UCC News

The United Church of Christ National Setting has received a $2,000 grant originating from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship for a study on inclusive and engaging worship as part of the ministry for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice. The…

The post Engaging and Inclusive Worship grant: Call for focus group participants appeared first on United Church of Christ.

With the Middle East conflict fueling antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric and violence in the United States, United Church of Christ national staff and pastors gathered for a webinar on “Navigating Interfaith Relations in the Midst of Global Conflict.”  “This is…

The post ‘Brave Conversations’: Webinar speakers navigate interfaith relations in time of deep polarization appeared first on United Church of Christ.

In Louisiana, an 85-mile area stretching from Baton Rouge to New Orleans has become known as “Cancer Alley.” 200 fossil fuel and petrochemical operations in the area release extreme pollution, creating one of the highest cancer risks from industrial air…

The post Earth Summit to feature visionary activists, create ‘launching pad’ for transformative action appeared first on United Church of Christ.

For the last two years, millions have saved $30 each month from their internet bills — an amount which has helped people gain home internet access while also being able to cover costs of raising children, pay for gas to…

The post Internet connectivity program set to expire this month, threatening to increase ‘digital divide’ appeared first on United Church of Christ.

During Holy Week, two interfaith partners of the United Church of Christ witnessed institutions of theirs in Gaza — one a medical facility, one an education center — devastated by attacks on Rafah and Gaza City by the Israeli military.…

The post Destruction of UCC partners’ clinic, university in Gaza during Holy Week testifies to horrors of ongoing crisis  appeared first on United Church of Christ.

Tune in to a special United Church of Christ webinar series featuring local leaders from small and rural churches doing faith-based organizing in their communities.  The five-part Nurture the Soul series, “Building Up a New World,” will begin April 18…

The post Fellows from five Conferences will discuss organizing in small and rural communities in upcoming webinar series  appeared first on United Church of Christ.

After seven aid workers with World Central Kitchen were killed in an April 1 airstrike in Gaza, the following statement was issued by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples…

The post Churches for Middle East Peace condemns killing of World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza appeared first on United Church of Christ.

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…

The post UCC-affiliated agencies create safe homes for LGBTQ+ elders appeared first on United Church of Christ.

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…

The post Photos: Churches greet Easter sunrise with worship appeared first on United Church of Christ.

From Texas to Maine, potentially millions of people will be traveling across the United States to witness the totality of the Monday, April 8 solar eclipse. Included in the eclipse’s “path of totality” is Cleveland, where the United Church of…

The post For solar eclipse, UCC pastor creates liturgy for churches to praise God in ‘this spectacular display of the universe’ appeared first on United Church of Christ.

This Easter and beyond, the United Church of Christ is inviting the wider church to participate in an interactive season of prayer. The People’s Prayers for Peace initiative is an open invitation to read — and write — prayers, which…

The post Come and pray: UCC launches People’s Prayers for Peace and invites submissions appeared first on United Church of Christ.

Beginning Oct. 7, more than 30,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis have died in escalating violence in the Middle East.  Since then, Global Ministries — the common witness that the United Church of Christ shares with the Christian Church (Disciples of…

The post UCC leaders and pastors will discuss interfaith relationships amid continued violence in Gaza appeared first on United Church of Christ.

On Holy Saturday this year, First Congregational Church in Concord, New Hampshire, will hold a concert celebrating African American spirituals and a racial justice journey they began in January. When the congregation committed to a season of intentional racial justice…

The post Palm Sunday pilgrimage, Holy Saturday fire: Churches mark Holy Week by making it personal appeared first on United Church of Christ.

The Rev. Susan Blain, who led the United Church of Christ’s national ministries in worship and liturgical arts for many years, died March 7, 2024, from cancer. She was 70. Blain retired as minister for worship and gospel arts from the UCC’s Faith…

The post The Rev. Susan Blain, 70 appeared first on United Church of Christ.

Every year, Trans Day of Visibility is recognized on March 31. In 2024, Easter falls on the same date. Reflecting on this overlap, the United Church of Christ’s Minister for Gender and Sexuality Justice Ministries, Rachael Ward, offers a commentary…

The post Commentary: Trans Day of Visibility falls on Easter this year, and LGBTQ+ people need ‘a resurrection moment’ appeared first on United Church of Christ.

Nex Benedict died on Feb. 8, the day after the nonbinary 16-year-old was reportedly beaten by classmates in the bathroom of their Oklahoma high school. Outrage followed reports of Benedict’s death. With calls for a full investigation from their family…

The post ‘LGBTQ+ youth deserve to become queer elders’: Faith leaders respond to death of Nex Benedict appeared first on United Church of Christ.

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…

The post Watch: In Easter message, GMP takes us on a ‘Journey Beyond the Grave’ appeared first on United Church of Christ.

The 86th annual gathering of the United Church of Christ Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) explored a theme of innovation and collaboration through meaningful worship, inspiring workshops and keynotes, and joyful conversations and connections.   This year’s gathering,…

The post At CHHSM’s annual gathering, human connections invite innovation and collaboration among UCC agencies appeared first on United Church of Christ.

A voice was heard in Ramah, wailing and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children;she refused to be consoled, because they are no more. Matthew 2:18 Dear Siblings in Christ, With the celebration of Jesus’ grand entrance into Jerusalem on…

The post A call for peace: Amid Holy Week, UCC Officers pen pastoral letter on Palestine appeared first on United Church of Christ.