On Juneteenth, we commemorate the long-delayed freedom of enslaved African Americans and honor the ongoing journey toward liberation

CAC Happenings

June 19, 2025

Liberation in Full Color: Juneteenth, Black LGBTQIA+ Pride, and the African American Strand in UCC History

On Juneteenth, we commemorate the long-delayed freedom of enslaved African Americans and honor the ongoing journey toward liberation. We declare that true freedom must include the voices and leadership of Black LGBTQIA+ people, and we celebrate the rediscovery of the African American strand within the United Church of Christ’s own history.

Juneteenth: A Legacy of Revelation

On June 19, 1865—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation—enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. Juneteenth reminds us how systemic oppression delays justice and distorts truth, yet it also calls us to remember the sacred resilience of Black communities who never gave up on God’s promise of liberation.

Pride as Prophetic Witness

This Juneteenth coincides with Black LGBTQIA+ Pride. Too often, the church has fragmented identities that God made whole. But Black LGBTQIA+ people have long been freedom fighters—prophets of justice, love, and inclusion. Their lives are holy, and their leadership reflects the liberating love of Christ. We affirm that freedom must be for all people—across race, gender, and orientation.

Recovering the African American Strand

We also rejoice in the UCC’s renewed promotion of its African American strand. Black congregations, clergy, and communities have long shaped the witness of the United Church of Christ. This is not a side note—it’s a central thread of who we are as a denomination rooted in truth-telling, justice, and covenant.

A Call to the Church

This Juneteenth, we do more than remember—we recommit:

To tell the whole story of the UCC.

To affirm Black LGBTQIA+ lives in all their sacredness.

To pursue justice that leaves no one behind.

Let the God of liberation strengthen our witness as we proclaim:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

And the truth shall make us free.

Elder Robert E. "Bobby" Faison, a dedicated community advocate, serves as Program Director at Empowerment Enterprise 2, INC in Washington, DC, while also contributing as a Minister of Christian Education at The Community Church of Washington, DC - UCC and as Minister of Faith Formation and Mission at Emmaus United Church of Christ in Vienna, VA. With over three decades of experience, he has held various leadership positions in both secular and sacred spheres, dedicating himself to roles within the United Church of Christ and the human resources field for more than 20 years. Currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, Faison has contributed significantly to the Potomac Association, serving as Moderator amid the challenges of COVID-19. Before being elected President of the Central Atlantic Conference (CAC) Board of Directors in October 2023, Faison had served a two-year tenure as a CAC Board Member.

The 2025 National Juneteenth Digital Opportunity Bible Study features an impressive lineup of speakers and invited guests, each with insights and expertise to help foster discussions on equipping Black communities with workforce development skills for an AI-driven job market. Rev. Traci Blackmon, a national faith leader, pastor, teacher, preacher, and public theologian, will deliver an inspiring keynote address. This gathering will bring together key influencers from various sectors, including faith, technology, and education, all committed to advancing digital opportunity.

LAY WORSHIP LEADER NETWORK MEETS JUNE 23

The Lay Worship Leader Network usually meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 7-8 PM (EST). During our time together, we share resources that can help in the planning of worship; discuss ways you can pull together a message for Sunday morning; share best practices; and answer practical questions that can help you feel more confident in your role as a temporary lay worship leader. Our next meeting will be June 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM. We will use this Zoom link for our gathering: LAY WORSHIP LEADERS. Individuals can also attend by phone by calling 301-715-8592 and entering Room ID 747 888 8349 when prompted.

300th Anniversary Celebrations

of the German Reformed Church in America

This year we will celebrate the 300th Anniversary of the German Reformed Church in the United States which began with the first communion at Faulkner Swamp, October 15, 1725. This celebration of our immigrant heritage is particularly meaningful and instructive given the current conversations about immigration happening around the nation.

