It’s finally here! We completely rebuilt our digital home!
Over the past few months, we’ve been working behind the scenes on something exciting. Today, we are thrilled to unveil our brand new website!
The previous website had aging code that made updates difficult and was compromising security, speed, and performance. This UCCEverywhere website was made possibe by donations to Friends of the Conference and was designed with our Conference and visitors in mind.
Come take a look and return often as we continue to refine and enhance it! Click the button below.
| | Please Remember in Your Prayers this Week... | | |
Peace UCC, Jerseyville-
Rev. Debbie Lawson
| | |
Palliative Care Chaplain at BJC St. Louis, MO-
Rev. Dr. Chance (Christopher Guelbert) Beeler
| |
Retired Pastor- Rev. Michael (Mary Ann) Krewson
| Please pray for Rev. Jeremy Wood, pastor of Salem UCC Alhambra, for healing and recovery. | | UCC Global, National, + Regional News | | Registration for the ISC Annual Meeting is now open! | |
Join Us for our ISC Annual Meeting!
Our Annual Meeting of the Illinois South United Church of Christ will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Salem UCC, 1117 W. North Street, Alhambra, IL 62001.
This Annual Meeting presents a wonderful opportunity for our Conference to unite, cultivate community, and engage in discussions about issues that impact our collective experience within the Church. We will gather and joyfully discern under the theme of "Counting the Cost in all seasons" (-Luke 14: 27-28) to engage clergy, delegates, and visitors in discussing the important issues facing our Conference while participating in uplifting worship.
Our meeting will again be anchored by the dedicated gathering space of the Covenantal Commons (formerly the MarketPlace) connecting us with our ministry partners as we co-create a just world through shared resources, ministries, and investments.
Follow the link to secure your spot >> Register online
AGENDA
8:30 am Doors Open
9:00 – 9:15 am Opening Session
9:15 – 9:30 am Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
9:30 – 10:30 am Opening Worship
10:30 – 10:45 am State of the Conference Address
10:45 – 11:00 am Introduction to our Covenantal Conversations
11:00 – 11:45 am Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
11:15 – 11:45 am Covenantal Conversations
11:45 am – 1:00 pm Lunch/Visit the Covenantal Commons
1:00 – 2:00 pm Gathering in the sanctuary
- Covenantal Conversation Feedback, DuBois Center Report, Financial Presentation
2:00 – 2:15 pm Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
2:15 – 3:00 pm Covenantal Conversations
3:00 – 3:15 pm Gathering in the Sanctuary-Covenantal Conversation Feedback
3:15 – 4:00 pm Business Session - Presentation from Nominating Committee, Voting on the 2027 Proposed Slate of Nominees, Voting of the 2027 Proposed Budget
4:00 – 4:15 pm Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
4:15 pm Closing Blessing & Commission
| | More information to follow on our website. Stay tuned! | |
Congratulations to Rev. Robert Koch on retiring!
Here are some highlights from the
Sunday, September 13 service and celebration.
God's blessings unto Rev. Koch and New Athens UCC!
| |
Congratulations to St. John UCC Valmeyer
St. John UCC Valmeyer's Sunday, Septmeber 13 worship service was a "re-dedication" of the 30th Anniversary of the first worship service held in the new sanctuary following the August 1993 flood. What a beautiful sanctuary and a memorable re-dedication service!
| |
September - National Suicide Prevention Month
Blessed Hope
by Sarah Lund | published on Sep 3, 2026
Where does your hope come from? The psalmist says, “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from God” (Psalm 62:5). But what if there’s no time to wait? And what if waiting in silence is unbearably lonely? For people living with disabilities and mental health experiences such as depression and anxiety, hope can feel far away. If hope is gone, does that mean God is gone, too?
Here’s what we need to know: depression is like a great big pink school eraser of hope. Imagine a piece of lined paper where all of your hopes and dreams are written down in pencil. Depression comes in with its big eraser and says it’s all wrong. Depression says you are not good enough.
Depression says you don’t deserve any of the good stuff. Then, depression gets to work erasing everything you hoped and dreamed about. All you have left is a messy piece of paper with smudged eraser marks and maybe a small tear in the page where the eraser went a little too hard.
