Victor Manuel Díaz, age 36. Lorth Sim, age 59. Royer Pérez Jiménez, age 19. Adrian Andreas Florian, age 85.

CAC Happenings

October 29, 2026

Victor Manuel Díaz, age 36. Lorth Sim, age 59. Royer Pérez Jiménez, age 19. Adrian Andreas Florian, age 85. These are just a few of the names of our neighbors who died while being held in ICE detention centers this year. Moved around endlessly in the system so that lawyers and family cannot find them, many detainees describe circumstances that include inadequate medical care, moldy food, and retaliation for protesting against subpar conditions. With 60,000 people now in immigration detention (many in for-profit prisons) the death rate for those in ICE custody is rapidly rising and 2026 is on track to be the deadliest in history. But it doesn’t need to be this way. Regardless of policy debates over how to fix our broken immigration system, the lives of those caught in the middle of it are still beloved and important to God and as followers of Jesus we are still to love and serve them as our neighbors.

As we approach All Saints Day many of our churches will spend time memorializing and lifting up the names of the saints among us who died in the last year. I encourage us in the Central Atlantic Conference to add to those lists the names of our neighbors who died in ICE detention in 2026. These names should not be ignored or buried. They were people with families, lives, futures, hopes and dreams. The least we can do for them is to hold them up to God in prayer and ensure they are not forgotten. And if your All Saints Day celebration is already full or complete, consider lifting these names up on another Sunday this month.

If your church would like to honor those who were lost this past year here are some suggestions for meaningful rituals: (Thank you to Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss for these suggestions.)

*speaking the names with a bell tolling and an optional response, such as "Rest in Peace" or "Presente"

*posting the names in a public space within your building or on the grounds of your church

*including a take-home object, such as a ribbon with a name on it, crosses with names, or a painted stone so people can continue to lift up the family and friends of that lost loved one; they can pick this up as they receive communion or as they come into the sanctuary.

*a newsletter article lifting up a name and story to bring greater visibility to this issue

Here are some articles about this issue and a list of names of those who have died this year: https://nipnlg.org/news/mourning-those-who-have-died-ice-custody (with a names list)

https://www.hrw.org/report/2026/06/25/dying-in-detention/rising-deaths-in-an-expanding-us-immigration-detention-system

In addition to those who died in ICE custody in 2026 the following people died as a result of immigration enforcement operations or after being held in ICE custody:

Lorenzo Salgado Aruaujo (7.5.26)
Sebastian Duran Guerrero (7.13.26)
Jose Chajon-Raxon (7.*.26)
Priciliano Trejo (7.24.26)
Renee Good (1.7.26)
Alex Pretti (7.24.26)

God of Justice and Mercy, we come before you as we honor the saints that have gone before us and the ancestors on whose shoulders we stand. Hear us as we lift up those who died far from home in the custody of ICE detention. You see every tear shed behind locked doors. You know the names, the faces, and the unfulfilled dreams of each person who died seeking safety, dignity, and a better life. Comfort the families they left behind—those who wait across borders and oceans for news that never came—and hold them in your healing embrace.

You also know the names of those killed by ICE on the streets. Those protesting injustice. Those who died while they were being taken into custody. Those who were abandoned in the cold or left to succumb to injuries received at the hands of immigration authorities.

Forgive us for the ways in which we have contributed to this injustice. Help us to recognize and condemn the cruelty of systems that devalue human life. Give us the courage to stand in solidarity with the vulnerable, to resist injustice, and to break down the walls that divide us. Empower us to honor the dead not only with our words, but by working tirelessly for a world where every human being is recognized as sacred across every border. Amen.

In Peace,

Holly

Rev. Holly R. Jackson (she/her)

Associate Conference Minister

Central Atlantic Conference UCC

LAY WORSHIP LEADERS’ LECTIONARY GROUP MEETS NOVEMBER 2

The next lay worship leader’s lectionary group will meet Monday, November 2 from 6:00-7:00 PM. Here is the information for the evening.

Passage: Matthew 25:1-13

Zoom link: Lay Worship Leaders Lectionary Study

Study leader: Rev. Craig Peterson

2027 Clergy Compensation Guidelines are available!

You will find a copy of the newly approved 2027 Clergy Compensation guidelines here

Mea Culpa & Congratulations

At Annual Meeting 62 in September, there were two ordination anniversaries inadvertently left off the Clergy Ordination Anniversary Presentation. We apologize for the error and rejoice in celebrating the 20th Ordination Anniversaries of Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss and the 25th Ordination Anniversary of Rev. Linda Holzbar.

