Faithful Fridays, February 2

February 2, 2024

UCC Yearbook - March 6 Deadline

United Church of Christ

It is time to submit information for your church to the UCC Yearbook. Linked below are documents from the National UCC office to help you get started:

Data Hub closes to churches at midnight Eastern Time on March 6th. Thank you for all your hard work in collecting and reporting. If you need help, please contact Naomi in the Conference Office (708-344-4470).

Royalties for Spirituals:

Where are We Now?

The UCC Musicians Association previously hosted a webinar on how churches can justly compensate the original creators of Negro spirituals who were never paid for their work. Join our host Jim Boratko as he talks with two guests from the original webinar -- Susan DeSelms and Adam Waite -- who were at the forefront of this nationwide initiative and two guests representing one church's response to the webinar -- Kimberly Kersey and Rev. Fredd Ward. This is a one-hour ZOOM session to be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 11 a.m. CST and is free to all. More details are available on the registration page.

From Exodus to Jesus & Beyond Lenten Series

There is an amazing and often hidden alternative understanding of what it means to be Christian. From Exodus to Jesus and beyond, the Bible offers an ancient, enduring, and surprisingly relevant story about people living in the light of the love of God. This five-part online workshop led by Rev. Rich Gamble series will explore how the lessons and values of our faith can inform our work to build a better world. This workshop meets online via Zoom on five Tuesdays during Lent at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. CST. The cost is $75 per person for all 5 workshops. Group discounts available for groups over 8 people. Register and learn more here.

Free Fifth Stream Study Guide

Make a commitment this February to begin plans for a 2024 study of Afro-Christian Convention: The Fifth Stream of the United Church of Christ. The book is $24.95 through Pilgrim Press. For deeper engagement with the book, you can download the free eight-part study guide to:

Discover the origins of the Afro-Christian Convention in the 19th century
Explore the values that sustained Afro-Christian tradition throughout the 20th century
Celebrate the legacy of Afro-Christians that widens and deepens our UCC commitments for ministry during the 21st century and beyond.

Brown Endowment Scholarship

The Brown Endowment scholarship for MDiv students who have Member in Discernment status and are pursuing authorized ministry in the UCC opened December 1, 2023 and will close midnight March 1, 2024. Potential Brown Scholars must have official MID status with a Committee on Ministry, demonstrate at least a year of active membership in a local UCC church, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3 .0. The Brown Endowment also supports MIDs attending regional theological education programs. The application for the Brown Endowment is on the UCC website of scholarships. Please forward questions to Rev. Gwendolyn V. Kirkland at brownendowment@gmail.com.

Black History: Unsung Heroes of the Environmental Justice Movement

For Black History Month, the UCC will be celebrating past environmental justice leaders and their historic contributions to the movement. We will lift up and reflect upon the lives of champions for justice such as Dana Alston, Damu Smith, Hazel Johnson, and others. To fully appreciate their impact and legacy, we will hear from those in the movement who knew them. Featured speakers will include those who have been at the forefront of the movement: Robert Bullard, Vernice Miller-Travis, and Peggy Shepard. Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on February 14th at 12 p.m. CST, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register here now!

One Great Hour of Sharing

The UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special mission offering involves you in disaster, refugee/ immigration, and development ministries throughout the world. When disaster strikes or people are displaced by violence or poverty, you are part of the response and recovery. This year's suggested offering date is March 10. Order your free OGHS materials here.

Rural Ministry Conference

The 43rd annual Rural Ministry Conference will be held on March 3-5 at the Best Western Hotel and Conference Center in Dubuque, IA. This year’s conference theme is the Creation Groans, the Creation Waits, the Creation Hopes, the Creation Sings: Congregations Responding to Climate Change. Keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. Schifferdecker from the Lutheran Seminary. Learn more here.

CHHSM 86th Annual Gathering

The deadline to reserve a hotel room at the conference rate is Friday, February 9. So don't wait to register for CHHSM's 86th Annual Gathering in St. Louis from March 12-14, 2024! We hope you will join us!

Collaboration as the Gateway to Innovation is our theme. With collaboration taking center stage, we will explore how working together can spark innovation that changes lives. This year's Annual Gathering will ignite fresh ideas and new partnerships for your ministry as you witness firsthand how CHHSM agencies in St. Louis and beyond are pioneering new realms of innovation through dynamic collaborations. Learn more and register online here.

Local Church News & Events

Westchester Community Church

Valentine's Day Dance

Do you like to listen to music or dance? Then come on out and enjoy the Weed Wackers playing oldies, classic rock, and new standards on Friday, February 9th. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The dance is from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Light refreshments and drinks will be served complementary. BYOB Door Prize and Raffles. $20 per person call 708-865-1282 for tickets & information. Sponsored by The Music Board. Download the flyer here.