December 5, 2025

December Worship and Celebrations

UCC Wellness Ministries

Learning more about others' traditions brings us all closer together.

Monday, Dec. 1 - World AIDS Day supports a day of solidarity for people around the world affected by HIV.

Wednesday, Dec. 10 - Human Rights Day, observed around the world, commemorates the anniversary of one of the world's most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948, the first time fundamental human rights were to be universally recognized and protected.

Sunday evening, Dec 14 – Mon, Dec 22 – Hanukkah (Chanukah) - an eight-day festival often referred to as the "Festival of Lights" and celebrated with candles, food, family, and friends. The celebration commemorates the Maccabees' victory over the Syrian army in 165 BCE and the subsequent liberation and "rededication" of the Temple in Jerusalem.

Sunday, Dec. 21 – 9:03 am CT – Winter Solstice – Winter Solstice honors the magnificent Sun. On the darkest night, it is born again, bringing a new year of life and growth.

Friday, Dec. 25 – Christmas Day - The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The date was chosen in the 4th century and has connections to older winter solstice celebrations.

Friday, Dec. 26 – Thurs, Jan. 1 – Kawanzaa – During the upheaval of the 1960s, this holiday was created to help Americans of African descent reconnect to their African cultural heritage. Each day celebrates one of the seven core principles: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 - Watch Night – A New Year’s Eve tradition of reflection, prayer, and hope. On December 31, 1862, many Black Americans gathered in churches and other venues, waiting for President Abraham Lincoln to sign the Emancipation Proclamation at midnight and thus free those still enslaved in the Confederacy. Over its 160-year history, Watch Night has evolved into an annual New Year's Eve tradition commemorating freedom from slavery of any kind and the importance of faith, community, and perseverance.

Faith-Rooted Anti-Authoritarianism

UCC Webinar

 December 10, 2025, 12 pm CT

Hear from three panelists about how people of faith can play a vital role in challenging authoritarianism.

• Maria Stephan, who co-authored Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict with Erica Chenoweth, will provide an overview of international resistance movements.
• Brother Rodrigo Peret from Franciscans International will speak out about his experience under the Bolsonaro regime in Brazil as well as his arrest for anti-mining protests in Zimbabwe.
• Rev. Jorge Bautista will speak about his practice of faithful solidarity after a U.S. immigration officer shot him in the face with a pepper ball while attending a prayer vigil.

Even if you cannot make the live event on December 10th at 12 pm CT, still register, and we will send you a recording.

Register now!]

A.C.T OUT – Building a National ONA Movement Inventory & Interest Survey 

Help the Open and Affirming Coalition shape a new national movement for Advocacy, Community, and Transformation. 

This short survey will help us understand who’s involved, what’s happening in your community, and how you’d like to participate. Your information will be used only by the ONA staff and board to organize this movement.

Click here for the link to the survey 

To Be Shared!

"The Road from Ceasefire to Peace"

On behalf of the Steering Committee of the United Church of Christ Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCCMPS), I’m eager to share the statement, “The Road from Ceasefire to Peace.” Download here.

It captures much of our discernment over these past few weeks, as our partners and UCC leaders respond to the ceasefire that’s offered some hope to Gazans, but left many critical questions unanswered and even unaddressed.

This statement draws on the 2021 Resolution we championed, and on the encouragement of our partners in Palestine, Israel, and here in the US. We feel that particular resolution offers a compelling “plumb line” for advocacy and solidarity in this moment. We appreciate your leadership and prophetic vision as our United Church continues to articulate the path toward and envision a just peace.

The Rev. Dr. Linda Noonan, Co-Chair

The Rev. David Grishaw-Jones, Co-Chair

UCC Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCCMPS)

Applications Open for Global HOPE: Migration, Immigration, Refugee and Asylee (MIRA) Unified Grant 

UCC Justice and Peace Action Network

The Global HOPE Office offers three grants through its Refugee and Migration Services ministry to encourage local UCC congregations, associations, conferences, and covenanted ministries to engage in ministry to migrants, immigrants, refugees, and asylees in their midst.

