April 17, 2026

UCC Yearbook - LAST DAY TO REPORT

United Church of Christ

Due by end of day Friday, April 17, 2026

If you have already completed your annual reporting for the UCC Yearbook and Directory – we can’t thank you enough! As of Thursday, April 16th, 75 of our churches have still not reported. Today is the final day for churches to report. If you missed the email last Friday about the deadline extension and system glitch, you can read that email here.. 

If your church doesn’t have the ability to report electronically, or if you will not be able to complete the reporting before the deadline, there is a worksheet starting on page 15 of the instructions. Fill it out and send it to Naomi at the Conference office. Naomi has an extra TEN (10) days to input data after the deadline, but don't wait too long to send that form in the mail.

In case you were unaware:

1. Your church's 501(c)3 status is dependent on a current updated listing in the UCC Yearbook. 
2. When your church is searching for a Pastor you will need current and updated data, which comes from the UCC Yearbook. If no reports have been submitted for your church for five (5) years, all data reverts to zeros.  

Links below are documents from the National UCC office to help you get started.

• Church Yearbook Instructions: DOC  | PDF
• 12 Important Reasons to Report Annual Church Data
• Yearbook Report Quick Reference

Your participation is the ONLY way our records are kept up-to-date. If you need help, please contact Naomi in the Conference Office (708-344-4470 or admin@ilucc.org). 

Cybersecurity Awareness & CISA's No-Cost Resources for your Ministry

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

1 pm CDT via Zoom

This free live webinar highlights essential cybersecurity awareness practices and introduces no-cost, federally funded resources from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Learn how to access free tools, assessments, training and guidance to help reduce risk, improve resilience, and stay protected against today's evolving cyber threats.

This ZOOM has a limited number of live participants, and the recording will be posted on our webpage.

Register here.

Benefits of Tax-Smart Giving

United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance (UCBMA)

Even after Tax Day , it’s important to understand the benefits of tax-smart giving—especially for people of faith who are called to practice generosity in every area of life and be wiser stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us.

Through FreeWill, you can create or update your will at no cost and choose to leave a planned gift to the causes, churches, and ministries you care about while also making use of available tax benefits.

By donating your non-cash assets, you may find that your impact goes beyond what you thought possible. Consider these strategic options:

• Stock or Cryptocurrency Contributions: Avoid the capital gains tax while providing direct aid to your community.
• IRA Gifts (for those 70.5 or older): Give while reducing your taxable income and fulfilling your Required Minimum Distribution.
• Donor-Advised Fund Grants: Support the causes you care about with funds you have already set aside.
• Every dollar saved on taxes is a dollar that can support the values you want to continue beyond your lifetime.

If you have any questions about accessing FreeWill and starting your will today, you can reach out to Rev. Dr. Paul Leon Ramsey, Director, Church Relations & Philanthropy at 212- 729-2738 or pramsey@pbucc.org. If you have any questions about the benefits of faith-based tax giving, please reach out to chris@freewill.com. 

Help Kankakee's Recovery!

Deliver any/all donations to: Redeeming Life Ministries, 2400 Waldron Road, Kankakee, IL.

Please do not just show up unannounced. Before you go, call 815-573-3458 and confirm that the donations warehouse will be open and accepting goods.

A Joint Letter Sent to Congress to Oppose Funding a War with Iran

Photo by U.S. Navy via Getty Images

A broad coalition of Christian and ecumenical faith organizations, including the National Council of Churches, sent a letter calling on Congress to oppose any supplemental appropriations that would fund a war with Iran.

In a joint letter signed by communions, ministries, and organizations representing multiple traditions, faith leaders warn that approving billions in additional military funding would prolong an unauthorized and dangerous conflict while placing civilians and U.S. service members at greater risk. Other denominational signers include the Alliance of Baptists, the Church of the Brethren, Community of Christ, Christian Church (Disciples), United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (USA).



Grounded in a commitment to peace, human dignity, and constitutional accountability, the signatories urge Congress to reject further war funding and instead pursue urgent diplomacy and humanitarian assistance.

