Take the Cool Congregations Challenge

November 04, 2023 in Faith In Action

The Cool Congregations Challenge, is an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. The contest is brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization inspiring and mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate. There are no fees to enter. Application period opens November 1 each year. Deadline for entries, December 15. Get ready to enter the Challenge!

JPANet November 2023 newsletter

November 04, 2023 in Faith In Action

Keep up on all the good works and resources from the UCC Justice and Peace Action Network in their November newsletter.

Read it here.

Next Webinar: Greenwashing at UN Climate Conference

November 04, 2023 in Faith In Action

The President of the upcoming UN Climate Conference is the CEO of the one of the world's largest oil producers and is working to aggressively expand his company’s production. The next Creation Justice Webinar will look at the greenwashing and corporate capture of the conference while also casting a vision for a path forward.

JPANet: Advocate for Voting Rights →

October 28, 2023 in Faith In Action

We have work to do to ensure that our democracy is protected and strengthened so that all have equal access to the ballot box and so that each voice may be heard. Please urge your Members of Congress to fulfill their obligations to protect the freedom to vote by supporting and passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

UCC Webinar—From Greenwashing to Environmental Justice at UN Climate Conference

October 21, 2023 in Faith In Action

The president of the upcoming UN Climate Conference is the CEO of the one of the world's largest oil producers and is currently working to aggressively expand his company’s production.

In this webinar, panelists will not only provide a critical assessment of the greenwashing and corporate capture of this conference, but they will also cast an alternative vision and pathway forward. The world deserves and desperately needs a UN process dedicated to the advancement of all peoples, a core principle of the UN Charter.

Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on November 8th at 1 pm ET (that’s 11 am SWC time), still sign up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.

An urgent appeal: Help UCC give humanitarian aid to people amid war in Gaza, Palestine and Israel

October 21, 2023 in Faith In Action

As you advocate for a cease fire, access for humanitarian assistance, and for the core issues to be addressed, we invite your financial support to undergird the work of our partners with whom we have had a long-standing relationship. Your gifts will make an impact and a difference on those who are suffering so greatly during these days of lamentation and suffering. The two actions go hand-in-hand. Thank you for your generosity.

Letter to Congress on crisis in Israel/Palestine

October 13, 2023 in Faith In Action

Read the statement from 27 Christian churches and agencies to members of Congress.

Read the statements from Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP)

Follow Global Ministries news for continued coverage and up-to-the minute updates on the situation in Israel and Gaza and our ongoing efforts.

In the latest JPANet newsletter:

October 07, 2023 in Faith In Action

All of this:

UCC Webinar— A Plea from the Pope

October 03, 2023 in Faith In Action

As the feast day of Francis of Assisi is celebrated on October 4th, Pope Francis will release the "second part" of his encyclical on the climate crisis and inequality. The new edition of the encyclical will provide an update to confronting "the senseless war on our common home."

A panel of climate faith leaders will reflect upon Pope Francis's plea for climate action.

Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on October 11th at 1 pm ET (10 am AZ / 11 am NM/EP), still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!

Global H.O.P.E. updates

September 30, 2023 in Faith In Action

In the latest Global H.O.P.E. newsletter (click here to read it):

Global H.O.P.E. Team Welcomes New Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery
Volunteering is Good for Your Health
Congregation Kicks Off New Church Year With a 'Saturday of Service'
Global H.O.P.E.’s Team Leader Named UCC Chief of Staff
Congregation's Refugee Ministry Budget Grows

Congregational Solar Tour

September 30, 2023 in Faith In Action

Solar Tour at Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, 6044 E 30th St, Tucson AZ 85711

October 7, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

More info and great pictures here

This is a great opportunity to view a successful project, talk with Shalom member Duane Ediger about the design, installation, and performance to date. Even if you have solar on your house of worship already, there are some interesting additions, like batteries and electrification (eliminating natural gas to use high-efficiency electric appliances), water harvesting, etc. that you may want to aspire to!

