Assessments from Convergence

Many Pastors, Church Councils, and Church Leaders are looking for ways to re-shape their churches and really hear what God is saying about the vision and mission for your church as we live into a new sense of relevancy as the "Post-Pandemic Church." Our friends at Convergence have developed a "Quick Congregational Assessment Tool" to gauge: 1. Participation Trends, 2. Financial Stability, 3. Facility Sustainability, 4. Participant Outlook, 5. Levels of Conflict, and 6. Change Skills.

This assessment contains two short surveys; one for the Pastor to complete, and the other for the individual members of the congregation to complete. The surveys can be completed either via paper, or electronically with a "QR" code provided when you purchase the Assessment Tool from Convergence. The cost for the Quick Congregational Assessment Tool is: $399.00.

Please feel free to email Rev. Dr. Terrill N. Murff for further information.

Convergence offers comprehensive, research-based assessments any church can afford.

It’s hard to know what to measure anymore. Are we measuring church attendance? Baptisms? Attendance at Sunday School classes? Full church membership? Giving on a Sunday? The challenge is that some of these numbers matter some of the time and in some settings. But not all.

What if the more interesting story was found in the difference your church was making in the community? What if your metrics for success included some of those listed above, but you also consider the crime rates in your community, and the graduation rates and the employment rates? We believe that a vital church is one that is making a difference in the world and looks a lot like what Jesus might have done in his time. A vital church cares for the poor, defends the vulnerable, protects the children and inspires the hopeless.

We can actually measure these things...and we believe these measurements help your congregation see the difference it is making as the Body of Christ.

We have spotlighted all of our numerous summer camp opportunities for youth and families over the last several weeks. Click on the graphics to learn more about the youth camps being offered at Pilgrim Park and Tower Hill in 2023. You can also view the 2023 ODM COVID Policy and register online via the buttons below. You can also find more information here.

Pilgrim Park Youth Camps

Tower Hill Youth Camps

Strengthen the Church Offering

Sunday, May 28

The Strengthen the Church (STC) Offering reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations.  By your generosity to this offering, you build up the Body of Christ.

As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Most congregations will receive the STC offering on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, 2023. Contributions can be made online at any time here.

UCC Webinars & Events

Can the Church Change? Summit

May 22-26 | UCC & Convergence

FREE Daily Content. Lifetime access only $149. Learn more here.

Building an Endowment Webinar

Wednesday, May 24 @ 6:30 PM CST

This webinar will provide ideas and policies for creating and growing an endowment for your congregation.

Register here.

Security and Faith: Threats and Responses from UCC Local Churches

Thursday, May 25 @ 2:30 PM CST

Learn about the resources available and where imagination and faithfulness are coming together to fill in the gaps.

Register here.

Create Playspace Part 8

Wednesday, May 31 @ 12:00 PM CST

What has been your most important COVID shift?

Register here.

Rev. Liz Nickerson was Installed as Associate Pastor at St. Pauls UCC in Chicago on Sunday, April 30th.

Rev. Greg Lucas will have his final Sunday at St. Paul's in Crystal Lake on Sunday, May 21st.

Rev. Erin Wyma will be Installed as Senior Minister at St. Matthew UCC in Wheaton on Sunday, May 21st at 4:00 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Patrick Daymond will be Installed as Senior Pastor at Covenant UCC in South Holland on Sunday, June 4th at 11:00 a.m.

Rev. Michael Cassady will be Installed as Pastor at St. Peter's Evangelical UCC in Kewanee on Sunday, June 4th at 3:00 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Mark Barclay will be Installed as Senior Pastor at Avalon Park Community Church UCC in Chicago on Sunday, June 25th at 3:00 p.m.

Rev. Richard Hoblin died on Wednesday, May 17, 2023. No other information is known at this time.

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FAITHFUL FRIDAYS is published by the Illinois Conference of the United Church of Christ, 1840 Westchester Blvd, Suite 200, Westchester, IL 60154. The Rev. Molly Carlson, Conference Minister; Sarah Lohrbach, Editor. Copy may be sent to: SarahLohrbach@ilucc.org.