April 3, 2026

The Last Seven Words of Christ

Good Friday Online Service

As we entered Holy Week, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on Good Friday. It is a long-standing tradition in some of our churches to offer a Good Friday worship service that focuses on the "Seven Last Words" people believe Jesus spoke while on the cross.

The Council of Conference Ministers of color compiled music and provided a 7-minute sermonette on the Seven Last Words of Christ, which you can listen to by clicking this link.

A Retreat was held at the historic Franklinton Center at Bricks for the Council of Conference Ministers of color in December of 2025. It was at the end of the retreat that we wondered aloud what it might look like for Conference Ministers to come together in a visible and meaningful way around one of the most sacred moments in our Christian calendar. What emerged was a powerful expression of connection with Conference Ministers of color from across the United Church of Christ, linking arms, hearts, and Spirits to proclaim the final words of Christ from the cross.

This is something new that grew organically out of our shared desire to model unity, deepen our collective witness, and offer a word to the wider Church in a time when such connection is both needed and deeply resonant. Each reflection, each voice, carries not only personal conviction but also the strength of our covenant together.

I hope that this collection of voices will not only speak to those who participate but also serve as a reminder of who we are at our best, bound together in faith, in purpose, and in the call to proclaim hope even in the shadow of the cross.

This is a gift that the Council of Conference Ministers of color offers not just to one another, but to the whole of the Church.

I am deeply grateful for your willingness to lean into this moment together.

Shalom,

Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff

Conference Minister (Interim Period)

IRS Policy of Churches Endorsing Political Candidates

This information was shared by Heather Kimmel: This morning, we woke up to the news that churches now have the freedom to endorse candidates from the pulpit.

What happened? The National Religious Broadcasters and Intercessors for America, and a couple of churches, sued the IRS.

The plaintiffs alleged the Johnson Amendment, the law that prohibits all tax-exempt charitable organizations (501(c)(3)s) from intervening in political campaigns—i.e., endorsing candidates for political office— violates several constitutional rights of churches as well as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The plaintiffs originally asked the court for an injunction against enforcing the Johnson Amendment for all 501(c)(3)s. Now the plaintiffs and the IRS have moved a federal district court in Texas to enter a consent judgment to settle the lawsuit.

The motion is for the court to enter a consent judgment, which is a judgment agreed upon by the parties to the case and which is approved by the judge. The proposed consent judgment states: “When a house of worship in good faith speaks to its congregation, through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith in connection with religious services, concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith, it neither “participate[s]” nor “intervene[s]” in a “political campaign,” within the ordinary meaning of those words.”

The consent judgment also acknowledges that the IRS has not historically enforced the prohibition on political campaign intervention by churches. After some discussion of the doctrine of constitutional avoidance, the motion concludes: “For these reasons, the Johnson Amendment does not reach speech by a house of worship to its congregation, in connection with religious services through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith, concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith.”

The relief that will be accorded by the judgment is a permanent injunction against the IRS enforcing the prohibition on political campaign intervention against the plaintiffs, “based on speech by a house of worship to its congregation in connection with religious services through its customary channels of communication on matters of faith, concerning electoral politics viewed through the lens of religious faith.”

What does this mean? The IRS does not have the authority to repeal legislation like the Johnson Amendment through a consent judgment to settle a lawsuit. But the motion for this consent judgment is a public statement by the IRS that it will not enforce the political campaign intervention prohibition against a church. It is a practice that is now public policy. Like much of this administration’s legislation-by-proclamation strategy, the extent of the impact is not yet fully known. Candidates may target churches and use them to funnel campaign funds. Churches that choose to endorse political candidates will divide political endorsements. Churches and candidates will be beholden to one another in ways that will influence the churches’ mission and ministry.

What should we do? No IRS guidance exists on the boundaries of the policy. Churches can use the Our Faith, Our Vote resources to continue to be engaged in the political process in the ways that churches have always been engaged while carrying out the mission and ministry of their church.

Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff

Conference Minister (Interim Period)

Illinois Conference of The United Church of Christ 

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.

Building Solidarity for Palestine

April 12 from 12:30 - 2 pm

via Zoom or in-person at

University Church, 5655 S. University, Chicago, IL

Join the University Church Black Lives Matter Committee for speakers and discussion on the history of Palestine-Israel since 1948, the current situation, and actions to bring awareness and support for Palestinian Society. 

The second session will be in-person or via Zoom from 12:30 - 2 pm on April 12, 2026.

Click here for a copy of materials prepared for the program, , which can also be a resource for other congregations as a basis for education and discussion in understanding the history and current situation in Palestine, and a resource for collaborating with others in heeding the call of the United Church of Christ to build solidarity for Palestine.  

