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.
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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
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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.
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Early Bird Discount for Feb Camp ends Jan. 15th!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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 worship. On 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Lay church employment opportunities now has a page on our website. Check here to view.
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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.
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