Due to the holidays, we have moved the publication dates of Faithful Fridays for the rest of this year to December 5, and December 19.
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Ecumenical Prayer Service and
Signing Ceremony
Ecumenism Metro Chicago
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.
This ecumenical prayer service will be grounded in the WPCU theme “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4). This reflects the mission of EMC that “seeks to engage all the baptized, their communions and extended ministries in Chicagoland in living together with prayer, action and a coordinated voice that respects distinctions among traditions and extends God’s love through Christ and the Holy Spirit, for all the world.”
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.”
The mission of Ecumenism Metro Chicago (EMC) seeks to engage all the baptized, their communions and extended ministries in Chicagoland in living together with prayer, action and a coordinated voice that respects distinctions among traditions and extends God’s love through Christ and the Holy Spirit, for all the world.
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Local Churches and First Amendment Rights - United Church of Christ | On September 25, 2025, the President of the United States released a Presidential Memorandum titled Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political | | | |
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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
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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)
| Join the Circle. Fuel Faithful Resistance. | Your monthly gift helps the Open and Affirming Coalition equip churches to affirm, protect, and celebrate LGBTQ+ people in every community. In a moment when hatred and fear are rising, the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ stands firm as a beacon of faithful resistance. | | | |
Responding with Faith and Compassion to
Hurricane Melissa
Global Ministries ~ Galatians 6:2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
On October 29, Hurricane Melissa swept through the Caribbean, devastating communities in Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba.
Under the leadership of David Giron, our Global Relations Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean, Global Ministries is working closely with partners to identify and meet the most urgent needs. Our response will move through needs assessment, life-saving assistance, and long-term recovery.
Current needs include:
- House of Hope – Haiti: Food, housing, and medical support totaling $41,881 for families facing devastation.
- Centro Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – Cuba: Food and medical assistance for 600 families who have no other resources.
- United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands – Jamaica: Needs assessment in progress.
100% of your gifts will go directly to our partners’ response efforts. Give today at www.globalministries.org/donation_page and include “Hurricane Melissa” in the memo. Click here for more detailed information.
| Provide Robust Support for Disaster Recovery and Relief Efforts | Disasters are increasing in frequency and intensity - wildfires, hurricanes, floods and severe storms are devastating more communities each year. Yet survivors often face confusing paperwork, long delays, and inequitable access to aid. Faith-based partners, such as the... | | | |
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.
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UW’s Crossing campus community seeks board members
The Crossing, a progressive Christian ministry that serves students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, is looking for board members.
The organization, supported by the United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church and American Baptist Church, brings together students from a variety of faith traditions to advocate for social justice and take time for spiritual reflection.
Board meetings take place by Zoom at least six times a year, and board members also volunteer at student events and take on other. Questions? Email board Co-President Jen Petricca Bloesch.
Complete the board member interest form here.
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End of Year Fundraising
Tower Hill and
Pilgrim Park Camps
Help us work together to continue a camp experience that fosters personal development, forms lifelong friendships, and where people of all ages can deepen their spiritual ties. As we enter our yearly fundraising, we sincerely appreciate your consideration of this request on behalf of everyone who stands to gain.
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.
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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.
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HOPE United Church of Christ and the Aurora LGBTQ Advisory Board host Transgender Day of Remembrance
Saturday, November 22, 2025, 6 - 8 pm CT
2200 Ridge Ave, Aurora, IL 60504
Transgender Day of Remembrance – a day to commemorate the transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming persons who are targeted and killed for living authentically and courageously.
What to expect?
A safe and meaningful place to give honor to the memory of trans individuals
Powerful and touching speeches
Beautiful and heartfelt songs/performances
Meet supportive peers and the community
Be inspired and celebrate life!
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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
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Pilgrim Congregational Church Awarded National Clergy Renewal Grant
Oak Park, IL
Pilgrim Congregational Church has received a grant to enable our Senior Minister, Reverend Colin Knapp, to participate in the 2025 National Clergy Renewal Program.
Pilgrim is one of only 200 congregations nationwide selected for this competitive program, which is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and administered by Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
This program provides Christian congregations with resources to offer their pastors a sabbath rest, allowing ministers to step away from the relentless pace of ministry for travel, study, prayer, rest, and creative or cultural engagement.
Congregations may apply for grants of up to $60,000, and the program allows up to $20,000 for interim pastoral leadership and congregational renewal activities while the pastor is away.
Click here for the press release
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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.
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Anti-Racism Resources for Families, Youth Leaders, and People Who Work with Youth and Children - United Church of Christ | What OWL is doing: While anti-bias has been an intentional part of Our Whole Lives from its inception, we are aware that there are many places where we | | | |
Building a Culture of Leadership Within Congregations | A two-session course for ministers and faith leaders ready to strengthen how their congregations and ministries identify, develop, and support leaders. Drawing from faith-rooted organizing, organizational development, and leadership formation, participants will: assess their current leadership culture, uncover untapped potential, and design practical strategies and structures for sustainable leader development. The course includes a pre-course diagnostic, an Application Laboratory, and a post-course 1:1 debrief for action and accountability. Convergence | | | | |
Wednesday Gatherings
Chicago Theological Seminary
First Wednesday of the month. 5:00 pm (CT)
Join Us Virtually!
December 3 | 5:00 pm CT
A Not So Minor Holiday: Hanukkah and the Changing Nature of Judaism
A conversation with Rabbi Steven Philp from Mishkan Chicago about how Hanukkah reflects evolving traditions and the changing nature of Judaism.
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.
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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
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PATHWAYS Courses
Beginning on January 7, 2026
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
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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
Other six-week courses beginning on January 7, 2026
Introducing the Old Testament
Environmental Literacy in God's Creation
Environmental Ethics
Faith Formation (Children, Youth,Adults)
Art of Preaching
Supervised Ministry IV
Making Sense of Theology
UCC History and Polity 12-week course also begins January 7, 2026
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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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Meetings
Nov 24: FVA Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Dec 4: PA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Dec 4: Annual Celebration Planning Committee. 5 pm via Zoom.
Dec 7: WA Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
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 HR Meeting. 9:30 a.m. 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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