Where does hope come from when it has been erased by depression? When my hope is gone, I need the support of others. I need someone else to remind me that depression erased my hope, but hope can and will return. Hope has been returned to me with the help of family, friends, therapists, spiritual directors, and mentors. I believe God works through the people in my life to help renew my hope.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and September 8th is known as “988 Day,” a time to share hope through this life-saving 24/7 text and call lifeline. 988 is a free and confidential resource to help you when your hope is lost. 988 Day is also the same day my new book releases, (co-written with UCC Indiana-Kentucky Conference Minister, the Rev. Dr. Chad Abbott), Blessed Hope: 90 Daily Devotionals for Mental Health and Faith. We wrote this book together as a reminder of our need for one another, as people of faith, in our search for God and a more hopeful tomorrow.
I suggest a friendly amendment to the Psalmist resolution to seek God alone and in silence. Instead, let’s seek God together and break the silence about the ways our lives are touched by depression. We are not alone. Hope will come again. It’s a text to 988 and just a conversation away.
988 Day resource: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | SAMHSA
Blessed Hope: 90 Daily Devotionals for Mental Health and Faith
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
The Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund serves as the Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice for the United Church of Christ.
Click here to download the bulletin insert.
| |
An Appeal for Help for Nepal after Flooding
by Renee DeLuca | published on Sep 8, 2026
On August 26, 2026, the ground supporting a glacier in the Himalayan mountains gave way, causing a major avalanche of ice and rock to fall into the Bhote Koshi River. The debris caused a dam to form in the river, which suddenly and violently gave way, releasing a torrent of water and debris that flooded the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river valleys, severely affecting communities in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Gorkha and Dhading. The result was devastating. Read
| | Flood-affected Devighat in Nuwakot district, Nepal, on August 30, 2026. Photos and stories from ACT member FCA’s work in Nepal after climate change caused a glacier to split, and the resulting flash flood killed over 1000 people in Nepal and China. | |
Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a Special Mission Offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States. The Neighbors in Need offering supports ministries of justice and compassion, with one-third of the offering given to the Council for American Indian Ministries and the remaining two-thirds supporting UCC justice ministries. In 2025 the Neighbors in Need Offering supported 26 grant recipients across the UCC who were engaged in projects of direct service and advocacy. In 2026, the suggested offering date is October 4, but churches collect the offering for a month or any other season throughout the year. Thank you for your support and generosity!
| |
New Children's Ministry
Friedens Irvington is starting "Bible Stories with Judy", a new YouTube series bringing short, gentle retellings of Bible stories to children and families. Each video is 2-5 minutes long.
Hosted by retired teacher and longtime church member Judy, each episode walks through a familiar Bible story in a way that is warm, age-appropriate, and rooted in the values of God's wide, unconditional love for all people. Episodes so far include the Creation story, Adam naming the animals, Noah and the flood, and the story of Abraham and Sarah, with new stories added regularly.
We are happy to share this resource with our fellow UCC congregations because we believe it can be useful well beyond our own church. Bible Stories with Judy is free to use and share however is helpful to you and your community.
New videos are released every Friday. To be notified as new episodes go live, subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/@irvingtonucc.
The full, growing library of Bible Stories with Judy episodes can also be found anytime at irvingtonucc.com/biblestories.
| |
|
Join the United Church of Christ in Observing Just Peace Sunday
by Hannah Santos | published on Sep 8, 2026
Communities are invited to join churches across the United Church of Christ in observing Just Peace Sunday on Sunday, September 20, under the theme “God’s Economy: People Over Profit”.
What is Just Peace Sunday?