World Day Against the Death Penalty

September 23, 2023 in Faith In Action

Tuesday, October 10, 6:00 - 7:30 pm AZ time
First Church UCC Phoenix (or via Zoom)
1407 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Join the Arizona Faith Network and Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona on October 10th, World Day Against the Death Penalty, for a gathering that brings together advocates and faith leaders to unite against the death penalty. During this event, we will discuss the topic of abolition of the death penalty in Arizona, engage in prayers for our state and the federal death penalty in our nation, and pray for the global end of capital punishment.

Together, we will discover sources of hope, and share meaningful discussion about how our state can break cycles of violence. This gathering promises to be a place of empowerment, tranquility, and spiritual reflection. This event joins faith leaders and advocates around the world in solidarity to recognize World Day Against the Death Penalty.

RSVP FOR IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE

REGISTER FOR ZOOM INFORMATION

TAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Invest in Welcoming Policies, Avoid Government Shutdown →

September 23, 2023 in Faith In Action

Join us in calling on Congress to provide robust funding to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, reduce reliance on immigrant detention, deportations, and border militarization, and ultimately avoid a government shutdown that could inflict devastating consequences on humanitarian programs.

A Muslim family, living on the campus of a Christian church, being helped by a Jewish Temple

September 18, 2023 in Faith In Action

Riveting story from Holly Herman…and how you can be a part of it.

Tell Congress: Avoid Shutdown, Pass a Clean CR

September 16, 2023 in Faith In Action

As UCC advocates, we understand our call and responsibility to care for the poor and the vulnerable. When there are voices calling for government shutdown, or cuts to vital programs that provide needed resources to our neighbor, we cannot be silent. Tell Congress: keep the government running with a clean bipartisan CR, and pass funding bills that prioritize human needs.

AUGUST UCC Global H.O.P.E. E-News: Preparing for Disasters

September 02, 2023 in Faith In Action

In the latest Global H.O.P.E. newsletter (read it HERE):

Preparing for Disasters

Disaster Preparedness and Older Adults - National Preparedness Month Focuses on Keeping Seniors Safe
Creating Your Basic Disaster Kit
Danielle Hickman Joins Global H.O.P.E. Team
Special Appeal Issued to Help Those Impacted by Hawaii's Wildfires
Grant helps Oklahoma church provide diapers for Afghan families
Global H.O.P.E. Solidarity Grant - Helps In Times of Disaster
Grant Recipient Spotlight (Recovery and Repair Grant)

November 4: Prayer-Rising for Oak Flat. SAVE THE DATE!

September 02, 2023 in Faith In Action

Will you come to pray with us at Oak Flat November 4? Prepare yourself in prayer and plan your own transportation to this sacred site located an hour east of Phoenix, Arizona.

Apache Stronghold also invites churches and other faith groups around the world to join the prayer-rising November 4 from their own locations and to share their prayer actions via social and other media. Will you organize your spiritual community to pray with Oak Flat on November 4?

Hawai’i Conference offers space for grief, prayer for wildfires

August 26, 2023 in Faith In Action

The service acknowledged the grief and devastation of the wildfires that began Aug. 8, moving between Scripture readings and prayers shared from clergy and laity in Maui and across the Conference and wider denomination.

UCC Webinar—The Climate Strike Movement 5 Years Later

August 26, 2023 in Faith In Action

Five years have now passed from when Greta Thunberg and others launched a movement that reverberated around the world. The movement continues as organizers prepare for the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City on September 17th.

This webinar will feature faith-based organizers and activists who will reflect back on the movement and where we are today. Speakers will include Rev. Jim Antal, Aly Tharp, and Gabriela Martinez.

Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on September 13th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.

Amid wildfires devastation, UCC makes appeal for Hawaii

August 19, 2023 in Faith In Action

The United Church of Christ, through Wider Church Ministries, is issuing a special appeal to provide essential items and long-term support to those impacted by wildfires across Hawaii, including the deadly wildfires on the island of Maui.