Applications are open! Contact Megan Bergert at bergertm@ucc.org with any questions.

End of Year Fundraising

Tower Hill and

Pilgrim Park Camps

Thanks to your support, over 3000 people have been able to step away from the ordinary and connect with the sacred this year—taking part in summer camps, retreats, praycations, and family get-togethers. Together, we can continue to create camp experiences that foster personal development, build lasting friendships, and help individuals of all ages deepen their spiritual ties.

Thank you for your time, thoughts, and dedication; your help is crucial to our efforts to build a better future. Please visit: https://outdoorministries.campbraingiving.com to keep our camps financially solvent and to continue changing lives.

People of all ages who attended camp have expressed that it deepened their spiritual awareness!

Tower Hill and

Pilgrim Park Camps

Participating in camp provides a life-changing opportunity to fully engage with nature and delve into the exploration of personal identity and sense of belonging. You can explore and discover that your time at camp serves as a catalyst for nurturing positive attributes, ultimately contributing to the development of a compassionate and responsible future.

We provide a diverse range of camping experiences, retreats, and special events suitable for individuals of all ages. For further details, please contact Tower Hill at 269-426-3881 or Pilgrim Park at 815-447-2390.

When Love Lights Justice

Pilgrim Congregational Church,

460 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302

December 13, 2025, at 7:30 PM

When Love Lights Justice, a program of sacred music by Lux Cantorum, emphasizes our responsibility to accept one another, love all neighbors, and support what’s fair and right for each of us.

Our holiday observances even set a mandate for this throughout the year. During this divisive, stressful, and difficult time in our country, we invite you to experience a program that will inspire you to do better and be better, and make sure that our love stands for something.

Get tickets here

Join us at the Retirement Reception for

Reverend Robert Wang

The Congregational Church of Algonquin

109 Washington Street

Algonquin, IL 60102

Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 11 am 

Please join us for a special retirement reception immediately following the 10 am worship service on Sunday, December 28, 2025.

Come share a memory, offer a blessing, and celebrate the incredible impact Pastor Bob has had since his ordination in 1989. We look forward to gathering to thank him for his faithful service.  

Honoring Rev. Edward Goode’s Memory – One Year Later 

It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since we gathered to celebrate the life and memory of our beloved Edward.

As we reflect on this past year, we’re grateful to share the full-length memorial video—a beautiful collection made possible through your words, photos, and videos. Your contributions helped us create something that truly captures his warmth, humor, and love for all of us.

In many ways, this moment feels like gathering once again at Edward’s table—sharing stories, laughter, and fellowship, just as he would have wanted. We hope this video gives you a chance to pause, remember, and feel his presence with us once more.

Video Link

View/submit tributes on the memorial website

Edward Goode Memorial

Thank you for being part of this journey and for helping us keep his light shining brightly.

With love and gratitude,  

A few of Ed's Kids!  

Grants Available for Church Solar, Geothermal Projects

The Faith in Place Green Energy Assistance Fund provides grants up to $10,000 for Houses of Worship located in Illinois, Indiana, or Wisconsin to install PV solar panels and/or geothermal heating/cooling technology at their buildings.

Find out more at https://www.faithinplace.org/install-solar-panels 

and the application here.

PATHWAYS Theological Education Courses

for Colectivo Community

El Colectivo y PATHWAYS Educación Teológica: En Espanol

The Colectivo and PATHWAYS Theological Education are excited to present an easy way for the Colectivo community to register for courses relevant to our work. PATHWAYS has identified the following courses for Colectivo folks:

Latinx Context and Spanish language resources:

MP30605 - CRITICAL THINKING: Preaching Social Justice and Liberation Theology (Proclaim)

Apr 15, 2026 - May 26, 2026

Facilitator/Course writer: Diego Salazar Galvis

Description: In this course, participants will explore how Liberation Theology from the Latin American context becomes a tool to engage with critical thinking and aligns with preaching practices. In an early stage, we map a broad introduction to the critical thinking skill and a general introduction to Liberation Theology. We will also address the definition given to the trajectory of history, development, and the contextual differentiation between the Liberation Theology in Latin America and the United States of America. In a following phase, we will analyze the principal theological practical thinking that emerged due to Liberation Theology, such as the Mystery of God, the image of Jesus/Christ, Biblical Exegesis and Hermeneutics from underrepresented communities, ecclesial structure (including doctrines/official documents), and pastoral implications.