For a Zoom link, use: bit.ly/UCSolidarity

American Congregational Association - Boston Athenauem (ACA-BA) Fellowship Application Due

The Congregational Library & Archives has partnered with the Boston Athenaeum in offering a fellowship which supports research in American religious history involving the collections of both libraries.

The award includes a stipend of $2,000 for a residency of 20 days (four weeks) and includes a year’s membership to both institutions. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or foreign nationals holding the appropriate U.S. government documents.

To apply, please consult the Boston Athenaeum’s website.

For information, contact Congregational Library & Archives' Librarian, Meaghan Wright.

BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION TODAY

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.

UCC Yearbook - Time for Reporting!

United Church of Christ

Due on or before Friday, April 10, 2026

We are getting close to the April 10th deadline for church data reporting for the 2025 UCC Yearbook & Directory. If you have already completed this yearly project – We can’t thank you enough! The good news is that, as of 10:00 am March 25th, 67 of our Illinois Conference churches have responded! However, that means we still are waiting for 132 churches to report.

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.  

The Yearbook reporting will close for churches on Friday, April 10, 2026. 

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 conferenceadmin@ilucc.org). 

2026 Earth Summit

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

April 25, 2026 12 to 2:30 pm CT

Organize a viewing at your church to watch this year’s Earth Summit.

The Jim Antal Keynote Lecture will be delivered by the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Samuel, a renowned advocate and organizer for justice who serves as the pastor of Victory for the World Church in Decatur, Georgia. 

This summit will feature the panel discussion “Power to the People: Energy Justice for an Equitable Future.” Celebrations 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. We will recognize our newest Creation Justice Churches and our first Climate Hope Affiliates.  

The summit is jointly sponsored by the five financial ministries of the United Church of Christ: Cornerstone Fund, Church Building and Loan Fund, Insurance Board, Pension Board UCC, and United Church Funds. Cohosts for the summit include the National Setting of the United Church of Christ, the Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ, and First Congregational Church of Atlanta.

Gather church members to watch together or connect on your own. Register 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, and find the short online application here. 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.

Details:

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

Annual Gathering: Location to be announced in March 2026.

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

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.

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

Brand New UCC Sponsored Camp:

Creation Care Camp

August 3-6, 2026

$300/person

Tower Hill Director: Rev. David Russell

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

Three Bereavment Notices

Wanda Ishmon, wife of Pastor Leon Ishmon III, died on March 25, 2026. A visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a homegoing ceremony at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at Bethany United Church of Christ in Freeport. A repast will follow in the fellowship hall.

Wanda co-founded Unleashed Ministries in 2016 with her husband, where they served the lost through biblical principles. In 2024, she stepped into her role as First Lady of Bethany United Church of Christ, continuing her mission of ministry alongside her husband.

+++

Rev. Arthur Del Zillgitt died on March 26, 2026. A Memorial Service will be held at the Congregational Church of Batavia on a date to be announced later. Art had a building ministry helping churches relocate and construct new buildings and was the founding pastor of Portage United Church of Christ in Portage, MI.

He served churches in Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois. During his ministry, he served on many UCC Association and Conference boards and committees in the Michigan, Indiana-Kentucky, and Illinois Conferences. 

+++

Rev. Dr. William G. Grice III died on Tuesday, March 31, after a long and courageous struggle with prostate cancer. A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ Church UCC in Des Plaines on Saturday, May 2nd with a visitation beginning at 9:30 am, service at 10:00 am, and a luncheon to follow.

Dr. Grice was a pillar in the Des Plaines community for decades. He served faithfully for 28 years as pastor of First Congregational Church in Des Plaines. Not long ago, he celebrated the remarkable milestone of his 50th anniversary of ordination at Christ Church UCC in Des Plaines where he was ordained.

Marsha Stevens-Pino and Justin Ryan Concert Free Admission!

Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 5 pm

Maple Street Chapel Photo by TripAdvisor photo

220 S. Main St. Lombard, IL

Marsha Stevens-Pino is widely recognized as the “mother of contemporary Christian music.” She penned the deeply beloved song “For Those Tears I Died (Come to the Water)” at age 16, and her influence helped shape the early Jesus Movement and contemporary Christian music scene.



After publicly coming out as a lesbian in 1981, she faced severe rejection: her songs were removed from hymnals, performances were canceled, and the mainstream Christian music industry ostracized her.

In response, Marsha founded BALM Ministries (Born Again Lesbian Music), creating a vital artistic and spiritual home for LGBTQ+ Christians. Justin Ryan—a queer Christian singer-songwriter originally from Paducah, KY met Marsha through the Metropolitan Community Church after a period of personal crisis and disenfranchisement from traditional gospel circles.

Encouraged by Marsha, Justin moved to Nashville to record with her, which led to studio work and background singing for renowned country artists. Come hear their beautiful music and be moved by their inspiring stories! Sponsored by First Church of Lombard.

