Tuesday, December 9, 2014
UCC info part 1 ( I am a former member of the UCC)
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The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
God is still speaking,
Our Wider Mission
Hear Our Stories
Feed Your Spirit
Grow Your Church
Faith Formation
..We Say I Do to Religious Freedom
We Say "I Do" to Religious Freedom!
General Synod of the United Church of Christ v. Cooper argues that North Carolina marriage laws restrict religious freedom.
General Synod 30 - June 26-30, 2015 - Cleveland, Ohio
General Synod 2015 is coming!
Registration is now OPEN for General Synod 2015, to be held June 26-30 in Cleveland, Ohio, the birthplace of the United Church of Christ.
A Church of Extravagant Welcome
A Church of Extravagant Welcome
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here — to explore your faith, to meet new people, and to strengthen your personal relationship with God.
Changing Lives One at a Time
Changing Lives One at a Time
Through countless opportunities, people like you can learn and grow as members of a vital faith community that proclaims its faith in a Stillspeaking God.
Joining Faith and Action
Joining Faith and Action
Since 1957, the United Church of Christ has been the church of firsts, weaving God's message of hope and extravagant welcome with action for justice and peace.
God is still speaking
God is still speaking,
Our faith is 2,000 years old, but our thinking is not. God is still speaking to us, so are you listening?
We Say I Do to Religious Freedom
We Say "I Do" to Religious Freedom!
General Synod of the United Church of Christ v. Cooper argues that North Carolina marriage laws restrict religious freedom.
General Synod 30 - June 26-30, 2015 - Cleveland, Ohio
General Synod 2015 is coming!
Registration is now OPEN for General Synod 2015, to be held June 26-30 in Cleveland, Ohio, the birthplace of the United Church of Christ.
..
1
2
3
4
5
6
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Next
.
Drawn together by the Holy Spirit, we are a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church, joining faith and action. In covenant with the church in all of its settings, we serve God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world as made manifest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"That they may all be one."
John 17:21
Find a Church
find a church
The United Church of Christ has more than 5,100 churches across the U.S.
Locate a church near you
Advocate for Justice
advocate for justice
Do justice, seek peace, and help to change the world through these programs and ministries.
Get Involved
Feed Your Spirit
feed your spirit
Your spirit needs to be fed on a daily basis with devotionals, prayer, and even laughter.
Nourish your soul
subscribe
/ receive weekly news and updates on our ministries
.
latest news
File General Synod schedule includes 24 workshops
December 9, 2014
File An Advent Call for Accountability
December 9, 2014
File UCC pastor part of group gathering in D.C. to support immigrants in sanctuary
December 8, 2014
File Peace cranes make their way to another UCC community affected by gun violence
December 5, 2014
File UCC legal team turns to music to talk clergy ethics
December 5, 2014
File Commentary: We Are All Affected
December 4, 2014
Complete News Archive >>
daily devotional
Reasonable, Rigorous and Real
If it's all you can do to get out bed in the morning, I want you to come to church in your pajamas.
Lillian Daniel
Read More >>
quick links
CHRISTMAS FUND >>
GENERAL SYNOD >>
READING CHANGES LIVES >>
WORSHIP RESOURCES >>
MINISTERIAL RESOURCES >>
GLOBAL MINISTRIES >>
INDEX BY SUBJECT >>
Christmas Blessings from the United Church of Christ
In unexpected places, the Christ Child is born. Blessings to you this holiday season, and peace in the New Year.
.
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About Us
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Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/index.html
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
.
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
..
God is still speaking,
Our Wider Mission
Hear Our Stories
Feed Your Spirit
Grow Your Church
Faith Formation
..We Say I Do to Religious Freedom
We Say "I Do" to Religious Freedom!
General Synod of the United Church of Christ v. Cooper argues that North Carolina marriage laws restrict religious freedom.
General Synod 30 - June 26-30, 2015 - Cleveland, Ohio
General Synod 2015 is coming!
Registration is now OPEN for General Synod 2015, to be held June 26-30 in Cleveland, Ohio, the birthplace of the United Church of Christ.
A Church of Extravagant Welcome
A Church of Extravagant Welcome
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here — to explore your faith, to meet new people, and to strengthen your personal relationship with God.
Changing Lives One at a Time
Changing Lives One at a Time
Through countless opportunities, people like you can learn and grow as members of a vital faith community that proclaims its faith in a Stillspeaking God.
Joining Faith and Action
Joining Faith and Action
Since 1957, the United Church of Christ has been the church of firsts, weaving God's message of hope and extravagant welcome with action for justice and peace.
God is still speaking
God is still speaking,
Our faith is 2,000 years old, but our thinking is not. God is still speaking to us, so are you listening?
We Say I Do to Religious Freedom
We Say "I Do" to Religious Freedom!
General Synod of the United Church of Christ v. Cooper argues that North Carolina marriage laws restrict religious freedom.
General Synod 30 - June 26-30, 2015 - Cleveland, Ohio
General Synod 2015 is coming!
Registration is now OPEN for General Synod 2015, to be held June 26-30 in Cleveland, Ohio, the birthplace of the United Church of Christ.
..
1
2
3
4
5
6
Previous
Next
.
Drawn together by the Holy Spirit, we are a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church, joining faith and action. In covenant with the church in all of its settings, we serve God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world as made manifest in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"That they may all be one."
John 17:21
Find a Church
find a church
The United Church of Christ has more than 5,100 churches across the U.S.
Locate a church near you
Advocate for Justice
advocate for justice
Do justice, seek peace, and help to change the world through these programs and ministries.
Get Involved
Feed Your Spirit
feed your spirit
Your spirit needs to be fed on a daily basis with devotionals, prayer, and even laughter.
Nourish your soul
subscribe
/ receive weekly news and updates on our ministries
.
latest news
File General Synod schedule includes 24 workshops
December 9, 2014
File An Advent Call for Accountability
December 9, 2014
File UCC pastor part of group gathering in D.C. to support immigrants in sanctuary
December 8, 2014
File Peace cranes make their way to another UCC community affected by gun violence
December 5, 2014
File UCC legal team turns to music to talk clergy ethics
December 5, 2014
File Commentary: We Are All Affected
December 4, 2014
Complete News Archive >>
daily devotional
Reasonable, Rigorous and Real
If it's all you can do to get out bed in the morning, I want you to come to church in your pajamas.
Lillian Daniel
Read More >>
quick links
CHRISTMAS FUND >>
GENERAL SYNOD >>
READING CHANGES LIVES >>
WORSHIP RESOURCES >>
MINISTERIAL RESOURCES >>
GLOBAL MINISTRIES >>
INDEX BY SUBJECT >>
Christmas Blessings from the United Church of Christ
In unexpected places, the Christ Child is born. Blessings to you this holiday season, and peace in the New Year.
.
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
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Faith Practices
Playing and Living Joyfully
Playing and Living Joyfully
Praying and Making Ritual
Praying and Making Ritual
Living Stewardship
Living Stewardship
Giving and Receiving Hospitality
Giving and Receiving Hospitality
Blessing and Letting Go
Blessing and Letting Go
Giving and Receiving Hospitality
Living Stewardship
Praying and Making Ritual
Playing and Living Joyfully
Keeping Sabbath
Giving Testimony and Witness
Encountering Scripture
Working for Justice
Experiencing Beauty
Discovering Gifts of Ministry
Honoring the Body
Blessing and Letting Go
Timeless and Available 24/7
• No passwords, renewals, or expiration dates.
• Materials are not dated and can be used over-and-over in
an endless number of ways.
• Always available, accessible content and attractive
presentation.
Purchase all 12 Faith Practices for just a one-time fee of $300 and receive this 24/7/365 access to more than 7,000 activities!
For Everyone in Your Congregation
• Multiage & Intergenerational
• Adult
• Young Adult
• Youth and Children
For Every Setting in your Congregation
• Christian Education
• Workshop Rotation
• Worship
• Music & Arts
• Confirmation
DOWNLOAD SAMPLE ACTIVITY | CONTACT US
United Church of Christ
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Faith Practices
Giving Testimony and Witness
Giving Testimony and Witness
Keeping Sabbath
Keeping Sabbath
Playing and Living Joyfully
Playing and Living Joyfully
Praying and Making Ritual
Praying and Making Ritual
Living Stewardship
Living Stewardship
Giving and Receiving Hospitality
Living Stewardship
Praying and Making Ritual
Playing and Living Joyfully
Keeping Sabbath
Giving Testimony and Witness
Encountering Scripture
Working for Justice
Experiencing Beauty
Discovering Gifts of Ministry
Honoring the Body
Blessing and Letting Go
Timeless and Available 24/7
• No passwords, renewals, or expiration dates.
• Materials are not dated and can be used over-and-over in
an endless number of ways.
• Always available, accessible content and attractive
presentation.
Purchase all 12 Faith Practices for just a one-time fee of $300 and receive this 24/7/365 access to more than 7,000 activities!
For Everyone in Your Congregation
• Multiage & Intergenerational
• Adult
• Young Adult
• Youth and Children
For Every Setting in your Congregation
• Christian Education
• Workshop Rotation
• Worship
• Music & Arts
• Confirmation
DOWNLOAD SAMPLE ACTIVITY | CONTACT US
United Church of Christ
© United Church of Christ, 2012. Faith Practices is a licensed trademark of United Church Press.
Powered by Convio
nonprofit software
http://www.ucc.org/faith-practices/
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The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
Home > Worship
worship resources
Your center for forming worship
Worship Planning Resources
Revised Common Lectionary
Sermon Seeds
Worship Ways: English
Worship Ways: Spanish
Hymn Suggestions
Song Suggestions
Music and Art Suggestions
Sacraments: Baptism
Sacraments: Communion
Inclusive Language
Liturgical Colors
Mission Moments
Planning Bibliography
Related Devotional Material
Weekly Seeds
Worship Resources for Sale
Book of Worship
Hymnals and Songbook
Sunday Bulletin Service
..Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds are a sermon preparation resource designed for use with the Revised Common Lectionary.
Music and Arts
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
Worship Ways
Worship Ways
A variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days.
Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds are a sermon preparation resource designed for use with the Revised Common Lectionary.
Music and Arts
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
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Worship and Music Planning Resources
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More Sharing Services
This Worship Page is your center for locating resources created by UCC pastors, scholars and musicians to enrich worship in your congregation. Sermon Seeds are located here, thoughtful reflection on the weekly texts to help prepare sermons and homilies. Worship Ways, in English and Spanish, are lectionary-based services for Sundays, festivals and special ecumenical or UCC observances. Hymn and song suggestions for each week from The New Century Hymnal and Sing! Prayer and Praise will help you draw inspiration from traditional and contemporary musical sources .
Most of the resources on this page are suitable for use in ecumenical contexts.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
CONTACT INFO
Rev. Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland,Ohio 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
CONTACT INFO
Home
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About Us
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Donate
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ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
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Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/worship/
donate
shop
Vimeo
YouTube
The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
»
Home > Worship
worship resources
Your center for forming worship
Worship Planning Resources
Revised Common Lectionary
Sermon Seeds
Worship Ways: English
Worship Ways: Spanish
Hymn Suggestions
Song Suggestions
Music and Art Suggestions
Sacraments: Baptism
Sacraments: Communion
Inclusive Language
Liturgical Colors
Mission Moments
Planning Bibliography
Related Devotional Material
Weekly Seeds
Worship Resources for Sale
Book of Worship
Hymnals and Songbook
Sunday Bulletin Service
..Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds are a sermon preparation resource designed for use with the Revised Common Lectionary.
Music and Arts
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
Worship Ways
Worship Ways
A variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days.
Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds
Sermon Seeds are a sermon preparation resource designed for use with the Revised Common Lectionary.
Music and Arts
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
..
1
2
3
Previous
Next
Worship and Music Planning Resources
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on email
Share on printfriendly
More Sharing Services
This Worship Page is your center for locating resources created by UCC pastors, scholars and musicians to enrich worship in your congregation. Sermon Seeds are located here, thoughtful reflection on the weekly texts to help prepare sermons and homilies. Worship Ways, in English and Spanish, are lectionary-based services for Sundays, festivals and special ecumenical or UCC observances. Hymn and song suggestions for each week from The New Century Hymnal and Sing! Prayer and Praise will help you draw inspiration from traditional and contemporary musical sources .
Most of the resources on this page are suitable for use in ecumenical contexts.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Colossians 3:16
CONTACT INFO
Rev. Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland,Ohio 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
CONTACT INFO
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Powered by Convio
http://www.ucc.org/worship/
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shop
Vimeo
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The United Church of Christ
ABOUT US
»
FIND A
CHURCH
ADVOCATE
FOR JUSTICE
»
CHANGE
THE WORLD
»
NEWS
AND EVENTS
»
CONTACT
US
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Home > Education > Polity
UCC History and Polity Resources
A place for teachers, pastors, laity and students alike
In 2004 the Teachers of UCC History, Theology and Polity, who meet annually to share materials and pedagogy, prepared a one page description of what a course should cover. The materials on this page are organized around that description. This page is designed to give teachers and others easy access to materials that are often difficult to find. Please choose what is useful and download for handouts, or send students here to read. This is a library, don't assign everything, that would be "too much."
As the list expands, make suggestions for new materials to Barbara Brown Zikmund (beebeezee@verizon.net)
Essential Elements in a (one term) United Church of Christ Polity Class
Click here for a pdf file of the Essential Elements outline
History
•Origins, development, significant documents, major events, important persons in the four primary constituent traditions (Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, Reformed)
•Selected other traditions and/or groups within the United Church of Christ (especially, but not necessarily limited to, African American, American Indian, Pacific Islander/Asian American, Hispanic)
•Founding of the United Church of Christ
•Developments in the United Church of Christ from 1957 to the present
Theology
•Theological documents and texts (e.g. Statement of Faith, Basis of Union, Prism articles, various working papers of the national setting, ecumenical documents, pronouncements of General Synod, etc.
