Climate Scientist and Evangelical Christian to Keynote UCC Earth Summit
United Church of Christ
The Jim Antal Keynote for this year’s UCC Earth Summit will be delivered by Katharine Hayhoe, one of the world’s leading climate scientists. Through television appearances on PBS and Showtime as well as her widely viewed TED Talks, Hayhoe has reached a broad audience with a compelling perspective on science, climate, and faith. The summit will additionally feature a panel of grassroots leaders in the struggle against environmental racism in North Texas. This two and a half hour online summit will begin at 2 pm ET on April 26th. Register now!
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How to Plan for Emergencies in Your Church
UCC Insurance Board
The UCC Insurance Board invites you to join them for a webinar to equip your ministry for effective response and recovery for any emergency. It will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. CST. Enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence in planning efforts to safeguard your community. Click here to register online.
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Blanket Sunday
Church World Service
Thanks to Blanket Leaders like you, CWS can respond quickly when disaster strikes. Your support brings warmth, comfort and hope to families in need. While we're praying 2025 will be free of major storms, we know the importance of being prepared—just in case. Would you consider hosting a CWS Blankets Sunday this spring? Click here to learn more about how your congregation can get involved.
Whether your youth group takes the lead or you guide your congregation in offering support, your congregation's support can make a real difference for neighbors in crisis. Get started today! Order your free promotional materials here.
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General Synod Webinar Series
April 14 & 28, 2:30 PM CST
Every two years, General Synod brings together faithful members of the United Church of Christ for inspirational worship, fellowship with friends (old and new), and public witness including through engagement with the business of the church. In July 2025, we are excited to welcome thousands from across the country for General Synod 35 in Kansas City, Missouri – and Nurture the Soul is helping to get you there by introducing a 4-part series that goes deep into General Synod and why we hope to see you all there. Register online here.
April 14 - Accessibility, Safety, and Welcoming Spaces
April 28 - Braiding Worship and Beyond
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Womxn 2 Womxn Webinar Series
May 13 & June 10, 2:30 PM CST
The Into the Deep: Womxn 2 Womxn series aims to be an intentional space to embrace the wide spectrum of womanhood that exists throughout the denomination.
The series will feature guest speakers and presenters speaking about their shared experiences, as well as offering resources that attendees can use.
The series will culminate at General Synod 35 in July, in Kansas City, Missouri where an in-person networking event is being planned to continue fostering community.
Click here to learn more about the event and register online.
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Let's Talk Teams: Monthly Mastermind Group
Advocate Health Care / Aurora Health Care
Faith and non-profit communities rely on volunteers, committees, and teams to get the work done. The next Mastermind Group Meeting will be April 14, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. CST.
Our Mastermind group is a supportive community where we brainstorm, collaborate, share insights, provide feedback, and support each other's growth and success. Everyone who is a part of a team, leads a team, and/or organizes teams is invited to join these calls.
The group meets every 2nd Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. CST via Zoom and is open to residents of Illinois and Wisconsin. Anyone outside of this area will not receive a link to this event.
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ONA National Gathering
Open and Affirming Coalition
We are excited to announce that REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for the 2025 Open and Affirming National Gathering, happening July 9-10, 2025, at the Kansas City Downtown Marriott in Kansas City, MO—just before the United Church of Christ General Synod! Our theme, "Sacred, Seen, and Called: Living Our Truth, Embracing Our Light," is inspired by Philippians 2:15—a call to shine as beacons of justice, love, and affirmation.
At a time when LGBTQ+ communities face growing challenges, this gathering is more than a conference—it’s a movement. Together, we will:
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Affirm Our Faith – Worship in a space where all are fully embraced.
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Build Resilience – Engage in workshops and strategy sessions to counter discrimination and injustice.
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Celebrate and Inspire – Honor milestones in the ONA movement and shape the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church.
Every ONA church is encouraged to send at least one representative. If your church is still discerning its ONA commitment, this is a perfect opportunity to learn, grow, and take the next steps. Learn more and register online here!
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Rev. H Scott Matheney Farewell Service
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, June 5th, 4:00 pm
Hammerschmidt Chapel, Elmhurst University
“A Service of Closing with Thanksgiving”
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MissionInsite Deep Dive Webinar
April 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM CST
MissionInsite is SO much more than a report generator! You’ve had a few months to adjust to the new MissionInsite system, learn a little about the upcoming new user experience, and run some reports. We know that many users just want to get their demographic reports and call it a day. If that’s all you do with MissionInsite, you’re really missing out!
