Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 

from the PNEC Staff !! 

Find us on Facebook...December/January Newsletter

Getting to the Root of It        

We've asked UCC advocates to help us unpack the complex justice issues that we're working on.  Using our General Synod pronouncements as the basis for these reflections, we hope to provide insights into the issues you care about that are rooted in our shared faith, and can inform your advocacy efforts.  This month Rev. Dr. Sheila Guillaume write about our call to be a just peace church.   

For Unto Us...by Rev. Dr. Sheila Guillaume...What does it mean for us to claim the Prince of Peace in times like these?  How do we reconcile the Good News of the Prince of Peace with news we read each day of unjust tax bills, increased threats of War with North Korea, famine in South Sudan, and the pervasiveness of sexual assault against women in our society?  (Read more.)

Justice Events

National Week of Action to Close Guantanamo...The UCC has partnered with the National Religious Campaign

against Torture (NRCA) since its founding in efforts to end torture and close the prison at Guantanamo.  January 6-14 is the National Week of Action to close Guantanamo, and the NRCAT is calling on churches to mark this date by organizing or joining events across the country.  Learn more  and sign up to be a point of contact or to host an event.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day...January 11 - a day to bring awareness to the world-wide crisis also know as modern day

slavery.  The 29th General Synod officially recognized the date and called on UCC congregations to be part of the education and advocacy efforts associated with Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  Help raise awareness about human trafficking and kick off a year full of justice advocacy and faithful witness this January.

Wendy's Boycott Fast and Action...On January 18, 2018, faith leaders from around the country will join together for National

Day of Fasting and Witness in protest of Wendy's executives' ongoing regusal to join the Fair Food Program.  Join UCC General Minister and President Rev. John Dorhauer, author and public theologian Brian McLaren and 30+ clergy in a National Day of Fasting and Witness.  Learn more. 

UCC Health and Human Services Sunday...this is a special opportunity to create awareness of the health concerns of our

communities and world, and to learn about the many and various health and human service ministries of the United Church of Christ.  it is observed annually in the UCC and is an opportunity to talk about health in a holistic way, address the issues of justice in our health care systems and learn about how each of us can become involved.  Learn more.

Ecumenical Advocacy Days...Join us in DC April 20-23 at the 2018 Ecumenical Advocacy Days - a weekend of faith-rooted

worship, learning and advocacy in our Nation's capital.  he gathering will focus on the uprootedness of our world.  We will analyze current policy and envision ways to more fully and justly respond to the global and local needs of displaced communities.  Together we will seek policy changes that advance hope and overcome the devastating impacts of conflict, climate change and corruption on God's people.  Scholarships available for UCC Young Adults.  Learn more.

Justice in Action

Tax Update:  It's Not Over Yet...Great thanks to all who acted on our faith call to love our neighbor by opposing the Senate

version of the tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Although we are deeply disappointed that the Senate narrowly passed this harmful legislation, there is still time to act.  Read more from UCC Washington Office Director, Sandy Sorensen, and take action.

Souls to Enroll - Only One Week to Go!...It is our call as people of faith and leaders in the UCC to help connect our neighbors

with the health care they need.  Open enrollment for the health care marketplaces ends on December 15.  The period is half as long as it has been in the past, and that is not an accident.  It is part of a cynical, partisan attempt to weaken the Affordable Care Act.  Help spread the word about open enrollment and ensure that all our members have the info they need to get the coverage they need.  We have resources you can use.  Learn more. 

Join the Poor People's Campaign...a national call for moral revival is uniting tens of thousands of people across the country to

challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation and the nation's distorted morality.  The UCC is a founding member of the movement and this week Rev. Traci Blackmon was in DC to help launch the campaign, which will begin rolling actions in state-houses around the country in 2018.  Learn more and join the movement.

Frontline Faith Immersion Training...Coming in 2018...Transforming injustice that is deeply woven into the fabric of our society

requires critical and creative strategies.  This training is a week of intensive training for pastors and congregational leaders to make connections between history and policy, employ critical race and intersectional theories, recognize and activate within different systems and mental models, organize and design direct action, and develop spiritual practices and community building skills for the long deep work.  The first training will take place in Charlottesville, VA.  More information will be shared. 

Justice Resources

Podcast for a Just World...subscribe to this new podcast hosted by Rev. Tracy Howe Wispelwey, UCC Minister for

Congregational and Community Engagement.  This podcast provides listeners the opportunity to encounter the beauty and diversity of our church and stay informed on the church's specific and intersecting efforts to build a just world for all.  The Inaugural series combines Advent lectionary reflection with action to create just borders and immigration policies.  Listen and subscribe via iTunes or SoundCloud