•Worship (including Book of Worship, New Century and other hymnals)
•Ecclesiology (the nature of the church)
•Creeds and confessions ("testimonies, not tests" of what is commonly held among us)
Polity
•Constituent parts of the United Church of Christ—i.e., local church, conferences and associations, national setting, General Synod (Constitution and Bylaws)
•Past and present structure of the United Church of Christ ("covenantal polity")
•Patterns of accountability and autonomy in the various settings of the church
Ministry (Manual on Ministry)
•Forms of ministry—licensed, commissioned, ordained; ministerial partners (CC/DoC); emerging patterns for authorized ministry; ministry of all the baptized
•Structures and patterns of accountability—i.e., ordination, standing, discipline
•Ministerial ethics (Ordained Minister's Code, in MOM; other ethics documents)
•Understandings of ministry in the UCC: "embodiment" and "empowerment" models
The Ethos of the UCC
•Diversity: commitment to be a multi-racial, multi-cultural church
•Justice and witness concerns
•Ecumenical commitments and partnerships (esp. partnership with Christian Church/Disciples of Christ
•Mission
History Resources
Origins of the UCC
A chart showing the origins of the UCC in Christian history.
Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ
A Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ tells our story beginning with our origins in the small community who followed Jesus 20 centuries ago and continuing to the present.
Chart from Balaam's Unofficial Handbook
A one page chart showing the various Protestant groups that are part of the history of the UCC [Unofficial Hdbk]
Gunnemann Chap 6 Congregational-Christian history
A historical overview of Congregational history and the development of the Christian Movement that came together to form the Congregational Christian Churches
Coffin A Brief Outline of the Christian Church
A 15 page short history of the Christian Church written in 1925
Milo True Morrill A History of the Christian Denomination
The classic history of the Christian Denomination published in 1912. [Google bk 407 pps]
Conkin American Originals
A chapter from a book on religious groups rooted in American history. It examines "restoration Christianity" (a movement trying to go back to the simple faith and practices of the early church). The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christians that united with Congregationalists in 1931 and eventually became part of the UCC are described
Gunnemann Chap 7 Reformed and Evangelical history
An overview of the history of the German Reformed Church in the United States and the development of the German Evangelical Synod of North America
Dobbs History of the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania
An early 20th century history of the German Reformed Church in Pennsylvania 1902 [Google bk 357 pps]
Key Dates in United Church of Christ History
An attempt to put key dates from United Church of Christ history on one page [bbz]
Gunnemann Chap 5 Why the UCC?
This chapter is a good summary of the various movements and developments that led to the formation of the UCC
Chronology of Union Steps leading to the UCC
A chronology of the various steps leading to the formation of the United Church of Christ in 1957 [Gunnemann]
Message to the Churches from the Uniting Synod
In 1957 as the Uniting General Synod came to an end in Cleveland, Ohio the Synod passed a message to the churches
United Church of Christ Firsts
This list of UCC firsts is part of the "God is Still Speaking" identity initiative.
Women in the UCC
A 2007 pamphlet by Barbara Brown Zikmund entitled "Celebrating the Memories: Selected Stories about UCC Women 1957-2007"
Hidden Histories in the United Church of Christ: Volume I
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignore in traditional UCC history: American Indians, Afro-Christians, Old School or Ursinus School Reformed history, Armenian Congregationalists, German Congregationalists, Blacks and the American Missionary Association, Deaconess Sisters in the German Evangelical tradition, Schwenkfelders, Hungarians, Woman's Mission Boards and Organizations, and Japanese American Congregationalists.
Hidden Histories of the United Church of Christ: Volume II
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignored in traditional UCC history: Union Churches (Lutheran-Reformed), German Evangelical Protestants, Christians in New England, Biblical Criticism and the Evangelical Synod, Women's Mission Structures, Religious Journalism and the Christians, Otterbein and the United Brethren, Winebrenner and the Churches of God, The Congregational Training School for Women and Chinese Congregationalists.
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Theology Resources
Heidelberg Catechism
Written in 1583, this moderate Catechism is at the center of German Reformed theology. Instead of celebrating the otherness of God, it reassures Christians that God is their only comfort in life and in death
Good and Harbaugh on the Heidelberg Catechism
An 1849 interpretation of the Heidelberg Catechism by Jeremiah Good and Henry Harbaugh
Schaff Principle of Protestantism
A theological analysis of Protestantism written in 1845 by Philip Schaff--a leader in the Mercersburg Movement within the German Reformed Church [Google bk 215 pps]
Cambridge Platform complete text
The 1648 statement expressing Congregational understandings of the church as local gatherings of "visible saints"
Cambridge Platform
An article by Charles Hambrick-Stowe that interprets the importance of the Cambridge Platform for contemporary Christians
Burial Hill Declaration
In 1865, as Congregationalists began to develop a national identity and national structures, the first General Council of Congregational Churches approved this declaration as a general description of Congregationalism
Kansas City Statement of Faith
Adopted in 1913 this statement summarized the beliefs and polity of Congregationalism at the beginning of the 20th century.
Principles of the Christian Church
In late 18th and early 19th century America, a popular "Christian movement", inspired by new political independence, declared religious independence. Traditional denominations and doctrines were unnecessary. They asserted that Christians needed to agree on a handful of basic "principles."
Theology of the Christian Movement
A contemporary essay by Nathan Hatch that explains how the theology of the Christian movement emerged out of the ideology of political freedom following the founding of the United States of America in the late 18th century
Centennial of Religious Journalism 1908
A collection of materials from Christian publications to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Herald of Gospel Liberty [Google bk 656 pps]
Jakob Spener on Pietism
The text of a classic on Pietism from the 17th century that influenced mission societies and German Evangelical thinking.
Bekenntnisparagraph
In 1848 an interconfessional group of German pastors in Missouri, who had founded the Kirchenverein des Westens (Church Society of the West) in 1840, formulated a "confessional paragraph" that summarized their beliefs about scripture and doctrine (from LTH VI)
Evangelical Catechism
The first edition (1947) of the Evangelical Catechism (in German) was a product of the unionist stance of German Evangelicals on the 19th century Missouri frontier. It was translated into English in the 1860s and revised in the 1890s and the 1920s
Basis of Union with Interpretations
The basic agreement between the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church which led to the formation of the UCC in 1957
UCC Statement of Faith 3 versions
This shows the three versions of the UCC Statement of Faith (1959, 1977, 1981) side-by-side, enabling comparisons
Shinn Historical Reflections on the UCC Statement of Faith
A 1997 lecture at the UCC Historical Council Luncheon by Roger Shinn, who played a major role in the writing of the UCC Statement of Faith
Preamble to the Constitution of the UCC
The Constitution of the UCC was presented to the General Synod of the UCC in 1959 and approved at a special "adjourned session" of that Synod in 1960. The Preamble, especially the second paragraph, is an important expression of UCC faith and practice (from LTH VII)
Steckel on the Preamble to the UCC Constitution
A 2007 brief reflection on the theological meaning of the Preamble to the UCC Constitution that was part of the UCC@50 anniversary booklet
What We Believe
Twelve statements summarizing current theological principles held by most United Church of Christ members.
Introduction to the UCC Book of Worship
This 1986 introduction to the UCC Book of Worship puts worship in historic context and explains many of the common worship practices among Christians
Dipko on the 12 Principles informing the UCC Book of Worship
In the preparation of the UCC Book of Worship (1986) the working group and the designated writer, Thomas Dipko, were guided by these 12 principles
Gunneman on Baptism
A 1985 article by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Baptism: Sacrament of Christian Vocation" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Gunnemann on Eucharist
A 1985 artile by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Eucharist: Sacrament of Discipleship" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Crabtree on Inclusive Language
An excerpt from a 1985 presentation by Davida Crabtree entitled "Rock, Water and Word" (from LTH VII)
Ringe on Feminist Theology
A brief essay (published in 1990) by Sharon Ringe, a UCC professor of New Testament at Wesley Theological Seminary, outlining the major concerns of "feminist theology."
Jackson Indian Perspective
A article by Norman Jackson entitled "An Indian Perspective on the United Church of Christ" published in New Conversations (from LTH)
Essex Black Theology
Excerpts from reflections by a contemporary African American UCC writer on Black Theology (from LTH VII)
Hirano Asian American Theology
Excerpts from a Prism article on Asian American perspectives on UCC theology (from LTH VII)
Armijo on Immigrant Theology
Excerpts from an essay written by a Hispanic UCC member about the ways in which immigration calls for a new kind of theology
Toward the 21st Century
A 1993 statement setting forth four ways in which the United Church of Christ wished to describe itself: a "Church attentive to the Word," a "Church inclusive of all people," a "Church responsive to God's call," and a "Church supportive of one another"
Barrett Theological Worlds in the UCC
An article published in Prism 2008 exploring four different theological perspectives that are alive and well in the UCC
Fackre on Christology in UCC Texts
A 2006 essay by Gabriel Fackre entitled "Jesus Christ in the Texts of the United Church of Christ" in a book Who Do You Say I Am? edited by Scott R. Paeth
Fisler-Hoffman on Covenant
A small book by Jane Fisler Hoffman entitled Covenant: A Study for the United Church of Christ 2008 64pps (made available by permission of the author)
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Polity Resources
Long on Patterns of Polity
Excerpts from a 2001 book by Edward L. Long entitled Patterns of Polity explaining the way UCC polity is a hybrid of several traditional ecclesiastical organizational patterns.
Statement on Pronouncements
In 1959 the General Synod debated how actions of the Synod should be understood. This Statement (reaffirmed in 1969) states that actions of one part of the UCC are morally binding, even when they are not legally binding (from LTH VII)
Spike on Two Anxieties
An excerpt from a 1963 article by Robert Spike that appeared in the Christian Century describing the concerns of local churches weighing their decision to join the United Church of Christ.
Toward an Understanding of Local Autonomy
A 1969 statement explaining the patterns of freedom and accountability in the concept of "local autonomy"
Delegate responsibilities at wider church meetings
A page from the 1965 records of First Congregational UCC, Washington, DC stressing the fact that delegates are not instructed when they go to wider church meetings. For this reason there cannot be any "proxy" voters.
Bruggemann on "Face to Faceness"
A paragraph from a presentation Bruggemann made in 1977 at the 100th anniversary of the German Evangelical Synod in North America. It highlights the personal engagement that nurtured Evangelical polity
Synopsis of General Synod Actions 1957-1999
An outline of major actions taken by each General Synod from 1957-1999
UCC Ecclesiology
A 1991 paper on UCC ecclesiology prepared as background for restructuring the national setting of the United Church of Christ leading to the new 2000 Constitution and Bylaws.
UCC Constitution and Bylaws
The UCC Constitution underwent major revisions in 2000. Other amendments related to ministry were voted in 2005 and 2009.
Schmeichen on the UCC Constitution
A 2000 Prism article by Peter Shmeichen entitled "The New Constitution: Achievement and Promise"
Hulteen on Covenantal Relationships
A 1997 excerpt from an essay entitled "United Church of Christ Covenantal Polity" by William A. Hulteen (from LTH VII)
Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity
Don Freeman writes about "Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity."
Definition of Covenant
A one page explanation produced by the Northern California-Nevada UCC Conference to explain the meaning of a covenant and a contract
Walker on Covenant Community
A chapter on "covenant" from Randi Walker's book The Evolution of a UCC Style
Restructure Evaluation
A 2004 report of the Restructure Evaluation Oversight Committee to the Executive Council
National Ministries of the United Church of Christ
A chart based on the 2000 UCC Constitution showing the way the national setting of the UCC is organized
Articles on Conferences
Two 1994 articles published in Prism exploring the place of Conferences in UCC polity.
Manual on the Church
A 2005 manual exploring understandings of church based on the concept of "covenant"
General Synod Minutes
Minutes in pdf format since 1999
The Church of Jesus Christ
A 2007 three page excerpt from a Prism article entitled "Maturing in Christ: A Theological Perspective for Conference Ministry" by John W. Lynes. In a very short space it defines the UCC using key quotations from the Constitution and Bylaws of the UCC
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Ministry Resources
Historical and Theological Perspectives MOM 1977
An essay from the 1977 Manual on Ministry exploring historiccal and theological perspectives on ministry in the UCC
Zikmund Empowerment and Embodiment
An analysis by Barbara Brown Zikmund of the ways two very different understandings of ministry come together in the United Church of Christ
Nevin The Reformed Pastor Lecture I
A lecture outlining a very "high" view of ministry written by John Williamson Nevin, one of the German Reformed leaders of the Mercersburg movement in the mid-19th century
Order for the Ordination to Ministry
The Service for the Ordination to Ministry from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Order for the Installation of a Pastor
The Service for the Installation of a Pastor from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Ordained Minister's Code
A two page statement to guide clergy in professional responsibilities (from the Manual on Ministry)
Charge to a Church
In many Ordination and Installation services there is opportunity for someone to challenge the congregation as it enters into "covenant" to support a new pastor. (from LTH VII)
United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry
The Manual on Ministry is divided into ten sections moving from an overview of the covenantal relationships and underlying assumptions about authorized ministry through preparation and oversight.
Leaders Box
Short one and two page information sheets on useful topics like "theology," "pastor," "ordination," "ministry," "covenant," etc.
Steckel on Authorizing Ministry
A 1999 lecture given by Clyde Steckel at Andover Newton Theological School on how the United Church of Christ has changed (and is continuing to change) the ways it authorizes ministry
The UCC Search and Call (Ministerial Profile)
This link explains how persons seeking a call to authorized ministry in the UCC, and congregations seeking pastoral leadership, find each other through the UCC “search and call” process. A related page explains the Criminal Background Check
United Church Employment Opportunities
This list (updated every two weeks) lists employment opportunities for clergy and laypersons in the United Church of Christ.
The Time is Now: A Guide to Preventing Abuse Prevention Policies
New awareness about abuse problems has led the UCC to develop guidelines for local congregations to develop safe church policies.