Talk with Dana Hedgpeth: Indian Boarding Schools and the Fight for Justice

Bethesda United Church of Christ in Bethesda, MD invites Dana Hedgpeth, a journalist for The Washington Post and enrolled member of North Carolina’s Haliwa-Saponi Tribe to present:

“Remembering Atrocities and Finding Hope: The History of Indian Boarding Schools and the Fight for Indigenous Justice”

at Bethesda United Church of Christ on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 12:30 pm.

She will discuss her series on Indian Boarding Schools, which received six major awards as well as a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize. Her reporting found that the Department of Interior had ignored sexual abuse of the children as well as vastly underreported the number of deaths that occurred at these schools. Children were forced to cede their culture: their language, their tribal associations, families, native dress, and even their hair at the schools. That was only the beginning of the atrocities…

How then can you find hope? Join us for her powerful presentation. Her talk will be followed by a moderated Q&A and a small reception.The event is open to the public – so feel free to invite your friends and loved ones!

📢 There will be a Zoom option offered to church members and those that register here: https://tinyurl.com/BUCC-NOV8

ℹ For further information, you can check out her bio and links to her articles on www.bethesdaucc.org/events or check out her website at https://www.danahedgpeth.info

CAC's Vote With Love Guide 2026

Looking for ways to engage around the upcoming midterm elections? Whether your church is familiar with faith and democracy campaigns or you are just starting to join in this work, these resources were created for you! In our Google Drive folder you will find the following:

Worship Materials including liturgy, hymn suggestions, and a recorded sermon
Videos by CAC Clergy about issues like immigration, economic justice, housing justice and more
A list of links to voter education guides, both local and national, to help you learn about the stances of the candidates who will be on your ballot.
A list of voter engagement guides (with explanations) from faith based organizations, non-profits, and other voter education and protection groups. These guides have great ideas for how to engage people around this election, understand why these elections will make such a difference, and how to protect our elections and keep them fair and free.

So many people are working locally and nationally to help get out the vote, protect our polling places, and educate people about how their vote can make a real difference. We are invited to join them. Whether we can do a little or a lot. Help us to pray and work this fall so that we can all vote with love.

View the Resources

Upcoming Boundary Awareness Training

Financial Ethics BAT

November 10, 2026 (6-8p)

CHILDREN & YOUTH LEADERS’ NETWORK MEETINGS NOVEMBER 11

The Children & Youth Leaders’ Network will meet on Wednesday, November 11, from 7:00-8:00 PM. Here is the Zoom link: Children & Youth Leaders’ Network.

We will have a special guest with us this month. Rev. Barbara Kershner Daniel, the Central Atlantic Conference’s leader for Disaster Ministries, will talk with the group about four things: (1) Church World Service kits that children can create; (2) preparedness issues so children and youth groups in our churches are ready to respond to emergencies; (3) Build a Kit games that children and youth can prepare to help their communities respond to threats; and (4) special offerings in which children and youth can take the lead.

2027 Open Enrollment for Employers

Everything employers need to prepare for Open Enrollment, support employees, and manage benefits enrollment for 2027.

Open Enrollment for 2027 Medical Benefit Plans ends November 15. Employers must approve pending applications submitted by their employees no later than November 20.

https://lp.evercall.org/2027-ucc-health-plan-open-enrollment-employer-resource-center

Communities of Practice Fall Gathering November 19 1-3 PM EST- Open at all CAC authorized clergy!

On November 19th from 1-3 PM we will have a Community of Practice gathering that is open to all interested individuals. Reminiscent of the "Taste of COP" events in the past but a bit different, we will begin with a conversation with Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, a professor of preaching at Lexington Theological Seminary, who will discuss the dynamics of prophetic preaching in congregations that are "purple" or aligned differently than the pastor. Her engagement of ethics around communication, liberation, witness and hospitality and the application of social issues in preaching is well worth your time. While some of our churches are aligned on social issues, many times that is not the case. This affords us the opportunity to discuss the approaches and thoughtfulness that serve us well in the pulpit. Our last hour will be one of check in, support, and thinking ahead to a new program year. I hope you will join us!

This will occur on Zoom. Please email Bethany Meier-Evans for the link. copcoordinator@cacucc.org

The Gaza Children Shroud was a part of activities and closing worship at the Central Atlantic Conference Annual Meeting held from September 25-26 in Harrisonburg VA. Many delegates were deeply touched by this interfaith project honoring the memories of the more than 20,000 children who have lost their lives in Gaza during the past three years, by inscribing the names of some of those children on a panel of cloth. That panel will be combined with others to form a large shroud for presentation to Congress, Nov 12 (House of Representatives) and Nov 16 (Senate); and at the Doctors Against Genocide meeting at Georgetown Univ., Nov 13-15.

