October 3, 2025

Register now for the

2025 Annual Celebration & TPIRC Summit

For Such a Time as This:

Faith in a Time of Upheaval

First Congregational UCC in DeKalb

615 N 1st St, DeKalb, IL 60115

October 30 - November 1, 2025

We hope you will be able to join us October 30th - November 1st at First Congregational UCC in DeKalb. Our theme this year is "For Such a Time as This: Faith in a Time of Upheaval." Join us for a powerful three-day gathering of worship, workshops, fellowship, and visioning for the future of the Church. Special guests include The Many and the Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith.

The main event will take place on Friday and Saturday, beginning with opening worship at 10:30 am on Friday. There are optional training opportunities on Thursday: Boundary Awareness Training, Bias Awareness Training, & UCC Polity (Non-MIDs). These trainings cost $25 and run from 9 am - 3 pm. There are also two discussions on Thursday for Committee on Ministry members with MESA. See below for more information.*

The cost this year is $50 per person and includes lunch on Friday and Saturday as well as the banquet dinner on Friday night. There is no charge for Retired Clergy. Members-in-discernment receive a 50% discount ($25). There is also a free virtual only option for those who can't attend in person. The business meetings will be hybrid and worship will be livestreamed.

Click here to learn more about Annual Celebration including training and workshop descriptions, schedule, hotel information, and registration.

*Committees on Ministry Leaders' Annual Celebration Training

A minimum of four COM members from each Association (including the chair)

needs to sign up for this important training event.

October 30, 2025

Where: First Congregational Church, 615 North First Street, DeKalb, IL 60115

Workshop 1: Critical Work of COM, October 30, 10:00 am -12:00 pm

Workshop 2: Unified Fitness Review, October 30, 1:00- 4:00 pm

Please sign up HERE!!

UCC Webinar on the

EPA’s Dismantling of Environmental Protections

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 12 pm CT

At a time when the head of the EPA is dismantling the protections that safeguard our environment and public health, the UCC is hosting a national webinar featuring some of the best legal and policy experts on the EPA in the country.

They will address not only what has happened but also what can be done to take moral action in this moment. Speakers will include Ann Carlson from the UCLA School of Law, Jen Duggan from the Environmental Integrity Project, and Chitra Kumar from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

Even if you can’t make it for the scheduled time of Wednesday, October 8th at 12 pm CT, still sign-up and a link to the recording will be sent to you.

Register now!

The National Religious Campaign Against Torture Journey to Justice Bus Tour stops in Chicago

October 9 @ 10:30 am - 1:30 pm at 1232 W.103rd Street, Chicago, IL 60643

This unprecedented national tour is co-sponsored by NRCAT and blends education, connection, activism, and art, all towards the end of galvanizing the public around the imperative to end solitary confinement.

On October 9th from 10:30 am – 1:30 pm the Journey to Justice bus will be parked in the parking lot attached to the United Evangelistic Consulting Association’s Culture Canvas Cafe and Art Gallery at 1242 W. 103rd Street, Chicago, IL. We invite you to be part of this crucial gathering. 

The Journey to Justice bus is a mobile hub for change, featuring a life-sized solitary cell model, VR experiences, a photo exhibit of survivors, and creative spaces for sharing stories. It’s a place to build the relationships and power necessary to dismantle this brutal system.

.

GET FREE TICKETS HERE

Pastoring in an Era of

Christian Nationalism

Presented by the Association of Interim Ministers       

October 14 – 15, 2025

Pilgrim Park Camp and Conference Center

26449 1340 N. Ave, Princeton, IL 61356-8790

Christian Nationalism is an ideology that threatens both church and state. This retreat will explore this dangerous doctrine and how pastors might navigate, confront, and refocus its presence in their congregations and broader society. 

Leave with an in-depth understanding of what Christian Nationalism is, the problems it poses, and practical pastoral responses to it. This event is intended to enrich the lives of all clergy, as well as lay leaders and anyone involved with church ministry.

Keynote Speaker, Beau Underwood, is the co-author of Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism (Chalice Press, 2024). The book has received several notable awards, including the 2024 top award for non-fiction from both the Religion Communicators Council and the Associated Church Press.

