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This newsletter is made possible by Our Church's Wider Mission and Friends of the Conference, Thank you!


The Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ seeks to be a community of diverse congregations which nurtures, supports, and unites local churches in faithful covenant in Christ to carry out ministry and mission in the world.
  Let's Talk: About Voter Registration
By Conference Minister Diane Weible


This is the third part in a series about impressions and thoughts from the trip I took to Alabama with the other Conference Ministers in November. We visited Civil Rights sites in Selma, Montgomery and Birmingham.
 

As the 2020 Presidential Race heats up and the first Democratic primaries are just around the corner, I’m thinking a lot about the right to vote. I still remember one of the first primary elections I voted in. Our polling place was at the Catholic School just up the street from my neighborhood. During primary elections, you had to choose a party. Depending on which party you chose you entered the building to the right or to the left. My family, for the most part, was loyal to one party. I had already decided I was voting for a candidate in another party. For this reason, I decided I would go to the polling place alone so no one would know which way I turned.
Read more.
  Conference Office Update

The Conference Office has moved to 1320 Willow Pass Road, Suite 600, Concord CA 94520. We are still getting settled in but will soon plan an Open House. We mailed hard copies of a letter and updated remittance form to all churches several weeks ago, but some churches tell us they did not receive the letter. Mail sent to us is being forwarded, but we're finding that some is being returned to sender and some is being delivered to our old address. It's an adventure!
  In Memoriam 
The

The Conference Office is saddened to report the death of the Rev. Sally Brown, age 96, on December 28, 2019.  A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at First Congregational UCC, 1985 Louis Road, Palo Alto CA. Sally is survived by her four children: Annie, Polly, Ellen, and Phillip, and granddaughter Lisa. Sally graduated from Pacific School of Religion and was ordained in 1988.  She served as a chaplain at the Palo Alto Veterans’ Administration Hospital for 25 years. Prior to becoming ordained, Sally worked as a Recreation Therapist. She was also an author. Read her full obituary here.

We thank God for the life and work of Sarah E. “Sally” Brown.
News and Events Section
  Response from Denominational Leaders to Recent Events in Iran

As a Just Peace Church, the United Church of Christ has long advocated for diplomatic and peaceful engagement with Iran. We have spoken out on multiple occasions in opposition to inflammatory rhetoric and direct provocation that could ultimately lead to war. In response to recent events, our UCC leadership has issued a
 call to prayer and fasting for peace during this season of Epiphany, to bring us back from the brink of war with Iran. Read more.

  Prayers for Puerto Rico


Puerto Rico was struck by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake at 3:24 AM local time Wednesday 8 miles west of Ponce (on the southeastern coast), and numerous aftershocks have been reported. This follows a 5.0 magnitude earthquake Tuesday. Numerous homes and structures have been damaged and one casualty has been reported. Folks on the island are in the midst of assessing damage and needs. UCC Disaster Ministries is keeping us informed and will have more information about how to help soon.
 

A Prayer for Puerto Rico

Holy God, source of light and life, our hearts are once again grieving as we witness the many tragedies around us. We pray today for our siblings in Puerto Rico who have awakened to the challenges of these earthquakes. We pray for their strength and resilience. We pray for those who experienced loss and ask for their peace and comfort. Help us to be a source of your presence and love with all in this moment. We pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
Associate General Minister for Wider Church Ministries and Operations Co-Executive for Global Ministries

  The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools
Brought to you by: Mills College


Mills College Black History Month 2020, School of Education, Program in Ethnic Studies, The Black Student Collective, and The Black Faculty and Staff Association present....

PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools

Film & Discussion with Director Monique W. Morris, Ed.D.
Friday Feb 7 @ 5pm, Lisser Hall 101 Theater
Mills College, Oakland, CA

Join us for a film screening and discussion of PUSHOUT: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools. Our evening event will feature the film director Monique W. Morris, Ed.D., as we encourage a robust conversation about how to reduce the criminalization of Black girls in our nation's learning environments.