Ministry Issues
In 2005 a Ministry Issues Pronouncement was passed by General Synod. Four years later, in 2009, new Constitutional amendments were passed to implement the Ministry Issues Pronouncement. This Ministry Issues resource has all of the documents developed during this process and a new background paper on “Ministry in the UCC”
Jonathan New on "Ministry Issues"
A Prism article (2008) entitled "Balancing Piety and Intellect" reflecting on the impact of the new Constitutional changes related to authorized ministry in the UCC
Walker Episcope
An analysis by Randi Walker of how oversight works in the UCC through Committees on Ministry, Associations and Conferences (from LTH VII)
Yordon on Ministry
Hank Yordon was an active urban pastor for over forty years. His description of his ministry embodies the way many UCC clergy see their calling.
Steckel UCC Ecclesiology at Fifty
After reviewing pre UCC historical understandings of the church, Steckel explores three themes in UCC ecclesiology since 1957: covenantal relationships, the mission of God and radical hospitality.
top
Ethos Resources
Aspiring to be a Multiracial Multicultural Church
A 1993 pronouncement of General Synod upholding the commitment of the United Church of Christ to become a multiracial multicultural church
H. Richard Niebuhr on the Responsibility of the Church for Society
A 1946 chapter in a book entitled The Gospel, the World and the Church. Niebuhr argues that Christians are responsible for society. He condemns irresponsible religion (its worldliness, false prophecy and false priesthood, and isolationism). He affirms the church as apostle, pastor and pioneer.
Living Theological Heritage volume 7 Intros to Parts 4 and 5
These introductions weave together documents linking UCC understandings of theology and social outreach [LTH 7]
Reinhold Niebuhr on Religiosity and the Christian Faith
A brief two page 1955 article by Reinhold Niebuhr published in Christianity and Crisis on the impact of religion in the world
Gallagher on Controversy
A 1963 essay by Buell Gallagher on the importance of healthy controversy in the life of the church (LTH VII, reprint from Social Action)
Thomas on Contemporary Commitment and Catholic Substance
A 1997 statement by John Thomas explaining how UCC social justice commitments flow from universal Christian convictions
Human Sexuality
Excerpts from the 1977 report Human Sexuality: A Preliminary Study (from LTH VII)
Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF)
The Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF), initially the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW), began in 1978 as a renewal movement in response to the Human Sexuality study and out of a desire to reclaim the biblical faith in the UCC. In 1983 it developed the Dubuque Declaration as its Statement of Faith; and in 1984 it reorganized itself into the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF). It offers resources for renewal, reformation, and missions in the Evangelical, United church of Christ.
The Dubuque Declaration
The 1983 statement of faith created by the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW). It remains the basic theological position of the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF).
Just Peace Church Pronouncement
A 1985 General Synod Pronouncement spelling out the commitments of the UCC as a Just Peace Church
Theological Foundations of a Just Peace Church
A 1986 statement at the beginning of a book affirming the United Church of Christ as a Just Peace Church (from LTH VII)
Open and Affirming Resolution
In 1985 the General Synod Resolution upholding the UCC as an Open and Affirming Church (ONA)
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
The Coalition provides support and sanctuary to all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends; it advocates for their full inclusion in church and society; and brings Christ's affirming message of love and justice for all people.
Anti-Racist Resolution
A 2003 General Synod Resolution "Calling the United Church of Christ to be an Anti-Racist Church"
Called to Wholeness Resolution
The 2005 resolution affirming the United Church of Christ's commitment to be a church that is accessible to all (A2A)
Marriage Equality Resolution
The 2005 Marriage Equality Resolution passed by the UCC General Synod
Faithful and Welcoming Churches in the UCC
Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) was formed as a renewal movement within the UCC and identify themselves as evangelical, conservative, orthodox or traditional (ECOT) churches. They stand against the UCC Open and Affirming (ONA) position which welcomes gays, lesbians and bisexuals into church life and reject the Marriage Equality stance of the UCC.
Pastoral Letter on the Environment
A 2008 letter from John Thomas and the Environmental and Energy Task Force
Pastoral Letter on Faith and Science
A 2008 pastoral letter entitled "A New Voice Rising: A Pastoral Letter Engaging Science and Technology" by John Thomas and the UCC Science and Technology Network
New York Times Ad
The New York Times ad which ran in April 2008 in response to the criticisms of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago
Ecumenical Stance of the UCC
A 1973 statement affirming the importance of the ecumenical vocation for the United Church of Christ
Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry
The 1982 text of a World Council of Churches Faith and Order document exploring differences and commonalities around baptism, eucharist and ministry among Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Protestant Christians. See UCC response to BEM.
UCC Response to BEM
In 1985 the United Church of Christ prepared a formal response to Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. It was most concerned about issues related to Ministry.
Ecumenical Partnership with Christian Church (DoC)
A 1989 document spelling out the meaning of "ecumenical partnership" with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
UCC Response to the "Consensus" document of COCU
In the 1960s the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) was an effort to overcome denominational fragmentation and find new forms of church unity. This is the 1989 UCC response to a "consensus" document produced by COCU in the 1980s (from LTH VII)
Formula of Agreement
A 1997 agreement between the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) about sacraments and ministry issues
Relationship Between the UCC and the Jewish Community
A 1987 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of Judaism and the relationship of Christians and Jews.
Relationship between the UCC and the Muslim Community
A 1989 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of the relationship between Christians and Muslims
A Study Resource on Interreligious Relations for the UCC
A 2005 resource to help UCC people think through questions of interreligious relations
Statement of Mission
A 1987 Statement of Mission (sometimes called the Houston Statement) developed by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries (UCBHM) and offered to the UCC as a contemporary interpretation of mission
Thomas "A United Church that Stands for Something”
A 2006 sermon given by President and General Minister John Thomas highlighting his understanding of UCC identity and challenging UCC members live up to what they say the UCC is.
top
Many of these documents are available in the seven volumes of
The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ
click here for a pdf file of the Table of Contents of all seven volumes
The full, 7-volume set of The Living Theological Heritage is now available in searchable PDF on a thumb drive. Click here to order from UCC Resources.
Click here for a single pdf file of the list of documents above
If you are looking for a particular document,
go to the edit function on your browser
and click on "Find on this page",
put in a key word and your cursor will jump to each key word
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Home > Education > Polity
UCC History and Polity Resources
A place for teachers, pastors, laity and students alike
In 2004 the Teachers of UCC History, Theology and Polity, who meet annually to share materials and pedagogy, prepared a one page description of what a course should cover. The materials on this page are organized around that description. This page is designed to give teachers and others easy access to materials that are often difficult to find. Please choose what is useful and download for handouts, or send students here to read. This is a library, don't assign everything, that would be "too much."
As the list expands, make suggestions for new materials to Barbara Brown Zikmund (beebeezee@verizon.net)
Essential Elements in a (one term) United Church of Christ Polity Class
Click here for a pdf file of the Essential Elements outline
History
•Origins, development, significant documents, major events, important persons in the four primary constituent traditions (Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, Reformed)
•Selected other traditions and/or groups within the United Church of Christ (especially, but not necessarily limited to, African American, American Indian, Pacific Islander/Asian American, Hispanic)
•Founding of the United Church of Christ
•Developments in the United Church of Christ from 1957 to the present
Theology
•Theological documents and texts (e.g. Statement of Faith, Basis of Union, Prism articles, various working papers of the national setting, ecumenical documents, pronouncements of General Synod, etc.
•Worship (including Book of Worship, New Century and other hymnals)
•Ecclesiology (the nature of the church)
•Creeds and confessions ("testimonies, not tests" of what is commonly held among us)
Polity
•Constituent parts of the United Church of Christ—i.e., local church, conferences and associations, national setting, General Synod (Constitution and Bylaws)
•Past and present structure of the United Church of Christ ("covenantal polity")
•Patterns of accountability and autonomy in the various settings of the church
Ministry (Manual on Ministry)
•Forms of ministry—licensed, commissioned, ordained; ministerial partners (CC/DoC); emerging patterns for authorized ministry; ministry of all the baptized
•Structures and patterns of accountability—i.e., ordination, standing, discipline
•Ministerial ethics (Ordained Minister's Code, in MOM; other ethics documents)
•Understandings of ministry in the UCC: "embodiment" and "empowerment" models
The Ethos of the UCC
•Diversity: commitment to be a multi-racial, multi-cultural church
•Justice and witness concerns
•Ecumenical commitments and partnerships (esp. partnership with Christian Church/Disciples of Christ
•Mission
History Resources
Origins of the UCC
A chart showing the origins of the UCC in Christian history.
Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ
A Short Course in the History of the United Church of Christ tells our story beginning with our origins in the small community who followed Jesus 20 centuries ago and continuing to the present.
Chart from Balaam's Unofficial Handbook
A one page chart showing the various Protestant groups that are part of the history of the UCC [Unofficial Hdbk]
Gunnemann Chap 6 Congregational-Christian history
A historical overview of Congregational history and the development of the Christian Movement that came together to form the Congregational Christian Churches
Coffin A Brief Outline of the Christian Church
A 15 page short history of the Christian Church written in 1925
Milo True Morrill A History of the Christian Denomination
The classic history of the Christian Denomination published in 1912. [Google bk 407 pps]
Conkin American Originals
A chapter from a book on religious groups rooted in American history. It examines "restoration Christianity" (a movement trying to go back to the simple faith and practices of the early church). The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the Christians that united with Congregationalists in 1931 and eventually became part of the UCC are described
Gunnemann Chap 7 Reformed and Evangelical history
An overview of the history of the German Reformed Church in the United States and the development of the German Evangelical Synod of North America
Dobbs History of the Reformed Church in Pennsylvania
An early 20th century history of the German Reformed Church in Pennsylvania 1902 [Google bk 357 pps]
Key Dates in United Church of Christ History
An attempt to put key dates from United Church of Christ history on one page [bbz]
Gunnemann Chap 5 Why the UCC?
This chapter is a good summary of the various movements and developments that led to the formation of the UCC
Chronology of Union Steps leading to the UCC
A chronology of the various steps leading to the formation of the United Church of Christ in 1957 [Gunnemann]
Message to the Churches from the Uniting Synod
In 1957 as the Uniting General Synod came to an end in Cleveland, Ohio the Synod passed a message to the churches
United Church of Christ Firsts
This list of UCC firsts is part of the "God is Still Speaking" identity initiative.
Women in the UCC
A 2007 pamphlet by Barbara Brown Zikmund entitled "Celebrating the Memories: Selected Stories about UCC Women 1957-2007"
Hidden Histories in the United Church of Christ: Volume I
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignore in traditional UCC history: American Indians, Afro-Christians, Old School or Ursinus School Reformed history, Armenian Congregationalists, German Congregationalists, Blacks and the American Missionary Association, Deaconess Sisters in the German Evangelical tradition, Schwenkfelders, Hungarians, Woman's Mission Boards and Organizations, and Japanese American Congregationalists.
Hidden Histories of the United Church of Christ: Volume II
Chapters telling the stories of people and movements often ignored in traditional UCC history: Union Churches (Lutheran-Reformed), German Evangelical Protestants, Christians in New England, Biblical Criticism and the Evangelical Synod, Women's Mission Structures, Religious Journalism and the Christians, Otterbein and the United Brethren, Winebrenner and the Churches of God, The Congregational Training School for Women and Chinese Congregationalists.
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Theology Resources
Heidelberg Catechism
Written in 1583, this moderate Catechism is at the center of German Reformed theology. Instead of celebrating the otherness of God, it reassures Christians that God is their only comfort in life and in death
Good and Harbaugh on the Heidelberg Catechism
An 1849 interpretation of the Heidelberg Catechism by Jeremiah Good and Henry Harbaugh
Schaff Principle of Protestantism
A theological analysis of Protestantism written in 1845 by Philip Schaff--a leader in the Mercersburg Movement within the German Reformed Church [Google bk 215 pps]
Cambridge Platform complete text
The 1648 statement expressing Congregational understandings of the church as local gatherings of "visible saints"
Cambridge Platform
An article by Charles Hambrick-Stowe that interprets the importance of the Cambridge Platform for contemporary Christians
Burial Hill Declaration
In 1865, as Congregationalists began to develop a national identity and national structures, the first General Council of Congregational Churches approved this declaration as a general description of Congregationalism
Kansas City Statement of Faith
Adopted in 1913 this statement summarized the beliefs and polity of Congregationalism at the beginning of the 20th century.
Principles of the Christian Church
In late 18th and early 19th century America, a popular "Christian movement", inspired by new political independence, declared religious independence. Traditional denominations and doctrines were unnecessary. They asserted that Christians needed to agree on a handful of basic "principles."
Theology of the Christian Movement
A contemporary essay by Nathan Hatch that explains how the theology of the Christian movement emerged out of the ideology of political freedom following the founding of the United States of America in the late 18th century
Centennial of Religious Journalism 1908
A collection of materials from Christian publications to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Herald of Gospel Liberty [Google bk 656 pps]
Jakob Spener on Pietism
The text of a classic on Pietism from the 17th century that influenced mission societies and German Evangelical thinking.
Bekenntnisparagraph
In 1848 an interconfessional group of German pastors in Missouri, who had founded the Kirchenverein des Westens (Church Society of the West) in 1840, formulated a "confessional paragraph" that summarized their beliefs about scripture and doctrine (from LTH VI)
Evangelical Catechism
The first edition (1947) of the Evangelical Catechism (in German) was a product of the unionist stance of German Evangelicals on the 19th century Missouri frontier. It was translated into English in the 1860s and revised in the 1890s and the 1920s
Basis of Union with Interpretations
The basic agreement between the Congregational Christian Churches and the Evangelical and Reformed Church which led to the formation of the UCC in 1957
UCC Statement of Faith 3 versions
This shows the three versions of the UCC Statement of Faith (1959, 1977, 1981) side-by-side, enabling comparisons
Shinn Historical Reflections on the UCC Statement of Faith
A 1997 lecture at the UCC Historical Council Luncheon by Roger Shinn, who played a major role in the writing of the UCC Statement of Faith
Preamble to the Constitution of the UCC
The Constitution of the UCC was presented to the General Synod of the UCC in 1959 and approved at a special "adjourned session" of that Synod in 1960. The Preamble, especially the second paragraph, is an important expression of UCC faith and practice (from LTH VII)
Steckel on the Preamble to the UCC Constitution
A 2007 brief reflection on the theological meaning of the Preamble to the UCC Constitution that was part of the UCC@50 anniversary booklet
What We Believe
Twelve statements summarizing current theological principles held by most United Church of Christ members.