In this webinar, we will explore the robust features in the system, such as people plotting, theme maps, custom demographics, and Neighbor Center, all of which show you where to find important ministry opportunities and more deeply understand your community and your members. Please join the MissionInsite training, support, and consulting staff for this important learning opportunity. Register online here.
If your church is not currently a MissionInsite user, and you would like to be, email Sarah Lohrbach.
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2025 Stewardship Materials
United Church of Christ
“Dreaming God’s Dream” helps people understand the impact our congregations can make in our communities if we generously support them. Materials include eight complete worship services, hymn suggestions, sermon starters from eight different authors, and faith formation sessions for children, youth, and adults. Also provided are practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. Campaign guidance for every step of your stewardship efforts helps leaders make the best use of these robust materials.
| | Training & Educational Opportunities | |
Boundary Training - A Contemplative Approach
The Damascus Project
Thursday April 24, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. CST via Zoom and the Damascus Project Learning Network. This boundary awareness training for UCC authorized ministers and members in discernment takes a contemplative approach, grounded in the wisdom and practices of Christian ancestors who practiced daily prayer and reflection in their ministries. It is our belief that maintaining regular contemplative and prayerful practices grounds us in our lives and ministries, helps us identify our needs and aches, and helps us gain the self-awareness and spiritual health needed to maintain proactive, professional boundaries in our ministry setting. The training uses small and large group discussion to reflect on the UCC Minister’s Code and case studies which engage topics such as financial practices, use of social media, relational boundaries, and beginnings and leave-taking in ministry. The cost to attend is $85. Learn more and register online here.
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Boundary Training 2.0 - Through the Lens of Clergy Wellness
Southern New England Conference UCC
Good professional boundaries allow ministry and those who do it to thrive with health and wholeness. Through the lens of clergy wellness, authorized ministers will renew their understanding of and develop skills for maintaining boundaries in an ever-shifting ministry landscape. There is an upcoming training that will take place April 29th & 30th, 2025, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. CST - attendance at both sessions are required.
The deadline to register is April 22nd. Learn more and register online here.
The cost for the training for non-SNEUCC Clergy is $85. If you have questions regarding the training please contact Deb Holmes at holmesd@sneucc.org or 508-244-4399.
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Upcoming Course Offerings
Pathways Theological
Beginning May 7, PATHWAYS offers The Bible as Guide: Going Green, a 6-week course in the Environmental Justice program. Using The Green Bible: New Revised Standard Version, your faith community’s hymnal, online discussions, a daily journal, and more, this course will explore how creation is at the heart of the Bible. What are the ways humans, as part of the web of life, impact all of creation negatively or positively? How does the Bible guide us as stewards of creation? How does the Bible’s story of creation intersect with concerns about climate change?
Other courses beginning May 7:
- Introducing the Old Testament
- Making Sense of Theology
- UCC History and Polity
- Pluralism and Religion in North America
- Spiritual Care of Self and Others
Go to the PATHWAYS website to learn more and to apply for these and other courses.
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Retired Healthy Boundaries
Southeast Conference UCC
The Southeast Conference is hosting a Retired Healthy Boundaries training on Zoom on May 15, 2025 from 12:00 - 3:00 CST. This training is designed for those who have retired from active ministry or those who will be retiring in the next six months. Ministers from other Conferences are welcome to join. The cost to register is $25. You can register online here.
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Enkei Boundary and Racial Justice Trainings
Six hour trainings via Zoom over two days. Multiple date offerings in 2025. Learn more via the flyers and links below.
| | Outdoor Ministries Opportunities | | |
Our Whole Lives Training
Pilgrim Park Camp
June 6-8, Fee $434/person
Update: A $100.00 Savings! The fee is reduced from $534 to $434 /person!
A training for adults, 21 and older, who want to offer the Our Whole Lives (OWL) for Grades K-1 and/or Grades 4-7 at their church and in their communities. OWL is a comprehensive, lifespan, age-appropriate sexuality education curriculum developed by the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association which helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, health, and behavior in the context of their faith. It equips participants with accurate, developmentally appropriate information about anatomy, human development, relationships, and consent. Register online here.
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Climate Action Camp
We are excited to announce a new Intergenerational Summer Camp at Tower Hill Camp. Climate Action Camp will take place Monday, June 15, 1:00 p.m. - Friday June 20, 2:00 p.m. We will be learning and exploring how we can be advocates and activists for Climate Justice through age appropriate, hand-on learning sessions. We will learn about Vernal Pools and their part in a health eco-system. We’ll stay up late for a night sky session and learn about Mars and Mercury. We’ll find our way with Orienteering and work as a team on the Low Ropes Course. And of course, we’ll gather around campfires and play in water at Lake Michigan. Click here to watch the promotional video.