Just Peace Sunday grows out of a commitment the UCC first made over four decades ago. At the 15th General Synod in 1985 delegates affirmed the UCC as a Just Peace Church, the first Christian denomination to do so. That pronouncement defined Just Peace as the interrelation of friendship, justice, and common security from violence, and placed the church firmly in opposition to war as an institution. Read
| |
| Upcoming Boundary Trainings approved by Illinois South Conference Committee on Ministry | |
Led by the UCC’s Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization Team (MESA)
This training is recommended for retired clergy and for pastors who are preparing for retirement. Thursday, October 15, 1:00 – 4:00pm CT, Boundary Training for Retired Clergy; register here, with the Revs. Tara Barber and Melanie Oommen.
| |
Boundary Training for Authorized Ministers Registration closes when limits are reached. All trainings are spread out over two days and take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. CT each day. November 5 & 12, November 17 & 18
Links for more information and to register.
| |
|
A boundary awareness training for members in discernment and authorized ministers of the UCC. Thursday, November 19, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CST via Zoom and the Damascus Project Learning Network. Register by November 17.
| |
A Global Table of Grace
World Communion Sunday is October 4, and is our opportunity to remember that the table of Christ stretches far beyond our own congregations, communities, and countries.
This year, Global Ministries has gathered resources to help you celebrate the global church in worship—including a complete worship service, communion bread recipes from around the world, prayers and music from global partners, and children’s moments.
These resources invite us to listen, learn, worship, and celebrate the incredible diversity of the body of Christ—and to remember that our siblings around the world are part of our shared faith and our shared table.
Explore the World Communion Sunday resources and bring the global church to your congregation: https://ow.ly/Z8Xp50ZLzne
|
30th Anniversary Gala
Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Get ready for a spectacular evening as we celebrate 30 years of impact and giving! Join us at our 30th Anniversary Gala on November 7, 2026, in Indianapolis. This milestone event will bring together friends, partners, and supporters for a night of celebration! More details on the event will be forthcoming — mark your calendars now!
Reservations will open soon! We look forward to celebrating our past, embracing the present, and embracing a future of continued growth and impact.
| | ISC Hunger Action Team - Facing Hunger in Your Community | | |
The Hunger Action Team would like to recognize REGION 2 CHURCHES for sharing “BLESSING BOX” LOCATIONS in their community
The Hunger Action Team would like to recognize REGION 2 CHURCHES for sharing “BLESSING BOX” LOCATIONS in their community. These mini pantries provide 24 hour access to nonperishable food and toiletries. The “Blessing Box” at Friedens UCC in Hecker has been used frequently. Fortunately, many local people/organizations continue to replenish the food and toiletries as needed. Friedens UCC is under the leadership of pastor and teacher, Rev. Carol Shanks. Heartfelt thanks to Tina
Diener for sharing a list of “Blessing Boxes” in the ISC Region 2.
| | Pictured (L-R): Sandy Ruhmann and Tina Diener with their “Blessing Box”. | | ALL ISC CHURCHES ARE INVITED TO SHARE BLESSING BOX LOCATIONS IN THEIR AREA. Please help spread the word - you never know who may need to know these resources are available 24/7. | | By sharing your stories of being in service to others, you shine God's Light to all of us in the ISC and beyond! Click below... | | Hurry! Registration closes Friday, September 25th! | | |
Hello,
We hope this email finds you well! Fall Festival at DuBois Center is fast approaching, and we can't do it without LOTS of wonderful volunteers like YOU. Consider joining us on Sunday, October 4 to help with Horses, Soda Stand, Sweet Treats, Kids' Corner, Hayrides, and more. We also need help with set up on Saturday, October 3. Sign up to volunteer by Friday, September 25:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA4AD28A2FCC34-65007262-2026
Thanks for your consideration - Hope to see you there!
Breanne Beisiegel
Fall Festival Volunteer Coordinator
DuBois Center
2651 Quarry Road
DuBois, Illinois 62831
Office Phone: (618) 787-2202
DuBois Center is the Camp and Retreat Center of the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ
| | | | |
Fall Festival Auction Baskets
Drop Off by Saturday, October 3 at 3pm! THEN...Come Out & Bid!
| | Folks, we hope your congregations and church boards will be putting together an auction basket this year! Donations of baskets for the Silent Auction at DuBois's Fall Festival, combined with your imaginative spirits, yield good returns Fall Fest participants cannot resist. Again, we appreciate your support of DuBois in this way and look forward to seeing soon! Baskets should arrive at DuBois Center before October 3 by 3pm. Thank you!!!! | | |
Council for Health & Human
Services Ministries News
| |
Human Dignity, the Image of God, and the Common Good
In July, I wrote about the relationship between civic engagement and the mission of faith-based health and human service organizations. Last month, I reflected on how advocacy is not separate from ministry, but one of the ways we extend our ministry beyond the walls of our organizations and into the public square. What is it about our faith that compels us to engage in the first place? Read more
|
Back Bay Mission Musicians with a Mission is back, and this year, it's better than ever!
