Letter from Our Conference Minister
Dear friends,
We are in the midst of the 33rd General Synod of the United Church of Christ, offered virtually this year. It is an interesting, engaging, challenging, and exhausting experience. I miss the close human and collegial interactions that are usually a part of General Synod. Yet, worship has been inspiring and enlightening; option events have been informative, and the first plenary session went well. It is always interesting to engage with United Church of Christ members from across the nation and our global partners.
This week I wanted to share with you something I explored as we looked at the UCC, the World Council of Churches and the UN. I had heard about – although did not know much about – the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals).
Hearing members of the World Council of Churches, and the UCC’s own Cameron Trimble (now the CEO of Convergence) share insights about these goals was very enlightening. The discussion broadened my view of the importance of mission and how our local mission intersects with national and global efforts. For your information, the 17 sustainable development goals are:
1. No poverty
2. Zero hunger
3. Good health and well-being
4. Quality education
5. Gender equality
6. Clean water and sanitation
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals
How are your congregation's local mission partnerships and project advancing these goals? Sometimes we can feel all alone during the community work we are doing. Yet, we are not alone. Of course, God is with us. It can be even more comforting to know that all our congregations, all the Church, all the nation and through the UN, a large portion of the world is also working on transforming the world into a place that is safe, healthy, sustainable, and empowering for all peoples.
I encourage you to take some time to review the UN information and become aware of the broad interconnected relationships your congregation has with the rest of the world.
Blessings,
Bonnie
