2025 in review: Ten hope-filled stories from UCC News - United Church of Christ | While 2025 was a year with many challenges and set-backs, there was also great hope to be found in the way that communities and individuals showed up to | | | | |
2026 UCC Climate Action Commissioning Service
with Rev. Jim Antal
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at noon CT
As we enter a year of critical importance in the struggle for climate justice, the UCC is holding a Climate Action Commissioning Service.
Gather with us as we faithfully prepare ourselves to take action in the coming year. Our preacher will be the Rev. Jim Antal, author of "Climate Church, Climate World." Rev. Antal currently serves as the Special Advisor on Climate Justice to UCC General Minister and President.
Even if you cannot make the live event on Wednesday, January 14th at 12 pm CT, still register, and we will send you a recording. Register today!
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2026 Climate Hope Art Contest for Children and Youth
Submissions due February 6 to March 20, 2026
The theme for our fourth annual Climate Hope Art Contest is “A Future with Hope.” Children and youth are invited to draw, paint, or color works of art that bring this theme to life. We’ll accept art submissions from February 6th to March 20th. We will have winners for different age groups and an overall winner who will receive an all-expense paid trip to visit Washington, DC, with a parent or guardian.
Register your congregation now to participate.
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PBUCC & Church Law & Tax Webinar: Your Church's Guide to 2026 Tax Readiness | Start the year strong. Join CPA Elaine Sommerville on January 15 for an exclusive Church Law & Tax webinar covering the key tax updates, forms, and compliance steps your church needs to know for 2026. | | | | |
Ecumenical Prayer Service and
Signing Ceremony - Church Leaders Call the Government to Protect our Climate
Ecumenism Metro Chicago (EMC)
Saturday, January 24, 2025 from 2 - 4 pm
Growing in Christian unity and the care for God’s creation, we will gather in prayer and action for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) at St. Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church, 6700 W. Diversey Ave., Chicago, IL 60707 on Saturday, January 24, 2 - 4 pm.
As the U.S. government prepares to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change effective January 27, 2026, leaders of 14 Chicago-area Christian denominations will gather on January 24, 2026 from 2 to 4 pm, to call the government to heed this international treaty.
The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty to address climate change, was adopted by 195 parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France, on December 12, 2015. It became effective on November 4, 2016. Its overarching goal is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.”
The 14 participating judicatories comprise 1,500 congregations/parishes and over 3.25 million people. In contrast to this fractured time in the U.S., these churches are demonstrating their unity in caring for God’s creation.
In addition to their declaration on the Paris Agreement, the leaders are calling on Illinois state and local officials to eliminate reliance on the more than 400,000 lead drinking-water pipes that still are in use throughout the Chicago area. Lead exposure is linked to cognitive and developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems in children and increases serious health risks for adults.
EMC judicatories (including the Illinois Conference) will sign joint statements of actions at the end of the service, which are grounded in EMC’s Declaration to care, protect and preserve God’s gift of creation, for all of the earth is the Lord’s. (Psalm 24:1).
The two statements proclaim our Christian resolve to
These statements are a clear public witness of EMC’s Declaration that “taking decisive restorative action is a moral and religious imperative.”
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UCC and DOC leadership release joint statement on Venezuela Takeover by the United States - United Church of Christ | United Church of Christ General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson, Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) General Minister and | | | | |
The New England Research Fellowship Consortium (NERFC) Fellowship application deadline is less than a month away!
The Congregational Library & Archives is a member of the New England Regional Fellowship Consortium (NERFC), a collaboration of 30 major cultural agencies. NERFC grants support work in a broad array of fields, including but not limited to: history, literature, art, history, African American studies, American Studies, women’s and gender studies, anthropology, sociology, philosophy, religious studies, environmental studies, oceanography, and the histories of law, medicine, and technology.
Each grant provides a stipend of $5,000 for a minimum of six weeks of research at participating institutions. Awards are open to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who hold the necessary U.S. government documents.
For a full list of participating institutions, more information on deadlines and requirements, and to apply, please consult the NERFC page on the Massachusetts Historical Society website.
For further information, contact Congregational Library & Archives' Archivist and Head of Reader Services, Billy McCarthy (wmccarthy@14beacon.org).
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Annual Community UCC/ UCC Campus Ministry
Queering Faith 9.0
Friday, February 20, 2026
Community UCC
805 S 6th St, Champaign, IL
Our featured guest is The Many, a creative collective that makes music and new kinds of inclusive, justice-building gatherings, offering space for faith and doubt, lament, and gratitude. The feet-on-the-ground, heart-in-hands songs and liturgies they create remind us we aren’t alone. They help us find the courage to authentically love God, ourselves, and everyone in this whole, aching world.