Introduction to the UCC Book of Worship
This 1986 introduction to the UCC Book of Worship puts worship in historic context and explains many of the common worship practices among Christians
Dipko on the 12 Principles informing the UCC Book of Worship
In the preparation of the UCC Book of Worship (1986) the working group and the designated writer, Thomas Dipko, were guided by these 12 principles
Gunneman on Baptism
A 1985 article by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Baptism: Sacrament of Christian Vocation" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Gunnemann on Eucharist
A 1985 artile by Louis Gunnemann entitled "Eucharist: Sacrament of Discipleship" that was published in the Wisconsin Conference journal On the Way
Crabtree on Inclusive Language
An excerpt from a 1985 presentation by Davida Crabtree entitled "Rock, Water and Word" (from LTH VII)
Ringe on Feminist Theology
A brief essay (published in 1990) by Sharon Ringe, a UCC professor of New Testament at Wesley Theological Seminary, outlining the major concerns of "feminist theology."
Jackson Indian Perspective
A article by Norman Jackson entitled "An Indian Perspective on the United Church of Christ" published in New Conversations (from LTH)
Essex Black Theology
Excerpts from reflections by a contemporary African American UCC writer on Black Theology (from LTH VII)
Hirano Asian American Theology
Excerpts from a Prism article on Asian American perspectives on UCC theology (from LTH VII)
Armijo on Immigrant Theology
Excerpts from an essay written by a Hispanic UCC member about the ways in which immigration calls for a new kind of theology
Toward the 21st Century
A 1993 statement setting forth four ways in which the United Church of Christ wished to describe itself: a "Church attentive to the Word," a "Church inclusive of all people," a "Church responsive to God's call," and a "Church supportive of one another"
Barrett Theological Worlds in the UCC
An article published in Prism 2008 exploring four different theological perspectives that are alive and well in the UCC
Fackre on Christology in UCC Texts
A 2006 essay by Gabriel Fackre entitled "Jesus Christ in the Texts of the United Church of Christ" in a book Who Do You Say I Am? edited by Scott R. Paeth
Fisler-Hoffman on Covenant
A small book by Jane Fisler Hoffman entitled Covenant: A Study for the United Church of Christ 2008 64pps (made available by permission of the author)
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Polity Resources
Long on Patterns of Polity
Excerpts from a 2001 book by Edward L. Long entitled Patterns of Polity explaining the way UCC polity is a hybrid of several traditional ecclesiastical organizational patterns.
Statement on Pronouncements
In 1959 the General Synod debated how actions of the Synod should be understood. This Statement (reaffirmed in 1969) states that actions of one part of the UCC are morally binding, even when they are not legally binding (from LTH VII)
Spike on Two Anxieties
An excerpt from a 1963 article by Robert Spike that appeared in the Christian Century describing the concerns of local churches weighing their decision to join the United Church of Christ.
Toward an Understanding of Local Autonomy
A 1969 statement explaining the patterns of freedom and accountability in the concept of "local autonomy"
Delegate responsibilities at wider church meetings
A page from the 1965 records of First Congregational UCC, Washington, DC stressing the fact that delegates are not instructed when they go to wider church meetings. For this reason there cannot be any "proxy" voters.
Bruggemann on "Face to Faceness"
A paragraph from a presentation Bruggemann made in 1977 at the 100th anniversary of the German Evangelical Synod in North America. It highlights the personal engagement that nurtured Evangelical polity
Synopsis of General Synod Actions 1957-1999
An outline of major actions taken by each General Synod from 1957-1999
UCC Ecclesiology
A 1991 paper on UCC ecclesiology prepared as background for restructuring the national setting of the United Church of Christ leading to the new 2000 Constitution and Bylaws.
UCC Constitution and Bylaws
The UCC Constitution underwent major revisions in 2000. Other amendments related to ministry were voted in 2005 and 2009.
Schmeichen on the UCC Constitution
A 2000 Prism article by Peter Shmeichen entitled "The New Constitution: Achievement and Promise"
Hulteen on Covenantal Relationships
A 1997 excerpt from an essay entitled "United Church of Christ Covenantal Polity" by William A. Hulteen (from LTH VII)
Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity
Don Freeman writes about "Autonomy in a Covenantal Polity."
Definition of Covenant
A one page explanation produced by the Northern California-Nevada UCC Conference to explain the meaning of a covenant and a contract
Walker on Covenant Community
A chapter on "covenant" from Randi Walker's book The Evolution of a UCC Style
Restructure Evaluation
A 2004 report of the Restructure Evaluation Oversight Committee to the Executive Council
National Ministries of the United Church of Christ
A chart based on the 2000 UCC Constitution showing the way the national setting of the UCC is organized
Articles on Conferences
Two 1994 articles published in Prism exploring the place of Conferences in UCC polity.
Manual on the Church
A 2005 manual exploring understandings of church based on the concept of "covenant"
General Synod Minutes
Minutes in pdf format since 1999
The Church of Jesus Christ
A 2007 three page excerpt from a Prism article entitled "Maturing in Christ: A Theological Perspective for Conference Ministry" by John W. Lynes. In a very short space it defines the UCC using key quotations from the Constitution and Bylaws of the UCC
top
Ministry Resources
Historical and Theological Perspectives MOM 1977
An essay from the 1977 Manual on Ministry exploring historiccal and theological perspectives on ministry in the UCC
Zikmund Empowerment and Embodiment
An analysis by Barbara Brown Zikmund of the ways two very different understandings of ministry come together in the United Church of Christ
Nevin The Reformed Pastor Lecture I
A lecture outlining a very "high" view of ministry written by John Williamson Nevin, one of the German Reformed leaders of the Mercersburg movement in the mid-19th century
Order for the Ordination to Ministry
The Service for the Ordination to Ministry from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Order for the Installation of a Pastor
The Service for the Installation of a Pastor from the 1986 UCC Book of Worship
Ordained Minister's Code
A two page statement to guide clergy in professional responsibilities (from the Manual on Ministry)
Charge to a Church
In many Ordination and Installation services there is opportunity for someone to challenge the congregation as it enters into "covenant" to support a new pastor. (from LTH VII)
United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry
The Manual on Ministry is divided into ten sections moving from an overview of the covenantal relationships and underlying assumptions about authorized ministry through preparation and oversight.
Leaders Box
Short one and two page information sheets on useful topics like "theology," "pastor," "ordination," "ministry," "covenant," etc.
Steckel on Authorizing Ministry
A 1999 lecture given by Clyde Steckel at Andover Newton Theological School on how the United Church of Christ has changed (and is continuing to change) the ways it authorizes ministry
The UCC Search and Call (Ministerial Profile)
This link explains how persons seeking a call to authorized ministry in the UCC, and congregations seeking pastoral leadership, find each other through the UCC “search and call” process. A related page explains the Criminal Background Check
United Church Employment Opportunities
This list (updated every two weeks) lists employment opportunities for clergy and laypersons in the United Church of Christ.
The Time is Now: A Guide to Preventing Abuse Prevention Policies
New awareness about abuse problems has led the UCC to develop guidelines for local congregations to develop safe church policies.
Ministry Issues
In 2005 a Ministry Issues Pronouncement was passed by General Synod. Four years later, in 2009, new Constitutional amendments were passed to implement the Ministry Issues Pronouncement. This Ministry Issues resource has all of the documents developed during this process and a new background paper on “Ministry in the UCC”
Jonathan New on "Ministry Issues"
A Prism article (2008) entitled "Balancing Piety and Intellect" reflecting on the impact of the new Constitutional changes related to authorized ministry in the UCC
Walker Episcope
An analysis by Randi Walker of how oversight works in the UCC through Committees on Ministry, Associations and Conferences (from LTH VII)
Yordon on Ministry
Hank Yordon was an active urban pastor for over forty years. His description of his ministry embodies the way many UCC clergy see their calling.
Steckel UCC Ecclesiology at Fifty
After reviewing pre UCC historical understandings of the church, Steckel explores three themes in UCC ecclesiology since 1957: covenantal relationships, the mission of God and radical hospitality.
top
Ethos Resources
Aspiring to be a Multiracial Multicultural Church
A 1993 pronouncement of General Synod upholding the commitment of the United Church of Christ to become a multiracial multicultural church
H. Richard Niebuhr on the Responsibility of the Church for Society
A 1946 chapter in a book entitled The Gospel, the World and the Church. Niebuhr argues that Christians are responsible for society. He condemns irresponsible religion (its worldliness, false prophecy and false priesthood, and isolationism). He affirms the church as apostle, pastor and pioneer.
Living Theological Heritage volume 7 Intros to Parts 4 and 5
These introductions weave together documents linking UCC understandings of theology and social outreach [LTH 7]
Reinhold Niebuhr on Religiosity and the Christian Faith
A brief two page 1955 article by Reinhold Niebuhr published in Christianity and Crisis on the impact of religion in the world
Gallagher on Controversy
A 1963 essay by Buell Gallagher on the importance of healthy controversy in the life of the church (LTH VII, reprint from Social Action)
Thomas on Contemporary Commitment and Catholic Substance
A 1997 statement by John Thomas explaining how UCC social justice commitments flow from universal Christian convictions
Human Sexuality
Excerpts from the 1977 report Human Sexuality: A Preliminary Study (from LTH VII)
Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF)
The Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF), initially the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW), began in 1978 as a renewal movement in response to the Human Sexuality study and out of a desire to reclaim the biblical faith in the UCC. In 1983 it developed the Dubuque Declaration as its Statement of Faith; and in 1984 it reorganized itself into the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF). It offers resources for renewal, reformation, and missions in the Evangelical, United church of Christ.
The Dubuque Declaration
The 1983 statement of faith created by the United Church People for Biblical Witness (UCPBW). It remains the basic theological position of the Biblical Witness Fellowship (BWF).
Just Peace Church Pronouncement
A 1985 General Synod Pronouncement spelling out the commitments of the UCC as a Just Peace Church
Theological Foundations of a Just Peace Church
A 1986 statement at the beginning of a book affirming the United Church of Christ as a Just Peace Church (from LTH VII)
Open and Affirming Resolution
In 1985 the General Synod Resolution upholding the UCC as an Open and Affirming Church (ONA)
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
The Coalition provides support and sanctuary to all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends; it advocates for their full inclusion in church and society; and brings Christ's affirming message of love and justice for all people.
Anti-Racist Resolution
A 2003 General Synod Resolution "Calling the United Church of Christ to be an Anti-Racist Church"
Called to Wholeness Resolution
The 2005 resolution affirming the United Church of Christ's commitment to be a church that is accessible to all (A2A)
Marriage Equality Resolution
The 2005 Marriage Equality Resolution passed by the UCC General Synod
Faithful and Welcoming Churches in the UCC
Faithful and Welcoming Churches (FWC) was formed as a renewal movement within the UCC and identify themselves as evangelical, conservative, orthodox or traditional (ECOT) churches. They stand against the UCC Open and Affirming (ONA) position which welcomes gays, lesbians and bisexuals into church life and reject the Marriage Equality stance of the UCC.
Pastoral Letter on the Environment
A 2008 letter from John Thomas and the Environmental and Energy Task Force
Pastoral Letter on Faith and Science
A 2008 pastoral letter entitled "A New Voice Rising: A Pastoral Letter Engaging Science and Technology" by John Thomas and the UCC Science and Technology Network
New York Times Ad
The New York Times ad which ran in April 2008 in response to the criticisms of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago
Ecumenical Stance of the UCC
A 1973 statement affirming the importance of the ecumenical vocation for the United Church of Christ
Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry
The 1982 text of a World Council of Churches Faith and Order document exploring differences and commonalities around baptism, eucharist and ministry among Roman Catholics, Orthodox and Protestant Christians. See UCC response to BEM.
UCC Response to BEM
In 1985 the United Church of Christ prepared a formal response to Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry. It was most concerned about issues related to Ministry.
Ecumenical Partnership with Christian Church (DoC)
A 1989 document spelling out the meaning of "ecumenical partnership" with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
UCC Response to the "Consensus" document of COCU
In the 1960s the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) was an effort to overcome denominational fragmentation and find new forms of church unity. This is the 1989 UCC response to a "consensus" document produced by COCU in the 1980s (from LTH VII)
Formula of Agreement
A 1997 agreement between the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and the Reformed Church in America (RCA) about sacraments and ministry issues
Relationship Between the UCC and the Jewish Community
A 1987 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of Judaism and the relationship of Christians and Jews.
Relationship between the UCC and the Muslim Community
A 1989 General Synod resolution on UCC understandings of the relationship between Christians and Muslims
A Study Resource on Interreligious Relations for the UCC
A 2005 resource to help UCC people think through questions of interreligious relations
Statement of Mission
A 1987 Statement of Mission (sometimes called the Houston Statement) developed by the United Church Board for Homeland Ministries (UCBHM) and offered to the UCC as a contemporary interpretation of mission
Thomas "A United Church that Stands for Something”
A 2006 sermon given by President and General Minister John Thomas highlighting his understanding of UCC identity and challenging UCC members live up to what they say the UCC is.
top
Many of these documents are available in the seven volumes of
The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ
click here for a pdf file of the Table of Contents of all seven volumes
The full, 7-volume set of The Living Theological Heritage is now available in searchable PDF on a thumb drive. Click here to order from UCC Resources.
Click here for a single pdf file of the list of documents above
If you are looking for a particular document,
go to the edit function on your browser
and click on "Find on this page",
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Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
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Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God's continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God's ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God's creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,
No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here.
We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God's communion table is open, not closed, and God's gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God's inclusive love. We teach that evangelism — offering bread to those in search of it — is God's mission. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,
Never place a period where God has placed a comma.
We believe the church's mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God's grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,
SECTION MENU
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We believe in the triune God: Creator, resurrected Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable. It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.
We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.
We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life purpose and direction.
We believe that all of the baptized 'belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.' No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community's promise of 'love, support and care' for the baptized – and we promise that we won't take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.