Other supporters can help by calling their members of Congress and telling them: to vote NO on funding for the Iran war and pass the Iran War Powers Resolution to prevent an unauthorized war.

People of faith across this country are speaking with one voice. Now Congress must choose peace.

Read the letter here.

Watch the UCC Earth Summit on April 25th

"A Future with Hope" (Jeremiah 29:11)

April 25, 2026 12 to 2:30 pm CDT

An inspiring keynote speaker, leading practitioners in advancing just and affordable energy, amazing artwork from children and youth… These are just some of highlights of the UCC’s fourth annual UCC Earth Summit.

Our theme is "A Future with Hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). To ground and inspire us as people of faith, the Jim Antal Keynote Annual will be delivered by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Samuel, a renowned advocate and organizer for justice from the Atlanta, Georgia area.

This two-and half-hour summit will feature a panel discussion entitled “Power to the People: Energy Justice for an Equitable Future.” Panelists will include Dr. Shalanda Baker, who headed the Office of Energy Justice and Equity at the Department of Energy under the Biden Administration.

Celebrations at the summit will include the announcement of the winners for both the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award and the Climate Hope Art Contest for children and youth. Moreover, we will recognize our newest Creation Justice Churches and our first Climate Hope Affiliates.

Register now to join us at 12 pm CDT.

UCCMPS Delegation to Palestine August 2026



The United Church of Christ Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCCMPS) is organizing a UCC Delegation to the Palestine in August 2026, and we hope that you’ll consider joining us.

We understand that the situation in the Middle East is unstable and dangerous at present; if we cannot travel in August, we hope to organize a delegation to travel in 2027. Either way, your interest is important to us, and particularly so to our Palestinian partners in the region. Again and again, they have cried out, called out for solidarity and hope. It’s our intention to respond in love and action.

Our intention is to travel with at least 15, and as many as 30 leaders, and to meet Palestinian Christians face to face, hear their first-hand testimonies and wrestle with the implications of their call for solidarity, resistance and friendship in a moment of excruciating violence and immense need.

Working with our partners at Sabeel (the Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre in Jerusalem), we are designing an experience that will deepen relationships, expand our capacity for “costly” solidarity, and inspire us individually for the work ahead.

In their 2025 statement, “A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide,” Palestinian Christians have renewed their urgent call for solidarity and action in the wider Christian community:

We live now in a time of genocide, ethnic cleansing and forced displacement unfolding before the eyes of the world. This moment demands from us a new stand, one unlike any before it. It is both a decisive moment and a moment of truth. Today, we renew our stand for truth and our commitment to fundamental religious, theological and moral principles. We look at our reality and take a renewed stand, responding to the voice of the Holy Spirit deep within us, listening to the call of faith in this time of genocide. We renew our message of faith, hope, and love — offering a faith-inspired vision for the time after genocide (The Kairos Palestine Initiative, 2025).

As we recruit for this 2026 (or 2027) delegation, we’re especially mindful of the connections between Palestinian efforts to dismantle Zionism and racism in their context and our efforts to dismantle white supremacy and Christian nationalism in the U.S. We believe this delegation is timely and critical for both communities, as we move forward united and courageous and inspired by the faith we share. Indeed, “this moment demands from us a new stand, one unlike any before it.” What will this mean for us? What will mean for the United Church? How will we take that “new stand” together?

Please use the QR code here to indicate your interest in this delegation moving forward. If you respond, you’ll be invited to a special Zoom session in May, during which our Palestinian partners will answer questions about the delegation, its timing, safety issues and more. Again, whether we’re able to travel in August, or whether the delegation moves ahead in 2027, we’re eager to find a lively and committed UCC contingent and to build on the powerful connections UCCMPS has made with these remarkable Palestinian partners.

Questions? Contact the Rev. Dave Grishaw-Jones, Delegation Planning Team, UCCMPS at davidgj@ccdurham.org. See more about UCCMPS.

Church World Service (CWS) Period Packs: Plan Your Packing Event for International Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, 2026

CWS Period Packs are shared with people facing difficult times in the U.S. and around the world—through trusted partners, community organizations and emergency response efforts.