Download the flyer here.

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, UCC, 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.

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.

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!

The Manual on Local Church is available!

The United Church of Christ is rooted in covenantal relationships that shape who we are and how we live in community. The Manual on Local Church is a new resource (released at General Synod in 2025) developed by and for the United Church of Christ that helps Local Churches, Associations, and Conferences understand and fully embrace these covenants, providing clear guidance on governance, leadership, and ministry practices.

Check out the The Manual on Local Church website to learn more.

Download a free pdf of the Manual here or order a paper copy from UCC Resources here.

Exquisite Dalle de Verre Windows

for Sale at GlassFX

Glass FX salvaged these windows from the demolished Chapel at the University Place Christian Church in Champaign and has them for sale. 

Click here to see the color brochure with pictures and prices. Please contact: Richard Taylor 

Dalle de verre, also known as faceted glass, was used extensively in mid-century Modernist architecture, in part because of the ability to produce large installations in less time than traditional stained glass, but also because its visual qualities favored abstract designs.

Dalle de verre ("glass slab" in French) is a stained-glass technique developed in the 1930s featuring thick colored glass slabs faceted with a hammer to create dramatic, sparkling, and deeply colored mosaics. Unlike traditional leaded glass, these glass pieces are set in a durable matrix of epoxy resin or concrete.

Faith and Healing: Trauma-Informed

Advocate Health Care - Aurora Health CareSupport for Survivors

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

12 to 1 pm CT

Faith leaders are often the first trusted voices survivors turn to after sexual assault or domestic violence.

In this free 60-minute virtual workshop, Simmone Kilgore, LPC (Manager of Healing Counseling at The Healing Center, a program of Aurora Healing & Advocacy Services), will share a trauma-informed, faith-centered framework for responding to disclosures, reducing shame, and strengthening community safety.

Leave with practical steps to raise awareness and clear pathways for connecting survivors to counseling and advocacy resources.

Register here.

Download a flyer.

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.

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.

Applied: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults

Level 2 - begins April 8, 2026

Let us step out in faith to discover the best ways to nurture all ages in faithful Christian discipleship. Faith-forming ministries in today’s congregations mean more than choosing curriculum materials and recruiting volunteers.

• *Child development research shows us that the Sunday School model is not effective in -passing on the faith in today’s culture.
• *Volunteers are looking for short-term commitments. Mission and service focuses are desired over study groups.
• *Parents are insisting on safety policies and their intentional implementation.
• More and more parents wish to keep their infants and children in the service of worship with them.
• *People continue to come to church seeking depth and meaning, as well as through their online church experiences.

Email registrar@PATHWAYSTheological.org, with questions or for more information.

Courses beginning April 8 or 9, 2026

Level 1 - What is the Bible? (Dickinson/MBS)* 

*(Introductory Level 1 Bible Course based on The Exploring the Bible Dickinson Series by Rev. Anne Robertson, published by the Massachusetts Bible Society.   

Level 1 - Eco-Theology: Centering Creation in Love                   

Level 1 - Living the Heart of Progressive Christian Theology [Pagán-Banks, Marilyn]

Level 2 - Applied: Faith Formation and Spiritual Practices for Children, Youth, and Adults

Level 3 - Contemporary Theological Perspectives Project [Shaver, Ruth]       

Courses beginning April 15, 2026

Level 1 - Understanding the Bible as a Progressive Christian                 

Level 1 - Variety of Belief within Christianity Today

Level 2 - Small Church Administration                         

Level 3 - Preaching Against Christian Nationalism (Proclaim) [Sanderson, Corey]    

Level 3 - Critical Thinking: Preaching Social Justice and Liberation Theology (Proclaim)

[Salazar Galvis, Diego]        

Level 3 - Supervised Ministry V                              

The UCC History and Polity 12-week course also begins April 15, 2026.

Go to the PATHWAYS website to learn more and to apply for these and other courses.

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

Dates: April 7 & 8; 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 m 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 6: CMA Cluster 6 Meeting. 7:00 pm via Zoom.

Apr 8: Outdoor Ministries Committee Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.

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

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

Apr 9: CMA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 12:00 pm via Zoom.

Apr 11: Conference Board of Directors Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom. 

Apr 12: WA Council Meeting. 3:30 pm via Zoom.

Apr 14: EA Council Meeting. 7:00 pm via Zoom.

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

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

Apr 20: EA Committee on Ministry 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: FVA Council Meeting, 6:30 pm via Zoom.

Association Spring Meetings

Apr 18: Western Association Spring Meeting at First Congregational in Canton at 10:00 am.

May 2: Prairie Association Spring Meeting at Federated Church of Sycamore. More details coming soon.

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.