September 24, 2026
6:00 PM
Ground Zero Blues Club Biloxi
It's going to be one BIG dance party with incredible live music, delicious food, great people, and plenty of exciting ways to support the transformative programs at Back Bay Mission.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
One of the easiest ways to help us reach our $25,000 goal is by becoming a Friend of the Music! (formerly our Friends of the Mission sponsorship)
This sponsorship includes:
- A 2026 Musicians with a Mission event T-shirt
- A virtual link to watch the event live from anywhere!
- Your name recognized during the event
- A special thank-you in the following edition of our newsletter, Changing Tides, and Annual Report.
Become a Friends of the Music Sponsor----------Get tickets
| |
.1K Supporting Growth at Every Age
Thank you to everyone who showed up for our .1K race on September 13. Every step, every dollar, and every word of encouragement helped move our mission forward.
Together we raised money for St. John's Community Care and The Learning Tree Preschool. Those gifts go straight into the work we do every day, including direct care for participants, caregiver education, outreach, and advocacy for people challenged by aging or disabilities across the Metro-East.
We're grateful to the participants, donors, sponsors, and volunteers who made it happen, and we hope to see you at a future event.
You can keep up with what's happening at St. John's Community Care at stjohnscc.org/blog.
| | Our ISC Churches News + Events | |
O'Fallon UCC invites one and all to attend:
Kevin Chunko, from St. Louis, is an organist, accompanist, and former organ tuner/voicer. He regularly presents organ programs, sharing a love for organ works which demonstrate excellence in the craft of composition. He formerly served as University Organist and Vocal Accompanist at Illinois Wesleyan University where he collaborated with choral conductor J. Scott Ferguson regularly. In his organ building experience from the past, he trained in voicing under Leonard G. Berghaus.
Having served multiple organ builders, he was involved in voicing and tonal finishing of several new pipe organs. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degree in organ performance. Additionally, he completed course studies in the doctoral organ program at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign with organist Dana Robinson.
Kevin Chunko will present an organ recital on Sunday, Sept 27 at 3pm in the O'Fallon UCC sanctuary (206 W. Adams St). Music will showcase our Berghaus organ--including organ works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Aguilera, Frescobaldi, Felix Mendelssohn, and Charles-Marie Widor.
| | Opportunities + Resources | | If you are reading a print version of the ISC Weekly Connection, consider scanning the QR code and subscribe to receive upcoming issues straight to your email inbox. Not only does this ensure you won't miss an issue but it gives opportunity to click on the links to full articles, webinar registration sites, videos and more. It only takes a minute to sign up. Reach out to Missy at 618-654-2125 or mloyet@iscucc.org with any questions or with news for the Weekly Connection. | | | Contact Us - Your OCWM Monies at Work | | |
Please call (618) 654-2125 before coming to the Conference Office or make an appointment with a staff member using the emails below.
For the work of Conference teams and committees or for financial matters (in terms of your church's giving to the Conference or OCWM), contact Debbie Kesner at dkesner@iscucc.org.
For communicating within the Conference, the Conference website, Facebook page or Weekly Connection, contact Missy Loyet at mloyet@iscucc.org.
For DuBois Center Co-Executive Directors, contact Jason Petry or Leah Petry at director@DuBoisCenter.org or (618) 787-2202 ext. 2 for Jason or ext. 3 for Leah.
For DuBois Center registration for upcoming events and camp sessions or ISC program registrations, contact Julie Riechmann at
jriechmann@iscucc.org or (618) 357-1809.
For Rev. Shana Johnson, ISC Conference Minister, contact her at sjohnson@iscucc.org or (618) 882-8247.
| | |
Inclusivity Statement for DuBois Center and
Illinois South Conference of the UCC
Because we affirm the value of all God's people, the Illinois South Conference of the United Church of Christ does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ability, national origin, religious background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. To the extent possible, we endeavor to accommodate those with a variety of physical, mental, emotional, medical, or dietary needs.
| | | | |