He serves as the senior minister of Allisonville Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is also a contributing editor to Word&Way. He completed his undergraduate studies at Eureka College, earned graduate degrees in both religion and public policy at the University of Chicago, and is currently a doctoral candidate in public affairs at the University of Missouri.

Tentative Conference Program

Session 1: What Exactly is Christian Nationalism?

Session 2: The Heresy of Christian Nationalism

Session 3: Christian Nationalism - Past, Present, and Future

Complete your Registration and Fees by September 23, 2025.

Register online

Creation Care and Climate Justice Survey wants your answers!

A small team of clergy and lay leaders from the Illinois Conference is at work, seeking to strengthen and grow our capacity to create the change needed to sustain the richness of God's creation and bring about environmental justice.

You are invited to join us! Your answers to this survey will inform and guide our efforts. Please complete this brief survey and share it with others. If you have questions or a direct conversation, please contact Rev. David Russell at rddrr1774@gmail.com.

Great Central U.S. Shake Out/Earthquake Preparedness

October 16, 2025 @ 10:16 am CDT

ShakeOut Day is when millions of people worldwide will participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home!

The Rev. Roger Dart, IL UCC Conference Disaster Response Coordinator, invites you to participate in this annual two-minute exercise in early to mid-October.

At 10:16 am CDT on October 16, you can click here to join millions of people

across the world, practicing earthquake safety. 

You can take your ShakeOut drill on any day of the year and drill at a time of your choice. You can also include people in multiple locations through video conferencing.

You don't need to register, as we have registered the entire IL UCC Conference. Please plan a date and time for the exercise and send an email to Rev. Roger Dart at disaster@ilucc.org.

The Convergence Music Project: New Progressive Congregational Music

UCC Musicians

Saturday, October 25 at 1 pm CT

Andra Moran, singer/songwriter, worship leader, and co-founder of the Convergence Music Project (CMP), talks with Board member Amanda Udis-Kessler about CMP and its resources.

She shares her observations about what is happening in progressive worship music these days. Andra will also share two of her songs with us. 

Register here

OWL Facilitator Training at

Grades 7-9 / 10-12 Levels

November 7-9, 2025

Registration closes October 17

Become approved Our Whole Lives Facilitators at the Grades 7-9 / Grades 10-12 levels.

Attend the training for adults, 21 and older, who want to offer Our Whole Lives for Grades 7-9 and/or Grades 10-12 at their church and in their communities.

Learn more about Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education for Grades 7-9 and Grades 10-12, and how to integrate worship, prayer, and discussion of faith values and principles into OWL for each age group. Trainers, Christina Fairman and Craig VanKempen, will send information two weeks ahead of the training.

Learn more and register online

Insurance Board

Active Shooter Resources

While the Active Shooter Training Webinar on October 14 is sold out, the Insurance Board offers several resources to equip ministries to respond effectively in an emergency. The registration was limited, but a recording of the session on October 14 will be available afterwards.

In the aftermath of these events, church leaders struggle to find answers regarding church security. Among the tough questions asked are, “What can, or should, a church do to prepare for an event such as this? Should churches encourage their parishioners to be armed in the pews? Should the church hire armed security to guard their doors? How should congregants respond to an active shooter situation: lock down in place, run, hide, fight?”

Insurance Board Resources

Health and Wellness Educational Materials for October

• Mental Illness Awareness Week (October 6-12) promotes mental health awareness. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a free downloadable toolkit

• Healthy Lung Month raises awareness about the rapid escalation of lung disease in the United States. The American Lung Association provides general information about lung conditions, treatment options, and the effects of the environment. The Lung Institute is another source for general information about lung conditions and environmental factors. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects approximately 2.3 million women worldwide each year.

• The National Breast Cancer Organization provides general information and offers free copies of its educational materials.

• The American Cancer Society offers free-to-download and print: fact sheets, infographics, caregiver resources, and a Breast Cancer Toolkit.

• National ADHD Awareness Month Reliable information and resources to help people thrive with ADHD are available from the Children and Adults with ADD Organization, including fact sheets, infographics, and toolkits for parents and educators in English and Spanish.