The Shroud will be presented meaningfully at a kite-flying event at the Mall, November 14 (Sat), 2 pm. At 6:30 pm that evening, Nov 14, there will be a powerful vigil and service of remembrance at Capitol Hill Methodist Church where Doctors Against Genocide will announce the Freedom Campaign to rebuild Gaza’s healthcare system.

**During the week of November 17-22, large panels of the Shroud (8ft x 6 ft) will be available to congregations throughout the DC area, for worship and recognition events. Congregations who would like to apply may find the link on https://www.gazachildrenshroud.com/dc-events

Above is a photo of the Shroud at the Central Atlantic Conference meeting closing worship. Thanks to CAC Board of Directors member Bethany Fuss for the photo. Central Atlantic Conference Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (CACMPS) urges all congregations to pray and work for peace and justice for people throughout the Middle East. For more information about our work for the Middle East, contact mpgoodson@comcast.net

REGISTRATION OPENED FOR ADVENT SERIES: CHURCH BE NIMBLE

It matters very little whether God is still speaking or the world is radically changing if churches continue to organize themselves to always do what they've always done.

Life is infinitely creative. New ideas are routinely generated by good and gifted people prompted by circumstances and motivated by aspirations of faithful discipleship. But what chance do fresh breezes of the Spirit have in the face of systems designed to withstand even the mightiest winds of change?

Drawing on insights from organizational innovators in a variety of specializations, this Advent workshop series invites churches to become organizationally nimble by clearing away bureaucratic clutter and boldly engaging emerging possibilities. It helps churches organize for now and not forever and provides a way for meaningful ministry to maintain or reclaim its place at the top of every congregation's list of things to do today.

The Advent study will meet on Saturday mornings from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on December 5, 12, and 19. The study will be led by Rev. Dr. Marty Kuchma and Rev. Craig Peterson.

To register for the series, click here: REGISTRATION FOR CHURCH BE NIMBLE.

You can get your copy of the text written by Rev. Dr. Kuchma here: CHURCH BE NIMBLE.

Communities of Practice: Fellowship, Support, and Growth

Communities of Practice offer a unique opportunity for clergy to gather in fellowship, mutual support, and shared growth. These groups create space for meaningful conversation, encouragement, accountability, and connection with colleagues who understand the joys and challenges of ministry.

As one participant shared, “Being a part of our Community of Practice group meets my need for peer support, accountability, growth, and more. We have a wonderful facilitator… we are able to be a blessing to each other. I’m signing up for the coming season of Communities of Practice.”

This program year will now run from January 2027- December 2027 with a program wide gathering in November, 2026. Registration is open, we hope you’ll consider joining a Community of Practice in the season ahead.

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE FOR CAC CHURCHES AT PRACTICAL RESOURCES

The Central Atlantic Conference is a subscriber to Practical Resources for Churches (http://www.prcli.org). The subscription allows those in our local churches free access to several services for free. There are some resources, however, that are not covered by the conference’s basic membership.

In order to make their services even more accessible, Practical Resources for Churches has created a special discount code for those in the Central Atlantic Conference to receive a 15% discount on purchases. To use the discount, simply enter the following code: CACUCC15.

If you have questions, please contact the Parish Resource Center Director Charlaine Apsel at charlaine@prcli.org.

PLEASE ATTEND OUR FALL ASSOCIATION MEETINGS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1

CATOCTIN ASSOCIATION

Grace UCC, Frederick MD at 3PM

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 8

CHESAPEAKE ASSOCIATION

Online via Zoom at 1PM

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14

POTOMAC ASSOCIATION

Rockville United Church, Rockville MD at 9AM

Nursery Assistant

Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ

ERUCC is seeking a nursery assistant to be the lead staff in the nursery 2 Sundays a month. Our nursery assistant provides a safe and caring environment for the infants and children entrusted to their care on rotating Sunday mornings from 9am to Noon. The Nursery Assistant must be age 18 or older, have previous experience in working with infants and children, and agree to have criminal background check screening. The physical stamina to interact with toddlers and a commitment to follow ERUCC’s Safe Church Policies for working with children and youth are essential requirements of the position.

Learn More

Director of Children's & Youth Music Ministry

Little River United Church of Christ

Little River United Church of Christ (Annandale, VA) is seeking a part-time (16 hours/month) Director of Children’s & Youth Music Ministry to help inspire the next generation through music and enrich our intergenerational worship. If you’re passionate about working with children and youth in an inclusive faith community, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today at lrucc.org/careers or email your resume and cover letter to musicoffice@lrucc.org.