Courses with Latinx facilitators:

MP10607: Faith Formation (Children, Youth, Adults)

Jan 7, 2026 - Feb 17, 2026 Valerie Coe-Lowder

TH10610: Living the Heart of Progressive Christian Theology

Apr 8, 2026 - May 19, 2026 Marilyn Pagán-Banks

If you are interested in these courses, register at this link so the Pathways team knows you're from Colectivo!

PATHWAYS courses range in price beginning at $150. Learn more at https://www.pathwaystheological.org/.

Wednesday Gatherings

Chicago Theological Seminary

First Wednesday of the month. 5:00 pm (CT)

Join Us Virtually!

January 7, 2026 | 5:00 pm CT

Dismantling Christian Hegemony in Higher Education

A conversation with CTS alum and Associate Dean of Religious Life at the University of Southern California, Vanessa Gomez Brake, on confronting Christian hegemony and reshaping religious life in higher education.

PROTEST & ACTION CHAPLAINCY TRAINING

Convergence

January 6, 2026, 11 - 11:30 am CT - Zoom

January 13, 2026, 12 - 1 pm CT - Zoom

January 20, 2026, 12 - 1 pm CT - Zoom

This online course will guide you—and your leadership teams—in the practice of protest chaplaincy.

It offers a framework for providing compassionate, grounded spiritual care during protests, advocacy gatherings, and social movements. Drawing from a variety of faith traditions and critical social justice theory, it equips chaplains, pastors, and spiritual leaders to respond with integrity, purpose, and preparedness.

Across the United States, communities are protesting policies, challenging systemic injustice, and demanding change from local, state, and federal institutions. As spiritual leaders, our calling compels us not just to show up, but to show up well. Presence matters—but so do action, preparedness, and a deep sense of pastoral responsibility.

Register now

When the Internet Hurts: The Hidden Online Dangers Facing Our Teens and How Faith Communities Can Respond

FREE online webinar

January 15, 2026, 6 - 7 pm CST

Join Rev. Cameron Trimble in conversation with Sharon Winkler, survivor parent and nationally respected youth online-safety advocate. Sharon’s son, Alex, died at age 17 after experiencing cyberbullying and algorithmically targeted pro-suicide content. Since then, Sharon has dedicated her life to helping parents, educators, and faith leaders recognize online dangers and build safer communities for young people.

Register now

Stories of Christian Saints and Sinners

This Level One course provides an overview of the 2000 plus year history of the Christian church in chronological order and in themes or patterns within the history. The course seeks to balance the “grand narrative” approach to history with a nuanced approach taking into account the various voices and narratives that come together to create a stronger, broader, and bolder understanding of the Christian faith across time, culture, and space.

Register here Begins on January 7, 2026

Theology of Gender and Sexuality

Explores a wide range of theological dimensions of and approaches to human sexuality, including gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, sexual activity, sexual health and well-being, reproductive justice, family systems and arrangements, and systems, including ecclesial systems that assign meaning, power, and hierarchies to different aspects of sexuality.

Register here Begins on January 7, 2026

Other six-week courses beginning on January 7, 2026

Introducing the Old Testament 

Environmental Literacy in God's Creation

Art of Preaching

Supervised Ministry IV

Making Sense of Theology

UCC History and Polity

Explore the history, polity, theologies, and practices of the United Church of Christ and its predecessor denominations. The course includes an exploration of denominational identity, hidden histories within the denomination, case studies around current issues of polity and structure, current ecumenical conversations, emerging trends within the United Church of Christ, and more. Successful completion of this course will fulfill the history and polity requirement for authorized ministry in the UCC and in many associations.

