UCC
The United Church of Christ meets every other year at General Synod to conduct its business. At this year’s recently concluded Synod, there were elections, resolutions of witness, prudential resolutions, speak outs, worship services and music, optional events, educational intensives, implementation conversations, hearings, and much more. But there were no cookies this year! There were…
Read MoreThe UCC’s Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM) played an important role throughout the denomination’s Thirty-Third General Synod, which closed Sunday evening, July 18. Sometimes prominent and sometimes behind the scenes, CHHSM’s presence and advocacy for health equity remained at the forefront of many Synod-related conversations — beginning with a Resolution of Witness…
Read MoreAn implementation conversation held July 17 on the Synod Resolution to Declare and Respond to Racism as a Public Health Crisis drew a virtual crowd of some 50 participants from across the country. Attendees heard from United Black Christians (UBC) board member Barbara Baylor, former convenor of the UCC’s Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities Task…
Read MoreInternationally renowned researcher and educator Dr. Joy DeGruy brought her message of uncovering racism and unleashing repair to delegates and visitors at the UCC’s virtual General Synod 33. DeGruy delivered the Valerie Russell Lecture Saturday, July 17, at 11:30 a.m. Sponsored by CHHSM and the UCC’s Justice and Local Church Ministries (JLCM), the lecture honors…
Read MoreBy Donna Schudel, Community Relations & Grants Specialist,Marketing and Community Relations, Phoebe Ministries. This article is reprinted with permission from the Spring/Summer 2021 Phoebe Ministries’ magazine, The Messenger. Photos courtesy of Phoebe Ministries. When Lowell Hawk was 5 years old, his family hosted the Rev. and Mrs. Sipple for dinner at their Northampton, Pa., home.…
Read MoreA highlight of the July 11 opening plenary session of the United Church of Christ’s Thirty-Third General Synod — taking place virtually through July 18 — was the presentation, discussion and vote on a powerful resolution aimed at examining societal systemic racism through the lens of public health. Delegates overwhelmingly approved “A Resolution to Declare…
Read MoreThe UCC’S Council for Health and Human Service Ministries kicked off its involvement in the denomination’s General Synod 33, being held virtually July 11-18, participating in a workshop for delegates on “Transforming the Overdose Crisis: Creating Communities and Congregations of Care.” The workshop, taped live July 8, was presented by the UCC’s Overdose and Drug…
Read MoreThe newest in the series of CHHSM’s vetted free webinars takes place Wednesday, July 14, at 1 p.m. The one-hour webinar, called “Don’t restart until you reset: Thinking differently about engagement,” examines how older adult communities can rethink engagement programming — post-pandemic —to meet the new needs of their residents. Participants who attend the entire…
Read MoreBy the Rev. Bobbie McKay, Ph.D. This article originally appeared as the July 1 blog entry from United Church Homes’ Parker Center for Abundant Living. It is reprinted here with permission. In the last five years, death became the center of my life. Uninvited and not sought, this intruder entered my life space and appeared to…
Read MoreBy Nick Quargnenti, marketing coordinator for Emmaus Homes. This article first appeared in Emmaus’ Summer 2021 issue of The Messenger. Reprinted with permission. Emmaus Direct Support Lead Natasha has recently given the phrase “Work That Matters” a whole new meaning at Emmaus. Natasha is always excited to teach valuable lessons to Brad and all of…
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