If you’re wondering how to begin, you can order a CWS Kits Party Pack to simplify the process. When you order a Party Pack, we send the supplies, instructions, boxes and return shipping labels — you gather your group and assemble. 

Perfect for youth groups, mission committees and service days.

 Get started here.

Nollau Leadership Institute Class of 2026-27 Enrollment

The Council for Health & Human Service Ministries (CHHSM)

1st Retreat: May 18-22, 2026 

2nd Retreat: October 5–9, 2026

CHHSM Annual Gathering: March 15-19, 2027

The Nollau Leadership Institute is CHHSM's signature program. Enrollment is open: short online application. A limited number of tuition scholarships are available to help offset the cost of the program.

Grounded in the health and human service organizations of the United Church of Christ, this program offers a unique space in which to experience leadership formation. Through retreats, online interactions, and peer mentoring, this program supports leadership formation through a variety of learning modalities and within a community of practice.

Learn more about the curriculum here.

The program consists of two in-person retreats at Bellwether Farm, online interactions in between the retreats, and an additional day of programming at the 2027 CHHSM Annual Gathering, which includes the commissioning of the class as Diakonal Ministers. 

2026-27 Schedule:

1st Retreat: May 18-22, 2026 

2nd Retreat: October 5–9, 2026

CHHSM Annual Gathering: March 15-19, 2027

Location Information:

Retreat Center: Bellwether Farm, 4655 SR-60, Wakeman, OH 44889

2026 PAAM Convocation registration is now open!

Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries of the UCC 2026 Convocation

Theme: Josiah Generation: Going Deeper in Faith

Irvine United Congregational Church, California

June 24-27, 2026

This gathering will be a time for spiritual nurture, inspiring worship, workshops, breaking bread together, fellowship and deepening our cross-cultural and inter-generational ministries. Hope to receive your registration information soon!

Click items below for details:

• PAAM official website
• Registration form
• 2026 PAAM FAQs
• 2026 PAAM Lodging Information



Follow our PAAM Facebook page for the updates, and contact your regional representative for details: Rev. Charing Wei-Jen Chen (陳煒仁 / 查令) (he/him), PAAM Annual Convocation Midwest Region PAAM Representative or Mitchi Reyes, Chair of Planning Committee.

'United in Spirit,

Diverse in Sound'

UCCMA Biennial National Conference

July 8–11, 2026

First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio

Conference 2026: United in Spirit, Diverse in Sound will offer workshops, worship services, concerts, optional activities and networking to church musicians and worship leaders.

The First Community Church of Columbus, Ohio, which is affiliated with both the Disciples of Christ (DOC) and the United Church of Christ (UCC), will host the conference. Attendees will have access to a wide range of activities designed to refine musical skills and provide valuable resources and ideas for expressing God's Spirit creatively, especially during challenging times. This in-person event is open to all.

Scholarship Opportunity!

The John Stansell Fund is available to UCCMA and UCC members who wish to attend our national conference for the first time but may be limited by financial constraints. For more information or to apply for scholarships, contact Eric Dundore, UCCMA President.

Register here.

Facing Local Church Challenges Today

Association of Interim Ministers (AIM) 

Retreat / Conference

SAVE THIS DATE: September 30 - October 1, 2026

Pilgrim Park Camp and Conference Center

26449 1340 N. Ave, Princeton, IL 61356-8790

Save this date! The 2026 AIM Retreat will focus on bringing the skills of trained intentional Interim Ministers to smaller churches in transition. 

Rev. Eric Quinney–Burnardur, our presenter, has experience inspiring local church leaders to lead their congregations in growth. This allows a single Interim Minister to consult with multiple congregations that would otherwise not be able to afford this informed guidance. Attendees will leave with an in-depth understanding of what challenges our local churches face today, the problems they pose, and practical pastoral responses to them.

This event is intended to enrich the lives of all clergy, as well as lay leaders and anyone involved with church ministry.

Rev. Eric Quinney–Burnard has been ordained for over 40 years. In that time, he served in a variety of capacities, from small to large congregations in urban, suburban, and rural communities. He served in single and multiple-staffed congregations. He has served in single–parish, dual–parish and tri-parish. For much of his 40 years, he has been engaged in Transitional Ministry of some form.

