The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is long-awaited legislation that would provide greater clarity around guidelines for employers on the accommodations that can and should be made on behalf of pregnant workers. It will empower workers to receive those accommodations to ensure they can stay safe and healthy- as is any worker’s right. The legislation emphasizes that it is unlawful to discriminate against pregnant workers by forcing them out of their jobs unnecessarily or by denying them reasonable accommodations.
The Senate has the chance right now to pass this legislation so that pregnant workers can be protected – please join us by writing to your Senators.
Read MoreNews from Global H.O.P.E. - a Ministry Team of the United Church of Christ's Wider Church Ministries. Click here to read their latest newsletter.
Read MoreUrgent from Arizona Faith Network:
The shelters in the greater Phoenix area who assist people seeking asylum urgently needs your help with donations of winter clothing items. Refugee arrivals at Phoenix shelters often arrive with only the clothes they are wearing. The Phoenix shelters may receive up to 300 people per day and they typically stay one to two days before they leave to join their sponsors in other parts of the country. While at our shelters they are offered showers, a change of clothing, meals, and a place to sleep.
Many asylum seekers will be traveling to sponsors who live in cold climates. As a result, the shelters need donations of men’s, women’s, and children’s used winter jackets. Adult men’s and women’s jackets are needed most. Finding these items through our drives in the greater Phoenix area has been very difficult and we have been forced to send people to their destinations without adequate clothing. The need is urgent.
To make arrangements for pickup/delivery or if you have any questions, contact Anna Keating at 602-499-1953 (call or text) or annakeating3@cox.net.
Read MoreIn this webinar, we will discuss the results of the midterms with an eye to what is possible for climate justice in 2023 and beyond. A full discussion of the midterms entails more than looking at a final scorecard of congressional contests. It entails assessing the power of young voters and voters who care about the climate crisis. It entails tracking the successes of state ballot initiatives. It entails bringing a lens of justice to the issues faced today. This webinar will equip faith-rooted advocates for advancing climate justice in the coming year. The webinar will be on Wednesday, December 14th at 1 pm ET/12 pm CT/11 am MT/10 am PT/8 am HT. Register for this webinar to learn more!
Read MoreAs one of the main perpetrators of climate disruption and pollution, the United States has a responsibility to address the devastating effects of climate change at home and around the world. Congress can make our nation a leader in addressing climate change in a manner that will have an impact, and your voices are needed to ensure that they take meaningful action.
Read MoreImagine 12 youth and young adults from across the country engaging in a dynamic fellowship program next year! Paired with a mentor and supportive UCC community, each fellow will participate in a project that will grow their understanding of environmental justice and nurture their leadership skills. Your gift to Climate Hope Summer will inspire these young leaders to advance one of our most important social justice causes.
Read MoreOngoing dehumanizing efforts persist. As of November 8, 2022, a news release indicates, “Children of African descent are not considered children at all, say UN experts.”
In a report presented to the General Assembly by the Working Group on people of African descent, they highlighted discrimination against children of African descent in areas including the administration of justice, law enforcement, education, and health.
“Due to racial discrimination, racial stereotypes, systemic racial discrimination and xenophobia, children of African descent are not considered as children at all,” Working Group Chair Catherine Namakula said when presenting the report.
Read MoreBefore this Congress ends we are calling on Congress to pass S. 2907/H.R. 5444 and create a Truth and Healing Commission to not only confess past sins but move our nation toward a restored future and a right relationship with tribal nations.
Read MoreAmong this month's headlines:
The Fight For Reproductive Justice Depends on this Election, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an Abolition Advent Calendar, and Ecumenical Advocacy Days April 25-27, 2023.
Read MoreBecause of the generosity of First Church members and friends, 10 Dreamers, attending four Phoenix Union high schools, will earn college credits this school year through a dual credit program offered by our Maricopa County community colleges.
Read MoreNews from Global H.O.P.E.
a Ministry Team of the United Church of Christ's Wider Church Ministries
October 2022
Read MoreJoin Arizona Faith Network's Social Justice Commission working group Cherishing Creation Collaborative (CCC). CCC is a group of individuals, faith communities, sustainability and justice-oriented organizations collaborating to more effectively cherish our shared earth and all creation. All are welcome to join their meetings.
Read MoreThese limits have existed since 1989 and are not indexed to inflation. The result is millions trapped in poverty, unable to take steps to increase their income and savings without suffering a grossly disproportionate loss in essential services for basic living. As people of faith called to care for the most vulnerable, to love mercy, and to do justice, we must take action to fix what is unjust and call on Congress to pass the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act (S. 4102).
Read MoreYour gift to the United Church of Christ’s Pakistan Response Fund will help maintain this relief work and support the long-term recovery for vulnerable persons and affected communities. Through our work with global partners and the ACT Alliance, your gift will be joined with others to bring hope, healing, and a helping hand to our neighbors in Pakistan.
Read MoreAfrica is the continent least responsible for the climate crisis yet it is most vulnerable to its destructive impacts. As the United Nations Climate Conference convenes in Egypt, learn more in this free webinar: bit.ly/CenteringAfrica
Read MoreBack Bay Mission has a simple mission: to strengthen neighborhoods, seek justice, and transform lives.
Executive director, Rev. James Pennington, shares some of the 100 years of Back Bay Mission's history and some of what is planned for their next 100 years as he announces the Back Bay Mission 100 Year Capital Campaign.
Read MoreThis free, virtual, interactive training will take place on Saturday, November 5 featuring presenters including the Rev. Carol Devine, the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt, the Rev. Emma Brewer-Wallin, the Rev. Michael Malcom, and Andrew Wells-Bean.
Read MoreThis October 29 and 30, Shawn will host two walks in Albuquerque. The first will take place Saturday at 5PM, beginning at 1st Congregational Church (2801 Lomas Blvd NE) and walking down Lomas to Bataan Park. The second will be Sunday at 9:30AM, beginning at the Church of the Good Shepherd (7834 Tennyson St. NE) walking down Tramway Terrace NE and returning to the church. Shawn will also deliver the sermon at Church of the Good Shepherd following the walk. Both walks will be short and on roads that are wheelchair-accessible.
Read Moreby Holly Herman
A couple weeks ago, Rich Doerrer-Peacock, Randy Mayer, Bill Lyons, Susan Valiquette, two National staff visitors (Rev. Joshua Baird, Global H.O.P.E. Team Leader and Rev. Irene W. Hassan, Minister for Refugee and Migration Services), and I took a trip to Casa de la Misericordia in Nogales, MX, a mission project of the UCC, Lutherans, and Episcopalians. It is an amazing place. Sister Lika Mejia is the director and has been there many years. She has organized a refuge for asylum seekers, a place to heal, rest, and prepare for the next step of their journey.
Read Morewith Dr. Erik Carter, Ph.D.
November 2nd; 12 - 1:30 pm ET
Many faith communities still struggle to welcome and weave youth with disabilities into the ministries and relationships that make up the life of their congregation. Yet we are called to be communities without asterisks. Dr. Carter will share a powerful framework for reflecting upon and fostering belonging within youth and other congregational ministries. Together, we will explore the implications of this work on the ways we support youth with disabilities and on the ways we spur our own churches to be more inclusive and welcoming.
Register at: Creating Communities of Inclusion and Belonging for Youth with Disabilities
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