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Welcome to our First Edition of The Book of Love!
We’re thrilled to extend our Love is Louder offerings to include The Book of Love! Within this first edition are the voices of our wider church offering their poetry, devotional reflections, and liturgy with Gospel of inclusion embodied.
I hope these offerings widen our circle even further as we continue to embrace being siblings in Christ together across our diverse tapestry of love.
If you’d like to be a part of future editions of The Book of Love, our submission platform will remain open to continue this project. You can find our submission forms at www.ucc.org/loveislouder.
R Ward, they/them, Gender & Sexuality Justice, Minister & Manager
Download the Book of Love
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Juneteenth Commemoration 2026: In Troubling Times Consult the Ancestors! | |
Juneteenth marks the official end of the enslavement of African descended people in the U.S. The original legal declaration was signed into law by Abraham Juneteenth Commemoration 2026: In Troubling Times Consult the Ancestors!
Click the Read More button below to register for this Zoom event on Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 2:30 pm CT.
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Getting Medicare in a disaster or emergency
Natural disasters can strike with little or no warning. Medicare can help you get care if an emergency is declared and you must evacuate to a safe area. Visit Medicare.gov/emergency to find resources and plan ahead.
Prescription Drugs: You can transfer most prescriptions to another in-network pharmacy during an emergency, then return to your regular pharmacy afterward. If you need an out-of-network pharmacy, contact your Medicare drug plan.
Seeing a Doctor: With Original Medicare, you can see any doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, contact your plan about temporary options, such as using an out-of-network provider.
Critical Care & Equipment: Need access to cancer treatments, dialysis, or a replacement wheelchair or walker? Visit Medicare.gov/emergency to learn more about getting the care and equipment you need during an emergency.
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This seven-part summer webinar series begins in June and continues twice each month through August.
Check out the upcoming June webinar descriptions and register today!
For additional details about each summer session, scan the QR code above or
click here.
Dates and topics of the remaining sessions:
Session 4: July 28
Sustainable Investing
Session 5: August 5
Leadership Skills
Session 6: August 19
Money & Ministry
Session 7: August 31
Employer Support
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Session 2: June 24
2:00 pm CT
Burnout Prevention
Rest that Sustains the Call: Sabbatical, Renewal, and Burnout Prevention
Drawing on sabbatical stories and formation practices, explore how rest, reflection, and self-care extend the lifespan of ministry and support wiser long-term decisions, including retirement readiness.
This session is suitable for all career stages and ministry vocations.
Topics Include
Sabbatical theology practice
Burnout warning signs
Rest and discernment
Participants will
Value sabbatical investment
Connect rest discernment
Learn sustainable rhythms
Register Now.
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Session 3: July 16
2:00 pm CT
Mid-career Check
What’s Working, What’s Not, and What Needs to Change Now
Mid-career leaders often navigate the most complex intersections of ministry and life: family responsibilities, congregational demands, aging parents, debt, and long-term planning pressures. .
This session is suitable for mid-career clergy & lay employees ages 45+.
Topics Include
Mid‑career pressures
Competing life demands
Recalibration indicators
Participants will
Name core stressors
Assess energy drains
Clarify next steps
Register Now.
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UCC National Webinar:
Effective Communication for Climate Advocacy
Climate Hope Affiliates
Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12 pm CT
Join us for the next Climate Hope Affiliates national webinar on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 12 pm CT.
John Sabin combines his background as a psychotherapist and as a climate advocate to offer advice.
Register here.
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ONA Webinar:
The Sacredness is in the Streets: Strengthening our Faith and Ourselves During Overlapping Crises
June 25, 2026
6 - 7:30 pm CT
Engage in practical conversations around physical and digital security, de-escalation and direct action best practices, caring for the wellbeing of underrepresented leaders and communities, and challenging Christian scriptural and procedural norms to better meet this moment with courage, clarity, and conviction.
Click Here to Register or scan the QR code above.
Tickets are offered on an honor-system sliding scale.
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Open and Affirming (ONA) Sunday : “We Shall Not Be Moved: Rooted in Love, Justice, and Affirmation”
UCC Open and Affirming Coalition
Sunday, June 28, 2026
In a time when LGBTQ+ people, especially our trans and nonbinary siblings, continue to face fear, exclusion, and political attack, this year’s theme is a declaration of faith, courage, and belonging.
Free worship resources include:
• Theme introduction and worship framing
• Call to Worship
• Opening Prayer
• Prayer of Confession and Assurance of Grace
• Communion liturgy and prayers
• Sermon pathways and preaching ideas
• Children’s Moment
• Music suggestions, including hymns, freedom songs, and queer joy music
• Benediction and sending words
Access the full Open and Affirming Sunday worship resources here.