We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ's table for the sacrament of Communion. Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ's sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ's presence among us along with a 'cloud of witnesses' – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; we claim it by faith.
We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. "That they may all be one." (John 17:21) "In essentials–unity, in nonessentials–diversity, in all things–charity," These UCC mottos survive because they touch core values deep within us. The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures. Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.
We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth's resources. 'To believe is to care; to care is to do.'
We believe that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.
We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.
We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear ... for after all, God is still speaking, ...
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Ms. Kimberly Whitney
Executive Associate to the Collegium
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2112
whitneyk@ucc.org
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We believe in the triune God: Creator, resurrected Christ, the sole Head of the church, and the Holy Spirit, who guides and brings about the creative and redemptive work of God in the world.
We believe that each person is unique and valuable. It is the will of God that every person belong to a family of faith where they have a strong sense of being valued and loved.
We believe that each person is on a spiritual journey and that each of us is at a different stage of that journey.
We believe that the persistent search for God produces an authentic relationship with God, engendering love, strengthening faith, dissolving guilt, and giving life purpose and direction.
We believe that all of the baptized 'belong body and soul to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.' No matter who – no matter what – no matter where we are on life's journey – notwithstanding race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class or creed – we all belong to God and to one worldwide community of faith. All persons baptized – past, present and future – are connected to each other and to God through the sacrament of baptism. We baptize during worship when the community is present because baptism includes the community's promise of 'love, support and care' for the baptized – and we promise that we won't take it back – no matter where your journey leads you.
We believe that all people of faith are invited to join Christ at Christ's table for the sacrament of Communion. Just as many grains of wheat are gathered to make one loaf of bread and many grapes are gathered to make one cup of wine, we, the many people of God, are made one in the body of Christ, the church. The breaking of bread and the pouring of wine reminds us of the costliness of Christ's sacrifice and the discipleship to which we are all called. In the breaking of bread, we remember and celebrate Christ's presence among us along with a 'cloud of witnesses' – our ancestors, family and friends who have gone before us. It is a great mystery; we claim it by faith.
We believe the UCC is called to be a united and uniting church. "That they may all be one." (John 17:21) "In essentials–unity, in nonessentials–diversity, in all things–charity," These UCC mottos survive because they touch core values deep within us. The UCC has no rigid formulation of doctrine or attachment to creeds or structures. Its overarching creed is love. UCC pastors and teachers are known for their commitment to excellence in theological preparation, interpretation of the scripture and justice advocacy. Even so, love and unity in the midst of our diversity are our greatest assets.
We believe that God calls us to be servants in the service of others and to be good stewards of the earth's resources. 'To believe is to care; to care is to do.'
We believe that the UCC is called to be a prophetic church. As in the tradition of the prophets and apostles, God calls the church to speak truth to power, liberate the oppressed, care for the poor and comfort the afflicted.
We believe in the power of peace, and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national, and international problems.
We are a people of possibility. In the UCC, members, congregations and structures have the breathing room to explore and to hear ... for after all, God is still speaking, ...
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Ms. Kimberly Whitney
Executive Associate to the Collegium
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2112
whitneyk@ucc.org
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The Stillspeaking Ministry
Stillspeaking. It's the shorter form of "God is still speaking," a campaign by the United Church of Christ to remind us that God still has a lot more to say. Since 2004, Stillspeaking has worked with thousands of UCC churches and individuals across the country to make religion relevant again and to extend an extravagant welcome to all—because no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. Here at the United Church of Christ.
In 2004, it was concluded that there was a present and real need for the United Church of Christ to spread its message of extravagant welcome which continues to historically re-shape our understanding of the Christian faith and proclamation. The UCC responded to this call and challenge with a new identity and marketing campaign to let all others know that anyone could find a spiritual home in the United Church of Christ, be strengthened and nurtured in their faith and be blessed to reach out to others with their God-given gifts and talents.
Today, under one collective identity, we can enthusiastically lift up that the UCC is a welcoming, justice-minded Christian community. At a time when religion is too often portrayed as narrow-minded and exclusive, many are raising their VOICES for an alternate vision:
- Where God is all-loving and inclusive
- Where the Church of Jesus Christ welcomes and accepts everyone as they are
- Where your mind is nourished as much as your soul
- Where Jesus the healer meets Jesus the revolutionary
- Where together we grow a just and peaceful world
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The Stillspeaking Ministry
Stillspeaking. It's the shorter form of "God is still speaking," a campaign by the United Church of Christ to remind us that God still has a lot more to say. Since 2004, Stillspeaking has worked with thousands of UCC churches and individuals across the country to make religion relevant again and to extend an extravagant welcome to all—because no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. Here at the United Church of Christ.
In 2004, it was concluded that there was a present and real need for the United Church of Christ to spread its message of extravagant welcome which continues to historically re-shape our understanding of the Christian faith and proclamation. The UCC responded to this call and challenge with a new identity and marketing campaign to let all others know that anyone could find a spiritual home in the United Church of Christ, be strengthened and nurtured in their faith and be blessed to reach out to others with their God-given gifts and talents.
Today, under one collective identity, we can enthusiastically lift up that the UCC is a welcoming, justice-minded Christian community. At a time when religion is too often portrayed as narrow-minded and exclusive, many are raising their VOICES for an alternate vision:
- Where God is all-loving and inclusive
- Where the Church of Jesus Christ welcomes and accepts everyone as they are
- Where your mind is nourished as much as your soul
- Where Jesus the healer meets Jesus the revolutionary
- Where together we grow a just and peaceful world
SECTION MENU
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United Church of Christ Board of Directors
AT-LARGE MEMBERS
Bernard Wilson, Chair
Rev. Dr. Wilson is the Senior Pastor of Norfield Congregational UCC in Weston, Connecticut and holds Ministerial Authorization with a D.Min. Prior to his call at Norfield, he served as Executive Minister, the Riverside Church in New York. Mr. Wilson is a retired Captain-US Navy; concluding his chaplaincy as the Navy Director of Religious Ministries. Mr. Wilson served as the Chair of the UGov Group that brought the new governance structure. He served as the Vice-chair of the Executive Council. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at both Howard University and at New Brunswick Theological Seminary.
(Class of 2015)
Dale Bonds, Vice-Chair
Ms. Bonds is a member of Central St. Matthew UCC in New Orleans and is retired from the IBM Corporation as a Systems Availability Engineer with a BA in mathematics. Ms. Bonds is a Katrina survivor, rebuilding her home after the storm and instrumental in combining two devastated congregations into the vibrant Central St. Matthew. Ms. Bonds is the President of the Board of Directors of the UCC Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. She served as Assistant Moderator of General Synod 29.
(Class of 2017)
Maritza Angulo de Gonzalez
Rev. Anguola de Gonzalez is the Pastor of Manantial de Gracia UCC in New Britain, Connecticut. Holding an Ed.D., with emphasis on counseling, Ms. Angulo de Gonzalez has worked in the mental health field for the past 20 years as a counselor, administrator and program director at various mental health agencies and in private practice. She serves on the boards of directors of several counseling agencies and shelters.
(Class of 2019)
Pat Barnes-McConnell
Dr. Barnes-McConnell is a member of St. Stephen’s Community UCC in Lansing, Michigan and holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. She is a retired Professor from Michigan State University where she served as director for an international agricultural program for 20 years. Dr. Barnes-McConnell served as a member of the Office of General Ministries Board of Directors and served on the Governance Implementation Taskforce.
(Class of 2015)
Joyce Bathke
Ms. Bathke is a member of Faith United Church of Christ in Wentzville, Missouri. She is a Regional Chief Administrative Officer for the American Red Cross and before that, served a local hospital. Ms. Bathke holds a Nursing Degree. Ms. Bathke served on the Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors and as Chair of its Budget and Audit Committees. Ms. Bathke sits on the Global Ministries Board of Directors, Co-chair of its Finance Committee.
(Class of 2015)
Caroline Belsom
Ms. Belsom is a member of Waiola UCC in Lahaina, Hawaii. Ms. Belsom is in private practice as an attorney after formerly serving as General Counsel to Kapalua Land Company. She is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. Prior to her law career, she was a school teacher and holds a Master’s Degree in Physics. Ms. Belsom is a former Assistant Moderator of the General Synod and served on its Executive Council.
(Class of 2019)
Lynda Bigler
Rev. Bigler is a member of Ainsworth UCC in Portland, Oregon and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. Ms. Bigler serves on the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries and is the Vice-chair of the Virginia Kryer Scholarship Fund for Theological Studies, benefiting students with disabilities. Prior to entering the ministry Ms. Bigler was a banker. She served as the Pension and Investment Banking Operations Officer of Bankers’ Trust in New York and served other banks in New York, Pittsburgh and Providence, Rhode Island.
(Class of 2017)
Frank Bolden
Mr. Bolden is a member of Christ Church UCC in Summit, New Jersey. Mr. Bolden is retired from the Johnson & Johnson Company where he served as Corporate Secretary, Associate General Counsel and Vice-president for Diversity. Prior to his work at Johnson & Johnson, he was in private practice. Mr. Bolden is a former Army Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer. He previously served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Vermont and on the Board of Trustees of Atlantic Healthcare System.
(Class of 2019)
Geoffrey Brace
Mr. Brace is a member of Zion Reformed UCC in Allentown, Pennsylvania and serves as Legislative Aide to Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. Before joining the legislative staff Mr. Brace served as the Executive Director of the Kutztown Community Partnership. He currently serves as the Penn Northeast Conference Moderator. He served on the Justice and Witness Ministries Board of Directors and the Governance Implementation Taskforce.
(Class of 2017)
Faith Burgess
Ms. Burgess is a member of San Carlos Community UCC in San Carlos, California and is a retired special education school teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and has taught in Hawaii and in various districts in and around San Francisco. She has served as the Vice-moderator of the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries. She served on the Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Robbie Carlson
Mr. Carlson is a member of Faith UCC in Windsor, Colorado and serves as Director of Christian Education. He served two terms as a Youth Representative to the Rocky Mountain Conference Board of Directors and served on the search committee for its Conference Minister. Mr. Carlson served on the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Tom Croner
Mr. Croner is a member of Trinity UCC in Berlin, Pennsylvania and owns and operates a hay and grain farm. He holds a BS in Agricultural Economics. He served on the Board of Directors of the company that owned Birds Eye Foods and has represented the dairy industry lobbying in Washington and at the state level. Mr. Croner worked as a Special Projects Manager for Snyder of Berlin Potato Chips, a large regional potato chip company. He has experience in seven mergers and consolidations in banks and cooperatives. Mr. Croner serves as the Penn West Conference Treasurer. Mr. Croner was a member of the Office of General Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Kevin Finley
Mr. Finley is a member of New Town UCC in New Town, North Dakota and currently serves as the Chair of the Council for American Indian Ministries. Mr. Finley has a degree in behavioral sciences and currently serves as a Tribal Recreation Director. He volunteers as a 5th and 6th grade football coach and volunteers at local correctional facilities. Mr. Finley is a recent recipient of the Community Service Award from the City of Bismarck, North Dakota.
(Class of 2019)
Robert Frieberg
Mr. Frieberg is a member of Beresford UCC in Beresford, South Dakota. He is the Senior and Managing Partner of Frieberg, Nelson and Ask LLP and sits on the governing body of the American Bar Association. He is a lobbyist at the state level of government. He is the past President of the South Dakota State Board of Education and sits on the University of South Dakota Foundation Board of Directors. Mr. Frieberg is a former Assistant Moderator of the General Synod and a long-time Synod Parliamentarian.
(Class of 2019)
Gilberto Garcia-Rodriquez
Rev. Garcia-Rodriquez is the Pastor of Trinity UCC in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (M. Div.) and has a passion for Christian Education. Rev. Garcia-Rodriquez is a degreed social worker and, in addition to his pastoral duties, he is the Assistant Director of Family Answers, a non-profit social services organization in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Executive Council and is the current Chair of the Council for Hispanic Ministries.
(Class of 2017)
Kira Geary
Ms. Geary is high school student and serves as the Vice-president of her school Student Council. She is the Vice-President of her National Honor Society Chapter and a member of the school French Club. She is a member of future Business Leaders of America. Ms. Geary attended the 2012 UCC National Youth Event and took part in a mission trip to Machias, Maine. She volunteers at an after-school Christian day camp and volunteers at the local Humane Society shelter.
(Class of 2019)
Roxanne Gould
Dr. Gould is a member of All Nations Indian UCC in Minneapolis, Minnesota and serves as an educator with an Ed.D. in leadership and policy. She is an adjunct faculty member at Augsburg College where she teaches American Indian Studies. Dr. Gould is the Founder and Co-chair of the American Indian Science and Engineering Conference. She served on the planning committee for the 2011 Indigenous Education Institute and on the Iowa Civil Rights Advisory Committee in the late 1980s. Dr. Gould served on the Justice and Witness Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Emily Heath
Rev. Heath is the Pastor of West Dover Congregational UCC in West Dover, Vermont and holds Ministerial Authorization with a M.Div. and also has a Master’s Degree in Theology. She serves as the Chaplain of the West Dover Fire Department and is a religion writer for the Huffington Post. Ms. Heath served as pastor of two congregations successfully combining what is now one church growing in membership and discipleship.
(Class of 2019)
Nesa Joseph
Dr. Joseph is a member of St. Paul UCC in Lebanon, Illinois and a foundation administrator. Dr. Joseph holds an Ed.D. with specialty in hospital and health administration. He is the past Vice-president of Operations for the Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Manipal Hospital and Heart Foundation in Bagalore, India. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Services and was the Chair of its Finance Committee. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the United Church Funds, chairing its Governance Committee.