New! 2025 Wellness Ministries Toolkit

UCC Wellness Ministries

2025 Wellness Ministries Toolkit - Flash Drive

The 2025 Wellness Ministries Toolkit, compiled into a comprehensive 220-page book, is a valuable resource filled with clear and easy-to-understand information.

When you’re looking for more detailed insights or specific tools for your Wellness Ministries programs, click on the embedded hyperlinks. We chose this format to make it simple for you to find exactly what you need—whether understanding the Who?, What?, and Why? of Wellness Ministries within the UCC, learning from colleagues about how to start or grow your programs in your Wellness Ministries, or gaining inspiration from the examples shared by others.  

Order now!

Any questions can be answered by contacting us at WellnessMinistries@UCC.org.

Manual on Local Church

UCC



This manual is for all settings of the UCC, to fully live into their covenantal responsibilities and privileges under the Constitution of the UCC.

It includes the Congregational Code, a three-part covenantal framework centering local churches; Marks for Faithful and Vital Local Churches, designed to affirm and expand your ministry; Local Church Governance, practical tools for building and sustaining healthy leadership; and Standing Support and Accountability, processes for Associations and Conferences in covenant with local churches, and resources for new and affiliating churches.

Order today!

Nicaea: The Council and Creed that Defined Christianity

Friendship Press - ~ Publisher of the National Council of Churches

How did a gathering of early church leaders 1700 years ago shape the faith of billions? In Nicaea: The Council and Creed that Defined Christianity, leaders from diverse Christian traditions reflect on the impact of the historic Nicene Creed. This timely volume explores the Creed’s enduring relevance, its strengths and weaknesses, its crucial role in shaping theology and ministry across centuries, and its guiding importance for the future of faith.

Whether you’re a pastor, theologian, or layperson seeking to deepen your understanding, this book will inspire a renewed appreciation for the legacy of this foundational moment in Christian history.

Preorder here

UCC Toolkit For Faithful Advocacy



The UCC Office of Public Policy & Advocacy is excited to share our new Advocacy Toolkit—a free resource designed to equip individuals and congregations with the tools to build a just world for all.

Download the toolkit today and take the next faithful step in speaking truth to power.

One Home One Future Announces — Second Anniversary Promotion & Toolkit Language

Celebrate Two Years of Hope in Action. Join a growing movement of collective hope and action, led by 330,000+ people of faith across the US. Join One Home One Future today and strengthen your congregation through caring for creation. You will have access to free resources, support, and community.

www.onehomeonefuture.org/join

Living the Heart of Progressive Christian Theology (Level One) 

Pathways Theological Education

begins October 8, 2024

What are the essentials of the Christian faith? How do you understand the realm of God, salvation, and the message of Jesus? 

What is Christianity’s role in the pluralistic role?

These are foundational questions for Christian life and theological formation. Over the next six weeks, you will explore, reflect on, and discuss these aspects of Christian theology from a progressive perspective. You will be asked to trace how your theological understandings have evolved because of church experience, study, and growth. You will also consider these topics and integrate them with the coursework already completed in the PATHWAYS program.

Register here

New Testament Hermeneutics (Level Two)

Pathways Theological Education

begins October 8, 2024

In this course, participants will explore the New Testament using historical critical methods and other tools of Biblical interpretation. Participants will learn the interpretive tool of sanctified imagination and apply Biblical insight to 21st century issues.

Register here

Practicing Our Faith in the Public Square (Level Three)

Pathways Theological Education

begins October 8, 2024



This course examines the why, how, and direction of faith-based engagement in the political life of our communities and nation. It also addresses areas of resistance and confusion regarding such engagement. It invites informed and renewed commitment to working for the public good of all God’s people through spirited participation in civic affairs.

Register here

PATHWAYS Fall 2025 Schedule, other six-week courses

Ecological Theology - 10/8/2025

Preaching Liberation Theology - 10/8/2025

Introduction to Spiritual Health (Pastoral Care) - 10/15/2025

Go to the PATHWAYS website to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.

Effective Transitional Ministry Training

Damascus Project

October 9 -10, 2025

The Damascus Project is hosting an on-site Effective Transitional Ministry training at the Wisconsin Conference's Daycholah Center, Green Lake, WI, on October 9-10, 2025.

