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We are delighted to announce that Sonja Haller will be ordained into Christian ministry on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Desert Palm United Church of Christ, 1230 E Guadalupe Rd, Tempe, AZ.
This sacred service marks a milestone in Sonja’s journey of faith and service within the United Church of Christ. Clergy are invited to gather by 2:45 p.m., vested and wearing a red stole, as we affirm her call to ministry together.
All are invited to attend in person or join the livestream at desertpalmucc.org. Let us come together in prayer, joy, and gratitude as we celebrate God’s continuing work through Sonja’s life and ministry.
by Shandrika McDowell
This is my second course in seminary, and let me tell you—it’s been a workout! The Old Testament will stretch your mind and your faith at the same time. I went from just reading the Bible to actually studying it—breaking down context, history, language, and meaning. And whew, it’s a whole different experience when you slow down and really dig in.
Each assignment felt like lifting spiritual weights. Some days I left sore (mentally), other days I left stronger. The Old Testament isn’t just about ancient people, it’s about us. It shows God’s power, patience, and purpose through generations of folks who were just as flawed and faithful as we are today.
Click through to read Shandrika’s article.
The Insurance Board offers several resources to equip ministries to respond effectively in an emergency. In the aftermath of these events, church leaders struggle to find answers regarding church security.
Chad Cunningham, Director of Loss Control, hosted a 45-minute webinar on October 14, 2025 that 'sold out' immediately. He has shared this link so that you can view it now.
Here are some Insurance Board resources as well.
Last week, Dr. Gloria and I discussed the teachings of Jesus Christ and how they have endured for more than 2,000 years. She made a lightbulb moment that stuck with me, which I plan to use in a sermon or Bible study: “That alone should instill faith.” (You would think the lightbulb should have been on already, lol!)
You know she’s right! The words and wisdom of Jesus have carried through wars, cultural shifts, and generations of change. They still call people to love, compassion, justice, and hope. That kind of lasting truth shows the living presence of Christ among us.
I love that the United Church of Christ gathers around that very same faith. We don’t rely on rigid rules or identical beliefs. We stay connected through our shared trust in Jesus, who is the head of our church: the very same Jesus, the One who teaches us to love God and our neighbors. In a world full of noise and distraction, His voice still speaks through Scripture, community, and acts of service.
We live in a time when many people post, protest, and speak out, but fewer put faith into practice.
(click through to keep reading)
These two leadership programs are aimed at developing skills for church, campus, and community engagement: the Youth Leadership Symposium (YLS) and the Young Adult Leadership Symposium (YALS). Both are six-month programs designed as a "leadership lab"—not a traditional leadership team—where participants can explore their gifts, receive wisdom, and imagine new possibilities.
Save the Date!
Conference 2026 is well into the planning stages, so make sure your planning is up-to-date. Our next national gathering is July 8 – 11, 2026 at First Community Church, Columbus, Ohio. Andrew Blosser, the Director of Music, and his wife Amy Blosser, Associate Director of Music, are working on a budget so that you’ll know what the costs are soon.
The theme is one of openness – open to different styles of music, different sounds, different folks, different thinking. And, most exciting, the leadership is working on including members of the Association of Disciples Musicians. The Disciples of Christ is a denomination much like ours and has collaborated for years with the UCC on global missions. First Community Church is a combined UCC / DOC congregation (with two campuses!), so it makes sense to learn and share together. The more the merrier!
Join us for this unique experience.
The Reverends Michael Malcom and abby mohaupt have released a new book that acknowledges the stark horrors of climate change while building hope and moral-spiritual agency for a brighter future. Bringing decades of leadership experience in interfaith efforts toward environmental and climate justice, they guide readers along pathways toward a clear-eyed but energizing vision of different ways of being.
Join us to hear from the authors about the writing of the book and the insights it has to offer. The Rev. Michael Malcom is the Executive Director of the People’s Justice Council and Alabama Interfaith Power & Light. The rev. abby mohaupt is the director of the Garrett Collective at Garrett Seminary.
Even if you cannot make the live event, still register, and we will send you a recording.
Introducing the Old Testament (Dickinson/MBS)** begins January 7, 2026
Using the student text Introducing the Old Testament from the Exploring the Bible Dickinson Series, the author, Rev. Anne Robertson, introduces participants to the Old Testament as part of the Christian scriptural tradition. Participants who complete this course will be prepared to continue their Biblical journey with the New Testament course based on the other volumes in the series.
PATHWAYS Winter 2026 Schedule, Six-week courses beginning on January 7
Introducing the Old Testament (Dickinson/MBS)**
Environmental Literacy in God's Creation
Stories of Christian Saints and Sinners
UCC History and Polity (12-weeks)
Faith Formation (Children, Youth,Adults)
Theology of Gender and Sexuality
**(Introductory Level 1 Bible Course based on The Exploring the Bible Dickinson Series by Rev. Anne Robertson, published by the Massachusetts Bible Society.)
Go to the PATHWAYS website (pathwaystheological.org) to learn more and to apply for this and other courses.
The Pastoral Residency Program at The Village Church in Wellesley and Weston, Massachusetts is a two-year, full-time ordainable call in the United Church of Christ designed for recent M.Div. graduates preparing for parish ministry.
This position is an ordainable call in the United Church of Christ, with a full-time salary and housing allowance of $60,000 a year (or $55,000 with free parsonage housing, if available), and full benefits.
As full-time pastors, Residents participate in all aspects of the life of Village Church in Wellesley and Weston. The two settings provide experience of working with a large staff and as solo pastor.
Residents gain experience in core areas of pastoral leadership: Worship, Faith Formation, Pastoral Care, Transformational Leadership, Social Justice, and Professional Development. We intentionally leave space in their portfolios for Residents to respond to the Spirit's movement.
The program trains two Residents at a time, and the staggered call process enables them to progress in their learning and leadership with the support of a peer.
Throughout their service with us, residents receive extensive support and mentoring from both the pastoral staff at Village Church in Wellesley and the congregations in Wellesley and Weston.
We support participation in a New Clergy Group through the UCC’s Southern New England Conference.
To read more program details and the application timeline for the 2026–2028 cohort, click here.
Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is launching a free quarterly clergy roundtable program.
The first program theme is:
Generational Differences in the Balance of Togetherness and Individuality - Implications for the Church
Particular focus will be given to the emotional labor Gen Z experiences around performative roles (like showing up at church or a holiday dinner) when they perceive forces of togetherness differently than others.
How do we create churches that welcome the authentic presence of youth instead of masking while participating?
Register for free to get the link.
They recommend reading the book, Hear Us Out: Six Questions on Belonging and Belief by Sue Pizor Yoder (Author), with contributors Bonnie Bates, Brandon Heavner, Joanne Marchetto, Jill Peters, Stephen Simmons, Janet Stahl, and James Stahl in preparation for this round table discussion.