Register here Begins on January 7, 2026 - ends March 31, 2026

Faith Formation (Children, Youth Adults)

This Level One course is the first of four core courses. Each six-week course builds understanding of spirituality in children, youth, and adults; curriculum evaluation, development, and design; and diversity of learning styles as well as intergenerational learning experiences.

Register here Begins on January 7, 2026

Environmental Ethics

Environmental ethics, a Level Three course, is the study of moral principles that guide our actions in the ecological world we inhabit, including our fellow humans as well as all biotic life. This class focuses specifically on Christian environmental ethics and the role of Scripture and Christian theology in guiding right action with respect to the environment.

Register here Begins on January 7, 2026

Cohort Training for Effective Church Leadership

Church Training Center

All three cohorts begin the week of January 25, 2026

Each of these three cohorts is a guided, nine-week journey designed to strengthen lay leaders in both practical skill and spiritual grounding. Participants engage weekly with a community of peers across the country that combines centering prayer, dialogue, and discernment. Each nine-week Cohort is led by Keith Clark-Hoyos, Founder of Church Training Center, a former Associate Conference Minister, and graduate of Claremont School of Theology.

Embracing Our Call A Spiritual Framework for Church Leadership

Begins Monday, January 26, 2026 | 6:00 pm CST

Syllabus

Embracing Our Call helps leaders align their Calling, Energy, and Resources with God’s purpose for their congregation. Through shared dialogue and reflection, participants learn to transform board meetings into spaces of discernment and renewal.

Register Here: Special IL Conference Rate: $149.99 (Regular $399.99) for registrations received by January 15, 2026.

The Ministry of Money A Treasurer’s Role in the Mission of the Church

Begins Tuesday, January 27, 2026 | 6:00 pm CST

Syllabus

The Ministry of Money equips treasurers, finance leaders, and pastors to interpret financial reports, align budgets with mission, and communicate transparency with grace.

Register Here: Special Conference Rate: $149.99 (Regular $399.99) for registrations received by January 15, 2026.

Rooted in the Call

A Chairperson’s Guide to Spirit-Led Leadership and Discernment

Begins Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 6:00 pm CST

Syllabus

Rooted in the Call invites leaders to guide their boards through seasons of change with prayer, clarity, and Spirit-led steadiness. Each week blends centering prayer, dialogue, and reflection within a national learning community.

Register Here: Special Conference Rate: $149.99 (Regular $399.99) for registrations received by January 15, 2026.

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Media Training for Church Leaders

The Damascus Project

Zoom on Tuesdays, February 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3, 2026, 6:30-8 pm CT

We live in an “attention” economy in which media communication deeply matters. Yet our UCC congregations often lack basic education and training in how to meaningfully engage 21st-century media tools for communication.

This Media Training Course will equip church leaders, staff, and volunteers with the tools and confidence they need to share the church’s message of faith and hope effectively. The course covers topics such as media messaging, maximizing electronic and print communication, social media content creation, websites and digital storytelling, and online safety.

The course meets via Zoom on Tuesdays February 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3, 2026, 6:30-8:00 pm CT. Thanks to grant funding, the Damascus Project can offer the course to lay people and clergy leaders at $50 per registrant, an incredible value.

Learn more and register here

The Damascus Project is the regional theological education ministry of the Minnesota and Wisconsin Conferences, United Church of Christ.

Meetings

Dec 10: Outdoor Ministries Committee Meeting. 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. 

Dec 11: FVA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.

Dec 11: CMA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 12:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Dec 13: Conference Board of Directors Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom. 

Dec 15: EA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.

Dec 16: Finance Committee Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.

Dec 16: CMA Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Dec 22: FVA Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Dec 25: Conference office closed. Merry Christmas!

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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 Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM)

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.