(Class of 2019)
Julia LeBrell
Ms. LeBrell is a member of St. Paul’s UCC in Dearborn, Michigan and is a substitute teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ecology and in Evolution and Behavioral Biology. In addition to her education skills, Ms. LeBrell has worked as an office manager and program director at Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center. She is a member of the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries
(Class of 2017)
DeEtte (Dee) Lundberg
Rev. Lundberg is Pastor of United Church of Christ, Casper in Casper, Wyoming and holds Ministerial Authorization with a M. Div. Prior to entering the ministry, she was a licensed addictions counselor in private practice. Rev. Lundberg is a former church camp manager. Rev. Lundberg recently organized a pot luck dinner that set a Guinness Book of World Records record with 980 dishes. She served on the Justice and Witness Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Thea Mateu
Ms. Mateu is the Interim Young Adult Ministries Coordinator for the Southern California-Nevada Conference and is also employed by the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. She is a member of Claremont UCC in Claremont, California. She holds a M.Ed., and M.Div. and is a member in discernment of the Eastern Association of the Southern California-Nevada Conference. She previously served as a family and domestic violence counselor.
(Class of 2017)
Kevin Omi
Rev. Omi is the Senior Co-pastor of Sycamore Congregational UCC in El Cerrito, California, and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. Prior to entering the ministry Rev. Omi served as a Vice-President of Wells Fargo Bank, as the Executive Director-Kaiser Health Plan, and was a partner at PwC Consulting, an information technology firm that listed clients such as the California State Compensation Insurance Fund, Charles Schwab and Cisco Systems. He holds an MBA.
(Class of 2019)
Ron Patterson
Rev. Patterson is the Senior Pastor of Naples UCC in Naples, Florida and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. Rev. Patterson holds an MBA. He served on the Executive Council as Co-chair of its Special Committee on Development. Rev. Patterson is a recognized expert in church and non-profit development. He has served as a delegate to, or otherwise attended, every General Synod since 1977 and is active at the Conference level, as well. He is a member of various local civic organizations.
(Class of 2015)
Kevin Peterson
Mr. Peterson is a member of Wayside UCC in Federal City, Washington and is a piano teacher and freelance musician. Mr. Peterson holds a BA in economics, ethics, religion and music. He is a former member of the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. He is a former member of the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors, served on the Governance Follow-up Team and served on the Constitutional Writing Team that brought the revisions to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws enabling the new governance structure
(Class of 2019)
Christina Phillips
Ms. Phillips is a member of First Congregational UCC in Waterville, Maine and serves as a Lead Service Coordinator through Roxbury Youthworks, Inc. for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. She holds a BA in Government. Ms. Phillips served a six-year term as a youth representative to the Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth General Synod Nominating Committees. She served as a delegate to General Synod at the age of 14. During high school, she was the President of the Maine State Youth Council.
(Class of 2019)
Ernesto (Ernie) Reyes
Rev. Reyes is a member of First Congregational UCC in Glendale, California and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. He is the Assistant Administrator and Chaplain of Los Angeles Hospice, Inc. He previously served local churches. After serving active duty in the enlisted ranks of the US Army, he was commissioned a Captain in the Army Chaplaincy and served in the US Army Reserves for nine years. Rev. Reyes currently serves as the Vice-moderator of the Pacific Islander Asian American Ministries.
(Class of 2017)
Dwayne Royster
Rev. Royster is the Pastor of Living Waters UCC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and holds Ministerial Authorization with a MAR after receiving the Privilege of Call through the Philadelphia Association of the Penn Southeast Conference. In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Royster serves as an elected Councilperson in Norristown, Pennsylvania and is the Executive Director of a multi-faith neighborhood organizing agency. Prior to entering the ministry Rev. Royster was a Program Director and Director of Social Services at social service agencies. He was a member of the Executive Council.
(Class of 2017)
Carol Shipley
Ms. Shipley is a member of First Congregational UCC in Great Falls, Montana and is a special education public school teacher, holding an M.Ed. She She served on the General Synod Nominating Committee, 2003-2009 and as its Chair 2007-2009. Ms. Shipley was instrumental in transforming the nominating process to the well-organized Synod function that it is today. Ms. Shipley is a past Honored Lay Woman at the 2001 General Synod, and served as a General Synod delegate in 1993 and 1995. She is a volunteer for her local 4-H Chapter and for her community adult literacy program.
(Class of 2019)
Nevan Strobelt-McCann
Mr. Strobelt-McCann is a college student at the University of Akron (Ohio). He is a member of Archwood UCC in Cleveland. He served on the Church Search Committee that called its new pastor and now serves on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. He is a member of the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Mr. Strobelt-McCann is the President of his local 4-H Chapter, volunteers at his local food bank and for a program called Let’s Grow Akron.
(Class of 2017)
Noah Jensen Tabor
Mr. Jensen Tabor is a member of Maquoketa UCC in Maquoketa, Iowa and is a law school student at St. Thomas Law School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Jensen Tabor is a graduate of St. Olaf College where he majored in religion and in political science. He volunteers legal advice to his local Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization. He served on the Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors and on the Board’s Organizational Life Committee and Disaster Relief Committee.
(Class of 2017)
William Tanner
Mr. Tanner is a member of First Congregational UCC in Santa Cruz, California, and is a seminary student. Mr. Tanner has served as a camp director, supervising a staff of 20. Mr. Tanner was a member of the UGov Group that brought the new governance structure, and he has a passion for the technical theatre. He is a volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s fund raising efforts.
(Class of 2017)
Jeanne Tyler
Rev. Tyler is a member of First Congregational UCC in Madison, Wisconsin and holds Ministerial Authorization with a M.Div. She retired from active ministry after serving local churches in Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska. She serves on the National Council of Churches Committee on Disability and on its Leadership Team. She serves as the Co-chair of the UCC Disabilities Ministries and was instrumental in the creation of the Virginia Kryer Scholarship Fund for Theological Studies, benefiting students with disabilities.
(Class of 2015)
Dean Wakuzawa
Mr. Wakuzawa is a member of Kailua Christian Church UCC in Kailua and serves as a CPA and Comptroller. He is a Trustee of the Hawaii Conference and is the Chair of its Investment Committee. Mr. Wakuzawa currently works as the Comptroller of a food service company and previously served as Assistant Vice-president and Tax Supervisor for the Bank of Hawaii Investment Services Group. Mr. Wakuzawa volunteered and served as the Treasurer of the local PTA while his children attended elementary school.
(Class of 2017)
Elizabeth Walker
Ms. Walker is a member of Old First Reformed UCC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and serves as an attorney. She is the Leader of the Employment Practices Litigation Team for Zurich North American Insurance Group and has been a trial attorney for the past 27 years. She worked in commercial banking while attending law school. She is the Moderator of the Philadelphia Association of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference and serves on the Consistory of her church. Ms. Walker served on the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors and serves on the UCC Cornerstone Fund Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Kimberly Wood
Rev. Wood is the Pastor of First Congregational UCC in Ottawa, Illinois and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. She previously owned two home-based businesses. Ms. Wood has served on the Illinois Conference Personnel Committee, served as the Chair of the Metropolitan (Chicago) Association Minister Search Committee and as the Moderator of the Fox Valley Association. Ms. Wood is a sports enthusiast as both a spectator and participant and enjoys music. She serves as an Open and Affirming consultant and was a God Is Still Speaking Trainer. Ms. Wood is a former social worker. She is involved in her local school district and PTA chapter.
(Class of 2015)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Geoffrey A. Black
General Minister and President
Linda Jaramillo
Executive Minister, Justice & Witness Ministries
James Moos
Executive Minister, Wider Church Ministries
J. Bennett Guess
Executive Minister, Local Church Ministries
Michael Downs
President & CEO, Pensions Boards United Church of Christ
Don Hart
President, United Church Funds
Bryan Sickbert
President & CEO, Council for Health & Human Services Ministries (CHHSM)
David Gaewski
Conference Minister, New York Conference
Rich Pleva
Conference Minister, Iowa Conference
Brian Holeman
General Synod Moderator
The Honorable Brian Holeman is a member of People's Congregational UCC in Washington, D.C. and serves as a judge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Mr. Holeman served as assistant moderator of General Synod 29 and on Executive Council. He has also served on the Office of General Ministries Board of Directors and United Church Funds Board of Directors. He was previously a trustee to UCC-related Chicago Theological Seminary. Before he was confirmed to his judgeship in 2003, Mr. Holeman practiced law in the insurance industry.
(Class of 2015)
Sue Artt
General Synod Assistant Moderator
Rev. Artt is pastor of St. Paul UCC in Nashville, Illinois, and has served this congregation since 2006. Rev. Artt has served on the UCC’s Governance Implementation Task Force and as a member the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors. Before entering ministry, Rev. Artt was an executive for the Mobile Oil Corporation.
(Class of 2015)
Mike Denton
Conference Minister, Pacific Northwest Conference
Gary Schulte
Conference Minister, New Hampshire Conference
Edward Davis
Conference Minister, Southern Conference
Sheldon Culver
Conference Minister, Illinois-South Conference
William Edwards
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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Home > About Us
United Church of Christ Board of Directors
AT-LARGE MEMBERS
Bernard Wilson, Chair
Rev. Dr. Wilson is the Senior Pastor of Norfield Congregational UCC in Weston, Connecticut and holds Ministerial Authorization with a D.Min. Prior to his call at Norfield, he served as Executive Minister, the Riverside Church in New York. Mr. Wilson is a retired Captain-US Navy; concluding his chaplaincy as the Navy Director of Religious Ministries. Mr. Wilson served as the Chair of the UGov Group that brought the new governance structure. He served as the Vice-chair of the Executive Council. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at both Howard University and at New Brunswick Theological Seminary.
(Class of 2015)
Dale Bonds, Vice-Chair
Ms. Bonds is a member of Central St. Matthew UCC in New Orleans and is retired from the IBM Corporation as a Systems Availability Engineer with a BA in mathematics. Ms. Bonds is a Katrina survivor, rebuilding her home after the storm and instrumental in combining two devastated congregations into the vibrant Central St. Matthew. Ms. Bonds is the President of the Board of Directors of the UCC Back Bay Mission in Biloxi, Mississippi. She served as Assistant Moderator of General Synod 29.
(Class of 2017)
Maritza Angulo de Gonzalez
Rev. Anguola de Gonzalez is the Pastor of Manantial de Gracia UCC in New Britain, Connecticut. Holding an Ed.D., with emphasis on counseling, Ms. Angulo de Gonzalez has worked in the mental health field for the past 20 years as a counselor, administrator and program director at various mental health agencies and in private practice. She serves on the boards of directors of several counseling agencies and shelters.
(Class of 2019)
Pat Barnes-McConnell
Dr. Barnes-McConnell is a member of St. Stephen’s Community UCC in Lansing, Michigan and holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology. She is a retired Professor from Michigan State University where she served as director for an international agricultural program for 20 years. Dr. Barnes-McConnell served as a member of the Office of General Ministries Board of Directors and served on the Governance Implementation Taskforce.
(Class of 2015)
Joyce Bathke
Ms. Bathke is a member of Faith United Church of Christ in Wentzville, Missouri. She is a Regional Chief Administrative Officer for the American Red Cross and before that, served a local hospital. Ms. Bathke holds a Nursing Degree. Ms. Bathke served on the Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors and as Chair of its Budget and Audit Committees. Ms. Bathke sits on the Global Ministries Board of Directors, Co-chair of its Finance Committee.
(Class of 2015)
Caroline Belsom
Ms. Belsom is a member of Waiola UCC in Lahaina, Hawaii. Ms. Belsom is in private practice as an attorney after formerly serving as General Counsel to Kapalua Land Company. She is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa. Prior to her law career, she was a school teacher and holds a Master’s Degree in Physics. Ms. Belsom is a former Assistant Moderator of the General Synod and served on its Executive Council.
(Class of 2019)
Lynda Bigler
Rev. Bigler is a member of Ainsworth UCC in Portland, Oregon and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. Ms. Bigler serves on the United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries and is the Vice-chair of the Virginia Kryer Scholarship Fund for Theological Studies, benefiting students with disabilities. Prior to entering the ministry Ms. Bigler was a banker. She served as the Pension and Investment Banking Operations Officer of Bankers’ Trust in New York and served other banks in New York, Pittsburgh and Providence, Rhode Island.
(Class of 2017)
Frank Bolden
Mr. Bolden is a member of Christ Church UCC in Summit, New Jersey. Mr. Bolden is retired from the Johnson & Johnson Company where he served as Corporate Secretary, Associate General Counsel and Vice-president for Diversity. Prior to his work at Johnson & Johnson, he was in private practice. Mr. Bolden is a former Army Airborne Ranger Infantry Officer. He previously served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the University of Vermont and on the Board of Trustees of Atlantic Healthcare System.
(Class of 2019)
Geoffrey Brace
Mr. Brace is a member of Zion Reformed UCC in Allentown, Pennsylvania and serves as Legislative Aide to Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Schlossberg. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. Before joining the legislative staff Mr. Brace served as the Executive Director of the Kutztown Community Partnership. He currently serves as the Penn Northeast Conference Moderator. He served on the Justice and Witness Ministries Board of Directors and the Governance Implementation Taskforce.
(Class of 2017)
Faith Burgess
Ms. Burgess is a member of San Carlos Community UCC in San Carlos, California and is a retired special education school teacher. She holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and has taught in Hawaii and in various districts in and around San Francisco. She has served as the Vice-moderator of the Pacific Islander and Asian American Ministries. She served on the Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Robbie Carlson
Mr. Carlson is a member of Faith UCC in Windsor, Colorado and serves as Director of Christian Education. He served two terms as a Youth Representative to the Rocky Mountain Conference Board of Directors and served on the search committee for its Conference Minister. Mr. Carlson served on the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Tom Croner
Mr. Croner is a member of Trinity UCC in Berlin, Pennsylvania and owns and operates a hay and grain farm. He holds a BS in Agricultural Economics. He served on the Board of Directors of the company that owned Birds Eye Foods and has represented the dairy industry lobbying in Washington and at the state level. Mr. Croner worked as a Special Projects Manager for Snyder of Berlin Potato Chips, a large regional potato chip company. He has experience in seven mergers and consolidations in banks and cooperatives. Mr. Croner serves as the Penn West Conference Treasurer. Mr. Croner was a member of the Office of General Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Kevin Finley
Mr. Finley is a member of New Town UCC in New Town, North Dakota and currently serves as the Chair of the Council for American Indian Ministries. Mr. Finley has a degree in behavioral sciences and currently serves as a Tribal Recreation Director. He volunteers as a 5th and 6th grade football coach and volunteers at local correctional facilities. Mr. Finley is a recent recipient of the Community Service Award from the City of Bismarck, North Dakota.