This course offers 14 CEUs from the Interim Ministry Network. The cost of $350 includes lodging at Oak Mound Lodge, five meals (B-L-D on October 9, B-L on October 10), snacks, and the training and materials.

The trainer, Rev. Chris Hart, UCC minister and IMN trainer, offers an outstanding core introduction to interim work.

We'd love to invite those from the Illinois Conference to join the course. Daycholah Center is about 3 three hours from Chicago, a 2 two-hour drive from the Rockford area, and two and a half hours from DeKalb, so potentially accessible from several points across the Illinois Conference.

See the flyer here. Register online here.

Made for These Times

Five-day Free Summit

Convergence 

October 20-24, 2025 1 pm CT

This is not just a conference. It’s a call to faithful leadership for a world in crisis—and an invitation to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Political extremism. Climate collapse. Cultural fragmentation. People of faith are asking: "How do we lead with clarity, courage, and compassion in a time like this?"

• Five Days of Curated Conversations with prophetic voices, theologians, activists, and organizers
• Daily Live Zoom Debriefs at 1 pm CT to connect with fellow participants and explore practical applications
• Downloadable Tools & Spiritual Practices to ground your leadership in resilience and wisdom - including a downloadable workbook that you can use throughout the year.
• Access to the Convergence Circle—an ongoing online community for post-summit collaboration, strategy, and support

Day 1 – Monday, Oct 20/Naming the Moment

Day 2 – Tuesday, Oct 21/Spiritual Resilience for the Long Haul

Day 3 – Wednesday, Oct 22/Congregations as Islands of Coherence

Day 4 – Thursday, Oct 23/New Stories, New Possibilities

Day 5 – Friday, Oct 24/Organizing for the Future

Register now for free  

Risking Connection in Faith Communities: Becoming a Healing-Centered Faith Leader

Thursday, October 16 & Thursday, October 23, 2025

9 am – 3 pm CDT (both days)

via Zoom

This 2-day virtual course is designed to equip faith leaders with the tools to build trauma-responsive, healing-centered congregations. Participants will learn how to:

• Understand the dynamics of trauma and resilience, and their impact on health and well-being.
• Explore the spiritual impact of trauma and ways spirituality supports healing.
• Apply the RICH approach (Respect, Information, Connection, Hope) in their ministry and community relationships.
• Recognize and attend to their own vicarious trauma as leaders.
• Take practical steps to foster a trauma-responsive environment in their congregations.

Register here Free of charge: funded by The Chicago Department of Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention

In Search of a New Story: Reimagining What Comes Next

Convergence

October 23 & 30 and November 13 & 20, 2025

6 pm CT, 90-minute sessions. Online via Zoom

A four-part online Series with Dr. Matthew Fox, Cameron Trimble, Ilia Delio, Diana Butler Bass, Caroline Myss, and Luther Smith.

We are living through the unraveling of many old stories—about who we are, why we’re here, and how we are meant to live together on this Earth. As these inherited narratives collapse under the weight of the climate crisis, social fragmentation, and spiritual disconnection, the question becomes clear:

What story will guide us now? LEARN MORE 

Wednesday Gatherings

Chicago Theological Seminary

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

Join Us Virtually!

November 5 | 5:00 pm CT

A Community Conversation about Immigration

A conversation with Cindy Eigler at Coalition for Immigrant Mental Health, Rev. Dr. Kenneth Phelps, Pastor of Concord Missionary Baptist Church, and Fasika Alem, Program Director at United African Organization.  

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.

Join a Healing Centered Learning Cohort

Advocate Health Care & Courage2Love

Journey with other leaders to learn practical skills for trauma-informed and healing-centered spiritual care. Advocate Health Care is partnering with several other organizations to offer in-depth learning opportunities for faith leaders who want to build trauma-informed and healing-centered congregations or organizations. Our unique approach is rooted in the wisdom of the Restorative Justice and relationship-based social transformation movements.

Journey to a Healing Centered Organization: November 13 and 14. This 2-day training equips faith and organizational leaders to employ a unique, relationship-based approach to understanding trauma and developing skills for healing-centered leadership.

Time & Location: Nov 13, 9 am – Nov 14, 4 pm, 2700 W Wilcox St, Chicago, IL 60612

For more information, contact Darlena at darlena@courage2love.org.