Tickets and more information here.

   Early Bird Discount for Feb Camp ends Jan. 15th! 

  Helping Hands Concerts
Brought to you by: Dick Hom and Roy Mosley


The last of the three very successful Helping Hands concerts to raise money for victims of the Kincaid fire was held on December 28 at Pioneer UCC in Sacramento. We'll have a summary article in the newsletter soon, but for now, here is a link to a YouTube video of the Sacramento concert.
  It's Yearbook Time!

Churches will soon be receiving email instructions for completing their annual Yearbook Reports online. The Data Hub will open to churches this week. Be the first on your block to complete your reports!
  Staff Announcements

In the new year our Conference Staff will be experiencing transitions. Miranda Samaile, who has worked with us since March, 2018, will end her ministry on January 17 to pursue a new opportunity. We will miss her presence in our Office especially her positive attitude. Her willingness to try new things and her skill at adaptation have been gifts. Please join us in wishing her the best.

Joy Davis, who has served on the NCNC staff since 1996, has announced her retirement. Her last day will be April 30. Joy is much loved and a valuable part of our Conference family and imagining our Conference Office without her is very hard to do. Look for an announcement soon about an opportunity to celebrate her ministry. 

  Republican Tax Law Hits Churches
Brought to you by: Politico

Republicans have quietly imposed a new tax on churches, synagogues and other nonprofits, a little-noticed and surprising change that could cost some groups tens of thousands of dollars. Their recent tax-code rewrite requires churches, hospitals, colleges, orchestras and other historically tax-exempt organizations to begin paying a 21 percent tax on some types of fringe benefits they provide their employees. To read more click
HERE.

Please not that tax-exempt organizations that provide parking, or qualifies parking benefits, may be subject to Unrelated Business Income Tax. This will require many organizations to file a Form 990-T (UBIT return) when they ordinarily would be exempt from it. 
  UCC Asylum Accompaniment Training Webinar


Please join the United Church of Christ Webinar on Asylum Accompaniment Training. January 13, 2020 4pmEST/1pmPST. Sign up here for this collaboration between Justice  and Local Church and Wider Church Ministries. While many UCC congregations have already been engaged in accompaniment with asylum seekers the need is great and many more UCC congregations want to learn more about how they can get involved. On this webinar, we will hear from UCC congregations who are doing this work to learn more about best practices and how to confront challenges. Amanda Sheldon, Program Associate, UCC Refugee and Asylum Ministries & UCC Disaster Ministries and Rev. Noel Andersen from the UCC National Collaborative on Immigration will facilitate this webinar with special guest speakers from congregational leaders. The call in information will be set out once you register on this form.

  UCC Webinar: Activist Theology with Robyn Henderson-Espinoza
Brought to you by: Brooks Berndt, UCC Minister for Environmental Justice


This month’s Creation Justice Webinar will feature the theologian Robyn Henderson-Espinoza who has been named one of 10 Faith Leaders to Watch by the Center for American Progress. With a new book entitled "Activist Theology," Henderson-Espinoza will help us connect the struggle for creation justice to the kind of theological reflection needed to build a movement. Even if you can't make the webinar’s scheduled time, still sign-up, and we will send a recording. Register today!

  Free Worship Workshop Webinar
Brought to you by: Marcia McFee


Dr. Marcia McFee, worship professor and workshop leader, is offering a free continuing education opportunity on worshipOn January 9th and 16th, there will be two free webinars on the topic of deepening spirituality and enhancing leadership skills in worship, specifically related to getting planned ahead for a deeply meaningful Lent season. The recordings will be available to anyone who registers if the dates and times don’t work with their schedules.