Buy your tickets here.
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Early-Bird Registration Open for
The Gathering: Many Gifts, One Spirit
Council for Health and Human Service Ministries, UCC
March 24-26, 2026
Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis
Registration is now OPEN for The Gathering: Many Gifts, One Spirit, to be held March 24-26, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis. The theme is based on 1 Corinthians 12:4-7: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Take advantage of Early Bird Special. Register by February 9 to lock in early bird rates – that's $100 in savings per person! CHHSM member organizations as well as UCC offices, churches, and ministries should register under "Member General Admission."
The Gathering will draw some 500 leaders from Mennonite, Methodist, Presbyterian, Quaker, and the UCC related health and human service associations for three transformative days of networking, thought-provoking keynote presentations, and exceptional education on best practices, innovations, and critical issues shaping health and human service ministries.
Additionally, a limited number of scholarships will be available for first-time Annual Gathering attendees and smaller CHHSM agencies with limited budgets. Those interested should email chhsmpublic@chhsm.org for additional information.
The Gathering in 2026 is brought to you by these faith-based health and human service organizations: CHHSM (UCC), AQORD (Mennonite and Quaker), Methodist Ministries Network, and PAHSA (Presbyterian).
Register for The Gathering Today!
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2027 Mission Trip Calendar | "It is always a joy to "come home" to BBM! Jesus' mandate to love God and love our neighbor is lived out day after day in so many ways at BBM. The staff are near and dear to our hearts as you continue to live the mission. Blessings of the season!" | | | | Conference/Local Church News & Events | | |
Faith-in-Action Assembly
Confronting Pharaoh: A Community Organizing and
Movement Training
January 19, 2026, doors open at 12:30 PM CT
Kenwood United Church of Christ
4600 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, IL 60653
Carry love into action at the start of the year by registering for our 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Faith-In-Action Assembly. This two-hour workshop will equip community members to take meaningful, collective action in their own congregations, neighborhoods, and groups. Invite your congregation members, organizing teams, and ministry leaders to join you this MLK Day.
Know someone who should be in the room? Confronting Pharaoh thrives when communities and coalitions come together. Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of humanity” (Strength to Love, 1963).
Lunch, CRS training materials, and a certificate of completion ensure all participants leave equipped to build collective power for change.
When: January 19, 2026, doors open at 12:30 PM CT
Where: CRS member congregation Kenwood United Church of Christ,
Accessibility: ADA accessible with wheelchair access and accessible restrooms
Transportation: Convenient to Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses (routes 2, 15, and 172) and walking distance from the CTA 47th Street Metra Electric Station
Register here today to ensure your team’s participation and strengthen your shared impact.
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First Congregational Church of Naperville's Pursuit of Historic Landmark Status
Naperville’s Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously to recommend landmark status for the First Congregational Church of Naperville.
Founded in 1833, two years after Naperville was established, First Congregational is the oldest church in DuPage County, the oldest Congregational church in northern Illinois, and the first church in Naperville to seek landmark status for its historic building. Its past and current members include people who have made significant contributions to the city and have been active in social justice causes.
It is situated at the intersection of Benton Avenue and Center Street in downtown Naperville, on land donated by Captain Morris Sleight in 1845. The original frame structure was replaced in 1906 by the limestone sanctuary.
The sanctuary building offers a distinguished example of Gothic Revival with limestone and 27 stained-glass windows crafted by local artisans. Over the 119 years, it has been more than a place of worship — it has served as a cornerstone for civic engagement, compassion, and community in downtown Naperville.
The decision to seek landmark status reflects the congregation’s commitment to preserve its heritage and honor its architectural beauty, rich history, and ongoing mission as a love and justice congregation. The church remains an active and welcoming faith community, offering outreach, education, and support to Naperville residents and beyond.
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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!
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Clergy Support Group
Virtual Meeting on Fourth Thursdays of the month
9 to 10:30 am
Advocate Health Care
Aurora Health Care
Faith and Health Partnerships
Clergy are invited to this safe space for professional, spiritual, and psychological support. Receive encouragement, guidance, and answers to issues currently being faced. Group facilitators create an environment for dialogue and focus on being solution-driven. For more information and to register, contact Lashondria Purnell at lashondria.purnell@aah.org.
