UCC Yearbook - Deadline March 21st
United Church of Christ
The deadline to submit your information for the UCC Yearbook is less than a month away! Information has been emailed and hard copies have been sent to churches, but you can find everything you need below as well. The yearbook is officially open to churches to begin entering your information. In case you were unaware - your church's 501(c)3 status is dependent on a current updated listing in the UCC Yearbook. Also, when your church is searching for a Pastor you will need current and updated data which comes from the UCC Yearbook. If no reports have been submitted for your church for five (5) years, all data reverts to zeros.
Linked below are documents from the National UCC office to help you get started:
Data Hub closes to churches at midnight Eastern Time on March 21st. Thank you for all your hard work in collecting and reporting. Your participation is the ONLY way our records are kept up-to-date. If you need help, please contact Naomi in the Conference Office (708-344-4470).
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National Visiting Scholar:
The Rev. Dr. Shari Prestemon
Elmhurst University
The Rev. Dr. Shari Prestemon will join Elmhurst University as our annual United Church of Christ National Visiting Scholar on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Elmhurst University. The main event is an open public conversation at 4:00 p.m. titled “Ministering and Witnessing Together in Such a Time as This”. The Rev. Dr. Shari Prestemon, Acting Associate General Minister & Co-Executive of Global Ministries for the United Church of Christ, will be joined by Rev. Dr. Terrill Murff, Illinois Conference UCC Interim Conference Minister, and Dr. Dean Pribbenow, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty of Elmhurst University. There are two additional conversations at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. - RSVP is required for these but not for the 4:00 p.m. conversation. Download the flyer for more information here.
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One Great Hour of Sharing
Sunday, March 30th
One Great Hour of Sharing® stands as a cornerstone of the United Church of Christ's special mission offerings. This Lenten initiative provides vital support for disaster relief, refugee care, and development work through Love of Neighbor ministries. Your contributions to this offering are welcome year-round. To assist in promoting the effort, a variety of OGHS resources are available through UCC Resources. Leverage these materials to effectively advocate for the offering within your congregation. Place your order for One Great Hour of Sharing resources here.
Be the Light: One Great Hour of Sharing Video
Save the date—March 30, 2025—for One Great Hour of Sharing Day! Join us in making a meaningful impact by donating here.
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WOMXN ARE HERE:
Inspiring Generations Onward
Tues., March 4, 2:30 PM CST
Join Gender & Sexuality Justice for a special Womxn's Month offering featuring intergenerational womxn's voices from across the United Church of Christ. Together we'll discuss the work of womxn in the UCC by sharing stories, hope and what this moment calls for in seeking justice and care for all. Register online here.
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"America in Search of a Soul"
Creation Justice Webinar
Wed., March 12, 12 PM CST
Today, we face our own moment of reckoning as we confront the crises of societal inequality and climate change. Three prophetic ministers and popular authors will help us unpack the threats and opportunities before us as people of faith: the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, the Rev. Cameron Trimble, and the Rev. Dr. Jim Antal. Register now!
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Grant Opportunities for Racial Justice and Healing
Pilgrim Congregational, Oak Park
Rev. Bennie E. Whiten, Jr. firmly believed that we are all children of God. Because of this belief, he was a steadfast supporter of racial equality. In line with his values, his bequest to Pilgrim Congregational Church in Oak Park, IL., was used to establish the Bennie E. Whiten, Jr. Memorial Fund For Racial Justice and Healing. This grant program aims to provide funding for projects, programs, strategies, or actions that are intentionally designed to help bridge differences between diverse communities.
WHO CAN APPLY
- Organization or group is located within Cook, DuPage, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties of Illinois.
- Organization or group is a 501(c)(3) or has a fiscal agent who is a 501(c)(3)
- Work is innovative and designed to promote racial justice and healing in your community
- Approach demonstrates feasibility, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness
- Efforts will have a long-term impact
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Lent 2025 resources offer nourishment, challenge, and encouragement to dig deep - United Church of Christ | Amid a news cycle filled with stories that can cause overwhelm and disorientation, the season of Lent will begin next week on March 5. | | | |
Summer Internships
Be the Neighbor
Each year, we look for young adults who believe that serving and working for justice is primary to faithful living, to host, lead, and teach groups that come to learn and serve with Be The Neighbor. Interns work to empower and equip service-learning trip groups to put their faith into action through service and justice in ways that are relational, sustainable and dignity-affirming through direct service, education, justice-work, advocacy and reflection. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and will remain open until all internship spots are filled or until March 8, 2025. Learn more here. Check out Be the Neighbor for your service learning trips, too!
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We Shall Not Be Moved
Songs of Protest, Lament and Hope
In this turbulent time, one thing we as church musicians can do is use music that gives congregants the chance to channel their feelings into community singing. We know the power of music to move and soothe us. What powerful songs have people used in the past? What songs are you leaning into today? Hymn writers Adam Tice, Ana Hernández, and Hannah Brown will join Ruth Striegel for a Saturday Sharing about the work they do to bring light to our hurting world. Come and be a part of the conversation on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. CST! This event is free and open to all. Register here to receive the Zoom link.
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Boundary and Racial Justice Trainings
Boundary Training for Retired Ministers
Wednesday, March 19, 12:30 – 3:30pm CST
with Rev. Tara Barber and Rev. Melanie Oommen
Maintaining healthy boundaries is challenging at any stage in ministry and it is particularly tender and difficult attending to boundaries as we transition out of our last call, and while in retirement. "A Sure Foundation", "The Ministerial Code" and Rev. Dr. Bruce Epperly's new book, "The Jubilee Years" along with case studies, will provide the content of this training. Rev. Tara Barber will offer this focused Boundary Awareness Training for those entering and living in retirement. Note - This training completes individual requirements for boundary training ONLY WHEN authorized by a local Committee on Ministry. Participants must be able to use zoom chat and breakout room functions. Register here.