Contact Rev. Tom Cici or Rev. Doug Zimmerman.

Cottage Rentals for June

at Tower Hill Camp

2173 Tower Hill Rd, Sawyer, MI 49125

Anderson Cottage & Bungalow: Each features an open kitchen, dining and living room, plus a full bath, two bedrooms and a sleeping porch that sleeps up to six people.

The Cottages: Each of our three cottages have two bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, lovely screened porch and can sleep up to six people.

To reserve, call 269-426-3881 or email office@towerhillcamp.org.

Download the flyer here and PowerPoint here.

Camp Sunday 2026

“Explore the Outdoors. Engage Your Faith”

The Illinois Conference Outdoor Ministries Committee is encouraging churches in the Illinois Conference to host a “Camp Sunday” sometime in April. You pick the Sunday – we provide the resources and ideas!

Camp isn't just for kids. Camp is for everyone! Our camp sites can also be used for family reunions, church retreats, praycations, and much more! If you've never experienced the joy of being at camp, there's no time like the present! 

Resources for Camp Sunday can be found on the Conference website and include:

A Sample Bulletin and Sermon

Ready to Print Bulletin Inserts

An Informational Document with Ideas

A list of people willing to come to your church and speak

Ready to Use Graphics and Promotional Video

Both Tower Hill and Pilgrim Park are becoming their own separate 501(c)3 organizations and will no longer be owned by the Conference. However, the Conference’s support of Outdoor Ministries and our two beautiful camp sites continues on! 

UCC Sports Camp ‘26 at Pilgrim Park (Princeton), Illinois

Kids who've finished grades 6, 7, 8, 9.

June 21-27, 2026

The UCC Sports Camp is wholesome, builds confidence and fosters leadership skills. No matter the level of your kids' athletic abilities they will enjoy team oriented sports and other creative activities that promote sportsmanship and relationships over winning.

Camp at a reduced cost of $325, with limited spots are available. If you have any questions please email Andrew Larsen and/or Matt Rodgers.

Register here.

2026 Season Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center

• HUG Camp July 5-10, completed 4th-11th grades, $550 Directors: Carol Currier-Frighetto and Donna Boyko. HUG Camp is a place where God Helps Us Grow memories and friendships that lasts FOREVER! Double the fun by bringing a friend!
• HUG Tenderfoot July 8-10, completed K-3rd grade, $330 Director: Tom March. HUG Tenderfoot gives younger campers the opportunity to experience camp in an abbreviated timeframe suited for their age group! Meet new friends and interact in a very welcoming environment!
• Godstock Camp July 19-24, completed 3rd-9th grade, $550 Directors: Jamie Kirscher and Theresa Graben. Godstock is a week-long camp where youth can make life-long friendships while connecting with nature and their faith. Activities including campfires, sports, games, beach time, archery, worship, and more.
• Godstock Tenderfoot, July 22-24, completed K-3rd grade, $330 Directors: Cindy and Allen White. Campers will engage in activities both with and separate from the larger Godstock campers. Activities: crafts, games, beach time, worship and more.
• Brush Harbor Retreat for Clergy of Color, October 1-3, $250/person Retreat Leader: Eyvette Jones-Johnson. As Clergy, you constantly pour into others; our job is to pour into you. Come to connect deeply with your peers surrounded by the healing power of nature. Learn, write, release, and laugh out loud! Give yourself the gift of renewal and remembrance.  Participant registration

Special Discount to Next Ten Adults who

Register for

Creation Care Camp

August 3-6, 2026

$300/person

Tower Hill Director: Rev. David Russell

Take advantage of this special discount to the next ten adults who register for Creation Care Camp.  For each adult registration, you can add one child/youth participant at no cost. Register here with discount code: CreationCareKid.

Parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, caregivers and the children in their lives are invited to come together to play in Creation while learning how to serve as the Land Defenders & Water Protectors God's Creation needs at this time.

We will explore Creation Care through the lens of water, especially Lake Michigan & its watershed. But we will also play & swim at the beach, enjoy bonfires, star gaze & savor S'mores! 2026 Creation Care Camp Teaser Trailer; 2026 Creation Care Camp Flyer



Questions? Contact creationcareilucc@fccge.org

54th Annual Youth Choir Concert Tour Coming to Pilgrim Congregational Church

460 Lake Street, Oak Park

April 17, 2026, at 7:30 pm

The Alleluia Sound High School Choir and the Good Vibrations Handbell Choir of First Congregational Church, UCC, of Crystal Lake will be presenting a free concert at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 460 Lake Street, Oak Park, on April 17 at 7:30 pm CT. Come and hear these young people perform. All are welcome!

Hope UCC of Aurora

Invites You to a Sing-in!

April 25, 2026, from 7 - 9 pm

Located at Bethany of Fox Valley UMC,

2200 Ridge Ave., Aurora, IL

Our vision for the evening:

• Empowering through songs that refuse to give up.
• Anthems of courage, justice, and resilience remind us that hope is not a single song.
• It is an infinite playlist.
• Add your voice, your song, your presence.
• Have a song you want to share in this intimate/welcoming setting? 
• Bring it and sing it!
• just come and be inspired!

First Congregational Church of Lockport, Hosts the Play, Revolutionists

April 25, 2026, at 3 pm

Violet Surprise Theatre

700 E. 9th St., Lockport, IL 60441

All are welcome to this Free Community Event!

The Revolutionists will not be televised. It will be dramatized by Violet Surprise Theatre, whose mission is to vibrantly and valiantly validate the voices of women, with an emphasis on queer women, trans-women, and non-binary folx.

The Revolutionists is a hysterical and historical (aka herstorical) play that invites audiences to experience the French Revolution from a female perspective. So don't pardon our French. Pardon our Frenchwomen and their très merciless treatment during the Reign of Terror.

Igor Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms and

Rosephanye Powell's The Cry of Jeremiah

April 26, 2026 at 4 pm,

Pilgrim Congregational Church

460 Lake St., Oak Park, IL

Join Pilgrim Congregational Church and Friends, as they present Igor Stravinsky's "Symphony of Psalms" and Rosephanye Powell's "Cry of Jeremiah."  Lament and praise are among the most ancient and honest ways human beings have spoken to God; it is raw, unfiltered, neither tidy nor polite.

 Dr. Wilbert O. Watkins will conduct the Pilgrim Chancel Choir and Friends, accompanied by a chamber orchestra. All are welcome A freewill offering will be taken. The performance is approximately an hour long, and a reception will follow.

On-site parking is free and there is convenient public transportation via the Green Line "Ridgeland" stop. Our building is fully accessible.

Four "Shopia" Concerts in May

Lux Cantorum Chicago, conducted by Wilbert O. Watkins, will present four concerts in May titled "Sophia", where they will share sacred pieces by women composers and lyricists, with many showcasing expressions of the feminine divine and wisdom literature. It promises to be a captivating program that will challenge your perception of Sophia, Holy Wisdom.

Opportunities to experience Sophia:

May 1 - Fourth Presbyterian Church,

126 E. Chestnut St, Chicago, 7:30 pm

May 3 - St. Paul & the Redeemer Episcopal Church, 4935 S. Dorchester Ave, Chicago, 4 pm

May 9 - Pilgrim Congregational Church,

460 Lake St, Oak Park, 7:30 pm

May 15-22, online broadcast

Purchase tickets here.

Explore History and Architecture Across Chicago's Religious Landscape

Chicago Theological Seminary

Hyde Park

1407 E. 60th Street, Chicago

April 26, 2026, from 1-5:30 pm

Join us for the 5th annual Chicago Interfaith Trolley Tour, an afternoon exploring architecture, history, and sacred spaces across Chicago’s religious landscape — all from the seat of a trolley!

Begin at Chicago Theological Seminary in Hyde Park, where participants will gather to explore the Morgan Model Collection, a unique collection of architectural models of historic sacred spaces.

Then on to several of Chicago’s living sacred spaces, including

• KAM Isaiah Israel,
• St. Benedict the African, and
• Al-Sadiq Mosque.

End up back at CTS with a Faith, Flavor & Friendship Reception from 5:00–5:30 pm, offering time for conversation and connection.

Registration is required.

Cost: $15 Children under 12 free.

If cost is a financial hardship, please email kim.schultz@ctschicago.edu. 

Download the flyer here.

Register today.

Music With a Mission Concert

First Congregational Church of Naperville

25 E. Benton Avenue, Naperville, IL

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 4:30 pm

You’re invited to attend a free Music With a Mission concert. 

Pianist Timothy Mah and cellist Philip Lee, highly accomplished musicians and faculty at the prestigious Music Institute of Chicago, will perform in First Congregational Church’s historic sanctuary. The concert offers music fans the opportunity to witness their talent and synergy as they perform sonatas by Zoltan Kodaly, Dmitry Shostakovich, and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Music With a Mission offers free performances to make the musical arts more accessible to more people. A goodwill offering will benefit the Loving Luca Foundation, a local organization that promotes equality and inclusion for children with genetic disorders and other unique needs.

Christ Church UCC Wants to Rehome these Items

1492 Henry Avenue • Des Plaines, IL, 847-297-4230, info@christchurchuccdesplaines.org

If your church needs them, you can arrange to pick them up at our church.

Rev. Gilbert Martinez said there will be more to come after more cleanup days!

Damascus Project to Offer Three Anti-bias Courses this Spring

Deadline to register is April 20, 2026

The Damascus Project is a joint venture of the Minnesota and Wisconsin UCC Conferences. A former ILUCC Staff member is their Executive Director, and we support what they do. 

Exploring Implicit Bias introduces participants to the ways in which implicit bias is present in our lives. The course will meet from 6:30-8:30 pm CDT on Mondays, April 27, May 11, and May 18, 2026.

Learn more and register.

Authorized ministers who have already taken “Exploring Implicit Bias” and are due to renew their anti-bias standing requirement have two options this spring, both offered by the Damascus Project. 

Continuing the Journey: A Faithful Approach to Addressing Racism and Bias will use the lens of faith to help students move from a focus on individual bias to include an analysis of institutional prejudice. The course will meet from 10 am to noon CDT on Mondays, April 27, May 11, and May 18, 2026.

Learn more and register. 

The Committee on Ministry has also approved We Are Still Here: Native Americans in the UCC for those seeking to maintain their standing. The course will be offered from 10:30 am to noon CST on Tuesdays, April 28, May 5, and May 12, 2026.

Learn more and register.

Practical Resources for Churches (PRC)

April & May Webinars

PRC is one of the leaders in faith-based webinars and professional development. We started this part of our ministry back in 2011, bringing in top-name presenters in big topics of ministry.

We have new webinars each month featuring highly engaging and knowledgeable presenters, all provided to you because of the generosity of our subscribers.

When Your Church Experiences Deep Hurt: Practical Steps Toward Healing; April 21; 2 pm

When Bylaws Become Barriers; April 23; 2 pm

Effective Budget Planning; May 5; 2 pm

Being the Helper: Trauma Informed Care for Young Children; May 12; 2 pm

Leadership Transitions; Succession Planning for Church Leaders; May 14; 2 pm

Financial Transparency That Builds Trust (Not Anxiety); May 26; 2 pm

Racial Justice Workshops

The purpose of these workshops is to equip lay and clergy leaders with shared concepts and vocabulary to recognize racism in our midst and take action to undo interpersonal, systemic, and cultural forms of racism and create communities of liberation where all can thrive.

There are three different workshops being offered in 2026, some for Authorized Ministers and some for both Authorized Ministers and Lay Leaders. 

Click on the links below for descriptions and registration for the following courses:

Racial Justice for Authorized Ministers - Foundations

April 21-22, 2026, 9am - 1pm ET, online via Zoom

Racial Justice for Authorized Ministers & Lay Leaders - Foundations

May 16, 2026, 8:30am - 5:30pm ET, online via Zoom

Racial Justice for Authorized Ministers & Lay Leaders - Renewal: Practicing Anti-Racism Together

June 6, 2026, 8:30am - 5:30pm ET, online via Zoom

Questions about how these workshops relate to Racial Justice requirements many Associations have for Authorized Ministers? Review these Frequently Asked Questions.

