everyone in the world had “love thy neighbor” firmly imprinted and ingrained in their consciousness, wouldn’t the world be a
On Saturday, Aug. 26, a white man shot and killed three Black people in Jacksonville, Fla., in a racist attack. The Officers of the United Church of Christ grieve for the loved ones and communities of those who lost their lives, and they call once again for responsible gun legislation and an end to the
Does the person who answers the phone at your Local Church know what to do if the caller is a reporter from the local news network? What if your office administrator or pastor receives an email from a reporter asking for information on a recent crisis in your church? Perhaps your church and pastor have recently parted
The United Church of Christ’s 34th General Synod, held June 30-July 4 in Indianapolis, included historic moments, joyous reunions, communal prayer and faithful witness. Many of these have been captured in a newly released highlights video, showcasing the impact and significance of this year’s gathering. Watch the 17-minute condensed version below. For even more Synod
Applications for the United Church of Christ’s 2024 Justice and Local Church Ministries grants, which support the work and mission of local churches, are now open. The deadline for congregations to apply is Sept. 15. “From immediate financial aid to churches in crisis to seed funding for justice advocacy and innovative programs, the opportunities are
With the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson beginning her new role as General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, a vacancy has been left in her previous one. Thompson has been serving as Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive of Global Ministries since 2019. Beginning Aug. 1, she now will
“Multiplicity is a theme in my life.” That’s how the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, newly elected General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, spoke about her spiritual journey and call to ministry. But it also highlights some of her vision for the future of the Church. In the July 27 episode of
The Rev. John Dorhauer received a surprise on his last day in the United Church of Christ Cleveland offices last month — from the national staff. Dorhauer, who has served as UCC General Minister and President for the past eight years, will finish his term at the end of July. He didn’t return to Cleveland
The Rev. Courtney Stange-Tregear, on behalf of the Antoinette Brown Society leadership team, reflects on the phenomenon of women in “precarious leadership positions” and what those dynamics might mean for the United Church of Christ as it prepares to be led by the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson. While there is much to be celebrated about
“I’m leaving my shame here and taking away healing.” These were the words of a participant in a recent ecumenical and interfaith Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith Training. After decades of this holy work at the intersection of faith and sexuality, I have seen this dozens of times. Once people realize they are in