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Healthy Boundary Training
Thursday, March 27, 8 am - 12 pm CST
Offered from the Southeast Conference
The Southeast Conference will be offering a Healthy Boundaries Training on March 27th via Zoom. The training is open to all Authorized Ministers as well as anyone preparing for authorized ministry in the UCC. Ministers from other Associations/Conferences are welcome but please check with your COM before registering to make sure this course fits your COM’s requirements. The training is $85 for Ministers from other Conferences. Register online here.
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2025 Stewardship Materials
United Church of Christ
“Dreaming God’s Dream” helps people understand the impact our congregations can make in our communities if we generously support them. Materials include eight complete worship services, hymn suggestions, sermon starters from eight different authors, and faith formation sessions for children, youth, and adults. Also provided are practical tools such as logos, commitment cards, bulletin inserts, and letters. Campaign guidance for every step of your stewardship efforts helps leaders make the best use of these robust materials.
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Climate Action Camp
We are excited to announce a new Intergenerational Summer Camp at Tower Hill Camp. Climate Action Camp will take place Monday, June 15, 1:00 p.m. - Friday June 20, 2:00 p.m. We will be learning and exploring how we can be advocates and activists for Climate Justice through age appropriate, hand-on learning sessions. We will learn about Vernal Pools and their part in a health eco-system. We’ll stay up late for a night sky session and learn about Mars and Mercury. We’ll find our way with Orienteering and work as a team on the Low Ropes Course. And of course, we’ll gather around campfires and play in water at Lake Michigan.
The cost for camp is $375/person which includes lodging in our A-frames and delicious meals in the Dining Hall. Scholarships are available. Contact Tower Hill at 269-426-3881 for more information. Register online here.
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Crafters Retreat
No matter what kind of crafts are your passion, this retreat is for you! Come and create your own master-pieces at your own pace, all while enjoying the peaceful scenery of Pilgrim Park. Download the flyer here.
March 20-23, 2025
Pilgrim Park Camp
$308/double or triple, $408/single
Cost includes lodging, bedding, towels, 8 meals, and lots of time to craft, relax, and make friends! Plan to arrive between 3-5 p.m. on Thursday. You'll be heading home Friday at 11 a.m. Register early! Space is limited to 10 sleeping rooms. Register here.
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Our Whole Lives Training
Trainers: Christina Fairman and Craig VanKempen will provide training for adults who want to offer the Junior/Senior High OWL program at their church and in their communities.
April 4-6, 2025
Tower Hill Camp
$400/double, $450/single
Cost includes meals, lodging from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch. Located at Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center, 12173 Tower Hill Road, Sawyer, MI (90 minutes to Chicago airports, 40 minutes to South Bend airport). Register here.
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2025 Camps and Retreats
Registration is open!
Explore an exciting array of camps and retreats offered at Tower Hill Camp & Retreat Center and Pilgrim Park Camp & Conference Center, with options to suit every age and interest. Whether you're looking for spiritual growth, environmental action, creative crafting, or intergenerational bonding, there’s something special waiting for you!
Register online here to step out of the ordinary and into the sacred!
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Conference/Local Church News & Events | |
MID Gathering
Chicago Metropolitan Association
The Chicago Metropolitan Association will host its Member in Discernment (MID) Annual Gathering on Saturday, April 5, at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Oak Park, Illinois. This hybrid event offers a valuable opportunity to receive updates from the Church and Ministry on the MID journey. Additionally, dedicated sessions will provide guidance for MID Advisors and Local Church Discernment Committees on exploring new ministries with MIDs. The program will feature discussions on the 4-way covenant and ordainable calls, insights from three ministers serving in diverse ministry settings, breakout sessions, and opportunities for lunch and networking. Learn more and register online here.
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Bi+ Health and Beats
United Church of Hyde Park
United Church Of Hyde Park and Bisexual Queer Alliance Chicago (BQAC) present Bi+ Health and Beats on March 8, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. Come hear music from local queer artists and hear a health presentation from Greg Newton Director of Health and Education at BQAC. Come celebrate Bi Health awareness month with us. This will be a hybrid event so feel free to join us online or in person. We will be meeting at the fellowship hall located at 1448 E. 53rd St Chicago IL 60615.
Join Zoom Meeting Here
Meeting ID: 831 1242 8269
Passcode: 926877
There will be coffee provided but feel free to bring your own snacks and non alcoholic drinks. Donations are appreciated since we are both non profit organizations reaching out to the community. Click here to go to the Facebook event page.
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Does your church have news to share or an upcoming event you would like to advertise? Email us the information and any accompanying graphics/flyers. | |
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Ordinations, Installations, and Ecclesiastical Councils
Mar. 9: Service of Ordination & Installation for Mollie Foster. 3:00 p.m. at Park Ridge Community UCC. Chicago Metropolitan Association.
Mar. 23: Service of Ordination for Lauri Allen. 3:00 p.m. at Mayfield Congregational UCC in Sycamore. Prairie Association.
Meetings and Events
Mar. 3: Stewardship Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 11: LEEAP Committee Meeting. 6:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 12: Outdoor Ministries Committee Meeting. 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 12: PA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 1:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 13: FVA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 13: CMA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 12:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 16: WA Council Meeting. 3:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 18: FAB Committee Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 18: WA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:00 a.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 18: CMA Council Meeting. 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 19: EA Committee on Ministry Meeting. 9:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 20: EA Council Meeting. 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Mar. 24: FVA Council Meeting. 6:30 p.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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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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