We invite your congregation to consider taking a special Open and Affirming Sunday offering to support the work of the Coalition. Your support helps us resource churches, train leaders, equip congregations, advocate publicly, and continue building a stronger, braver, more affirming church for LGBTQ+ people. Click here to support the Coalition and help us keep showing up—and equipping others to do the same.
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Faith, Democracy, and Responding to Christian Nationalism
As part of its Faith and Democracy work, NCCC offers resources to help congregations and people of faith thoughtfully engage the rise of Christian nationalism and its impact on public life.
We believe it is essential for people of faith to be able to recognize when religious language is being used to exclude, divide, or distort the call to love neighbor and seek justice for all.
Explore these resources for reflection, learning, and conversation within your communities:
- Confronting Christian Nationalism resources and presentations
- Recorded webinars and resources
- Educational materials on faith, democracy, and public witness
You can find these materials and more by using this link.
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2026 PAAM Sunday Materials Available!
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
Celebrating PAAM Sunday 2026 in the spirit of faith made visible through love, justice, and action. This year’s theme, “Do the Works,” calls the church to move beyond words and to embody Christ’s welcome, courage, and compassion in the world.
As we honor Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries during the first Sunday of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May, we warmly invite all congregations to join in this celebration and witness, as an opportunity to learn, worship, stand in solidarity together, and taste the diversity within and beyond the United Church of Christ.
You can use the worship materials on one of the Sundays in May, host a panel discussion, or explore an AAPI book or film together to deepen your connection with our AAPI siblings. May we all be inspired to serve with hope, unity, and bold witness.
Download the PAAM Sunday 2026 worship materials here.
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'United in Spirit,
Diverse in Sound'
UCCMA Biennial National Conference
www.uccma.org
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.
Detailed information here.
Register here.
United Church of Christ Musicians Association
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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-Burnard, 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.
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Tower Hill Camp Announces
2026 Summer Staff!
Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center
From left to right, Bridget is new here to Tower Hill, but learned of us through her brother who was on staff last year. Kaylee is part of the Lombard church and grew up coming to Godstock. Lily returns from last year and is leading the summer staff this year. Zac came to Tower Hill through Bridgman Band Camp.
Now entering our 103rd year of bringing guests “out of the ordinary, into the sacred” we stand proud of our history offering a camp experience that fosters growth, empathy, and a glimpse of nature that truly changes lives. Come, be part of our story that continues to build here at Tower Hill.
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Creation Care Camp
August 3-6, 2026
$300/person with scholarships available
Tower Hill Camp
Join us this August 3-6 at Tower Hill. Youth, parents, grandparents, and all other adults welcome! Youth are free right now, accompanied by a paying adult!
Today’s world is overwhelming with multiple and critical issues surrounding and sometimes assaulting us…not the least of which is climate change.
When I took the prediction seriously by the vast majority of the world’s climatologists… that the earth will be uninhabitable by 2700…I became fearful for the lives of my grandkids as to whether they will live to my age of 81!
But faith buoyed me up as I realized that I don’t believe God created our good earth just to have us destroy it! That’s why a group of us (Illinois Conference Creation Care Team) have put our heads together and created a Creation Care Camp. Additionally, our Creation Care Committee is a resource team available to support local churches with climate care.
We believe that climate change doesn’t have to be an overwhelming downer but poses an opportunity for us to make a difference for the sake of our good earth and its populations, starting with ourselves, families, churches, and communities.
We believe in climate education, spiritual direction, climate action, and advocacy. This is exactly what the Creation Care Camp is!
We’ll hear from Lake Michigan experts, listen to the Native Peoples' understanding of earth as sacred, and learn how to help our churches develop “Green Teams”. We’ll also silently experience God’s creation each morning as we immerse ourselves in nature. Plus, we’ll enjoy Lake Michigan and campfires.
Tower Hill Camp Director: David Russell
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The Great Lakes Creation Collaborative Retreat 2026
At Waters’ Edge: Sacred Relations
United Church of Christ & United Church of Canada
August 23 at 4 pm to August 25 at 11 am
Five Oaks Retreat Centre
1 Bethel Rd, Paris, ON, CANADA N3L 3E3
The Great Lakes Collaborative (GLC) is a network of people from all of the UCC Conferences that touch on a Great Lake, as well as our partners in the United Church of Canada.
The focus is on creation care, especially the sustainability and care of the Great Lakes and other bodies of freshwater. This is the GLC’s 4th Annual Event and the first one hosted by the United Church of Canada.
For more information:
Kathy Douglas, kathymdouglas@hotmail.com, cell: 519 441 0656 (Canada) or
Lisa Hart, Lhart@wcucc.org, cell: 608-438-1571 (US)
Register here.
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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.
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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.