These webinars will take folks through 5 things they can do right now to improve their worship that does not require big budgets, is not too "out of the box" for their congregations, and yet enhances the depth and height of what they already do.
Get more information and sign up here.
  Health and Human Service Sunday

Every January, the United Church of Christ celebrates Health and Human Service Sunday, which creates a wonderful opportunity to recognize the important work CHHSM organizations provide. It is also an invitation to prayerfully reflect on health in a holistic way, to address the social justice issues in our country's healthcare and human services systems, and to learn how we can advocate for meaningful change. Resources for observing Health and Human Service Sunday on January 26, 2020 are now available on CHHSM's website or by clicking on the blue button below. The worship materials were co-authored by Rev. George Graham and Rev. Elyse Berry and give special attention to our Be a Voice advocacy campaign issues.
 
  Women of Spirit Action Presents Back to Basics
Brought to you by: Monica Cross and Sophia Jackson

You are welcomed to join a panel discussion dealing with the injustice of Mass Incarceration and what faith communities can do to become proactice in responding to those who are negatigvely impacted. This event is happening on Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 2 PM - 6 PM at the City of Refuge UCC, 8400 Enterprise Way, Oakland. Click
HERE for more information.
  Circles
Brought to you by: Niles Discovery Church

The January Second Saturday Documentary is the film Circles, an examination of restorative justice. Shot over two years, the film follows Butler's impassioned efforts to nurture troubled youth and keep them in school, fighting racial discrimination by replacing snap suspensions and expulsions with gritty, intimate, and honest mentoring. See the film on Saturday, January 11, 1:30 p.m., at Niles Discovery Church, 36600 Niles Blvd., Fremont. Admission is free; a discussion will follow the screening.
   JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Lay church employment opportunities now has a page on our website. Check here to view.
     REGISTRATION

Feb Camp - February 15-17, 2020, Click HERE to view the flyer!
Annual Gathering - June 18-20, 2020
Annual Gathering Youth Stewards Application - June 18-20, 2020
National Youth Event (Youth) - July 21-26, 2020
National Youth Event (Adult Chaperone) - July 21-26, 2020
Caz You and Me Adult
- July 10-12, 2020
Caz You and Me Child - July 10-12, 2020
Caz Junior - July 26 - August 1, 2020
Caz Jr. High - July 19-25, 2020
Caz. Sr High - July 12- 18, 2020
Caz Community Adult - August 7-9, 2020
Caz Community Child - August 7-9, 2020
CAZ CIT application - July 26 - August 1, 2020
Tam Junior - July 12-18, 2020
Tam Jr. High - July 19-25, 2020
Tam Sr. High - July 26 - August 1, 2020
Tam CIT application - July 12-18, 2020
For Churches giving campership to their members: request Campership Discount codes for your church HERE.
Conference Calendar
 

Jan. 11  Ordination for Sophia Jackson into the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, City of Refuge, 8400 Enterprise Way, Oakland, 5PM - 8PM.
Jan. 18   Conference Council Meeting, First Church Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way, Berkeley, 10 AM - 3 PM
Jan. 26  Installation Service for T'Shala Auroralaia, 2 PM, La Selva Beach Community, 26 Florido Ave., La Selva Beach.
Feb. 15   Conference Council Meeting, First Church of Redwood City, 230 Twin Dolphin Dr., Suite D, Redwood City
March 21  Conference Council Meeting, First Congregational Church Ripon, 100 N. Acacia, Ripon, 10 AM - 3 PM
May 15-16   Conference Council Meeting, Camp Cazadero 23500 King Ridge Rd, Cazadero, 10 Am - 3PM
June  Conference Council Meeting, Sonoma State University, Rohnert Park
Make a Donation to the NCNC
Share your news! Please submit newsletter items for consideration by noon on Monday to miranda@ncncucc.org
United Church of Christ in Northern California Nevada
1320 Willow Pass Road, Suite 600, Concord CA 94520-5292
(510) 247-8990 + ncncucc.org

Rev. Dr. Diane Weible, Conference Minister
Rev. Davena Jones, Associate Conference Minister
Rev. Daniel Ross-Jones, MPA, Associate Conference Minister
Joy Davis, Conference Administrator
Miranda Samaile, Administrative Assistant






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Northern California Nevada Conference, United Church of Christ · 1320 Willow Pass Rd, Suite 600 · Concord, CA 94520 · USA

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