(Class of 2019)
Robert Frieberg
Mr. Frieberg is a member of Beresford UCC in Beresford, South Dakota. He is the Senior and Managing Partner of Frieberg, Nelson and Ask LLP and sits on the governing body of the American Bar Association. He is a lobbyist at the state level of government. He is the past President of the South Dakota State Board of Education and sits on the University of South Dakota Foundation Board of Directors. Mr. Frieberg is a former Assistant Moderator of the General Synod and a long-time Synod Parliamentarian.
(Class of 2019)
Gilberto Garcia-Rodriquez
Rev. Garcia-Rodriquez is the Pastor of Trinity UCC in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania (M. Div.) and has a passion for Christian Education. Rev. Garcia-Rodriquez is a degreed social worker and, in addition to his pastoral duties, he is the Assistant Director of Family Answers, a non-profit social services organization in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was a member of the Executive Council and is the current Chair of the Council for Hispanic Ministries.
(Class of 2017)
Kira Geary
Ms. Geary is high school student and serves as the Vice-president of her school Student Council. She is the Vice-President of her National Honor Society Chapter and a member of the school French Club. She is a member of future Business Leaders of America. Ms. Geary attended the 2012 UCC National Youth Event and took part in a mission trip to Machias, Maine. She volunteers at an after-school Christian day camp and volunteers at the local Humane Society shelter.
(Class of 2019)
Roxanne Gould
Dr. Gould is a member of All Nations Indian UCC in Minneapolis, Minnesota and serves as an educator with an Ed.D. in leadership and policy. She is an adjunct faculty member at Augsburg College where she teaches American Indian Studies. Dr. Gould is the Founder and Co-chair of the American Indian Science and Engineering Conference. She served on the planning committee for the 2011 Indigenous Education Institute and on the Iowa Civil Rights Advisory Committee in the late 1980s. Dr. Gould served on the Justice and Witness Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Emily Heath
Rev. Heath is the Pastor of West Dover Congregational UCC in West Dover, Vermont and holds Ministerial Authorization with a M.Div. and also has a Master’s Degree in Theology. She serves as the Chaplain of the West Dover Fire Department and is a religion writer for the Huffington Post. Ms. Heath served as pastor of two congregations successfully combining what is now one church growing in membership and discipleship.
(Class of 2019)
Nesa Joseph
Dr. Joseph is a member of St. Paul UCC in Lebanon, Illinois and a foundation administrator. Dr. Joseph holds an Ed.D. with specialty in hospital and health administration. He is the past Vice-president of Operations for the Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Manipal Hospital and Heart Foundation in Bagalore, India. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the UCC’s Council for Health and Human Services and was the Chair of its Finance Committee. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the United Church Funds, chairing its Governance Committee.
(Class of 2019)
Julia LeBrell
Ms. LeBrell is a member of St. Paul’s UCC in Dearborn, Michigan and is a substitute teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Ecology and in Evolution and Behavioral Biology. In addition to her education skills, Ms. LeBrell has worked as an office manager and program director at Camp Talahi Retreat and Nature Center. She is a member of the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries
(Class of 2017)
DeEtte (Dee) Lundberg
Rev. Lundberg is Pastor of United Church of Christ, Casper in Casper, Wyoming and holds Ministerial Authorization with a M. Div. Prior to entering the ministry, she was a licensed addictions counselor in private practice. Rev. Lundberg is a former church camp manager. Rev. Lundberg recently organized a pot luck dinner that set a Guinness Book of World Records record with 980 dishes. She served on the Justice and Witness Ministries Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Thea Mateu
Ms. Mateu is the Interim Young Adult Ministries Coordinator for the Southern California-Nevada Conference and is also employed by the Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America. She is a member of Claremont UCC in Claremont, California. She holds a M.Ed., and M.Div. and is a member in discernment of the Eastern Association of the Southern California-Nevada Conference. She previously served as a family and domestic violence counselor.
(Class of 2017)
Kevin Omi
Rev. Omi is the Senior Co-pastor of Sycamore Congregational UCC in El Cerrito, California, and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. Prior to entering the ministry Rev. Omi served as a Vice-President of Wells Fargo Bank, as the Executive Director-Kaiser Health Plan, and was a partner at PwC Consulting, an information technology firm that listed clients such as the California State Compensation Insurance Fund, Charles Schwab and Cisco Systems. He holds an MBA.
(Class of 2019)
Ron Patterson
Rev. Patterson is the Senior Pastor of Naples UCC in Naples, Florida and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. Rev. Patterson holds an MBA. He served on the Executive Council as Co-chair of its Special Committee on Development. Rev. Patterson is a recognized expert in church and non-profit development. He has served as a delegate to, or otherwise attended, every General Synod since 1977 and is active at the Conference level, as well. He is a member of various local civic organizations.
(Class of 2015)
Kevin Peterson
Mr. Peterson is a member of Wayside UCC in Federal City, Washington and is a piano teacher and freelance musician. Mr. Peterson holds a BA in economics, ethics, religion and music. He is a former member of the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. He is a former member of the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors, served on the Governance Follow-up Team and served on the Constitutional Writing Team that brought the revisions to the UCC Constitution and Bylaws enabling the new governance structure
(Class of 2019)
Christina Phillips
Ms. Phillips is a member of First Congregational UCC in Waterville, Maine and serves as a Lead Service Coordinator through Roxbury Youthworks, Inc. for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. She holds a BA in Government. Ms. Phillips served a six-year term as a youth representative to the Twenty-sixth, Twenty-seventh and Twenty-eighth General Synod Nominating Committees. She served as a delegate to General Synod at the age of 14. During high school, she was the President of the Maine State Youth Council.
(Class of 2019)
Ernesto (Ernie) Reyes
Rev. Reyes is a member of First Congregational UCC in Glendale, California and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. He is the Assistant Administrator and Chaplain of Los Angeles Hospice, Inc. He previously served local churches. After serving active duty in the enlisted ranks of the US Army, he was commissioned a Captain in the Army Chaplaincy and served in the US Army Reserves for nine years. Rev. Reyes currently serves as the Vice-moderator of the Pacific Islander Asian American Ministries.
(Class of 2017)
Dwayne Royster
Rev. Royster is the Pastor of Living Waters UCC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and holds Ministerial Authorization with a MAR after receiving the Privilege of Call through the Philadelphia Association of the Penn Southeast Conference. In addition to his pastoral duties, Rev. Royster serves as an elected Councilperson in Norristown, Pennsylvania and is the Executive Director of a multi-faith neighborhood organizing agency. Prior to entering the ministry Rev. Royster was a Program Director and Director of Social Services at social service agencies. He was a member of the Executive Council.
(Class of 2017)
Carol Shipley
Ms. Shipley is a member of First Congregational UCC in Great Falls, Montana and is a special education public school teacher, holding an M.Ed. She She served on the General Synod Nominating Committee, 2003-2009 and as its Chair 2007-2009. Ms. Shipley was instrumental in transforming the nominating process to the well-organized Synod function that it is today. Ms. Shipley is a past Honored Lay Woman at the 2001 General Synod, and served as a General Synod delegate in 1993 and 1995. She is a volunteer for her local 4-H Chapter and for her community adult literacy program.
(Class of 2019)
Nevan Strobelt-McCann
Mr. Strobelt-McCann is a college student at the University of Akron (Ohio). He is a member of Archwood UCC in Cleveland. He served on the Church Search Committee that called its new pastor and now serves on the Pastor Parish Relations Committee. He is a member of the Council for Youth and Young Adult Ministries. Mr. Strobelt-McCann is the President of his local 4-H Chapter, volunteers at his local food bank and for a program called Let’s Grow Akron.
(Class of 2017)
Noah Jensen Tabor
Mr. Jensen Tabor is a member of Maquoketa UCC in Maquoketa, Iowa and is a law school student at St. Thomas Law School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Mr. Jensen Tabor is a graduate of St. Olaf College where he majored in religion and in political science. He volunteers legal advice to his local Huntington’s Disease Youth Organization. He served on the Wider Church Ministries Board of Directors and on the Board’s Organizational Life Committee and Disaster Relief Committee.
(Class of 2017)
William Tanner
Mr. Tanner is a member of First Congregational UCC in Santa Cruz, California, and is a seminary student. Mr. Tanner has served as a camp director, supervising a staff of 20. Mr. Tanner was a member of the UGov Group that brought the new governance structure, and he has a passion for the technical theatre. He is a volunteer for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s fund raising efforts.
(Class of 2017)
Jeanne Tyler
Rev. Tyler is a member of First Congregational UCC in Madison, Wisconsin and holds Ministerial Authorization with a M.Div. She retired from active ministry after serving local churches in Wisconsin, Iowa and Nebraska. She serves on the National Council of Churches Committee on Disability and on its Leadership Team. She serves as the Co-chair of the UCC Disabilities Ministries and was instrumental in the creation of the Virginia Kryer Scholarship Fund for Theological Studies, benefiting students with disabilities.
(Class of 2015)
Dean Wakuzawa
Mr. Wakuzawa is a member of Kailua Christian Church UCC in Kailua and serves as a CPA and Comptroller. He is a Trustee of the Hawaii Conference and is the Chair of its Investment Committee. Mr. Wakuzawa currently works as the Comptroller of a food service company and previously served as Assistant Vice-president and Tax Supervisor for the Bank of Hawaii Investment Services Group. Mr. Wakuzawa volunteered and served as the Treasurer of the local PTA while his children attended elementary school.
(Class of 2017)
Elizabeth Walker
Ms. Walker is a member of Old First Reformed UCC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and serves as an attorney. She is the Leader of the Employment Practices Litigation Team for Zurich North American Insurance Group and has been a trial attorney for the past 27 years. She worked in commercial banking while attending law school. She is the Moderator of the Philadelphia Association of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference and serves on the Consistory of her church. Ms. Walker served on the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors and serves on the UCC Cornerstone Fund Board of Directors.
(Class of 2015)
Kimberly Wood
Rev. Wood is the Pastor of First Congregational UCC in Ottawa, Illinois and holds Ministerial Authorization with an M.Div. She previously owned two home-based businesses. Ms. Wood has served on the Illinois Conference Personnel Committee, served as the Chair of the Metropolitan (Chicago) Association Minister Search Committee and as the Moderator of the Fox Valley Association. Ms. Wood is a sports enthusiast as both a spectator and participant and enjoys music. She serves as an Open and Affirming consultant and was a God Is Still Speaking Trainer. Ms. Wood is a former social worker. She is involved in her local school district and PTA chapter.
(Class of 2015)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Geoffrey A. Black
General Minister and President
Linda Jaramillo
Executive Minister, Justice & Witness Ministries
James Moos
Executive Minister, Wider Church Ministries
J. Bennett Guess
Executive Minister, Local Church Ministries
Michael Downs
President & CEO, Pensions Boards United Church of Christ
Don Hart
President, United Church Funds
Bryan Sickbert
President & CEO, Council for Health & Human Services Ministries (CHHSM)
David Gaewski
Conference Minister, New York Conference
Rich Pleva
Conference Minister, Iowa Conference
Brian Holeman
General Synod Moderator
The Honorable Brian Holeman is a member of People's Congregational UCC in Washington, D.C. and serves as a judge in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Mr. Holeman served as assistant moderator of General Synod 29 and on Executive Council. He has also served on the Office of General Ministries Board of Directors and United Church Funds Board of Directors. He was previously a trustee to UCC-related Chicago Theological Seminary. Before he was confirmed to his judgeship in 2003, Mr. Holeman practiced law in the insurance industry.
(Class of 2015)
Sue Artt
General Synod Assistant Moderator
Rev. Artt is pastor of St. Paul UCC in Nashville, Illinois, and has served this congregation since 2006. Rev. Artt has served on the UCC’s Governance Implementation Task Force and as a member the Local Church Ministries Board of Directors. Before entering ministry, Rev. Artt was an executive for the Mobile Oil Corporation.
(Class of 2015)
Mike Denton
Conference Minister, Pacific Northwest Conference
Gary Schulte
Conference Minister, New Hampshire Conference
Edward Davis
Conference Minister, Southern Conference
Sheldon Culver
Conference Minister, Illinois-South Conference
William Edwards
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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Chief Administrative Officer
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
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foleyl@ucc.org
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The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black was elected General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ in June 2009. Prior to that, he served as Conference Minister of the UCC's New York Conference for nine years beginning in 2000.
Geoffrey Black previously served as a Minister for Church Life and Leadership with the then-Office for Church Life and Leadership (currently Parish Life and Leadership), a national agency of the United Church of Christ housed at the UCC's national offices in Cleveland, Ohio.
Prior to joining the staff of OCLL in 1994, he served as Pastor of the Congregational UCC of South Hempstead (N.Y.). During his years in ministry, Black also has served as assistant chaplain at Brown University, associate minister at St. Albans Congregational UCC in Queens, Lecturer in the Field Education Department at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and Protestant chaplain at Adelphi University.
In his capacity as Minister for Church Life and Leadership, Black was active in several key aspects of the ministry. In addition to engaging in the work common to all OCLL staff such as ministerial authorization and search and call, he devoted special attention to ecclesiastical endorsement, ministerial formation, congregational life and the development of resources for the multiracial/multicultural church.
During his tenure as a local church pastor, Black also was active in Association and Conference life, serving on several committees and holding a number of elected offices. He served on the Ordination and Standing Committee and the Committee on Church in the Metropolitan Community of the New York Metropolitan Association. He was chairperson of the New York Conference Commission on Mission Priorities and he served as moderator of the Conference.
Ecumenical commitment, concern for equal justice, African-American empowerment, and community improvement have shaped Black's ministry in the church and in the communities in which he has lived. This has resulted in his work with organizations such as the Nassau Coalition for Safety and Justice, The Long Island Interracial Alliance for a Common Future, and the Amistad Cultural Center of Long Island, which he co-founded. While living in Ohio, he has been an active member of Caring Communities of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and Partnership 2000 of the Shaker Public schools.