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2026 Season Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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
| | Local Church News & Events | | |
Pride Night of Remembrance
Open Table UCC
Friday, June 12, 6:30-8:30 pm
North end of Washington Park
101 E Lafayette St, downtown Ottawa, IL
The Night of Remembrance honors members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies who have lost their lives to violence, suicide, AIDS, and other causes related to navigating life as marginalized populations. Attendees are invited to add to a memorial ribbon display by writing the name of someone they wish to remember on a ribbon and attaching it to the display. Ribbons and markers will be supplied.
The program at 7:00 pm pays tribute to those being remembered, including short elegies, prayers, and music. Ottawa native Justin Nixon, music educator and performer, will be this year's special presenter.
In case of rain, Pride Night of Remembrance will be held at the Ottawa Center for the Arts' Great Hall on the ground floor, 910 Columbus Street across from the southeast corner of the park. Use the accessible entrance on Jackson Street.
We appreciate any help you can give sharing word of the event with the attached flyer or our Facebook event page.
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Interfaith Family Pride Fest
First Congregational Church of Evanston
June 14, 2026, from 2 - 5 pm CT
Raymond Park, Evanston, IL
Join us for our third annual Interfaith Family Pride Fest. This celebration of Queerness and the LGBTQ+ community welcomes performers, artists, and booths to Raymond Park for an afternoon of family fun, popcorn, ice cream, and cotton candy.
The event is free and open to everyone.
See you there!
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BIG News from Hope UCC in Moline
Youth Voices Bold Faith
June 14-20, 2026 in Washington D.C.
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Grace Rider and Jaiden Briggs-Spies are officially headed to Washington, D.C. this summer for Youth Voices Bold Faith! From June 14th to June 20th, these incredible high school graduates will be joining a dynamic group of young leaders from across the country. This isn't just any trip; it's a powerful, week-long immersion in faith-based advocacy, justice, and community. Grace and Jaiden will be diving deep into how faith calls us to speak truth to power, stand up for what's right, and work toward a world where everyone can thrive.
Together, they are going to tackle some amazing opportunities:
• Meet the Changemakers: Engage directly with leaders making waves on Capitol Hill and beyond!
• Get the Toolkit: Learn practical, real-world tools for organizing, advocacy, and public witness.
• Level Up: Participate in high-impact Youth Leadership Development.
• Build a Movement: Forge deep, lifelong connections with peers who share their passion for justice and hope for the world.
| | Resources & Learning Opportunities | | |
Professional Development - June Webinars
Practical Resources for Churches (PRC)
June 11, 16, and 18,2026 at 2 pm
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.
June Webinars - register with links below
Church Bullies; June 11; 1-2 pm CT
Life After Publisher: Mastering Page Layout with Affinity; June 16; 1-2 pm CT
When Giving is Flat; Faithful Response Beyond Panic; June 18; 1-2 pm CT
| Environment Justice Program | |
The PATHWAYS Environmental Justice Program equips participants with the tools to engage in environmental justice work in their own communities (such as community advocates, eco-church consultants, or coalition builders among faith-based, science-based, and government-based organizations).
Consisting of 17 courses in three levels (comprehending, applying, synthesizing), this program invites participants to encounter the planet’s devastation and move towards its healing. Contact our Registrar (registrar@pathwaystheological.org) for more information and questions about the certificate.
Are you ready to get started? Apply here.
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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/.
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Preparing for July 4th Worship: A Workshop to Resist Christian Nationalism - Wisconsin Council of Churches | Join the Clergy Emergency League and the Wisconsin Council of Churches for a 90‑minute workshop to help clergy and congregational leaders prepare faithful, grounded worship and preaching for the July 4th weekend. | | | |
2026
Racial Justice Training
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The Black Madonna: Sacred Wisdom for a World in Crisis | With Matthew Fox and Colleagues | | | | |
Ordinations, Installations, and Ecclesiastical Councils
June 28: Service of Installation for Rev. Joe Gastiger. 3:00 pm at Mayfield Congregational Church in Sycamore. Prairie Association.
Meetings
Jun 16: Finance Committee Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.
Jun 16: WA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.
Jun 16: CMA Council Meeting. 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Jun 16: EA Council Meeting. 7:00 pm via Zoom.
Jun 16: WA Council Meeting. 3:30 pm via Zoom.
Jun 19: OFFICE CLOSED in observance of Juneteenth.
Jun 20: Conference HR Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.
Jun 22: EA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 11:00 am via Zoom.
Jun 22: FVA Council Meeting. 6:30 pm via Zoom.
Jun 30: Creation Care Team Meeting. 10:00 am at the Conference Office (1840 Westchester Blvd, Westchester).
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Contact Us
Mon-Fri 8:30 - 4:30
708-344-4470
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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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