[Even as we get this notice ready for publication, there are reports that section 112209 of the referenced legislation may be removed. However, that could still change or it could be added to a different piece of legislation. For that reason, I share this concern with you even though the situation may be different by the time you read this.]

I would like to raise to your attention an important legislative matter that I feel could have direct impact on all of our churches. There is a piece of legislation that has failed to pass out of congress known as H.R. 9495 that the House Ways & Means Committee has added into House Budget Reconciliation Bill and sent to the floor of the House for a vote. This piece of legislation would grant the Secretary of the Treasury the sole ability to strip non-profits, including churches, of their legal (tax-exempt) status.

The language of the legislation is that the Secretary of the Treasury can remove tax-exempt status from any charity which “materially supports” terrorist groups. There are, however, already laws on the books which prohibit non-profits from materially supporting terrorist groups. The difference with this new legislation is that it removes due process for non-profits wrongly accused and provides no reasonable process for appeal. The determination is left solely in the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury.

Because there is no definition of what “support[ing] terrorism” means, it is possible this law could be used against charities, including churches, that engage in humanitarian assistance or other lawful activities that are at odds with the executive administration’s stated ideologies. The legislation has the potential to fundamentally change the relationship between church and state as it has been practiced in our country for the past 234 years. It could be used to limit the free exercise of religion, because many church communities would no longer feel free to be guided strictly by the values of their faith with the threat looming of losing legal status if deemed too far out of alignment with the ideals of the Administration. And not just the current Administration, but any future Administration. 

If you are concerned about this, as I am, I would encourage you to share your concerns with your legislators.

Gordon

Dear New Hampshire Conference,

This Wednesday, May 21, the Open and Affirming Coalition is hosting a foundational webinar:

Building an Affirming Church: How to Begin Your Open and Affirming Journey (formerly ONA 101)

In this urgent moment—when LGBTQ+ people are being targeted by harmful laws, religious rhetoric, and political fearmongering—the church has an opportunity and a responsibility to be a sanctuary of truth, justice, and love. Becoming an Open and Affirming congregation is more than a process—it’s a prophetic witness to the Gospel’s inclusive power.

Led by Rev. Derek Terry, Acting Executive Director of the Coalition, and Barb Biedenstein, ONA consultant and trained BIC facilitator.

This session is ideal for:

• Churches beginning or reigniting the ONA process
• Existing ONA churches looking to renew their covenant
• Anyone called to build a church that reflects God’s boundless love for LGBTQ+ people

In this session, you will:

• Learn how to launch a strong, community-centered ONA process
• Explore “graceful engagement” to navigate tough conversations
• Discover how affirming churches grow, thrive, and transform lives
• Gain tools to strengthen your church’s welcome and witness

Registration Fees:

• Individual: $30
• Small churches (75 members or fewer): $50
• Large churches (76 members or more): $70
• (Scholarships available—just reach out!)

A recording will be available for 45 days after the live event.

📝 Click here to register! 

Let’s work together toward our movement’s goal of 2,000 ONA churches by the end of 2025!  

In faith and justice,

The Open and Affirming Coalition

www.openandaffirming.org

PS. Please Checkout our GiveOUT Day fundraiser. Early giving starts 5/22/2025 and give out day is 6/5/2025.  

Climate Justice Organizing Begins May 31

The national UCC, led by Climate Minister the Rev. Brooks Berendt, has chosen four sites across the country for Climate Hope Affinity Groups, dedicated to organizing to protect critical climate justice legislation, such as the Inflation Recovery Act (IRA). Concord joins Allentown, PA; Framingham, MA and Fremont, CA. 

The first planning meeting for the Concord Affiliate, held a week ago, has set a date for a Chapter Launch Workshop on Saturday, May 31 from 9:30AM - Noon at the NHCUCC office in Pembroke. The workshop, led by Rev. Berndt, is open to everyone interested in a transformative organizing process that can make a difference at a time when it’s “all hands on deck” to preserve the hard-won gains in climate protection. Interested? Contact the Rev. Rob Grabill at EnvironmentalJustice@nhcucc.org.

SUMMARY

This resolution calls on the United Church of Christ to stand in solidarity with religious communities, researchers, and medical providers throughout the United States and across the globe in demanding that psychedelic and entheogenic plant and fungus-based medicines be decriminalized and made available for further research by scholars and healers for their beneficial and therapeutic capacities.... Read the whole resolution on ucctheogens.info...

Save the date: Pause for Peace: 

24 Hour Global Concert

October 4, 2025 10 AM - 4 PM

This program will take place at the Congregational Church of Laconia, UCC. It is sponsored by the NHCUCC State Board of Women’s Fellowship. This program is a global concert that will bring people around the world together through music to feel the transformative power of human connection. For more information contact Diane Wells at (603) 455- 5401.

Submission of Resolutions to be considered for the agenda at the Conference Annual Meeting must be received by the Conference Minister no later than Wednesday, May 25, 2025. Please use the 2025 Resolution Process Guidelines in preparing your Resolution for submission.

Camp Highlight: : Grandparents & Grandchildren Camp

July 27-29, kids ages 6-14 | Tiered Prices: $225, $205, $185

Calling all Grandparents and Grandchildren! You're invited to Horton Center for two days of fun and adventure with your beloved Grand! 

Camp NEEDS Counselors! 

The magic of camp is not possible without volunteer counselors. Are you looking for a way to make a difference? Come to camp and make the transformative wonder of Outdoor Ministries possible for today's youth this summer at Horton Center! Caution: the lives changed after a week of camp may include your own!

Retreat Highlight: : Pieceful Quilting

September 5-7, ALL AGES | Tiered Prices: $225, $205, $185

Whether your craft of choice is quilting knitting, whittling, painting, reading, or hiking - you are welcome to join us on the mountain for a time that inspires creativity and offers the opportunity to choose how you fill your days. 

Pieceful Quilting Info Here

Tivvi Pare (she/her/hers)

603-545-9660 | TPare@nhcucc.org 

Craigville Theological Colloquy | July 7 - 11, 2025

Can the Eucharist still transform and sustain us today as it did in the early church? Join the 41st Craigville Theological Colloquy on Cape Cod for a week of reflection, worship, music, and renewal. Rev. Dr. Mary Luti will lead this year’s gathering, exploring Communion as a source of courage, justice, and community.

Learn more and register at: www.craigvillecolloquy.com

PRAYER FROM GLOBAL MINISTRIES | PRAY WITH PALESTINE- God, our Good Shepherd, You know each one of us by name, and you do not abandon your flock. In these difficult days, we lift up our people in Palestine, those who mourn, those who wait, and those who work each day for peace with justice. Amid forcible displacement, genocide, and despair, may your voice be heard, calling us into hope.

We pray for the people of Gaza, those facing starvation and thirst, those fleeing death and daily burying tens of their loved ones, those who ....Read On...