Rev. Black is married to Patricia Williams-Black. They have one daughter, Makeda Black, who resides in Hyattsville, Maryland.
The Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess is Executive Minister of the United Church of Christ's Local Church Ministries and a member of the UCC's four-person Collegium of Officers.
Elected by General Synod to fill an unexpired two-year term in July 2011, Rev. Guess was subsequently elected to a four-year term in 2013. He is the first openly gay person to serve as a national officer of the church.
Local Church Ministries' purpose is to encourage and support congregations in the fulfillment of God's mission, especially through faith formation, worship and youth ministries; ministerial excellence, support and authorization; congregational assessment and advancement; church-wide analytics and research; church building financing and support for new and renewing congregations and their leaders.
Rev. Guess has worked for the UCC's national setting since 2000, first as Justice and Witness Ministries' communications minister and, later, as editor of United Church News and the UCC's news director. In 2007, he was named the UCC's communication director, where he helped steer the UCC's Stillspeaking Ministry; United Church News; video, web, and social media; print design and production; marketing and distribution; special events, including General Synod; and the denomination's historic advocacy work in media justice and reform. In 2010, Rev. Guess was asked to lead the creation of a new cross-ministry department called Publishing, Identity and Communication which has since fostered more cooperative and strategic work on behalf of the whole national setting.
Guess has written more than 500 articles on all aspects of the church, earning him more than 60 awards. His writing demonstrates his broad knowledge of the UCC and local-church life and his demonstrated capacity to think critically as well as creatively about the opportunities and challenges we face as a denomination.
Guess earned a B.A. degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky. He completed graduate studies in public administration and public policy at Murray State University, and earned his M.Div. degree in 1991 from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He received his D.Min. degree in preaching from UCC-related Chicago Theological Seminary in 2001.
Prior to coming to the UCC's national offices, Guess was a local church pastor for 12 years, including eight years as pastor of Zion UCC in Henderson, Ky., a congregation that grew from 12 elderly members to a vital, justice-focused congregation of more than 300 people. In 1992, he co-founded the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, now the state's most visible LGBT rights organization. Guess received the UCC's Just Peace Award at the 1997 General Synod, in recognition of his life-long commitment to justice advocacy. In 2014, he received the distinguished alumni award from Chicago Theological Seminary.
Rev. Guess is a trustee at UCC-related Andover Newton Theological School near Boston, chairs the UCC's Church Building & Loan Fund board of directors, and is an ex-officio member of the Cornerstone Fund board of directors. He is a member of numerous ecumenical organizations.
Guess and his spouse, Jim Therrien, are members of Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Cleveland.
The Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo is executive minister of the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries, responsible for the church's work on human rights and social, racial and economic justice. Jaramillo has been active in various UCC settings; as a member of the Commission for Racial Justice and the board of the Coordinating Center for Women; as a member and moderator of Ainsworth UCC in Portland, Ore.; as moderator, vice-moderator, treasurer and search committee chair in the Central Pacific Conference; as a member and committee chair of the Executive Council; and as assistant moderator of General Synod. In 2002, she was a UCC delegate to the World Council of Churches Assembly in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1998. She is a former president and vice-president of the Council for Hispanic Ministries and former co-convener of the Council of Racial and Ethnic Ministries.
Jaramillo has over 30 years of management experience working with state, county, and federally funded programs in Oregon, including Head Start, migrant services, child welfare, violence prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and adult community-based education. She received a B.S. in Business Administration from Portland (Ore.) State University and a Master of Divinity degree from UCC-related Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is the first Hispanic to serve as a member of the Collegium.
The Rev. James Moos is Executive Minister of the UCC's Wider Church Ministries and Co-executive of UCC/Disciples' Global Ministries.
Following his ordination in 1986, Moos was called to Adams County Parish, UCC, where he served until 1991. Moos then became senior pastor at Bismarck (N.D.) UCC, serving 15 years before accepting the call as executive minister of UCC Wider Church Ministries.
Moos' involvement at the Conference and national levels includes serving as chair of the Northern Plains Conference council (1990-1991), multiple periods of service with the Conference's Church and Ministry Committee and Mission and Outreach Committee; and on the Wider Church Ministries/Common Global Ministries Board of Directors (1999-2005).
A Global Ministries short-term volunteer to East Timor in 2002, Moos has served as president of the East Timor Education Foundation, a funding agency for Global Ministries, from 2004 to the present.
In 2005, Moos began a six-year stint on the UCC Executive Council, including two years as its chair.
Moos enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1976 and was on active duty until 1980. Five years later, he became a reserve chaplain for the Air Force and served for 18 years.
Growing up on a farm near Streeter, North Dakota, Moos went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree at Seattle Pacific University in 1983 before obtaining both his M.Div. (1986) and Ph.D. (1996) from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Moos is married to Sharon Moos, whose career is in the health-care administration field.
Jim has been deeply engaged with Global Ministries in support of its partnership with the Protestant Church in East Timor. He brings experience in administration and finance, a commitment to the prophetic witness of the United Church of Christ, a passion for connecting local churches to the global body of Christ, and an understanding of the collegial and ecumenical nature of serving as Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive of the UCC/Disciples' Global Ministries.
Past Officers
Presidents and General Minister and Presidents
Fred Hoskins & James E. Wagner – Co-Presidents (1957-1961)
Ben M. Herbster – President (1961-1969)
Robert V. Moss – President (1969-1976)
Joseph H. Evans – President (1976-1977)
Avery D. Post – President (1977-1989)
Paul H. Sherry – President (1989-1999)
John H. Thomas – General Minister and President (1999-2010)
Geoffrey A. Black – General Minister and President (2010-Present)
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Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Ms. Kimberly Whitney
Executive Associate to the Collegium
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2112
whitneyk@ucc.org
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.
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Home > About Us
Meet Our Officers
The Rev. Geoffrey A. Black was elected General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ in June 2009. Prior to that, he served as Conference Minister of the UCC's New York Conference for nine years beginning in 2000.
Geoffrey Black previously served as a Minister for Church Life and Leadership with the then-Office for Church Life and Leadership (currently Parish Life and Leadership), a national agency of the United Church of Christ housed at the UCC's national offices in Cleveland, Ohio.
Prior to joining the staff of OCLL in 1994, he served as Pastor of the Congregational UCC of South Hempstead (N.Y.). During his years in ministry, Black also has served as assistant chaplain at Brown University, associate minister at St. Albans Congregational UCC in Queens, Lecturer in the Field Education Department at Union Theological Seminary in New York City, and Protestant chaplain at Adelphi University.
In his capacity as Minister for Church Life and Leadership, Black was active in several key aspects of the ministry. In addition to engaging in the work common to all OCLL staff such as ministerial authorization and search and call, he devoted special attention to ecclesiastical endorsement, ministerial formation, congregational life and the development of resources for the multiracial/multicultural church.
During his tenure as a local church pastor, Black also was active in Association and Conference life, serving on several committees and holding a number of elected offices. He served on the Ordination and Standing Committee and the Committee on Church in the Metropolitan Community of the New York Metropolitan Association. He was chairperson of the New York Conference Commission on Mission Priorities and he served as moderator of the Conference.
Ecumenical commitment, concern for equal justice, African-American empowerment, and community improvement have shaped Black's ministry in the church and in the communities in which he has lived. This has resulted in his work with organizations such as the Nassau Coalition for Safety and Justice, The Long Island Interracial Alliance for a Common Future, and the Amistad Cultural Center of Long Island, which he co-founded. While living in Ohio, he has been an active member of Caring Communities of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and Partnership 2000 of the Shaker Public schools.
Rev. Black is married to Patricia Williams-Black. They have one daughter, Makeda Black, who resides in Hyattsville, Maryland.
The Rev. Dr. J. Bennett Guess is Executive Minister of the United Church of Christ's Local Church Ministries and a member of the UCC's four-person Collegium of Officers.
Elected by General Synod to fill an unexpired two-year term in July 2011, Rev. Guess was subsequently elected to a four-year term in 2013. He is the first openly gay person to serve as a national officer of the church.
Local Church Ministries' purpose is to encourage and support congregations in the fulfillment of God's mission, especially through faith formation, worship and youth ministries; ministerial excellence, support and authorization; congregational assessment and advancement; church-wide analytics and research; church building financing and support for new and renewing congregations and their leaders.
Rev. Guess has worked for the UCC's national setting since 2000, first as Justice and Witness Ministries' communications minister and, later, as editor of United Church News and the UCC's news director. In 2007, he was named the UCC's communication director, where he helped steer the UCC's Stillspeaking Ministry; United Church News; video, web, and social media; print design and production; marketing and distribution; special events, including General Synod; and the denomination's historic advocacy work in media justice and reform. In 2010, Rev. Guess was asked to lead the creation of a new cross-ministry department called Publishing, Identity and Communication which has since fostered more cooperative and strategic work on behalf of the whole national setting.
Guess has written more than 500 articles on all aspects of the church, earning him more than 60 awards. His writing demonstrates his broad knowledge of the UCC and local-church life and his demonstrated capacity to think critically as well as creatively about the opportunities and challenges we face as a denomination.
Guess earned a B.A. degree in journalism from the University of Kentucky. He completed graduate studies in public administration and public policy at Murray State University, and earned his M.Div. degree in 1991 from Vanderbilt University Divinity School. He received his D.Min. degree in preaching from UCC-related Chicago Theological Seminary in 2001.
Prior to coming to the UCC's national offices, Guess was a local church pastor for 12 years, including eight years as pastor of Zion UCC in Henderson, Ky., a congregation that grew from 12 elderly members to a vital, justice-focused congregation of more than 300 people. In 1992, he co-founded the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, now the state's most visible LGBT rights organization. Guess received the UCC's Just Peace Award at the 1997 General Synod, in recognition of his life-long commitment to justice advocacy. In 2014, he received the distinguished alumni award from Chicago Theological Seminary.
Rev. Guess is a trustee at UCC-related Andover Newton Theological School near Boston, chairs the UCC's Church Building & Loan Fund board of directors, and is an ex-officio member of the Cornerstone Fund board of directors. He is a member of numerous ecumenical organizations.
Guess and his spouse, Jim Therrien, are members of Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Cleveland.
The Rev. M. Linda Jaramillo is executive minister of the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries, responsible for the church's work on human rights and social, racial and economic justice. Jaramillo has been active in various UCC settings; as a member of the Commission for Racial Justice and the board of the Coordinating Center for Women; as a member and moderator of Ainsworth UCC in Portland, Ore.; as moderator, vice-moderator, treasurer and search committee chair in the Central Pacific Conference; as a member and committee chair of the Executive Council; and as assistant moderator of General Synod. In 2002, she was a UCC delegate to the World Council of Churches Assembly in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1998. She is a former president and vice-president of the Council for Hispanic Ministries and former co-convener of the Council of Racial and Ethnic Ministries.
Jaramillo has over 30 years of management experience working with state, county, and federally funded programs in Oregon, including Head Start, migrant services, child welfare, violence prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, and adult community-based education. She received a B.S. in Business Administration from Portland (Ore.) State University and a Master of Divinity degree from UCC-related Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is the first Hispanic to serve as a member of the Collegium.
The Rev. James Moos is Executive Minister of the UCC's Wider Church Ministries and Co-executive of UCC/Disciples' Global Ministries.
Following his ordination in 1986, Moos was called to Adams County Parish, UCC, where he served until 1991. Moos then became senior pastor at Bismarck (N.D.) UCC, serving 15 years before accepting the call as executive minister of UCC Wider Church Ministries.
Moos' involvement at the Conference and national levels includes serving as chair of the Northern Plains Conference council (1990-1991), multiple periods of service with the Conference's Church and Ministry Committee and Mission and Outreach Committee; and on the Wider Church Ministries/Common Global Ministries Board of Directors (1999-2005).
A Global Ministries short-term volunteer to East Timor in 2002, Moos has served as president of the East Timor Education Foundation, a funding agency for Global Ministries, from 2004 to the present.
In 2005, Moos began a six-year stint on the UCC Executive Council, including two years as its chair.
Moos enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1976 and was on active duty until 1980. Five years later, he became a reserve chaplain for the Air Force and served for 18 years.
Growing up on a farm near Streeter, North Dakota, Moos went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree at Seattle Pacific University in 1983 before obtaining both his M.Div. (1986) and Ph.D. (1996) from Princeton Theological Seminary.
Moos is married to Sharon Moos, whose career is in the health-care administration field.
Jim has been deeply engaged with Global Ministries in support of its partnership with the Protestant Church in East Timor. He brings experience in administration and finance, a commitment to the prophetic witness of the United Church of Christ, a passion for connecting local churches to the global body of Christ, and an understanding of the collegial and ecumenical nature of serving as Executive Minister of Wider Church Ministries and Co-Executive of the UCC/Disciples' Global Ministries.
Past Officers
Presidents and General Minister and Presidents
Fred Hoskins & James E. Wagner – Co-Presidents (1957-1961)
Ben M. Herbster – President (1961-1969)
Robert V. Moss – President (1969-1976)
Joseph H. Evans – President (1976-1977)
Avery D. Post – President (1977-1989)
Paul H. Sherry – President (1989-1999)
John H. Thomas – General Minister and President (1999-2010)
Geoffrey A. Black – General Minister and President (2010-Present)
SECTION MENU
About Us
Who We Are
What We Believe
God is still speaking,
Hear Our Stories
UCC Firsts
United Church of Christ Board
Officers of the Church
Ecumenical and Interfaith Partners
Annual Reports
Branding Guidelines
Constitution and Bylaws
General Synod Resolutions
History and Polity Resources
Vision Plan of the UCC
Contact Us
Conferences
Associations
National Staff Directory
Meet Our Officers
CONTACT INFO
Ms. Kimberly Whitney
Executive Associate to the Collegium
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
216-736-2112
whitneyk@ucc.org
God is Still Building
Home
Site Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYeP Signup
Donate
Press
ESPAÑOL
OPPORTUNITIES
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2014 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
.
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