Faithful Fridays: New Resources for Women's History Month

PLEASE NOTE: if you unsubscribe from this email you will no longer receive any communications from the Illinois Conference - including bereavement messages, event notices, and more.

Faithful Fridays

Friday, March 10, 2023

Women's History Month - New Resources

From the Justice and Peace Action Network March 2023 Newsletter:

Women’s History Month Sees Launch of New Resources

Dr. Sherry Warren, Minister for Women’s and Gender Justice, is excited to let you know about new resources for use that will be made available throughout the month of March to celebrate Women and Girls all over. Be on the look out for these resources coming soon:

The first issue of Talitha Koum – The UCC newsletter for Women’s, Girls, and Their Allies will be published in early March,
The new video podcast Engendering Spirit will be ready for free download on Frontline Faith, while the audio portion will be available on common podcast streaming services,
Sherry will be at the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations and will be sharing interviews with people who answer the question “Why is International Women’s Day (March 8) important in creating equity for women and girls?”
Dr. Warren will also be interviewing the UCC’s new United Nations Program Manager, the Rev. Kaji Spellman Douša and making that interview available for viewing.

'Trans youth lives matter': UCC leaders commit to love and justice in action amidst anti-LGBTQ bills - United Church of Christ

Siblings in Christ, We are in the midst of a pivotal moment in our shared story. The well-being of transgender and non-binary youth is being debated in legislative sessions across the United States. As of March 3 there have been 385 anti-LGBTQ bills introduced, with 108 of these bills aiming to end gender affirming healthcare for trans and non-binary youth.

Christian Nationalism:

Threat to Christianity and Democracy

Lecture with Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer

Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 7:00 PM

Elmhurst University, Hammerschmidt Chapel

Please join us on campus as we host the General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer, in a public lecture/conversation on this growing reality in our nation, Christian Nationalism - what it is and what it is not.

Congregations and members of the Illinois Conference are invited and encouraged to attend this timely evening with Dr. Dorhauer, who is a distinguished advisor to the National Council of Churches, the Interfaith networks in the nation, and a recognized national leader in the religious landscape. The evening is open to all and free of charge.

Outdoor Ministries - Camp of the Week!

HUG Camp

July 9-14 at Tower Hill Camp

Grades 4-11

Fee: $500

Directors: Carol Currier-Frighetto, Donna Boyko

Where God Helps Us Grow memories and friendships that last forever! In addition to growing our relationships with God, each other, and nature, campers choose from a variety of terrific activities each day. Have your camper double the fun by bringing a friend!

Online Registration

Tower Hill Open House Celebration

March 19th, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Join us on Sunday, March 19 from 1:00 to 5:00 PM (EST) to attend our 100th Anniversary Celebration at Tower Hill. This Open House will give you the opportunity to tour our facilities, enjoy beverages and light snacks in Wales Dining Hall, and shop our Camp Store. 100th Anniversary Posters will be on display in Marshall Hall with additional photos and memorabilia on display.

Spring Quilt Retreat

April 4th - 7th

Pilgrim Park Camp

Create your masterpieces and work on your projects, all while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Pilgrim Park. Come join us for fun, great food and fellowship! We will provide sewing and cutting tables and ironing boards. You will need to bring your own supplies, projects, materials, iron, extension cord, machines and whatever else you need to have a successful and productive time. Included: 3 nights lodging, bedding and towels, 8 meals and lots of time to quilt!

Private Rooms: $375/person

Double/Triple Rooms: $275/person

IMPORTANT NOTE:

There will be no Faithful Fridays for the next two weeks.

Our Support Staff for Communications will be away from the office.

The full April newsletter will go out in the first week of April.

Any urgent communication needs from March 15-31st should be sent to: [email protected]

McCormick HerStory Lecture

Tuesday, March 21 at 12:00 PM

Join McCormick Theological Seminary on Tuesday, March 21st at 12:00 p.m. CST for the annual HerStory Lecture, featuring guest speaker Dr. Jeanne Porter King, Ph.D. BCC, titled "Telling the Truth About Black Women’s Leadership: Defying Patriarchy, Defining Ourselves" . This event will be streamed live on McCormick’s Facebook page. This event is hosted by the Center for African American Ministries and Black Church Studies.

"Often the last group allowed a seat at leadership tables, Black women and their leadership strengths have been underutilized in both business and religious organizations. At this year’s HerStory Lecture, author, leadership coach and organizational consultant, Rev. Dr. Jeanne Porter King, will share how embracing the leadership gifts of Black women not only affirms Black women’s God-given abilities and identity, but also helps to foster greater flourishing for everyone within our society." Learn more here.

UCC All Church Read:

How to be an Antiracist

The leaders of Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice are inviting individuals, congregations, Conferences and Associations to join this year’s All Church Read with the book How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.

“How to Be an Antiracist compels us to read and gather for respectful community conversations, listening deeply to our neighbors and working together toward dismantling racism,” said the Rev. Velda Love, UCC minister for racial justice and JTM lead. “The book offers multiple opportunities for reeducation as a way forward toward meaningful conversations across all ethnicities, cultures, gender identities and geographical locations.”

The All Church Read is planned to run from the beginning of April through June.

A faith-based facilitator’s guide and conversation prompts will be available on the JTM website, with plans for multiple facilitators across the United Church of Christ to lead conversation groups. Learn more here.

Concert for Peace at

Glenview Community Church

On Sunday, March 12th at 3:00 PM, Glenview Community Church will be hosting a concert and art exhibit to benefit Hands of Peace. This is a free concert open to all who wish to attend. More details can be found in the flyer below.

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. PLEASE NOTE: if you unsubscribe from this email you will no longer receive any communications from the Illinois Conference - including bereavement messages, event notices and more.

This communication is made possible by your contributions to

Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM)

FAITHFUL FRIDAYS is published by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154. The Rev. Molly Carlson, Conference Minister; Sarah Lohrbach, Editor. Copy may be sent to: [email protected].