The cost for camp is $375/person which includes lodging in our A-frames and delicious meals in the Dining Hall. Scholarships are available. Contact Tower Hill at 269-426-3881 for more information. Register online here.
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2025 Camps and Retreats
Registration is open!
Explore an exciting array of camps and retreats offered at Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center and Pilgrim Park Camp & Conference Center, with options to suit every age and interest. Whether you're looking for spiritual growth, environmental action, creative crafting, or intergenerational bonding, there’s something special waiting for you!
Register online here to step out of the ordinary and into the sacred!
| | Conference/Local Church News & Events | |
Transforming Rights Through Justice Faith
Nehemiah Trinity Rising / Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ
Calling on all people of all faiths to work for the rights guaranteed to all by our creator. April 25th from 9-3 at the Service Employees International Union headquarters, located in Chicago at 22nd and Halsted. Nehemiah Trinity Rising will lead a collaborative to present their second annual Faith, Human Rights and Restorative Justice summit.
Working with the Illinois Conference of the Untied Church of Christ and other collaborative groups, participants will share wisdom and action steps to address Access to health care, the Rights of Children and more.
To register online click here. Space will be limited. Download the flyer here.
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Good Friday Service
First Congregational UCC, Elmhurst
Join First Congregational UCC of Elmhurst on April 18th at 12 PM for an early Good Friday worship service. In partnership with Bethel UCC and St. Peter’s UCC, three congregations join together as one for a powerful time of reflection and worship as we witness Jesus’s Passion together. We are honored to welcome back Rev. Dr. Ozzie E. Smith, Jr., who will lead us with an inspiring message on the Power of the Cross. Following the service, all are invited to stay for a luncheon and fellowship. Spread the word—let’s grow together in faith! All are welcome!
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"No Other Land" Community Screening and Panel discussion
Peace Memorial Park, Palos Park, IL
Peace Memorial Church, UCC, in Palos Park, IL. has arranged with the distributors of this year's Academy award-winning documentary, "No Other Land," to host a community screening. The screening is Sunday, May 4 at 2:00 p.m., after which there will be a panel discussion led by Pastor Kirk Moore and featuring local Middle East experts Don Wagner, Tarek Khalil, and Jules Wernick. The suggested donation for the screening is $10 per person and there will be refreshments provided.
"No Other Land" is a 2024 documentary film directed by Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor in their directorial debut. The film was made by a Palestinian-Israeli collective of four activists in what they describe as an act of resistance on the path to justice. Download the flyer here.
| | Does your church have news to share or an upcoming event you would like to advertise? Email us the information and any accompanying graphics/flyers. | | |
Ordinations, Installations, and Ecclesiastical Councils
Apr. 26: Service of Ordination & Installation for Rochelle Michael. 11:00 a.m. at Trinity UCC in Chicago. Chicago Metropolitan Association.
May 18: Service of Installation for Rev. Tyler Yost. 4:00 p.m. at Church of Peace in Rock Island. Western Association.
May 25: Ecclesiastical Council for Becky Emmerson. 4:00 p.m. at Salem UCC in Quincy and virtual. Western Association.
June 1: Service of Installation for Pastor Dan Waterman. 3:00 p.m. at St. John UCC in Beecher. Eastern Association.
June 8: Service of Installation for Pastor Eric Morgan. 3:00 p.m. at First Congregational UCC in Dwight. Eastern Association.
Meetings and Events
Apr. 12: Personnel Committee Meeting. 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Apr. 12: WA Council Meeting. 4:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Apr. 15: FAB Committee Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Apr. 15: WA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Apr. 15: CMA Council Meeting. 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Apr. 16: EA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Apr. 17: EA Council Meeting. 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Apr. 28: FVA Council Meeting. 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
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Employment Opportunities
Christ Church UCC in Des Plaines seeks PT Music Director - Apply by May 20th
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Please let us know if you have a job opening you would like to share,
and also update us once the position is filled. Contact Sarah Lohrbach.
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Contact Us
Mon-Fri 8:30 - 4:30
708-344-4470
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This NEWSLETTER is published by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154. The Rev. Dr. Terrill Murff, Interim Conference Minister; the Rev. Sarah Lohrbach, Editor. Copy may be sent to: sarahlohrbach@ilucc.org.
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