Because this program is supported by a grant from the Chicago Department of

Public Health Office for Violence Prevention, applications from faith communities and organizations located in or serving the city of Chicago will be prioritized.

Find more information here.

The St. John Church – Celebrates

Civil War Soldiers

475 Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067

Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00 am CT

Please join us for a special Civil War Memorial Dedication Ceremony on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00 am CT at St. John UCC in Palatine, IL.

We will honor the memory of three courageous Civil War soldiers from our church community and reflect on their sacrifice for freedom. This event will include a memorial service, music, and a remembrance ritual. All are welcome—rain or shine.

My Computer Ministry at First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn

535 Forest Ave, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Do you have a laptop, desktop, Flat-panel monitor, keyboard, or computer mice that you are no longer using? Help the Computer Ministry of First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn (FCCGE) transform lives. In the hands of the Computer Ministry of FCCGE, they are not just devices. They are gateways to opportunity and hope.

General Donation Information

●   The Computer ministry of FCCGE gratefully accepts donations of desktop or laptop computers that are no more than 6 years old.

●   Computers are refurbished and given to families, individuals, and organizations in need.

●   Donations of keyboards, mice, cables, and flat-panel monitors are also welcomed (CRT monitors are not)

●   Donations may be arranged for drop off on Sundays between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Other days/times available upon request.

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you have computer skills that you want to use to help others? Come volunteer with the Computer Ministry of FCCGE. We are seeking Website Designers, Network Specialists, Software Imaging Specialists, Social Media Person, Hardware Repair (troubleshooting), and Programmers.

For donation or volunteer information or to make a request for a computer, please contact Mike DeFlorio at mikedeflorio@outlook.com or 630.913.2694.

Attention All Crafter's

Pilgrim Park Camp Crafter's Retreat

December 4 -7, 2025

Have you been thinking you would like to see what the CRAFTER'S RETREAT is like?

Now is your chance.

Clergy Praycations...

https://www.towerhillcamp.org/

https://www.pilgrimparkcamp.org/

Tower Hill and Pilgrim Park are once again offering Praycations - a time of rest and recreation for our clergy. 

Clergy and their families are invited to register for a three- day, two-night stay at either Camp. Registration fee is only $60. Our Clergy Praycations are made possible through a generous grant from the Brown Endowment/United Church Funds.

This is a time, not to learn something new or acquire another skill, but to take a deep breath. We invite you to step away to renew and refresh, to play and to laugh! We offer this time so our clergy are able to continue to serve our congregations and communities with integrity and vitality, and to respond to the call of God with courage and compassion.

Please contact Tower Hill at 269-426-3881 or Pilgrim Park at 815-447-2390 to schedule.

Ordinations, Installations, and Ecclesiastical Councils.

Nov 8: Service of Installation for Rev. Kim Whisler-Vasko. 3:00 pm at Burr Ridge Community Church. Fox Valley Association.

Nov 9: Service of Installation for Rev. Mary Herbig. 3:00 pm at First Congregational Church of Wilmette. Chicago Metropolitan Association.

Meetings

Oct 5: WA Council Meeting, 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Oct 8: Outdoor Ministries Committee Meeting. 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. 

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

Oct 9: CMA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 12:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Oct 9: Annual Celebration Planning Committee Meeting. 5:00 p.m. via Zoom. 

Oct 11: Conference Council Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.

Oct 13: Stewardship Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. 

Oct 14: LEEAP Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. 

Oct 16: EA Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Oct 20: EA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:30 am via Zoom.

Oct 21: FAB Meeting. 9:00 am via Zoom.

Oct 21: WA Committee on Ministry Meeting, 9:30 am at First Congregational UCC in Canton.

Oct 21: CMA Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Oct 27: FVA Council Meeting, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Fall Meetings & Annual Celebration

Oct 11: Fox Valley Association Fall Meeting at First Congregational Church in Downers Grove. Register online here. Deadline to register is Sunday, Oct 5th.

Oct 30 - Nov 1: Conference Annual Celebration & TPIRC Education Summit at First Congregational UCC in DeKalb. Register online here. Deadline to register is Thursday, Oct 16th.

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.

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.