Download the flyer here.

Summer Academy at Georgetown University

2026 Center on Faith and Justice Summer Academy, Washington, D.C.

June 14-18, 2026

We are currently accepting applications for our 2026 Faith and Justice Summer Academy. At a moment when authoritarian movements are gaining ground and democratic norms are eroding both at home and abroad, we believe that moral and courageous faith leadership is needed more than ever.

Since 2022, the Center on Faith and Justice has run a Summer Academy designed specifically for pastors, seminarians, graduate students, and those serving in ministry at the intersection of faith and public life.

The Faith + Justice Certificate Program equips graduate students, seminarians, pastors, and faith leaders with the moral vision and practical skills to engage their faith in civic life and lead their communities in the work of justice. Combining formative content from classroom lectures, workshops, and guest speakers with congressional meetings on Capitol Hill and other experiences in the D.C. area, the certificate program constitutes a transformative, immersive experience that supplements academic learning and faith praxis.

This in-person summer academy occurs June 14 -18, 2026. The program cost is $3000, which includes all meals, lodging, and activities.

For more information about the Summer Academy, including how to apply, please visit the Academy website: https://www.faithandjusticeacademy.com/.

2026

Racial Justice Training

Level 1 Racial Justice Training training is a prerequisite to register for Level 2. If you took the Level 1 training with Diane Weibel, she has that information on file. If you took it with another organization, please send her proof of completion.

Level 1 Racial Justice Training Information

August 24 & 26

Level 1 Racial Justice Training Registration

Level 2 Racial Justice Training will use the “Respect and Affirmation” section of Rev. DaVita McAllister’s TARASC spectrum to explore systemic racism and areas of work that require attention to respect and affirm all people.

Level 2 Racial Justice Training Information

Dates: August 11 & 18; September 29 and October 13

Level 2 Racial Justice Training Registration

Ordinations, Installations, and Ecclesiastical Councils.

Apr 19: Service of Ordination for Alaina Hoffman. 2:00 pm at Bethany UCC in Chicago. Chicago Metropolitan Association.

Apr 26: Service of Installation for Rev. Ruth Farrell. 9:30 am at Congregational United Church of Christ in St. Charles. Fox Valley Association.

Apr 26: Service of Installation for Rev. Kenneth Jensen. 3:00 pm at St. John United Church of Christ in Arlington Heights. Chicago Metropolitan Association.

May 3: Service of Installation for Rev. Eric F Mason. 3:00 pm at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Crystal Lake. Fox Valley Association.

May 17: Service of Ordination for Peter Kralovec-Kirchherr. 10:00 am at First Congregational Church of Western Springs. Chicago Metropolitan Association.

Meetings

Apr 18: CMA Cluster 2 Meeting. 9:00 am at Pastores Brunch.

Apr 18: Conference HR Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom. 

Apr 21: Finance Committee Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.

Apr 21: WA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.

Apr 21: CMA Council Meeting. 6:30 pm via Zoom.

Apr 23: Annual Celebration Planning Committee Meeting. 4:00 pm via Zoom.

Apr 27: EA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 11:00 am via Zoom.

Apr 27: FVA Council Meeting, 6:30 pm via Zoom.

May 4: CMA Cluster 6 Meeting. 7:00 pm via Zoom.

May 7: PA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.

May 7: FVA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 12:00 pm via Zoom.

May 9: Conference Board of Directors Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom. 

May 11: Conference Nominating Meeting. 7:00 pm via Zoom. 

May 13: Outdoor Ministries Committee Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.

May 14: CMA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 12:00 pm via Zoom.

Association Spring Meetings

Apr 18: Western Association Spring Meeting - CANCELLED due to facility issues.

May 2: Prairie Association Spring Meeting at Federated Church of Sycamore, 8:30 am - 12:00 pm. Register here.

May 16: Chicago Metropolitan Association Spring Meeting at Abundant Grace UCC in Homewood at 9:00 am. 

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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.