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Let's Talk Teams - Mastermind! 2026 Workshop
2nd Monday of each month at 1 pm CT
Advocate Health Care
Aurora Health Care
Advocate Health, Midwest Region
Faith communities rely on volunteers, committees, and teams to accomplish their goals. Does anyone feel like it's harder than ever to make this work?
Everyone who is a part of a team, leads a team, and/or organizes teams is invited to join these calls. This group is a supportive community where we brainstorm, collaborate, share insights, provide feedback, and support each other's growth and success.
Register Here
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NCCC Offers Free Toolkit for Congregations Offering Immigration Support
National Council of Churches
With recent increases in immigration enforcement activities, many in our communities are feeling heightened fear and uncertainty. As people of faith, we are called to respond with compassion, courage, and care.
Our Congregational Immigration Response Toolkit provides practical, ready-to-use resources to help your congregation support immigrant neighbors. Inside, you’ll find:
Talking points for faith leaders
Worship and liturgical materials
Scripture references rooted in justice and welcome
Concrete steps your community can take right now
This toolkit is designed to support you in worship, study, advocacy, and community action—anytime, and especially now.
Click HERE to download the toolkit.
Click HERE for the Spanish version.
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The Art of Wilding is a 5-Day Expedition for Women Leaders
Convergence and FutureWomenX
July 19-24, 2026
Wind River Range in Lander, Wyoming
Join Victoria Foster of FutureWomenX & Cameron Trimble of Convergence on retreat in the backcountry of beautiful Wyoming. The Art of Wilding is a 5-Day Expedition for Women Leaders. We will spend the week reconnecting to nature, exploring our inner landscapes for change, and engaging the wisdom of spiritual teachings. Click here to learn more.
We invite you to go off the grid and into our hearts on our Art of Wilding Expedition, July 19-24, 2026, on a private woman-owned and operated ranch in Wind River Range in Lander, Wyoming.
This 5-day Expedition is a partnership between Convergence and FutureWomenX. Together, we will gather eight leaders from across industries and sectors in the backcountry of Wyoming as a radical act of renewal and wayfinding. We will reconnect to nature, explore our landscapes for change, and leverage the wisdom and sisterhood of peers.
We believe in the power of women to change the world. Will you answer the call?
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Roots of Resilience: Black History Through the Eyes of Faith
Preorder from Friendship Press
Roots of Resilience: Black History Through the Eyes of Faith is a transformative guide designed to empower churches and communities to teach Black History with confidence and conviction. At a time when public education faces challenges in preserving these vital narratives, this resource places the stories of Black Americans within the context of faith, resilience, and justice.
Grounded in biblical principles, Roots of Resilience connects historical struggles and triumphs to the ongoing call for equity and love in action. Readers, congregations, and small groups alike will discover how understanding the past can illuminate the path toward a better future.
Order here
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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/.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Supercharge Your Congregations’ Communications: 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.
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2026
Boundary and Racial Justice
Trainings
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Healthy Conflict for Strong Churches
Enkei Resolutions
February 25, 2026
10 am - 2 pm CT via Zoom
Conflict is required for new growth to happen, and not something to be avoided. This four-hour workshop is for leaders who want to engage in conflict to build strong communities and foster growth. Participants will leave with tools and resources for building a healthy conflict culture. Email dweible@enkei-resolutions.com to inquire about discount pricing for multiple leaders
from the same church.
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Ordinations, Installations, and Ecclesiastical Councils
Jan 11: Ecclesiastical Council for Alaina Hoffman. 1:00 pm via Zoom. Chicago Metropolitan Association Cluster 2.
Feb 1: Service of Installation for Rev. Ramona Gant. 2:30 pm at First Congregational UCC in Downers Grove. Fox Valley Association.
Feb 1: Service of Installation for Rev. Kari Nicewander. 3:00 pm at First Congregational Church of Naperville. Fox Valley Association.
Meetings
Jan 10: Conference HR Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.
Jan 14: Outdoor Ministries Committee Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.
Jan 15: EA Council Meeting. 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Jan 18: WA Council Meeting. 3:30 pm via Zoom.
Jan 19: Conference office closed.
Jan 20: Finance Committee Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.
Jan 20: WA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.
Jan 20: CMA Council Meeting. 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Jan 20: CMA Cluster 4 Meeting. 7:00 pm at Westchester Community Church.
Jan 26: FVA Council Meeting, 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Jan 26: EA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.
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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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You are receiving this message because you are listed on our Conference email list, one of our leadership/committee email lists, or because you previously subscribed to receive our e-newsletters.
This communication is made possible by your contributions to
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.
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