A 300th Anniversary Committee of representatives from all four Pennsylvania UCC Conferences has begun the work of planning a series of events and worship celebrations to mark the occasion. They include (among other things) quarterly presentations of German Reformed History, a liturgy for congregations to share on the morning of Sunday, October 12 and a Festival of Celebration on Wednesday, October 15.

A history strong in its roots and its capacity to evolve within God’s unfolding creation leads us into an uncertain future by God’s certain presence. This is something to celebrate!

Historic ONLINE Presentations held via zoom beginning at 7:00 pm:

June 24th – A Living Theology: Thinking about God in the Reformed tradition w/ Rev. Dr. Lee Barrett More information will be forthcoming.

September – United and Uniting: How the UCC Makes Room for German Reformed and Armenian Evangelical Christians w/ Rev. Dr. Heather Ohaneson More information will be forthcoming.

October – A Lasting Legacy: Gifts of the Reformed Tradition to the emerging church w/ Dr. Randall Zachman More information will be forthcoming.

On Sunday, October 12th all PA Conferences will come together for an event at Falkner Swamp Reformed UCC. Guest preacher for this event will be our General Minister and President, Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson.

For more information about this event click here.

Clergy Support Call

Authorized ministers in Central Atlantic Conference are welcome to a drop-in Zoom call. This month's call will be Thursday, June 26th at noon and will be hosted by Rev. Sheresa Simpson-Rice. The purpose of the call is connection and support with no set agenda.

Zoom Meeting Link

Meeting ID: 843 9374 8803

Passcode: 427060

NEXT ONA NETWORK GATHERING JUNE 26

We have established a monthly gathering for those in the Open & Affirming Movement in the UCC. Individuals from churches in the Central Atlantic Conference gather on the last Thursday of the month from 7-8 p.m. (EDT) in the following Zoom room: Central Atlantic ONA Network. Our next gathering, then, will be Thursday, June 26 from 7-8 p.m. (EDT).

The Congregational Library & Archives invites you to our first annual Church Stewardship Initiative Summer Camp.

Join archivists Zachary Bodnar and Billy McCarthy as they lead you through the steps needed to successfully begin archiving your church’s important records and valuable memories. This multi-session online program, hosted on Zoom, will provide guidance and instruction on the archival process keeping in mind your specific collections and locations.

Over the course of five sessions, Zachary and Billy will provide hands-on and in-depth instruction about how to begin tackling the seemingly mountainous task of properly archiving your church’s collection. Between sessions there will be exercises to complete at your own pace that reinforce lessons and set you up for the next session. Sessions will include time for instructions, group discussions, and Q&A. Sessions will focus on the following four topics: gathering your collection, identifying materials, organizing records, and crafting finding aids.

Space is limited. Please register using the following link by Friday, June 6: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/CongregationalLibrary/CSISummerCamp.html

The cost to attend is $150 for individual and church members and $165 for non-members. Limited funds are available as scholarships for those otherwise unable to attend.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about attending the class.

For more information, please email ref@14beacon.org.

Join Pilgrim Church in celebrating our 60th Anniversary Closing Worship featuring UCC General Minister and President Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson. Sunday, June 29th, 10:30 a.m., 2206 Briggs Road, Wheaton, MD 20906. All are welcome! (No RSVP necessary).

Following worship, Central Atlantic clergy are invited to a luncheon with Rev. Dr. Thompson at 1:00 p.m. at Pilgrim Church. Clergy are welcome to attend the luncheon even if they are not able to join us for worship. Please RSVP for the luncheon to pastor@pilgrimchurchucc.org.

Central Atlantic Conference will be embarking on a summer of learning through book studies on the topics of Christian Nationalism, intersectionality of congregations and social justice, and healing. Procure a copy of these excellent books and join the conference for a summer of exploration around these fine themes.

See the Full Schedule and Register Here

Introduction to Disaster Ministries of the UCC

Monday, July 21st from 7PM-8PM

On this call you will learn how the UCC helps congregations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters as well as ways in which you and your congregation can provide financial, material, and volunteer support for those affected by disasters. We will be joined by Katie Howe, Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery, United Church of Christ, National Ministries.

Here's the registration link: https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/E9HJKICvTPiAKOqAMAYNRw

For more information, contact Rev. Dr. Barbara Kershner Daniel at: bkdaniel@cacucc.org

Upcoming Boundary Awareness Training

Financial Ethics BAT (Spe)

7/24/25 | 6pm - 8pm | (2 hours)

Intellectual Property and Social Media Ethics BAT (Spe)

7/29/25 | 5pm - 7pm | (2 hours)

Sabbath as Self Care BAT (Spe)

8/7/25 | 10am - 11am | (1 hour)

Foundations BAT

8/26/25 | 3pm - 7pm (4 hours)

Advanced Power Dynamics (Spe)

9/29/25 | 5pm - 7pm | (2 hours)

What do I need to complete my BAT requirements?

We have the perfect midweek ministry connection for your families- “Bedtime Stories and Prayers”! Join us Wednesday evenings on Zoom to hear a children’s story, pray, and be sent forth with a blessing. Come as you are, even if you are in your car running home from soccer practice. The weekly event is FREE!

Here is the Zoom link: BEDTIME STORIES & PRAYERS. Each session is 15 minutes long and perfect for families to add to their evening going-to-bed rhythms.

The weekly time is 7:00-7:15 PM.

General Synod 35 Online Registration is Open

Registration for the 2025 General Synod of the United Church of Christ is open.

The event takes place July 11-15, 2025, in Kansas City, Missouri, and offers the opportunity for thousands of folks within the United Church of Christ to gather for worship, fellowship, attending to business, offering public witness, and setting the denomination’s priorities for ministry.

The cost to attend is $325 for the full event for visitors, delegates, youth leaders, and exhibitors. Read more here.

Transform Your Ministry with the Spiritual Entrepreneurship Micro Certificate

Gain the skills to innovate and lead with purpose.

Princeton Seminary’s Spiritual Entrepreneurship Micro Certificate program is designed for faith leaders committed to reimagining ministry in today’s world.

Format: Fully online, 4 modules with live discussion-based sessions
Start Date: September 2025
Credit: Micro Certificate earns 4 CEUs
Tuition: $299 per module | $995 for all for (a savings of $201!)
Certificate Length: September 2025 – January 2026

Who Should Enroll

Faith-based leaders interested in learning new revenue streams and leaders looking to enhance their ability to plan, organize, and execute ministry projects effectively while staying true to their spiritual mission.
Faith-based entrepreneurs who want to integrate entrepreneurial strategies and project management skills to increase their impact.
Aspiring ministry leaders who want to gain practical skills in project management and entrepreneurial thinking for faith-based initiatives.

Explore and Enroll

Join Us for Partners in Building 2025

We are excited to announce that our virtual training conference Partners in Building will return September 25-26. We invite you back to learn information on the latest community development initiatives that can help sustain your church and grow your impact.

This year’s theme “Beyond Sundays,” reflects that a church’s mission is more than solely providing a place of worship one morning a week. Attendees will learn ways to broaden their impact through spiritual entrepreneurship and community development initiatives.

Partners in Building is an important event to help further your church’s vision already taking shape.

Save the date and click below to learn more.

Learn More

Liturgical Direct Action: A Discernment Retreat

How is direct action or civil disobedience altered when framed in prayerful worship? What dimensions of freedom are then embraced? When public witness tells the story of faith and marks a feast or season, what new depth of communication is opened? When nonviolence is practiced in sacramental forms, how is liturgy itself enhanced?

With examples from the freedom movement, antiwar movements, anti-imperial and decolonizing struggles, and more, this retreat will offer opportunities for the imaginative work of movement action from a Christian perspective.

Join practitioners in re-discerning your own local work. Come as a group to think it through together in story and silence, prayer and listening. Come on your own to connect with like-minded others and find inspiration for bringing folks together back home.

CEU certificate available upon request.