I’m writing today to let you know that Oxford Document Management is experiencing a significant delay from the Illinois statewide records check with regard to ministerial background checks. (To be clear, the delay is coming from the Illinois State Police, not Oxford’s staff.) This is how the matter was explained to me: When possible hits come back for a subject’s name, the search then goes into a quality control process during which time any possible records/information is fully reviewed for accuracy. Also, COVID protocols were implemented by the state which also impacted the turn around times on their review. They are running approximately 60-70 business days (excluding weekends and court holidays), although some requests can take longer. Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite this process with the IL State Police.

AUTHORIZED MINISTERS AND MIDS: You will likely need to account for this delay in the preparation of your profiles. When possible, you should submit your request to Oxford at the start of your process (rather than towards the end, which has been an informally recommended practice for a long time).

General Synod 34 will take place June 30 - July 4, 2023 in Indianapolis and registration is officially open for delegates and guests! Learn more here.

We recently marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade which guaranteed the constitutional right to an abortion. This was the first anniversary since the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization fundamentally changing access to abortion in the U.S. and overturning Roe. We are now ensnared in an ongoing struggle for the right to self-determination, and the ability for people with uteruses to have a say over their own bodies.

As a justice-seeking people, we must remain committed to preserving and protecting access to the full range of reproductive health care for all – including legal abortion – as an imperative rooted in our deeply-held faith beliefs in social justice, moral agency, and religious liberty for all. Please contact your member of Congress to ask them to introduce and support legislation protecting an individual’s right to access abortion and the full range of reproductive healthcare access.

Ministerial opportunities within the United Church of Christ.

Chicago, Bryn Mawr Community Church seeks PT Administrative Assistant

Elmhurst, Bethel UCC seeks PT Dir. of Children/Youth Ministries

Grayslake, United Protestant Church seeks PT Music Director

For a list of current open positions with the National UCC click here.

For more lay employment opportunity postings, click here.

and also update us once the position is filled. Contact Sarah Lohrbach.

National has been working on updating resources for OCWM. These resources highlight work being done in the National Setting that is supported by Our Church’s Wider Mission Basic Support. A poster and four bulletin inserts help tell the story of how OCWM Basic Support strengthens local congregations. You can find these free resources here.

“Because of You, Our Church Changes Lives” is this year's UCC stewardship theme, making the connection between donor generosity and the ministry and mission of your congregation. Materials include extensive resources for worship, sermons, and faith formation for children, youth and adults. The materials also provide practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts and letters. Guidance for every step of your campaign helps you make the best use of these robust materials. Various download options are available here. Print resources will ship in February.

The Next Generation Leadership Initiative (NGLI) energizes and empowers younger UCC local church pastors to co-create vibrant congregations that change lives, engage their communities, and further God’s mission in the world. We are currently accepting applications for our 14th cohort. Notice of intent to apply deadline is February 1.

The ideal candidate is:

Those selected to participate in NGLI receive:

The Nollau Leadership Institute is the Council for Health and Human Service Ministries' (CHHSM) signature program with more than 250 attendees in its 20+ years. Grounded in the health and human service organizations of the United Church of Christ, this program offers a unique space in which to experience leadership formation. Each year, Nollau brings together a community of leaders committed to creating a just, caring, and compassionate world. Such values deepen during the program, as participants grow in their leadership skills from a place of belonging. Cultivating this connection between others, the world, and within themselves is the heart of the Nollau experience.

Through in-person retreats, online interactions, and peer mentoring, Nollau provides leadership formation through a variety of learning modalities and within a community of practice. Small group work, journaling, art, embodiment, and spiritual practices are all part of the program alongside the interactive didactic sessions. The program culminates with a capstone project and consecration as a Diakonal Minister at the CHHSM Annual Gathering. Learn more and apply here.

The UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries recently released resources for Health and Human Service Sunday, which takes place Jan. 29, the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. The resources provide a means for CHHSM members and friends to bring the message of serving leadership and support for essential workers to their local churches. Included in this year’s resources are liturgical elements and prayers, including a special “Meditation for Mental Health,” written by the Rev. Dr. Elyse Berry, CHHSM’s associate for advocacy and leadership development. In addition to the mental health meditation is a “Beatitudes for Essential Workers,” also created by Berry.

Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM)