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Weekly Seeds
Weekly Seeds is a weekly email summary of our popular resource for lectionary-based Bible study. It includes next Sunday's Bible reading, a brief meditation, and reflections from ancient or contemporary sources. Each email links to the full version, which you'll also find linked further down this page. Click the "Signup" button below to subscribe when the form is complete.
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In the Boat Together
June 21, 2015
Is God rocking the boat?
Flourishing
June 14, 2015
Hope in unexpected places
God's Will
June 07, 2015
Challenging long-held beliefs, chaos in the house
Mysterious Encounter
May 31, 2015
Bringing our questions to Jesus
Spirit for All
May 24, 2015
Breathing in and breathing out
Guided in Prayer
May 17, 2015
Grief, God, prayer and hope
Friends Together
May 10, 2015
What would it look like if we were truly Christian?
Abiding in Love
May 03, 2015
Reassurance and challenge for the followers of Jesus
Enfolded by Love
April 26, 2015
Knowing the shepherd's voice, feeling the shepherd's love
Christ Among Us
April 19, 2015
Experiencing the risen Jesus here in our midst
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Feed Your Spirit
Weekly Seeds
Contact Info
Kathryn Matthews Huey
Dean of the Amistad Chapel
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3855
hueyk@ucc.org
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Home / Feed Your Spirit
Weekly Seeds
Weekly Seeds is a weekly email summary of our popular resource for lectionary-based Bible study. It includes next Sunday's Bible reading, a brief meditation, and reflections from ancient or contemporary sources. Each email links to the full version, which you'll also find linked further down this page. Click the "Signup" button below to subscribe when the form is complete.
First Name
Last Name
Mobile phone
Send me email updates
Send me text message updates
Choose one
Weekly Seeds
Don't publish this on the website
In the Boat Together
June 21, 2015
Is God rocking the boat?
Flourishing
June 14, 2015
Hope in unexpected places
God's Will
June 07, 2015
Challenging long-held beliefs, chaos in the house
Mysterious Encounter
May 31, 2015
Bringing our questions to Jesus
Spirit for All
May 24, 2015
Breathing in and breathing out
Guided in Prayer
May 17, 2015
Grief, God, prayer and hope
Friends Together
May 10, 2015
What would it look like if we were truly Christian?
Abiding in Love
May 03, 2015
Reassurance and challenge for the followers of Jesus
Enfolded by Love
April 26, 2015
Knowing the shepherd's voice, feeling the shepherd's love
Christ Among Us
April 19, 2015
Experiencing the risen Jesus here in our midst
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
«
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
…
27
28
»
Section Menu
Feed Your Spirit
Weekly Seeds
Contact Info
Kathryn Matthews Huey
Dean of the Amistad Chapel
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3855
hueyk@ucc.org
Build your legacy
Home
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About Us
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Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
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http://www.ucc.org/weekly_seeds
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Sermon Seeds
May 24, 2015
May 31, 2015
June 7, 2015
June 14, 2015
June 21, 2015
Welcome to SAMUEL/SERMON SEEDS
"Speak, for your servant is listening...." (1 Samuel 3:10)
New from The Pilgrim Press – order here
SAMUEL is a sermon preparation resource designed for use with the Revised Common Lectionary. Each week, you’ll find that Sunday’s Lectionary texts and "Sermon Seeds," a reflection on the focus text from the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Each week, Sermon Seeds are also adapted as “Weekly Seeds” on ucc.org for Bible study in the local church and for personal devotion and study. Along with the text and reflection, you’ll find a prayer, additional thoughts for reflection, and focus questions for discussion.
The United Church of Christ participates in the Consultation on Common Texts, which has designed the Revised Common Lectionary. For more information on the Lectionary, go to commontexts.org.
Would you like to discuss the sermon you're preparing for this Sunday? You're invited to join us on Facebook at Sermon Seeds (United Church of Christ).
For Lectionary-based worship resources for each Sunday from the United Church of Christ, go to Worship Ways.
SAMUEL is produced by Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ.
Resources used in Sermon Seeds.
The Revised Common Lectionary is © Consultation on Common Texts.
Texts are from the New Revised Standard Version of Holy Scripture, © 1989 by The Division of Christian Education, National Council of Churches.
The psalm antiphon is from The New Century Hymnal, © 1995, The Pilgrim Press. Used with permission.
Music for the psalm and antiphon are available in The New Century Hymnal, plus a complete index of hymns appropriate for each Sunday's lectionary readings. To purchase the Hymnal, call 1-800-325-7061 or simply click here.
Enter the Bible a New Web based Bible study from Luther Seminary.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Sermon Seeds
Weekly Seeds
Worship Ways
Contact Info
Kathryn Matthews Huey
Dean of the Amistad Chapel
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3855
hueyk@ucc.org
God is Still Building
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Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
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Sermon Seeds
May 24, 2015
May 31, 2015
June 7, 2015
June 14, 2015
June 21, 2015
Welcome to SAMUEL/SERMON SEEDS
"Speak, for your servant is listening...." (1 Samuel 3:10)
New from The Pilgrim Press – order here
SAMUEL is a sermon preparation resource designed for use with the Revised Common Lectionary. Each week, you’ll find that Sunday’s Lectionary texts and "Sermon Seeds," a reflection on the focus text from the Seasons of the Spirit curriculum. Each week, Sermon Seeds are also adapted as “Weekly Seeds” on ucc.org for Bible study in the local church and for personal devotion and study. Along with the text and reflection, you’ll find a prayer, additional thoughts for reflection, and focus questions for discussion.
The United Church of Christ participates in the Consultation on Common Texts, which has designed the Revised Common Lectionary. For more information on the Lectionary, go to commontexts.org.
Would you like to discuss the sermon you're preparing for this Sunday? You're invited to join us on Facebook at Sermon Seeds (United Church of Christ).
For Lectionary-based worship resources for each Sunday from the United Church of Christ, go to Worship Ways.
SAMUEL is produced by Local Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ.
Resources used in Sermon Seeds.
The Revised Common Lectionary is © Consultation on Common Texts.
Texts are from the New Revised Standard Version of Holy Scripture, © 1989 by The Division of Christian Education, National Council of Churches.
The psalm antiphon is from The New Century Hymnal, © 1995, The Pilgrim Press. Used with permission.
Music for the psalm and antiphon are available in The New Century Hymnal, plus a complete index of hymns appropriate for each Sunday's lectionary readings. To purchase the Hymnal, call 1-800-325-7061 or simply click here.
Enter the Bible a New Web based Bible study from Luther Seminary.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Sermon Seeds
Weekly Seeds
Worship Ways
Contact Info
Kathryn Matthews Huey
Dean of the Amistad Chapel
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3855
hueyk@ucc.org
God is Still Building
Home
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About Us
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Donate
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Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
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About Baptism
Baptism: A Practice of Faith in the United Church of Christ
"Baptism" is one of 11 introductory brochures from "Practices of Faith in United Church of Christ" published by Local Church Ministries. Other brochures in the series cover Holy Communion, confirmation, gifts of ministry, healing and reconciliation, marriage, mission, prayer, scripture, stewardship, and working for justice. To order the complete set for your congregation, ask for EP128 from United Church of Christ Resources at 800-537-3394.
Foundation
"In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognises two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion."
—From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...."
—Acts 2:38
"For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ Jesus have clothed yourself with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."
—Galatians 3:26-28
What does Baptism signify?
The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God's people always.
How does Baptism take place?
Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God's gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift.
Why is water used?
Water is an essential element of baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in the Bible—the water of creation, the great flood, the liberation of Israel through the sea, the water of Mary's womb, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, the woman at the well, and Jesus' washing of the feet of the disciples. That is why water is visibly present in the service. In the United Church of Christ, the mode of baptism is a matter of choice. Some traditions use sprinkling, some pouring, and some immersion.
Who is baptized in the UCC?
Infants, children, youth and adults. For infants and children, as well as for youth and adults who have never been baptized before, baptism marks their acceptance into the care of Christ's church, the sign and seal of God's grace and forgiveness, and the beginning of their Christian faith and life.
Is Re-baptism necessary?
The United Church of Christ recognizes the validity of all baptisms, therefore there is no need for re-baptism. If there is a question about whether baptism has taken place, a conditional phrase may be added as a person is baptized, such as "if you are not already baptized." It is a well-accepted practice, however, for people to renew their baptismal vows in a service of baptismal renewal, such as the Order for Renewal of Baptism in the UCC Book of Worship.
Is there a special time for Baptism?
Baptism is a personal celebration in the lives of the individual candidates and their families. It is also a celebration within the local church family and a recognition of its commitment. For this reason, baptism is celebrated in the presence of the community gathered for worship. If circumstances require baptism to take place outside of corporate worship, members of the local church, if possible, may participate in the ceremony with the pastor. In urgent circumstances, such as imminent death, any Christian may perform the baptism.
When should a person be baptized?
Baptism may take place at any worship service where the community is gathered. In the early Christian church, the season of Lent was used as the final period for the preparation of candidates. In the scriptures that are read during the seasons from Advent up to Easter, there are many texts that teach the faith and point toward baptism. In the early church, the candidates were baptized together at the Vigil of Easter (the pre-dawn Easter service). Some local churches still perform baptisms at this service, or on Pentecost Sunday, and also baptize throughout the year.
Are sponsors present?
Parents, in consultation with the pastor, may choose sponsors or Godparents for infants and young children who are to be baptized. Other candidates for baptism may also be given this opportunity to have sponsors. At the time of the baptismal service, the sponsors, who accompany the candidates and present them for baptism, may make promises identical to the promises of the parents concerning their role.
What words are used?
The Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ provides an Order for Baptism and orders for Affirmation of Baptism. The recognition of our baptism by the ecumenical church is important to us, and the Book of Worship encourages the use of language recognized in most Christian churches: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Feminine images for God may surround these words to enrich understandings and offer balance.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Weekly Seeds
Sermon Seeds
About Baptism
About Communion
Book of Worship
Inclusive Language
Worship Ways
Worship Bibliography
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
God is Still Building
Home
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Privacy Policy
About Us
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http://www.ucc.org/worship_baptism
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Home / Worship Resources
About Baptism
Baptism: A Practice of Faith in the United Church of Christ
"Baptism" is one of 11 introductory brochures from "Practices of Faith in United Church of Christ" published by Local Church Ministries. Other brochures in the series cover Holy Communion, confirmation, gifts of ministry, healing and reconciliation, marriage, mission, prayer, scripture, stewardship, and working for justice. To order the complete set for your congregation, ask for EP128 from United Church of Christ Resources at 800-537-3394.
Foundation
"In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognises two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion."
—From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ...."
—Acts 2:38
"For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ Jesus have clothed yourself with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."
—Galatians 3:26-28
What does Baptism signify?
The sacrament of baptism is an outward and visible sign of the grace of God. Through baptism a person is joined with the universal church, the body of Christ. In baptism, God works in us the power of forgiveness, the renewal of the spirit, and the knowledge of the call to be God's people always.
How does Baptism take place?
Baptism with water and the Holy Spirit is the sign and seal of our common discipleship. Since baptism is God's gift, the Holy Spirit is called to be upon the water and those being baptized. The act of baptism also marks the beginning of new life of discipleship with Christ, the human response to that gift.
Why is water used?
Water is an essential element of baptism. Water is a prominent symbol of cleansing and life in the Bible—the water of creation, the great flood, the liberation of Israel through the sea, the water of Mary's womb, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River, the woman at the well, and Jesus' washing of the feet of the disciples. That is why water is visibly present in the service. In the United Church of Christ, the mode of baptism is a matter of choice. Some traditions use sprinkling, some pouring, and some immersion.
Who is baptized in the UCC?
Infants, children, youth and adults. For infants and children, as well as for youth and adults who have never been baptized before, baptism marks their acceptance into the care of Christ's church, the sign and seal of God's grace and forgiveness, and the beginning of their Christian faith and life.
Is Re-baptism necessary?
The United Church of Christ recognizes the validity of all baptisms, therefore there is no need for re-baptism. If there is a question about whether baptism has taken place, a conditional phrase may be added as a person is baptized, such as "if you are not already baptized." It is a well-accepted practice, however, for people to renew their baptismal vows in a service of baptismal renewal, such as the Order for Renewal of Baptism in the UCC Book of Worship.
Is there a special time for Baptism?
Baptism is a personal celebration in the lives of the individual candidates and their families. It is also a celebration within the local church family and a recognition of its commitment. For this reason, baptism is celebrated in the presence of the community gathered for worship. If circumstances require baptism to take place outside of corporate worship, members of the local church, if possible, may participate in the ceremony with the pastor. In urgent circumstances, such as imminent death, any Christian may perform the baptism.
When should a person be baptized?
Baptism may take place at any worship service where the community is gathered. In the early Christian church, the season of Lent was used as the final period for the preparation of candidates. In the scriptures that are read during the seasons from Advent up to Easter, there are many texts that teach the faith and point toward baptism. In the early church, the candidates were baptized together at the Vigil of Easter (the pre-dawn Easter service). Some local churches still perform baptisms at this service, or on Pentecost Sunday, and also baptize throughout the year.
Are sponsors present?
Parents, in consultation with the pastor, may choose sponsors or Godparents for infants and young children who are to be baptized. Other candidates for baptism may also be given this opportunity to have sponsors. At the time of the baptismal service, the sponsors, who accompany the candidates and present them for baptism, may make promises identical to the promises of the parents concerning their role.
What words are used?
The Book of Worship of the United Church of Christ provides an Order for Baptism and orders for Affirmation of Baptism. The recognition of our baptism by the ecumenical church is important to us, and the Book of Worship encourages the use of language recognized in most Christian churches: "I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Feminine images for God may surround these words to enrich understandings and offer balance.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Weekly Seeds
Sermon Seeds
About Baptism
About Communion
Book of Worship
Inclusive Language
Worship Ways
Worship Bibliography
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
God is Still Building
Home
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Privacy Policy
About Us
KYEP Signup
Donate
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Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
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About Communion
Holy Communion: A Practice of Faith in the United Church of Christ
"Communion" is one of 11 introductory brochures from "Practices of Faith in United Church of Christ" published by Local Church Ministries. Other brochures in the series cover Holy Communion, confirmation, gifts of ministry, healing and reconciliation, marriage, mission, prayer, scripture, stewardship, and working for justice. To order the complete set for your congregation, ask for EP128 from United Church of Christ Resources at 800-537-3394.
Foundation
"In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion."
- From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ
"The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
"When Jesus was at table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him."
- Luke 24;30-31
"Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face; here would I touch and handle things unseen. Here grasp with firmer hand the eternal grace, and all my weariness upon you lean."
- Horatius Bonar, 1855, alt., The New Century Hymnal
What is a Sacrament in the United Church of Christ?
Sacraments are ritual actions in worship which, according to Scripture, were instituted by Jesus. In the sacraments of baptism and communion we ask the Holy Spirit to use water, bread, and wine to make visible the grace, forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ.
The origin of Communion
The communion meal recalls the table fellowship Jesus shared with his disciples, and in particular the Last Supper on the night before his death as well as his appearances to the disciples during meals following his resurrection. Throughout its history these Biblical events have been central to the Church's worship life.
The meaning of Communion
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, meaning "thanksgiving," Christians hear, taste, touch and receive the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way. Communion is:
a joyous act of thanksgiving for all God has done, is doing, and will do for the redeeming of creation;
a sacred memorial of the crucified and risen Christ, a living and effective sign of Christ's sacrifice in which Christ is truly and rightly present to those who eat and drink;
an earnest prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit to unite those who partake with the Risen Christ and with each other, and to restore creation, making all things new;
an intimate experience of fellowship in which the whole church in every time and place is present and divisions are overcome;
a hopeful sign of the promised Realm of God marked by justice, love and peace.
The United Church of Christ Book of Worship reminds us that "the invitation and the call [to the supper] celebrate not only the memory of a meal that is past, but an actual meal with the risen Christ that is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet at which Christ wi11 preside at the end of history."
What elements are used? What do they mean?
The broken bread and poured wine represent—present anew—the crucified and risen Christ. The wheat gathered to bake one loaf and the grapes pressed to make one cup remind participants that they are one body in Christ, while the breaking and pouring announce the costliness of Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. Some churches provide non-alcoholic and gluten-free elements. As we grow increasingly aware of the rich cultural diversity of the church, the use of elements other than bread and wine is becoming an issue for global ecumenical reflection.
What words are used?
The Book of Worship and The New Century Hymnal contain several liturgies for the celebration of Holy Communion. In addition, many liturgies from ecumenical and global sources are frequently used. At the heart of the service are Jesus' words about the bread and the cup from the Biblical account of the Last Supper.
How is Communion served?
A variety of practices are found in the United Church of Christ, including the sharing of a common loaf or the use of individual wafers or cubes of bread and the sharing of a common cup or of individual cups either at the Table or in the pews. Intinction (dipping the bread in the wine) is also an acceptable practice. Care should be taken to ensure that the full meaning of the sacrament is communicated by the way the elements are used and served. The pastor presides at the Table, normally assisted by elders or deacons.
Who may receive Communion?
In most United Church of Christ local churches, the Communion Table is "open to all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of God's people." (Book of Worship). Some visitors from churches which believe communion should only be celebrated among Christians who are in full doctrinal agreement might not choose to participate. Their decision should be respected.
What about children?
In many Christian churches baptized children and even infants are able to receive communion. Practice in the United Church of Christ varies, but increasingly children are welcomed to the Table at their parents' discretion following a period of instruction about the sacrament's meaning.
How often is Communion served?
In the early church Communion was served weekly, a practice continued and encouraged by the Protestant Reformers. Gradually the frequency of communion decreased in many Protestant churches. This trend is now being reversed. While no one pattern prevails in the United Church of Christ, many congregations are moving toward monthly or weekly communion.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Weekly Seeds
Sermon Seeds
About Baptism
About Communion
Book of Worship
Inclusive Language
Worship Ways
Worship Bibliography
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
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Home / Worship Resources
About Communion
Holy Communion: A Practice of Faith in the United Church of Christ
"Communion" is one of 11 introductory brochures from "Practices of Faith in United Church of Christ" published by Local Church Ministries. Other brochures in the series cover Holy Communion, confirmation, gifts of ministry, healing and reconciliation, marriage, mission, prayer, scripture, stewardship, and working for justice. To order the complete set for your congregation, ask for EP128 from United Church of Christ Resources at 800-537-3394.
Foundation
"In accordance with the teaching of our Lord and the practice prevailing among evangelical Christians, the United Church of Christ recognizes two sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper or Holy Communion."
- From the Preamble to the Constitution of the United Church of Christ
"The Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body that is for you Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
"When Jesus was at table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him."
- Luke 24;30-31
"Here, O my Lord, I see you face to face; here would I touch and handle things unseen. Here grasp with firmer hand the eternal grace, and all my weariness upon you lean."
- Horatius Bonar, 1855, alt., The New Century Hymnal
What is a Sacrament in the United Church of Christ?
Sacraments are ritual actions in worship which, according to Scripture, were instituted by Jesus. In the sacraments of baptism and communion we ask the Holy Spirit to use water, bread, and wine to make visible the grace, forgiveness, and presence of God in Christ.
The origin of Communion
The communion meal recalls the table fellowship Jesus shared with his disciples, and in particular the Last Supper on the night before his death as well as his appearances to the disciples during meals following his resurrection. Throughout its history these Biblical events have been central to the Church's worship life.
The meaning of Communion
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord's Supper or Eucharist, meaning "thanksgiving," Christians hear, taste, touch and receive the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way. Communion is:
a joyous act of thanksgiving for all God has done, is doing, and will do for the redeeming of creation;
a sacred memorial of the crucified and risen Christ, a living and effective sign of Christ's sacrifice in which Christ is truly and rightly present to those who eat and drink;
an earnest prayer for the presence of the Holy Spirit to unite those who partake with the Risen Christ and with each other, and to restore creation, making all things new;
an intimate experience of fellowship in which the whole church in every time and place is present and divisions are overcome;
a hopeful sign of the promised Realm of God marked by justice, love and peace.
The United Church of Christ Book of Worship reminds us that "the invitation and the call [to the supper] celebrate not only the memory of a meal that is past, but an actual meal with the risen Christ that is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet at which Christ wi11 preside at the end of history."
What elements are used? What do they mean?
The broken bread and poured wine represent—present anew—the crucified and risen Christ. The wheat gathered to bake one loaf and the grapes pressed to make one cup remind participants that they are one body in Christ, while the breaking and pouring announce the costliness of Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin. Some churches provide non-alcoholic and gluten-free elements. As we grow increasingly aware of the rich cultural diversity of the church, the use of elements other than bread and wine is becoming an issue for global ecumenical reflection.
What words are used?
The Book of Worship and The New Century Hymnal contain several liturgies for the celebration of Holy Communion. In addition, many liturgies from ecumenical and global sources are frequently used. At the heart of the service are Jesus' words about the bread and the cup from the Biblical account of the Last Supper.
How is Communion served?
A variety of practices are found in the United Church of Christ, including the sharing of a common loaf or the use of individual wafers or cubes of bread and the sharing of a common cup or of individual cups either at the Table or in the pews. Intinction (dipping the bread in the wine) is also an acceptable practice. Care should be taken to ensure that the full meaning of the sacrament is communicated by the way the elements are used and served. The pastor presides at the Table, normally assisted by elders or deacons.
Who may receive Communion?
In most United Church of Christ local churches, the Communion Table is "open to all Christians who wish to know the presence of Christ and to share in the community of God's people." (Book of Worship). Some visitors from churches which believe communion should only be celebrated among Christians who are in full doctrinal agreement might not choose to participate. Their decision should be respected.
What about children?
In many Christian churches baptized children and even infants are able to receive communion. Practice in the United Church of Christ varies, but increasingly children are welcomed to the Table at their parents' discretion following a period of instruction about the sacrament's meaning.
How often is Communion served?
In the early church Communion was served weekly, a practice continued and encouraged by the Protestant Reformers. Gradually the frequency of communion decreased in many Protestant churches. This trend is now being reversed. While no one pattern prevails in the United Church of Christ, many congregations are moving toward monthly or weekly communion.
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Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
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Book of Worship on CD
The United Church of Christ Book of Worship isavailable on CD. The CD contains two different types of files, PDF (Portable Document File) and RTF (Rich Text File).
Two other sets of services have been added to this collection.
One set includes Inclusive Marriage Ceremonies. These have been adapted from existing services in the Book of Worship, and provide language which may be used for any marriage, regardless of gender.
The second set consists of fourteen Spanish Liturgies that have been published in the Himnario Unido, the United Church of Christ official Spanish Hymnal. The UCC Book of Worship has three editions; loose-leaf, personal, and CD. Order at 1-800-537-3394.
Liturgies from the Book of Worship and The New Century Hymnal
Now online: two brochures from our series of "Practices of Faith" brochures introducing members of your church to the spiritual and liturgical practices of the United Church of Christ.
Link Baptism
Link Communion
The Book of Worship is an excellent resource for all who plan and lead worship in the local church. While published by the United Church of Christ, most of the liturgies would well serve any Christian denomination.
Book of Worship attempts to express the diversity of the UCC while at the same time lifting up the common liturgical threads which flow through the church, weaving past, present and future into a creative tapestry of words, music, and movement.
Liturgies include services of: Word and Sacrament, Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism, a Church's Life, Marriage, Memorial and Thanksgiving, and Recognition and Authorization of Ministries.
Read the introduction to Book of Worship online as well as a proposed "Order for Marriage – An Inclusive Version" not currently included in Book of Worship. Also available online is the introduction to The New Century Hymnal, an inclusive hymnal published by the UCC in 1995. The NCH contains over 600 hymns, a Psalter, and other musical settings for worship, as well as liturgical resources. You will also find a sample of a reconcilation service here.
To order your copy of Book of Worship or The New Century Hymnal, call United Church Resources at 1-800-537-3394.
We invite you to explore our many other online resources. Worship Ways offers a wide array of liturgies and worship aids centered on the church year. It is published three times per year by the Worship and Education Team of Local Church Ministries. Archived issues are available here. SAMUEL is our online lectionary resource offering thoughtful reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings for the church year.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Book of Worship
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
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Home / Worship Resources
Book of Worship
Book of Worship on CD
The United Church of Christ Book of Worship isavailable on CD. The CD contains two different types of files, PDF (Portable Document File) and RTF (Rich Text File).
Two other sets of services have been added to this collection.
One set includes Inclusive Marriage Ceremonies. These have been adapted from existing services in the Book of Worship, and provide language which may be used for any marriage, regardless of gender.
The second set consists of fourteen Spanish Liturgies that have been published in the Himnario Unido, the United Church of Christ official Spanish Hymnal. The UCC Book of Worship has three editions; loose-leaf, personal, and CD. Order at 1-800-537-3394.
Liturgies from the Book of Worship and The New Century Hymnal
Now online: two brochures from our series of "Practices of Faith" brochures introducing members of your church to the spiritual and liturgical practices of the United Church of Christ.
Link Baptism
Link Communion
The Book of Worship is an excellent resource for all who plan and lead worship in the local church. While published by the United Church of Christ, most of the liturgies would well serve any Christian denomination.
Book of Worship attempts to express the diversity of the UCC while at the same time lifting up the common liturgical threads which flow through the church, weaving past, present and future into a creative tapestry of words, music, and movement.
Liturgies include services of: Word and Sacrament, Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism, a Church's Life, Marriage, Memorial and Thanksgiving, and Recognition and Authorization of Ministries.
Read the introduction to Book of Worship online as well as a proposed "Order for Marriage – An Inclusive Version" not currently included in Book of Worship. Also available online is the introduction to The New Century Hymnal, an inclusive hymnal published by the UCC in 1995. The NCH contains over 600 hymns, a Psalter, and other musical settings for worship, as well as liturgical resources. You will also find a sample of a reconcilation service here.
To order your copy of Book of Worship or The New Century Hymnal, call United Church Resources at 1-800-537-3394.
We invite you to explore our many other online resources. Worship Ways offers a wide array of liturgies and worship aids centered on the church year. It is published three times per year by the Worship and Education Team of Local Church Ministries. Archived issues are available here. SAMUEL is our online lectionary resource offering thoughtful reflections on the Revised Common Lectionary readings for the church year.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Book of Worship
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
God is Still Building
Home
Site-Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYEP Signup
Donate
Press
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Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
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Season After Pentecost—Year B
Pentecost 14—August 30
Pentecost 13—August 23
Pentecost 12—August 16
Pentecost 11—August 9
Pentecost 10—August 2
Pentecost 9—July 26
Pentecost 8—July 19
Pentecost 7—July 12
Pentecost 6—July 5
Pentecost 5—June 28
Pentecost 4—June 21
Pentecost 3—June 14
Pentecost 2—June 7
Trinity Sunday—May 31
Pentecost Sunday—May 24
Easter Season—Year B
Easter 7—May 17
Radical Mother's Day Litany
Easter 6—May 10
Easter 5—May 3
Easter 4—PAAM Sunday—April 26
Easter 3—April 19
Easter 2—April 12
Easter Day—April 5
Easter Vigil—April 4
Good Friday—April 3
Lenten Season—Year B
Eco-Friendly Palms
March 29—Palm-Passion Sunday [rtf]
March 22—Lent 5 [rtf]
March 8—Lent 3 [rtf]
March 15—Lent 4 [rtf]
Women's Week Service — March 1 [rtf]
March 1—Lent 2 [rtf]
Children’s sermon for Lent 1 [rtf]
February 22—Lent 1 [rtf]
February 18—Ash Wednesday [rtf]
Epiphany Season, Year B
Transfiguration—February 15 [rtf]
Epiphany 5—February 8 [rtf]
Epiphany 4—February 1 [rtf]
Epiphany 3—January 25 [rtf]
Martin Luther King weekend service [rtf]
Epiphany 2—January 18 [rtf]
Baptism of Christ—Epiphany 1—January 11 [rtf]
Festival of Epiphany—January 6 [rtf]
Christmas Season, Year B
Christmas 2—January 4 [rtf]
New Year’s Service [rtf]
Christmas 1—December 28—to be posted [rtf]
Christmas Fund Christmas Service [rtf]
Christmas Service for Eve or Day [rtf]
Advent Season, Year B
An Advent Devotional
Christmas Funds Advent 4 service [rtf]
Christmas Funds Advent 3 service [rtf]
Christmas Funds Advent 2 service [rtf]
Christmas Funds Advent 1 Service [rtf]
Drawing Nearer lead sheet [rtf]
Advent 4—December 21 [rtf]
Advent 3—December 14 [rtf]
Advent 2—December 7 [rtf]
Advent 1—November 30 [rtf]
Advent Communion Service [rtf]
Seed Thoughts—Advent 2014 [rtf]
Season After Pentecost, Year A
Thanksgiving Day—November 27 [rtf]
Reign of Christ—November 23 [rtf]
Pentecost 23—November 16 [rtf]
Pentecost 22—November 9 [rtf]
All Saints Day—November 1 [rtf]
Pentecost 20—October 26 [rtf]
October 19—Children’s Sabbath Resources [web page]
October 19—Laity Sunday prayer [rtf]
Pentecost 19—October 19 [rtf]
October 12—Hands Up Sabbath for Ferguson [pdf]
October 12—Disabilities Ministry Prayer [rtf]
Pentecost 18—October 12 [rtf]
World Communion—Pentecost 17—October 5 [rtf]
Pentecost 16—September 28 [rtf]
Pentecost 15—September 21 [rtf]
Pentecost 14—September 14 [rtf]
This New Day, Song for Literacy Sunday [pdf]
Christian Education/Literacy Sunday—Sept 7 [rtf]
Pentecost 13—September 7 [rtf]
Pentecost 12—August 31 [rtf]
Pentecost 11—August 24 [rtf]
Pentecost 10—August 17 [rtf]
Pentecost 9—August 10 [rtf]
Pentecost 8—August 3 [rtf]
Pentecost 7—July 27 [rtf]
Pentecost 6—July 20 [rtf]
Pentecost 5—July 13 [rtf]
Pentecost 4—July 6 [rtf]
Pentecost 3—June 29 [rtf]
Pentecost 2—June 22 [rtf]
Trinity Sunday—June 15 [rtf]
Season of Easter, Year A
Pentecost [rtf]
Easter 7 [rtf]
Easter 6 [rtf]
Easter 5 [rtf]
Prayer for Nigerian Girls [doc]
Easter 4 [rtf]
Easter 3 [rtf]
Easter 2 [rtf]
Easter Day [rtf]
Season of Lent, Year A
Good Friday [rtf]
Maundy Thursday [rtf]
Palm/Passion Sunday [rtf]
Lent 5 [rtf]
Lent 4 [rtf]
Lent 3 [rtf]
Lent 2 [rtf]
Lent 1 [rtf]
Ash Wednesday [rtf]
Season of Epiphany, Year A
March 2-8 Women's Week
Transfiguration—March 2 [rtf]
Epiphany 7—February 23 [rtf]
Science and Tech Sunday [rtf]
Epiphany 6—February 16 [rtf]
Epiphany 5—February 9 [rtf]
Epiphany 4—February 2 [rtf]
Epiphany 3—January 26 [rtf]
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Liturgy [rtf]
Epiphany 2—January 19 [rtf]
Baptism of Christ—January 12 [rtf]
Festival of Epiphany—January 6 [rtf]
Season of Christmas, Year A
Christmas 2—January 5 [rtf]
Liturgy for the New Year [rtf]
Christmas 1—Dec 29 [rtf]
Light of the World - Christmas Day [rtf]
A Church House Christmas [rtf]
Christmas Collects and Benediction [rtf]
Season of Advent, Year A
Advent Journey Home with Candlelighting and Film [rtf]
Christmas Fund Flyer [pdf]
Advent Candle Lighting and Offering Calls from Christmas Fund [rtf]
Winter Solstice Liturgy [rtf]
Advent 4—December 22 [rtf]
Advent 3—December 15 [rtf]
Advent 2—December 8 [rtf]
Advent 1—December 1 [rtf]
Season After Pentecost, year C
Thanksgiving Day—Year C [rtf]
November 24—Reign of Christ [rtf]
November 17—Pentecost 26 [rtf]
November 10—Pentecost 25 [rtf]
November 3—Pentecost 24 [rtf]
November 1—All Saints--Year C [rtf]
October 27—Pentecost 23 [rtf]
October 20—Pentecost 22 [rtf]
October 13—Pentecost 21 [rtf]
October 6—Pentecost 20 [rtf]
September 29—Pentecost 19 [rtf]
September 22 - Pentecost 18 [rtf]
September 15 - Pentecost 17 [rtf]
September 8 - Pentecost 16 [rtf]
September 1 - Pentecost 15 [rtf]
August 25 - Pentecost 14 [rtf]
August 18 - Pentecost 13 [rtf]
August 11 - Pentecost 12 [rtf]
August 4 - Pentecost 11 [rtf]
July 28 - Pentecost 10 [rtf]
July 21 - Pentecost 9 [rtf]
July 14 - Pentecost 8 [rtf]
July 7 - Pentecost 7 [rtf]
June 30 - Pentecost 6 [rtf]
June 23 - Pentecost 5 [rtf]
June 16 - Pentecost 4 [rtf]
June 9 - Pentecost 3 [rtf]
May 26 - Trinity Sunday [rtf]
Easter and Mission 4/1 Earth
Calls to Worship [rtf]
Calls to Worship [pdf]
Prayer for Creation in Drought [rtf]
Prayer for Creation in Drought [pdf]
Prayer of Thanks: 4 Elements [rtf]
Prayer of Thanks: 4 Elements [pdf]
Passing the Peace Rituals [rtf]
Passing the Peace Rituals [pdf]
How the Earth Praises—Offering [rtf]
How the Earth Praises—Offering [pdf]
Resurrection Built In—Confession [rtf]
Resurrection Built In—Confession [pdf]
The Bounty of a Gracious Spirit—Pastoral Prayer [rtf]
The Bounty of a Gracious Spirit—Pastoral Prayer [pdf]
Companions on the Planet—Arbor Day Prayer [rtf]
Companions on the Planet—Arbor Day Prayer [pdf]
Rejoice O Earth—Traditional Easter Proclamation [rtf]
Rejoice O Earth—Traditional Easter Proclamation [pdf]
Hoping and Dreaming with Creation—Pentecost [rtf]
Hoping and Dreaming with Creation—Pentecost [pdf]
One in Love and Mission - Easter 7 [rtf]
One in Love and Mission - Easter 7 [pdf]
Rural Life Sunday—Easter 6 [rtf]
Rural Life Sunday—Easter 6 [pdf]
Ground Us and Grow Us in Love—Easter 5 [rtf]
Ground Us and Grow Us in Love—Easter 5 [pdf]
Prayer for Boston [rtf]
Prayer for Boston [pdf]
Shepherd Us in Courage—Easter 4 [rtf]
Shepherd Us in Courage—Easter 4 [pdf]
Feed My Sheep—Easter 3 [rtf]
Feed My Sheep—Easter 3 [pdf]
The Loving Hands of God—Easter 2 [rtf]
The Loving Hands of God—Easter 2 [pdf]
Resurrection of All Creation—Easter Day [rtf]
Resurrection of All Creation—Easter Day [pdf]
Lent
Good Friday, March 29
Maundy Thursday, March 28
Palm/Passion Sunday, March 24 | Eco-Palms
Lent 5, March 17
Lent 4, March 10
Lent 3, March 3
Lent 2, February 24
Lent 1, February 17
Ash Wednesday, February 13
Christmas Season Year C
Service Prayers for the Festival of Transfiguration - February 10
Midwife to Prophets - Women’s Week - February 3
Service Prayers for the Third Sunday after Epiphany - January 27
Martin Luther King, Jr., Weekend - January 20
Service Prayers for First Sunday after Epiphany - January 13
Service Prayers for the Festival of Epiphany - January 6
Liturgy for the New Year
Christmas Youth Meditation
Christmas 1 - December 30
Christmas Day Service
City Lights: A Service for Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve - December 24
Advent, Year C
The Universe is Bending
Sing Out, My Soul! - December 23, 2012
Rejoice! - December 16, 2012
Hear Wisdom's Voice! - December 9, 2012
Lift Up Your Heads! - December 2, 2012
Pentecost, Year B
Just Rule- Reign of Christ Sunday - November 25, 2012
A Better Harvest - Thanksgiving Day - November 22, 2012
New and Living Way of Christ - Pentecost 25 - November 18, 2012
Risk and Restoration - Pentecost 24 - November 11, 2012
Trusting in the Source - Pentecost 23 - November 4, 2012
Celebrate Their Lives - All Saints Day - November 1, 2012
A New Reformation of the Church - Reformation Sunday - October 28, 2012
A Life of Service - October 21, 2012
Hispanic Heritage Reflection-Oct 14
Courage for Justice - October 14, 2012
Hispanic Heritage Reflection-October 7
This at Last! - World Communion Sunday - October 7, 2012
Our Faith Our Vote worship materials
Hispanic Heritage Reflection-Sept 30
I Will Survive - American Indian Ministries Sunday - September 30
To Change the World, Welcome the Children - September 23
Hispanic Heritage reflection - September 16
Wisdom Calls - September 16
Teaching the Teacher - Christian Education Sunday - September 9
Labor Day Resources
Hear the Voice of the Beloved! - September 2
Offerings of Praise - August 26
Wisdom Quest - August 19
Hunger and Thirst for God - August 12
Bread of Life - August 5
Food for All - July 29
Whole World our Neighborhood - July 22
God Inspired Joy - July 15
To Hear and Be Heard - Pentecost 6 - July 8
Belief not Fear - Pentecost 5 - July 1
Peace, Be Still - June 24
Sowing Seeds of Ministry - June 17
That We May Say "Thank You!" - June 10
Mysterious Encounter - June 3
Easter - Year B
Spirit of All - Service Prayers for Pentecost Sunday - May 27, 2012
Starting Here, Starting Now - Seventh Sunday of Easter - Sunday, May 20, 2012
Friends of God - Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 13, 2012
Growing in God - Prayers for the Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 6, 2012
Children's Story for Easter 4, April 29, 2012
The Welcoming Shepherd - Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 29, 2012
We are Witnesses - Third Sunday of Easter - Sunday, April 22, 2012
To Make Our Joy Complete: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Easter - April 15, 2012
Appeared and Appearing - Prayers for Easter Sunday - April 8, 2012
Lighting a New Fire - The Great Vigil of Easter - April 7, 2012
Lent - Year B
Tenebrae: Service of Shadows - Good Friday - April 6, 2012
No Answer - Prayers for Palm and Passion Sunday - April 1, 2012
We Wish to See Jesus - Fifth Sunday of Lent - March 25, 2012
So Loved - Fourth Sunday of Lent - Sunday, March 18, 2012
Amistad Sunday - Third Sunday in Lent - March 11, 2012
Between Me and You - Second Sunday of Lent - March 4, 2012
Prayers for the Journey - Lent 1 - February 26, 2012
Children's Story for Lent 1 - February 26, 2012
Beloved Dust to Dust - Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2012
Epiphany - Year B
Witness to Wonders - Transfiguration - February 19, 2012
Choosing Healing - Epiphany 6 - February 12, 2012
Delightful Lightness - Epiphany 5 - February 5, 2012
Holy Whole-y One - Epiphany 4 - January 29, 2012
Reluctant Evangelists - Service Prayers for Third Sunday after Epiphany - Ecumenical Sunday - January 22, 2012
Revealed to Us - Prayers for the Second Sunday after Epiphany - January 15, 2012
Children's Story - Baptism of Christ
Seeking Higher Ground - First Sunday after Epiphany - Baptism of Christ - January 8, 2012
God's Light With Us - Epiphany - January 6, 2012
Worship Ways: a variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days. These resources come from all settings of the UCC; they are written by pastors, educators, musicians and covenanted ministry staff members. Many are based on the Sunday readings found in the Revised Common Lectionary. We encourage you to use the material "as is" or to take it and adapt it for your local setting.
Worship Ways Archive:
Year A
Year B
Year C
None lectionary based / Special occasions
Further please take the time to explore "Sing! Prayer and Praise" the new praise song book.
Formas de Cultos de Adoración en Español.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Worship Ways
Sermon Seeds
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
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Season After Pentecost—Year B
Pentecost 14—August 30
Pentecost 13—August 23
Pentecost 12—August 16
Pentecost 11—August 9
Pentecost 10—August 2
Pentecost 9—July 26
Pentecost 8—July 19
Pentecost 7—July 12
Pentecost 6—July 5
Pentecost 5—June 28
Pentecost 4—June 21
Pentecost 3—June 14
Pentecost 2—June 7
Trinity Sunday—May 31
Pentecost Sunday—May 24
Easter Season—Year B
Easter 7—May 17
Radical Mother's Day Litany
Easter 6—May 10
Easter 5—May 3
Easter 4—PAAM Sunday—April 26
Easter 3—April 19
Easter 2—April 12
Easter Day—April 5
Easter Vigil—April 4
Good Friday—April 3
Lenten Season—Year B
Eco-Friendly Palms
March 29—Palm-Passion Sunday [rtf]
March 22—Lent 5 [rtf]
March 8—Lent 3 [rtf]
March 15—Lent 4 [rtf]
Women's Week Service — March 1 [rtf]
March 1—Lent 2 [rtf]
Children’s sermon for Lent 1 [rtf]
February 22—Lent 1 [rtf]
February 18—Ash Wednesday [rtf]
Epiphany Season, Year B
Transfiguration—February 15 [rtf]
Epiphany 5—February 8 [rtf]
Epiphany 4—February 1 [rtf]
Epiphany 3—January 25 [rtf]
Martin Luther King weekend service [rtf]
Epiphany 2—January 18 [rtf]
Baptism of Christ—Epiphany 1—January 11 [rtf]
Festival of Epiphany—January 6 [rtf]
Christmas Season, Year B
Christmas 2—January 4 [rtf]
New Year’s Service [rtf]
Christmas 1—December 28—to be posted [rtf]
Christmas Fund Christmas Service [rtf]
Christmas Service for Eve or Day [rtf]
Advent Season, Year B
An Advent Devotional
Christmas Funds Advent 4 service [rtf]
Christmas Funds Advent 3 service [rtf]
Christmas Funds Advent 2 service [rtf]
Christmas Funds Advent 1 Service [rtf]
Drawing Nearer lead sheet [rtf]
Advent 4—December 21 [rtf]
Advent 3—December 14 [rtf]
Advent 2—December 7 [rtf]
Advent 1—November 30 [rtf]
Advent Communion Service [rtf]
Seed Thoughts—Advent 2014 [rtf]
Season After Pentecost, Year A
Thanksgiving Day—November 27 [rtf]
Reign of Christ—November 23 [rtf]
Pentecost 23—November 16 [rtf]
Pentecost 22—November 9 [rtf]
All Saints Day—November 1 [rtf]
Pentecost 20—October 26 [rtf]
October 19—Children’s Sabbath Resources [web page]
October 19—Laity Sunday prayer [rtf]
Pentecost 19—October 19 [rtf]
October 12—Hands Up Sabbath for Ferguson [pdf]
October 12—Disabilities Ministry Prayer [rtf]
Pentecost 18—October 12 [rtf]
World Communion—Pentecost 17—October 5 [rtf]
Pentecost 16—September 28 [rtf]
Pentecost 15—September 21 [rtf]
Pentecost 14—September 14 [rtf]
This New Day, Song for Literacy Sunday [pdf]
Christian Education/Literacy Sunday—Sept 7 [rtf]
Pentecost 13—September 7 [rtf]
Pentecost 12—August 31 [rtf]
Pentecost 11—August 24 [rtf]
Pentecost 10—August 17 [rtf]
Pentecost 9—August 10 [rtf]
Pentecost 8—August 3 [rtf]
Pentecost 7—July 27 [rtf]
Pentecost 6—July 20 [rtf]
Pentecost 5—July 13 [rtf]
Pentecost 4—July 6 [rtf]
Pentecost 3—June 29 [rtf]
Pentecost 2—June 22 [rtf]
Trinity Sunday—June 15 [rtf]
Season of Easter, Year A
Pentecost [rtf]
Easter 7 [rtf]
Easter 6 [rtf]
Easter 5 [rtf]
Prayer for Nigerian Girls [doc]
Easter 4 [rtf]
Easter 3 [rtf]
Easter 2 [rtf]
Easter Day [rtf]
Season of Lent, Year A
Good Friday [rtf]
Maundy Thursday [rtf]
Palm/Passion Sunday [rtf]
Lent 5 [rtf]
Lent 4 [rtf]
Lent 3 [rtf]
Lent 2 [rtf]
Lent 1 [rtf]
Ash Wednesday [rtf]
Season of Epiphany, Year A
March 2-8 Women's Week
Transfiguration—March 2 [rtf]
Epiphany 7—February 23 [rtf]
Science and Tech Sunday [rtf]
Epiphany 6—February 16 [rtf]
Epiphany 5—February 9 [rtf]
Epiphany 4—February 2 [rtf]
Epiphany 3—January 26 [rtf]
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Liturgy [rtf]
Epiphany 2—January 19 [rtf]
Baptism of Christ—January 12 [rtf]
Festival of Epiphany—January 6 [rtf]
Season of Christmas, Year A
Christmas 2—January 5 [rtf]
Liturgy for the New Year [rtf]
Christmas 1—Dec 29 [rtf]
Light of the World - Christmas Day [rtf]
A Church House Christmas [rtf]
Christmas Collects and Benediction [rtf]
Season of Advent, Year A
Advent Journey Home with Candlelighting and Film [rtf]
Christmas Fund Flyer [pdf]
Advent Candle Lighting and Offering Calls from Christmas Fund [rtf]
Winter Solstice Liturgy [rtf]
Advent 4—December 22 [rtf]
Advent 3—December 15 [rtf]
Advent 2—December 8 [rtf]
Advent 1—December 1 [rtf]
Season After Pentecost, year C
Thanksgiving Day—Year C [rtf]
November 24—Reign of Christ [rtf]
November 17—Pentecost 26 [rtf]
November 10—Pentecost 25 [rtf]
November 3—Pentecost 24 [rtf]
November 1—All Saints--Year C [rtf]
October 27—Pentecost 23 [rtf]
October 20—Pentecost 22 [rtf]
October 13—Pentecost 21 [rtf]
October 6—Pentecost 20 [rtf]
September 29—Pentecost 19 [rtf]
September 22 - Pentecost 18 [rtf]
September 15 - Pentecost 17 [rtf]
September 8 - Pentecost 16 [rtf]
September 1 - Pentecost 15 [rtf]
August 25 - Pentecost 14 [rtf]
August 18 - Pentecost 13 [rtf]
August 11 - Pentecost 12 [rtf]
August 4 - Pentecost 11 [rtf]
July 28 - Pentecost 10 [rtf]
July 21 - Pentecost 9 [rtf]
July 14 - Pentecost 8 [rtf]
July 7 - Pentecost 7 [rtf]
June 30 - Pentecost 6 [rtf]
June 23 - Pentecost 5 [rtf]
June 16 - Pentecost 4 [rtf]
June 9 - Pentecost 3 [rtf]
May 26 - Trinity Sunday [rtf]
Easter and Mission 4/1 Earth
Calls to Worship [rtf]
Calls to Worship [pdf]
Prayer for Creation in Drought [rtf]
Prayer for Creation in Drought [pdf]
Prayer of Thanks: 4 Elements [rtf]
Prayer of Thanks: 4 Elements [pdf]
Passing the Peace Rituals [rtf]
Passing the Peace Rituals [pdf]
How the Earth Praises—Offering [rtf]
How the Earth Praises—Offering [pdf]
Resurrection Built In—Confession [rtf]
Resurrection Built In—Confession [pdf]
The Bounty of a Gracious Spirit—Pastoral Prayer [rtf]
The Bounty of a Gracious Spirit—Pastoral Prayer [pdf]
Companions on the Planet—Arbor Day Prayer [rtf]
Companions on the Planet—Arbor Day Prayer [pdf]
Rejoice O Earth—Traditional Easter Proclamation [rtf]
Rejoice O Earth—Traditional Easter Proclamation [pdf]
Hoping and Dreaming with Creation—Pentecost [rtf]
Hoping and Dreaming with Creation—Pentecost [pdf]
One in Love and Mission - Easter 7 [rtf]
One in Love and Mission - Easter 7 [pdf]
Rural Life Sunday—Easter 6 [rtf]
Rural Life Sunday—Easter 6 [pdf]
Ground Us and Grow Us in Love—Easter 5 [rtf]
Ground Us and Grow Us in Love—Easter 5 [pdf]
Prayer for Boston [rtf]
Prayer for Boston [pdf]
Shepherd Us in Courage—Easter 4 [rtf]
Shepherd Us in Courage—Easter 4 [pdf]
Feed My Sheep—Easter 3 [rtf]
Feed My Sheep—Easter 3 [pdf]
The Loving Hands of God—Easter 2 [rtf]
The Loving Hands of God—Easter 2 [pdf]
Resurrection of All Creation—Easter Day [rtf]
Resurrection of All Creation—Easter Day [pdf]
Lent
Good Friday, March 29
Maundy Thursday, March 28
Palm/Passion Sunday, March 24 | Eco-Palms
Lent 5, March 17
Lent 4, March 10
Lent 3, March 3
Lent 2, February 24
Lent 1, February 17
Ash Wednesday, February 13
Christmas Season Year C
Service Prayers for the Festival of Transfiguration - February 10
Midwife to Prophets - Women’s Week - February 3
Service Prayers for the Third Sunday after Epiphany - January 27
Martin Luther King, Jr., Weekend - January 20
Service Prayers for First Sunday after Epiphany - January 13
Service Prayers for the Festival of Epiphany - January 6
Liturgy for the New Year
Christmas Youth Meditation
Christmas 1 - December 30
Christmas Day Service
City Lights: A Service for Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve - December 24
Advent, Year C
The Universe is Bending
Sing Out, My Soul! - December 23, 2012
Rejoice! - December 16, 2012
Hear Wisdom's Voice! - December 9, 2012
Lift Up Your Heads! - December 2, 2012
Pentecost, Year B
Just Rule- Reign of Christ Sunday - November 25, 2012
A Better Harvest - Thanksgiving Day - November 22, 2012
New and Living Way of Christ - Pentecost 25 - November 18, 2012
Risk and Restoration - Pentecost 24 - November 11, 2012
Trusting in the Source - Pentecost 23 - November 4, 2012
Celebrate Their Lives - All Saints Day - November 1, 2012
A New Reformation of the Church - Reformation Sunday - October 28, 2012
A Life of Service - October 21, 2012
Hispanic Heritage Reflection-Oct 14
Courage for Justice - October 14, 2012
Hispanic Heritage Reflection-October 7
This at Last! - World Communion Sunday - October 7, 2012
Our Faith Our Vote worship materials
Hispanic Heritage Reflection-Sept 30
I Will Survive - American Indian Ministries Sunday - September 30
To Change the World, Welcome the Children - September 23
Hispanic Heritage reflection - September 16
Wisdom Calls - September 16
Teaching the Teacher - Christian Education Sunday - September 9
Labor Day Resources
Hear the Voice of the Beloved! - September 2
Offerings of Praise - August 26
Wisdom Quest - August 19
Hunger and Thirst for God - August 12
Bread of Life - August 5
Food for All - July 29
Whole World our Neighborhood - July 22
God Inspired Joy - July 15
To Hear and Be Heard - Pentecost 6 - July 8
Belief not Fear - Pentecost 5 - July 1
Peace, Be Still - June 24
Sowing Seeds of Ministry - June 17
That We May Say "Thank You!" - June 10
Mysterious Encounter - June 3
Easter - Year B
Spirit of All - Service Prayers for Pentecost Sunday - May 27, 2012
Starting Here, Starting Now - Seventh Sunday of Easter - Sunday, May 20, 2012
Friends of God - Service Prayers for the Sixth Sunday of Easter - May 13, 2012
Growing in God - Prayers for the Fifth Sunday of Easter - May 6, 2012
Children's Story for Easter 4, April 29, 2012
The Welcoming Shepherd - Fourth Sunday of Easter - April 29, 2012
We are Witnesses - Third Sunday of Easter - Sunday, April 22, 2012
To Make Our Joy Complete: Service Prayers for the Second Sunday of Easter - April 15, 2012
Appeared and Appearing - Prayers for Easter Sunday - April 8, 2012
Lighting a New Fire - The Great Vigil of Easter - April 7, 2012
Lent - Year B
Tenebrae: Service of Shadows - Good Friday - April 6, 2012
No Answer - Prayers for Palm and Passion Sunday - April 1, 2012
We Wish to See Jesus - Fifth Sunday of Lent - March 25, 2012
So Loved - Fourth Sunday of Lent - Sunday, March 18, 2012
Amistad Sunday - Third Sunday in Lent - March 11, 2012
Between Me and You - Second Sunday of Lent - March 4, 2012
Prayers for the Journey - Lent 1 - February 26, 2012
Children's Story for Lent 1 - February 26, 2012
Beloved Dust to Dust - Ash Wednesday - February 22, 2012
Epiphany - Year B
Witness to Wonders - Transfiguration - February 19, 2012
Choosing Healing - Epiphany 6 - February 12, 2012
Delightful Lightness - Epiphany 5 - February 5, 2012
Holy Whole-y One - Epiphany 4 - January 29, 2012
Reluctant Evangelists - Service Prayers for Third Sunday after Epiphany - Ecumenical Sunday - January 22, 2012
Revealed to Us - Prayers for the Second Sunday after Epiphany - January 15, 2012
Children's Story - Baptism of Christ
Seeking Higher Ground - First Sunday after Epiphany - Baptism of Christ - January 8, 2012
God's Light With Us - Epiphany - January 6, 2012
Worship Ways: a variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days. These resources come from all settings of the UCC; they are written by pastors, educators, musicians and covenanted ministry staff members. Many are based on the Sunday readings found in the Revised Common Lectionary. We encourage you to use the material "as is" or to take it and adapt it for your local setting.
Worship Ways Archive:
Year A
Year B
Year C
None lectionary based / Special occasions
Further please take the time to explore "Sing! Prayer and Praise" the new praise song book.
Formas de Cultos de Adoración en Español.
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Worship Ways
Sermon Seeds
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
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Inclusive Language
Inclusive and Expansive Language in the United Church of Christ
Download PDF of Brochure on Expansive and Inclusive Language
This brochure is designed to be printed on 8 1/2" x 14" paper stock
Printed copies available
$7.00/25
Order item WE101
800-537-3394
*NEW* Words Matter - Volunteer to test the impact ofinclusive language in your congregation.
The Eleventh General Synod instructed that a Book of Worship be developed and characterized by language that is truly inclusive with respect to God and to people. Although the generic use of masculine terms has been accepted practice, it is exclusive and viewed as offensive by many. Further, the use of only masculine nouns and pronouns for God and of masculine generic terms for humankind has hidden the rich feminine imagery for God and God's people in scripture. Scripture contains many gender neutral metaphors for God such as shepherd, rock, or Holy One. The rediscovery of the complementary female and male metaphors in the Bible and the literature of the early church encourages Christians not to settle for literary poverty in the midst of literary riches.
Inclusive language is far more than an aesthetic matter of male and female imagery; it is a fundamental issue of social justice. Language that is truly inclusive affirms sexuality, racial and ethnic background, stages of maturity, and degrees of limiting conditions. It shows respect for all people. Scripture proclaims the world is created, redeemed, and sustained by the Word of God, and the church attests to the power of language and words, recognizing that words have the power to exploit and exclude as well as affirm and liberate.
Expansive Language with Reference to God
Inclusive Language with Reference to the People
The Witness of General Synod
Inclusive Language Covenant
UCC Inclusive Language Resources
Beyond the words we use or speak, this concern [expansive language] recognizes the power of language to shape, if not create, reality and to structure relationships, whether in the church or in the world. Exclusive language limits our perceptions of reality and thereby distorts. Thus, inclusive language has implications for the way we perceive God, things, and concepts, as well as persons.
Reuben A. Sheares, II
UCC Office for Church Life and Leadership
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Inclusive Language
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
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Inclusive Language
Inclusive and Expansive Language in the United Church of Christ
Download PDF of Brochure on Expansive and Inclusive Language
This brochure is designed to be printed on 8 1/2" x 14" paper stock
Printed copies available
$7.00/25
Order item WE101
800-537-3394
*NEW* Words Matter - Volunteer to test the impact ofinclusive language in your congregation.
The Eleventh General Synod instructed that a Book of Worship be developed and characterized by language that is truly inclusive with respect to God and to people. Although the generic use of masculine terms has been accepted practice, it is exclusive and viewed as offensive by many. Further, the use of only masculine nouns and pronouns for God and of masculine generic terms for humankind has hidden the rich feminine imagery for God and God's people in scripture. Scripture contains many gender neutral metaphors for God such as shepherd, rock, or Holy One. The rediscovery of the complementary female and male metaphors in the Bible and the literature of the early church encourages Christians not to settle for literary poverty in the midst of literary riches.
Inclusive language is far more than an aesthetic matter of male and female imagery; it is a fundamental issue of social justice. Language that is truly inclusive affirms sexuality, racial and ethnic background, stages of maturity, and degrees of limiting conditions. It shows respect for all people. Scripture proclaims the world is created, redeemed, and sustained by the Word of God, and the church attests to the power of language and words, recognizing that words have the power to exploit and exclude as well as affirm and liberate.
Expansive Language with Reference to God
Inclusive Language with Reference to the People
The Witness of General Synod
Inclusive Language Covenant
UCC Inclusive Language Resources
Beyond the words we use or speak, this concern [expansive language] recognizes the power of language to shape, if not create, reality and to structure relationships, whether in the church or in the world. Exclusive language limits our perceptions of reality and thereby distorts. Thus, inclusive language has implications for the way we perceive God, things, and concepts, as well as persons.
Reuben A. Sheares, II
UCC Office for Church Life and Leadership
Section Menu
Worship Resources
Inclusive Language
Contact Info
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
God is Still Building
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Weekly Seeds
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About Baptism
About Communion
Book of Worship
Inclusive Language
Worship Ways
Worship Bibliography
Worship Ways
A variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days.
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
Worship Ways
A variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days.
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
1
2
PrevNext
Start
Stop
Worship Resources
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
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
Home
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Privacy Policy
About Us
KYEP Signup
Donate
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Español
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User Profile
Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
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Created with NationBuilder
http://www.ucc.org/worship
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Church
About Us
Change
The World
Contact
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Advocate
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Worship Resources
Weekly Seeds
Sermon Seeds
About Baptism
About Communion
Book of Worship
Inclusive Language
Worship Ways
Worship Bibliography
Worship Ways
A variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days.
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
Worship Ways
A variety of prayers, liturgies, and "how-to" articles for use on Sundays, Festivals, and special UCC calendar days.
Music and Arts
Hymn and song suggestions for each week - Music and Liturgical Arts in the United Church of Christ
1
2
PrevNext
Start
Stop
Worship Resources
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
Susan A. Blain
Minister for Worship, Liturgy and Spiritual Formation
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3869
blains@ucc.org
Home
Site-Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYEP Signup
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User Profile
Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
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The Ministerial Profile
The UCC Ministerial Profile is an authorized minister's denominational credential, presenting an individual's verified standing, criminal background check, disciplinary records, and employment history. The UCC Ministerial Profile is also the document by which an authorized minister reaches local church search committees. While an authorized minister directs his/her profile's circulation, the UCC Ministerial Profile belongs to the United Church of Christ and is administered by Conference offices. Any authorized minister in good standing may request that a Conference circulate his/her profile to any vacancy, and the Conference duly sends it on; authorized ministers are encouraged to consult with Conferences to understand how each Conference circulates profiles. Ministers are encouraged to use all available information, including information found at http://oppsearch.ucc.org to best discern which congregations they may like to engage in an interview.
Resources for congregations in transition, including the Local Church Profile, are located through the Search and Call page.
How to circulate a Ministerial Profile completed before January 31, 2014:
All completed and approved UCC Ministerial Profiles that have entered circulation before January 31, 2014, will continue to be honored for up to 18 months (the length of validity for the criminal background check attached to profiles). You may direct circulation requests toprofiles@ucc.org. For improved visibility in your search for a call with a "vintage" Profile, authorized ministers and approved Members in Discernment are encouraged to create a Snapshot in the new profiles system, as noted below.
Using the new Ministerial Profiles Portal after January 31, 2014:
The new Ministerial Profile Portal has been developed to empower and mobilize ministers in their searches, to standardize the profile validation process for Conferences and Associations, and to improve search capabilities among profiles for Search & Call staff. The portal is designed to be user-friendly. (Internet Explorer 9, 10, and Firefox supported on all systems; Adobe Reader recommended.) Create an account and log in here.
Authorized ministers, Conference validators, and Search & Call staff can greatly improve their experience of the Ministerial Profile Portal by orienting themselves fully to the new system, using the following information and resources.
The Snapshot is a tool for visibility and networking for Authorized Ministers. Updated in real-time by the minister, the Snapshot highlights gifts, skills and availability for ministry, and is searchable to Conference Staff. Because the Snapshot is unverified however (meaning that it does not include validation of standing), it does not circulate to churches.
The UCC Ministerial Profile is a tool that documents eligibility for call in or on behalf of the United Church of Christ. In its final and validated form, the UCC Ministerial Profile with background check not only presents a minister's experience and gifts for the discernment of a calling body, but also presents official verification of a minister's authorization, standing and fitness. Eligible profiles are downloadable by Search & Call Staff through the Snapshot, which is found by searching the Snapshot pool by name or skillset.
Orientation Resources and Video Tutorials
All users of the Ministerial Profile Portal are encouraged to review all of the following information to best prepare themselves not only for using the portal but also for participating in the United Church of Christ search and call process overall.
•For authorized ministers and local search committees especially, two sample profiles have been created to demonstrate the final appearance of a UCC Ministerial Profile created in the new profile system. Profile for Serene Davis. Profile for Tomas Rey.
•For Members in Discernment and authorized ministers, a FAQ sheet answers common questions about beginning one's profile.
• For Search and Call staff, the PowerPoint presentation that was shared during orientation events in 2013 provides a helpful review.
• For those who are creating ministerial profiles, please spend time with the following video tutorial. You can also download a Worksheet in Word format to work on your Ministerial Profile and Snapshot offline.
• For those judicatory staff who validate profiles, please review the following video tutorial:
• For search committees in local congregations, the following video tutorial introduces the new ministerial profile:
To explore the Search and Call process as it will be facilitated by the Ministerial Profile Portal, click "Start Prezi" below and use the left/right arrows to move from scene to scene. Expand the Prezi using "full screen" in the bottom right-hand corner; to return to this page after viewing the Prezi, click "full screen" again or click "esc" on your keyboard.
Section Menu
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Authorized Ministry
Search and Call
Committees on Ministry
The Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization team
Discerning a Call to Authorized Ministry
Specialized Ministry
Judicatory Ministers
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
The Ministerial Profile
The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers
Manual on Ministry
The Leaders Box
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Home / Leadership and Ministry
The Ministerial Profile
The UCC Ministerial Profile is an authorized minister's denominational credential, presenting an individual's verified standing, criminal background check, disciplinary records, and employment history. The UCC Ministerial Profile is also the document by which an authorized minister reaches local church search committees. While an authorized minister directs his/her profile's circulation, the UCC Ministerial Profile belongs to the United Church of Christ and is administered by Conference offices. Any authorized minister in good standing may request that a Conference circulate his/her profile to any vacancy, and the Conference duly sends it on; authorized ministers are encouraged to consult with Conferences to understand how each Conference circulates profiles. Ministers are encouraged to use all available information, including information found at http://oppsearch.ucc.org to best discern which congregations they may like to engage in an interview.
Resources for congregations in transition, including the Local Church Profile, are located through the Search and Call page.
How to circulate a Ministerial Profile completed before January 31, 2014:
All completed and approved UCC Ministerial Profiles that have entered circulation before January 31, 2014, will continue to be honored for up to 18 months (the length of validity for the criminal background check attached to profiles). You may direct circulation requests toprofiles@ucc.org. For improved visibility in your search for a call with a "vintage" Profile, authorized ministers and approved Members in Discernment are encouraged to create a Snapshot in the new profiles system, as noted below.
Using the new Ministerial Profiles Portal after January 31, 2014:
The new Ministerial Profile Portal has been developed to empower and mobilize ministers in their searches, to standardize the profile validation process for Conferences and Associations, and to improve search capabilities among profiles for Search & Call staff. The portal is designed to be user-friendly. (Internet Explorer 9, 10, and Firefox supported on all systems; Adobe Reader recommended.) Create an account and log in here.
Authorized ministers, Conference validators, and Search & Call staff can greatly improve their experience of the Ministerial Profile Portal by orienting themselves fully to the new system, using the following information and resources.
The Snapshot is a tool for visibility and networking for Authorized Ministers. Updated in real-time by the minister, the Snapshot highlights gifts, skills and availability for ministry, and is searchable to Conference Staff. Because the Snapshot is unverified however (meaning that it does not include validation of standing), it does not circulate to churches.
The UCC Ministerial Profile is a tool that documents eligibility for call in or on behalf of the United Church of Christ. In its final and validated form, the UCC Ministerial Profile with background check not only presents a minister's experience and gifts for the discernment of a calling body, but also presents official verification of a minister's authorization, standing and fitness. Eligible profiles are downloadable by Search & Call Staff through the Snapshot, which is found by searching the Snapshot pool by name or skillset.
Orientation Resources and Video Tutorials
All users of the Ministerial Profile Portal are encouraged to review all of the following information to best prepare themselves not only for using the portal but also for participating in the United Church of Christ search and call process overall.
•For authorized ministers and local search committees especially, two sample profiles have been created to demonstrate the final appearance of a UCC Ministerial Profile created in the new profile system. Profile for Serene Davis. Profile for Tomas Rey.
•For Members in Discernment and authorized ministers, a FAQ sheet answers common questions about beginning one's profile.
• For Search and Call staff, the PowerPoint presentation that was shared during orientation events in 2013 provides a helpful review.
• For those who are creating ministerial profiles, please spend time with the following video tutorial. You can also download a Worksheet in Word format to work on your Ministerial Profile and Snapshot offline.
• For those judicatory staff who validate profiles, please review the following video tutorial:
• For search committees in local congregations, the following video tutorial introduces the new ministerial profile:
To explore the Search and Call process as it will be facilitated by the Ministerial Profile Portal, click "Start Prezi" below and use the left/right arrows to move from scene to scene. Expand the Prezi using "full screen" in the bottom right-hand corner; to return to this page after viewing the Prezi, click "full screen" again or click "esc" on your keyboard.
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Manual on Ministry
Perspectives and Procedures for Ecclesiastical Authorization of Ministry
The changing landscapes of church and denominational life in the 21st century impact the form and function of ministry, including the ways in which the United Church of Christ calls, authorizes and oversees ministers. Consequently our Manual on Ministry, which saw its last update in 2002, needs reflection and re-vision -- a fresh, 21st century vision for authorized and authorizing ministry. To that end, the Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization (MESA) Team has formed the Habakkuk Group, tasked with seeing and writing the vision of authorized ministry and making it plain for the United Church of Christ. Please see the letter linked here for the list of Habakkuk Group members.
The United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry is published in ten separate sections or booklets. Each section is available separately or as part of the complete Manual that includes all ten sections in a single binder. The ten sections are:
1. Partners in Authorizing Ministry
An overview of the covenantal relationships and underlying assumptions about authorized ministry, including the ministerial codes.
2. Student in Care of Association
Commentary, processes, and procedures for those preparing to enter the Ordained Ministry of the United Church of Christ.
3. Ordained Ministry
Commentary, processes, and procedures for Ordained Ministry, including Ordained Ministerial Standing.
4. Dual Standing and Privilege of Call
Commentary, processes, and procedures for those ordained ministers of denominations other than the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who seek to serve in the United Church of Christ or who seek to enter the Ordained Ministry of the United Church of Christ. Ordained ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) should see section 5, "Ordained Ministerial Partner."
5. Ordained Ministerial Partner
Commentary, processes, and procedures related to the reconciliation of ministries with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
6. Commissioned Ministry
Commentary, processes, and procedures for Commissioned Ministry, including Commissioned Ministerial Standing.
7. Licensed Ministry
Commentary, processes, and procedures for Licensed Ministry.
8. The Oversight of Ministries
Commentary, processes, and procedures for the nurture and accountability of the ministries of the Church.
9. Ecclesiastical Endorsement
Commentary, processes, and procedures for those seeking to serve as chaplains in professional organizations and military or other U.S. government agencies.
10. Supplemental Materials
Commentary, appendices, and a glossary related to multiple sections of Manual on Ministry.
Section Menu
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Authorized Ministry
Search and Call
Committees on Ministry
The Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization team
Discerning a Call to Authorized Ministry
Specialized Ministry
Judicatory Ministers
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
The Ministerial Profile
The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers
Manual on Ministry
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Home / Leadership and Ministry
Manual on Ministry
Perspectives and Procedures for Ecclesiastical Authorization of Ministry
The changing landscapes of church and denominational life in the 21st century impact the form and function of ministry, including the ways in which the United Church of Christ calls, authorizes and oversees ministers. Consequently our Manual on Ministry, which saw its last update in 2002, needs reflection and re-vision -- a fresh, 21st century vision for authorized and authorizing ministry. To that end, the Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization (MESA) Team has formed the Habakkuk Group, tasked with seeing and writing the vision of authorized ministry and making it plain for the United Church of Christ. Please see the letter linked here for the list of Habakkuk Group members.
The United Church of Christ Manual on Ministry is published in ten separate sections or booklets. Each section is available separately or as part of the complete Manual that includes all ten sections in a single binder. The ten sections are:
1. Partners in Authorizing Ministry
An overview of the covenantal relationships and underlying assumptions about authorized ministry, including the ministerial codes.
2. Student in Care of Association
Commentary, processes, and procedures for those preparing to enter the Ordained Ministry of the United Church of Christ.
3. Ordained Ministry
Commentary, processes, and procedures for Ordained Ministry, including Ordained Ministerial Standing.
4. Dual Standing and Privilege of Call
Commentary, processes, and procedures for those ordained ministers of denominations other than the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) who seek to serve in the United Church of Christ or who seek to enter the Ordained Ministry of the United Church of Christ. Ordained ministers of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) should see section 5, "Ordained Ministerial Partner."
5. Ordained Ministerial Partner
Commentary, processes, and procedures related to the reconciliation of ministries with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
6. Commissioned Ministry
Commentary, processes, and procedures for Commissioned Ministry, including Commissioned Ministerial Standing.
7. Licensed Ministry
Commentary, processes, and procedures for Licensed Ministry.
8. The Oversight of Ministries
Commentary, processes, and procedures for the nurture and accountability of the ministries of the Church.
9. Ecclesiastical Endorsement
Commentary, processes, and procedures for those seeking to serve as chaplains in professional organizations and military or other U.S. government agencies.
10. Supplemental Materials
Commentary, appendices, and a glossary related to multiple sections of Manual on Ministry.
Section Menu
Leadership and Ministry
Authorized Ministry
Search and Call
Committees on Ministry
The Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization team
Discerning a Call to Authorized Ministry
Specialized Ministry
Judicatory Ministers
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
The Ministerial Profile
The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers
Manual on Ministry
The Leaders Box
UCC Ministry Opportunities
Called to Care: A Resource for Lay Caregivers
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Leadership and Ministry
Authorized Ministry
Search and Call
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Discernment
Specialized Ministry
Judicatory Ministers and Conference Staff
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
The Ministerial Profile
The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers
Manual on Ministry
The Leaders Box: A Leadership Development Resource for Local Churches
UCC Ministry Opportunities
Called to Care: A Resource for Lay Caregivers
Ministerial Profile
New in 2014: the new-and-improved Ministerial Profile Portal empowers authorized ministers in their searches.
Search and Call
The Search and Call process of the UCC provides the means to help congregations conduct a nationwide search among UCC ministers for pastoral leadership.
Specialized Ministry
Explore ministry outside of a congregational setting, and find information on specialized ministry organizations, ecclesiastical endorsement, and additional requirements.
Committees on Ministry
Members of Committees on Ministry can explore their vocation and the basics of their work using the resources provided.
Discernment
Are you considering your vocation and a possible call to authorized ministry?
Ministerial Profile
New in 2014: the new-and-improved Ministerial Profile Portal empowers authorized ministers in their searches.
Search and Call
The Search and Call process of the UCC provides the means to help congregations conduct a nationwide search among UCC ministers for pastoral leadership.
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Leadership and Ministry
The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls certain of its members to various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the church, for which ecclesiastical authorization is required. (UCC Constitution, Article VI Paragraph 21) According to the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, authorization includes Ordination, Commissioning, and Licensure.
The Leadership and Ministry webpages centrally locate the resources needed for the excellent formation and support of authorized ministers in the United Church of Christ. Herein are tools for authorized ministers, for individuals discerning God’s call into ministry, for Committees on Ministry that bear out the denomination’s covenantal relationship with ministers, and for Associations, Conferences, churches and organizations that partner with authorized ministers in building up the body of Christ.
In the national setting, the active engagement of United Church of Christ polity regarding authorized ministry is tasked to the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Team (MESA). If authorized ministry is a table, MESA attends to the table’s settings and resources those who gather at the table: Committees on Ministry, Association and Conference staff, congregations and organizations searching for ministerial leadership, Members in Discernment, and authorized ministers themselves serving in varied ministry settings.
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ
Ephesians 4:11-13
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Leadership and Ministry
Authorized Ministry
Search and Call
Committees on Ministry
M.E.S.A. Team
Discernment
Specialized Ministry
Judicatory Ministers and Conference Staff
Ecclesiastical Endorsement
The Ministerial Profile
The Marks of Faithful and Effective Authorized Ministers
Manual on Ministry
The Leaders Box: A Leadership Development Resource for Local Churches
UCC Ministry Opportunities
Called to Care: A Resource for Lay Caregivers
Ministerial Profile
New in 2014: the new-and-improved Ministerial Profile Portal empowers authorized ministers in their searches.
Search and Call
The Search and Call process of the UCC provides the means to help congregations conduct a nationwide search among UCC ministers for pastoral leadership.
Specialized Ministry
Explore ministry outside of a congregational setting, and find information on specialized ministry organizations, ecclesiastical endorsement, and additional requirements.
Committees on Ministry
Members of Committees on Ministry can explore their vocation and the basics of their work using the resources provided.
Discernment
Are you considering your vocation and a possible call to authorized ministry?
Ministerial Profile
New in 2014: the new-and-improved Ministerial Profile Portal empowers authorized ministers in their searches.
Search and Call
The Search and Call process of the UCC provides the means to help congregations conduct a nationwide search among UCC ministers for pastoral leadership.
1
2
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4
5
PrevNext
Start
Stop
Leadership and Ministry
The United Church of Christ recognizes that God calls certain of its members to various forms of ministry in and on behalf of the church, for which ecclesiastical authorization is required. (UCC Constitution, Article VI Paragraph 21) According to the Constitution and Bylaws of the United Church of Christ, authorization includes Ordination, Commissioning, and Licensure.
The Leadership and Ministry webpages centrally locate the resources needed for the excellent formation and support of authorized ministers in the United Church of Christ. Herein are tools for authorized ministers, for individuals discerning God’s call into ministry, for Committees on Ministry that bear out the denomination’s covenantal relationship with ministers, and for Associations, Conferences, churches and organizations that partner with authorized ministers in building up the body of Christ.
In the national setting, the active engagement of United Church of Christ polity regarding authorized ministry is tasked to the Ministerial Excellence, Support and Authorization Team (MESA). If authorized ministry is a table, MESA attends to the table’s settings and resources those who gather at the table: Committees on Ministry, Association and Conference staff, congregations and organizations searching for ministerial leadership, Members in Discernment, and authorized ministers themselves serving in varied ministry settings.
And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ
Ephesians 4:11-13
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Whoever you are,
where ever you are on life's journey,
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Join the UCC LGBT Ministries Facebook page.
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LGBT Resources
•DVD Bi-sex'u-al and A Position of Faith
•Bullying information and resources
•Call Me Malcom
Open and Affirming (ONA)
Open and Affirming is a journey of building inclusive churches and other ministry settings that welcome the full participation of LGBT people in the UCC's life and ministry.
• Find an Open and Affirming UCC church
Please note: Many UCC congregations which may not have adopted an ONA covenant for various reasons are nevertheless welcoming and safe communities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians.
LGBT Justice and Equality
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Michael Schuenemeyer
Executive for Health and Wholeness Advocacy
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3217
schuenem@ucc.org
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you are welcome here!
Join the UCC LGBT Ministries Facebook page.
Subscribe to Called Out eNews.
Click here to make a tax-deductible financial gift to the United Church of Christ.
LGBT Resources
•DVD Bi-sex'u-al and A Position of Faith
•Bullying information and resources
•Call Me Malcom
Open and Affirming (ONA)
Open and Affirming is a journey of building inclusive churches and other ministry settings that welcome the full participation of LGBT people in the UCC's life and ministry.
• Find an Open and Affirming UCC church
Please note: Many UCC congregations which may not have adopted an ONA covenant for various reasons are nevertheless welcoming and safe communities for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians.
LGBT Justice and Equality
Section Menu
LGBT Ministries
About our LGBT Ministries
Open and Affirming in the UCC
Find an Open and Affirming Church
LGBT Resources
Social Policy Statements on LGBT Concerns
Issues, Ministries and Concerns
Marriage Equality
Called Out eNews
UCC Open & Affirming Coalition
Contact Info
Michael Schuenemeyer
Executive for Health and Wholeness Advocacy
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3217
schuenem@ucc.org
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Home / Youth
Bullying: What We Can Do to Stop It
Bullying happens at school. It happens at church. It happens in all kinds of communities, in fact in every community.
Bullying is a form of abuse of power, when one young person or a peer group abuses a vulnerable young person over a period of time. Bullying happens among young women and young men, among boys and girls. It can be physical or emotional.
There is evidence that a community or a school or a church can take steps to create a culture of respect that reduces bullying significantly. As people of faith we are called to help our communities reduce bullying.
General Synod 27, July 2009, passes resolution to support LGBT students in public schools and their advocates. "Affirming Diversity/Multicultural Education in the Public Schools" seeks to create a progressive Christian witness in support of organizations that provide diversity education at school to build tolerance for all people, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and families, along with people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, social classes and faiths. The resolution was sponsored by the Northern California, Nevada Conference, where UCC pastors who provide diversity education and public school districts that include information around gender identity and sexual orientation in their curricula have been harassed by organized protests and lawsuits.
Staff across several ministries of the United Church of Christ have gathered together resources on this page from a number of points of view. Just as the reduction of bullying must be a collaborative endeavor, this page is our effort to bring the perspectives of several portfolios on the UCC national staff.
Resources from the UCC
Background and Definitions:
• Bullying Is a Form of Abuse: Help Stop Bullying! by Jan Resseger, UCC JWM Minister for Public Education and Witness
•Short resource for use in workshops: What Is Bullying?
Reflections
• Bullying: A Theological Reflection , by Ann Hanson, UCC JWM Minister for Sexuality Education and Justice
• Using Language to Abuse, by Rev. Loey Powell, Minister and Co-Team Leader, Justice and Witness Ministries
Information from other Organizations
•May 2013: From the National Education Policy Center, here is a short research-based brief, Addressing School Environment and Safety for LGBT Students, on steps schools can take and should be encouraged to take by churches and other community groups to make school a more welcoming place for all students. The recommendations are clear and very practical.
•April 2013: At its annual meeting the American Educational Research Association released Prevention of Bullying in Schools, Colleges, and Universities: Research Report and Recommendations. This document is far more readable than it sounds. It includes eleven pithy information briefs on different issues around bullying and harassment, each brief well documented and each providing information followed by recommendations. Good table of contents makes this more accessible.
•U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opened a new website in the spring of 2012: StopBullying.gov. In 2011 The U.S. Department of Education also released guidelines "affirming the principles that prevent unlawful discrimination against any student-initiated groups" at school. The Department issued this guidance specifically to support the right of students to form gay-straight alliances at their high schools. "Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and similar student-initiated groups addressing LGBT issues can play an important role in promoting safer schools and creating more welcoming learning environments."
•October, 2010: Here is new guidance for schools and legislatures to develop laws and policies that protect the rights of LGBT students: Safe at School: Addressing the School Environment and LGBT Safety through Policy and Legislation. This resource, from the Great Lakes Center for Education Research & Practice, the National Education Policy Center, and the Williams Institute of the University of California School of Law, makes recommendations about improving school climate, reforming curriculum and teaching practices; recommends policies regarding iimproved climate in school sports; and even presents a sample draft bill that can be adopted by any state legislature.
•National School Boards Association “Dealing with Legal Matters Surrounding Students’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” helps with issues like formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance, student rights around dress, curriculum and LGBT issues, issues around events like “Day of Silence,” rights around same-sex couples attending student events, and harassment of students based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The UCC Justice & Witness Ministries and 12 other organizations endorsed tihis resource.
•From the Safe Schools Coalition, guidance for schools and issues relating to LGBT Concerns.
•GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network GLSEN's website contains regularly updated materials on ways to stop bullying and harassment. Here are samples: Anti-Bullying Resources; Educators... Materials and Curricula for Educators; Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel; The Principal’s Perspective: School Safety, Bullying and Harassment; GLSEN's 2005 National School Climate Survey; From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America.
•PFLG, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, has published Bringing the Message Home 2010, an excellent guide for legislative advocacy.
•Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, SIECUS: 2009 National School Climate Survey Reveals LGBY Youth Still Face Significant Harassment.
•National Education Association provides excellent resources for schools including a School Crisis Guide; NEA's Bully Free: It Starts With Me Campaign; and A Report on the Status of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People in Education: Stepping Out of the Closet, Into the Light. This in-depth report grew from NEA's National July 2008 Summit on GLBT Issues. Here is a taste: "This report is about young people.... about our students—gay, straight, male, female, queer, transgender—missing school, underachieving, or dropping out. It's about student-on-student cruelty, which in our schools we refer to as harassment and bullying. It's about their parents and guardians and the communities in which they live. It's also about educators reaching out to students who are in emotional and psychological distress. And it's about all of our colleagues, gay or straight, being able to do the best job they can do... We are acutely aware that the conflicts over issues involving sexual orientation and gender identity divide American society—as well as American schools, which are a microcosm of our society." (p. v) This guide includes tips for educators, links to additional resources, and an extensive bibliography.
• "The ABC's of School Bullying: Tips for Parents and Teachers" is an excellent short practical resource from NEA to help adults intervene to stop bullying. Search the NEA's site for additional excellent resources.
•The Learning First Alliance, an alliance of the large, national educational organizations has posted this guide to the resources on Bullying of all its the member organizations.
• United Methodist Board for Church and Society has posted an excellent resource guide for a discussion on abuse and bullying. Appropriate for use with adults and adolescents.
•From Education.com: Bullying at School and Online: Quick Facts for Parents.
•National Association of State Boards of Education: What Works—and Doesn't Work—in Bullying Prevention and Intervention is a short, practical guide describing effective and ineffective strategies for reducing bullying at school. Cyberbullying defines this web-based behavior and evaluates strategies schools and families can employ to eradicate it.
•Southern Poverty Law Center: Teaching Tolerance, the journal published by the Southern Poverty Law Center, has made reduction of bullying a regular feature of coverage to support non-violent conflict resolution. An important resource here is, Cyberbullying: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher for Students—or Schools, Fall 2010 issue, explores syberbullying, defined as "the repreated use of technology to harass, humiliate or threaten." The article describes strategies that can be taught at school and practiced by adolescent including on-line safety skills and strategies for students to use to reject digital abuse in their own lives.
Books of Interest
•Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies by Ellen Bass and Kate Kaufman.
•Coming Out Young and Faithful, from UCC LGBTQ advocates Leanne McCall Tigert and Timothy Brown, and published by the Pilgrim Press, is filled with stories and information, including ministry and advocacy resources. It will help individuals and faithful communities open doors of affirmation, love, and commitment to the needs of LGBT youths and young adults.
•After 25 years living in Los Angeles, J. Kelly Poorman returned to the small Pennsylvania town where he grew up. He helped his UCC congregation to become Open and Affirming and he has written a book and a play for adolescents. Check out his J. Kelly Poorman's website for more information about his books.
Videos
• Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History from Teaching Tolerance of the Southern Poverty Law Center. This film is the true story of a student bullied through middle and high school in Ashland, Wisconsin, a student who later sued successfully for federal protection of his right to be protected at school. The film's portrayal of bullying demonstrates what bullying is and what can be done about it. It is disturbing without being sensationalized. Very accurate portrayal of the target's suffering and the anguish of his family. The case is successful: a hopeful story of empowerment. Highly recommended for middle and high school use.
• It's Elementary is a wonderful film from Groundspark, formerly Women's Educational Media, that shows what happens when schools and teachers introduce the subject of homophobia in an age-appropriate way into elementary and middle schools. In every location and for every child from first through eighth grade, students know about this subject and have misinformation they have gleaned from peers and the media. The children experience a sense of relief to be allowed to discuss the fearful messages they have absorbed and to give up their fear as they separate myths and stereotypes from facts.
• That's A Family! also from Groundspark, lets children take viewers on a tour through their lives as they speak candidly about what it's like to grow up in a family with parents of different races or religions, divorced parents, a single parent, gay or lesbian parents, adoptive parents or grandparents as guardians.
• Oliver Button is a Star (now available for $5.00 from the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus) is the artistically stunning 56 minute video based on children's author-illustrator, Tomie dePaola's book, Oliver Button Is a Sissy. As dePaola himself reads the story to a group of children, it is musically dramatized by the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus—spliced with childhood home-movie footage and current interviews with dePaola himself, arctic explorer Ann Bancroft, dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones, and make-up artist Kevyn Aucoin. dePaola's own illustrations are animated and spliced into the film as well. This video celebrates the extraordinary gifts of four children who were teased, bullied, and harassed because their interests and behavior didn't conform to gender-defined expectations. We also learn about their parents and other adults who were their allies.
Worship Resources
Prayer from the Hibbert Trust, in the UK, including the following words: "Bullies' words sting and slice through me. Bulllies' words twist into shapes that beat me and leave me like a trampled leaf... Help us to disentangle the knots of confusion and misunderstanding. To understand the hurts that others feel - that we have ignored. Help us to speak of what we feel. Help us to know when others need to speak so that then we can l listen."
A LItany for Safety in Our Schools, by Rev. Bill Johnson
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Bullying: What We Can Do to Stop It
Bullying: A Theological Reflection
Bullying Is a Form of Abuse: Help Stop Bullying!
Mission Trip Opportunities
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Contact Info
Gloria Otis
Secretary, Local Church Ministries
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 04415
216-736-3875
otisg@ucc.org
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Home / Youth
Bullying: What We Can Do to Stop It
Bullying happens at school. It happens at church. It happens in all kinds of communities, in fact in every community.
Bullying is a form of abuse of power, when one young person or a peer group abuses a vulnerable young person over a period of time. Bullying happens among young women and young men, among boys and girls. It can be physical or emotional.
There is evidence that a community or a school or a church can take steps to create a culture of respect that reduces bullying significantly. As people of faith we are called to help our communities reduce bullying.
General Synod 27, July 2009, passes resolution to support LGBT students in public schools and their advocates. "Affirming Diversity/Multicultural Education in the Public Schools" seeks to create a progressive Christian witness in support of organizations that provide diversity education at school to build tolerance for all people, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and families, along with people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, social classes and faiths. The resolution was sponsored by the Northern California, Nevada Conference, where UCC pastors who provide diversity education and public school districts that include information around gender identity and sexual orientation in their curricula have been harassed by organized protests and lawsuits.
Staff across several ministries of the United Church of Christ have gathered together resources on this page from a number of points of view. Just as the reduction of bullying must be a collaborative endeavor, this page is our effort to bring the perspectives of several portfolios on the UCC national staff.
Resources from the UCC
Background and Definitions:
• Bullying Is a Form of Abuse: Help Stop Bullying! by Jan Resseger, UCC JWM Minister for Public Education and Witness
•Short resource for use in workshops: What Is Bullying?
Reflections
• Bullying: A Theological Reflection , by Ann Hanson, UCC JWM Minister for Sexuality Education and Justice
• Using Language to Abuse, by Rev. Loey Powell, Minister and Co-Team Leader, Justice and Witness Ministries
Information from other Organizations
•May 2013: From the National Education Policy Center, here is a short research-based brief, Addressing School Environment and Safety for LGBT Students, on steps schools can take and should be encouraged to take by churches and other community groups to make school a more welcoming place for all students. The recommendations are clear and very practical.
•April 2013: At its annual meeting the American Educational Research Association released Prevention of Bullying in Schools, Colleges, and Universities: Research Report and Recommendations. This document is far more readable than it sounds. It includes eleven pithy information briefs on different issues around bullying and harassment, each brief well documented and each providing information followed by recommendations. Good table of contents makes this more accessible.
•U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opened a new website in the spring of 2012: StopBullying.gov. In 2011 The U.S. Department of Education also released guidelines "affirming the principles that prevent unlawful discrimination against any student-initiated groups" at school. The Department issued this guidance specifically to support the right of students to form gay-straight alliances at their high schools. "Gay-straight alliances (GSAs) and similar student-initiated groups addressing LGBT issues can play an important role in promoting safer schools and creating more welcoming learning environments."
•October, 2010: Here is new guidance for schools and legislatures to develop laws and policies that protect the rights of LGBT students: Safe at School: Addressing the School Environment and LGBT Safety through Policy and Legislation. This resource, from the Great Lakes Center for Education Research & Practice, the National Education Policy Center, and the Williams Institute of the University of California School of Law, makes recommendations about improving school climate, reforming curriculum and teaching practices; recommends policies regarding iimproved climate in school sports; and even presents a sample draft bill that can be adopted by any state legislature.
•National School Boards Association “Dealing with Legal Matters Surrounding Students’ Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” helps with issues like formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance, student rights around dress, curriculum and LGBT issues, issues around events like “Day of Silence,” rights around same-sex couples attending student events, and harassment of students based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The UCC Justice & Witness Ministries and 12 other organizations endorsed tihis resource.
•From the Safe Schools Coalition, guidance for schools and issues relating to LGBT Concerns.
•GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network GLSEN's website contains regularly updated materials on ways to stop bullying and harassment. Here are samples: Anti-Bullying Resources; Educators... Materials and Curricula for Educators; Just the Facts About Sexual Orientation and Youth: A Primer for Principals, Educators, and School Personnel; The Principal’s Perspective: School Safety, Bullying and Harassment; GLSEN's 2005 National School Climate Survey; From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America.
•PFLG, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, has published Bringing the Message Home 2010, an excellent guide for legislative advocacy.
•Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States, SIECUS: 2009 National School Climate Survey Reveals LGBY Youth Still Face Significant Harassment.
•National Education Association provides excellent resources for schools including a School Crisis Guide; NEA's Bully Free: It Starts With Me Campaign; and A Report on the Status of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender People in Education: Stepping Out of the Closet, Into the Light. This in-depth report grew from NEA's National July 2008 Summit on GLBT Issues. Here is a taste: "This report is about young people.... about our students—gay, straight, male, female, queer, transgender—missing school, underachieving, or dropping out. It's about student-on-student cruelty, which in our schools we refer to as harassment and bullying. It's about their parents and guardians and the communities in which they live. It's also about educators reaching out to students who are in emotional and psychological distress. And it's about all of our colleagues, gay or straight, being able to do the best job they can do... We are acutely aware that the conflicts over issues involving sexual orientation and gender identity divide American society—as well as American schools, which are a microcosm of our society." (p. v) This guide includes tips for educators, links to additional resources, and an extensive bibliography.
• "The ABC's of School Bullying: Tips for Parents and Teachers" is an excellent short practical resource from NEA to help adults intervene to stop bullying. Search the NEA's site for additional excellent resources.
•The Learning First Alliance, an alliance of the large, national educational organizations has posted this guide to the resources on Bullying of all its the member organizations.
• United Methodist Board for Church and Society has posted an excellent resource guide for a discussion on abuse and bullying. Appropriate for use with adults and adolescents.
•From Education.com: Bullying at School and Online: Quick Facts for Parents.
•National Association of State Boards of Education: What Works—and Doesn't Work—in Bullying Prevention and Intervention is a short, practical guide describing effective and ineffective strategies for reducing bullying at school. Cyberbullying defines this web-based behavior and evaluates strategies schools and families can employ to eradicate it.
•Southern Poverty Law Center: Teaching Tolerance, the journal published by the Southern Poverty Law Center, has made reduction of bullying a regular feature of coverage to support non-violent conflict resolution. An important resource here is, Cyberbullying: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher for Students—or Schools, Fall 2010 issue, explores syberbullying, defined as "the repreated use of technology to harass, humiliate or threaten." The article describes strategies that can be taught at school and practiced by adolescent including on-line safety skills and strategies for students to use to reject digital abuse in their own lives.
Books of Interest
•Free Your Mind: The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth and Their Allies by Ellen Bass and Kate Kaufman.
•Coming Out Young and Faithful, from UCC LGBTQ advocates Leanne McCall Tigert and Timothy Brown, and published by the Pilgrim Press, is filled with stories and information, including ministry and advocacy resources. It will help individuals and faithful communities open doors of affirmation, love, and commitment to the needs of LGBT youths and young adults.
•After 25 years living in Los Angeles, J. Kelly Poorman returned to the small Pennsylvania town where he grew up. He helped his UCC congregation to become Open and Affirming and he has written a book and a play for adolescents. Check out his J. Kelly Poorman's website for more information about his books.
Videos
• Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History from Teaching Tolerance of the Southern Poverty Law Center. This film is the true story of a student bullied through middle and high school in Ashland, Wisconsin, a student who later sued successfully for federal protection of his right to be protected at school. The film's portrayal of bullying demonstrates what bullying is and what can be done about it. It is disturbing without being sensationalized. Very accurate portrayal of the target's suffering and the anguish of his family. The case is successful: a hopeful story of empowerment. Highly recommended for middle and high school use.
• It's Elementary is a wonderful film from Groundspark, formerly Women's Educational Media, that shows what happens when schools and teachers introduce the subject of homophobia in an age-appropriate way into elementary and middle schools. In every location and for every child from first through eighth grade, students know about this subject and have misinformation they have gleaned from peers and the media. The children experience a sense of relief to be allowed to discuss the fearful messages they have absorbed and to give up their fear as they separate myths and stereotypes from facts.
• That's A Family! also from Groundspark, lets children take viewers on a tour through their lives as they speak candidly about what it's like to grow up in a family with parents of different races or religions, divorced parents, a single parent, gay or lesbian parents, adoptive parents or grandparents as guardians.
• Oliver Button is a Star (now available for $5.00 from the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus) is the artistically stunning 56 minute video based on children's author-illustrator, Tomie dePaola's book, Oliver Button Is a Sissy. As dePaola himself reads the story to a group of children, it is musically dramatized by the Twin Cities Gay Men's Chorus—spliced with childhood home-movie footage and current interviews with dePaola himself, arctic explorer Ann Bancroft, dancer and choreographer Bill T. Jones, and make-up artist Kevyn Aucoin. dePaola's own illustrations are animated and spliced into the film as well. This video celebrates the extraordinary gifts of four children who were teased, bullied, and harassed because their interests and behavior didn't conform to gender-defined expectations. We also learn about their parents and other adults who were their allies.
Worship Resources
Prayer from the Hibbert Trust, in the UK, including the following words: "Bullies' words sting and slice through me. Bulllies' words twist into shapes that beat me and leave me like a trampled leaf... Help us to disentangle the knots of confusion and misunderstanding. To understand the hurts that others feel - that we have ignored. Help us to speak of what we feel. Help us to know when others need to speak so that then we can l listen."
A LItany for Safety in Our Schools, by Rev. Bill Johnson
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Gloria Otis
Secretary, Local Church Ministries
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 04415
216-736-3875
otisg@ucc.org
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"To offer sexuality education in a congregation is to acknowledge that human sexuality is simply too important too beautiful and too potentially dangerous to be ignored in a religious community." - Rev. Lena Breen, Mt. Vernon, WA
We live in a culture that is deeply conflicted about sexuality.
Our religious heritage compels and guides us in creating a safe environment where people can come to understand and respond to the challenges facing them as sexual beings. As faith communities, we promote justice for all people and we affirm the dignity of every individual, the importance of personal responsibility, and the essential interdependence of all peoples.
6booksowl.jpgThe United Church of Christ holds that sexuality is a God-given gift, and offers the following resources:
• Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith: Our Whole Lives is a series of sexuality education curricula for six age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, young adult, and adult. The program and its religious companion books, Sexuality and Our Faith, provide an opportunity for children, youth, and adults to learn about sexuality in the affirming and supportive setting of our faith communities. Learn more.
• Created In God’s Image: a ten-week program for adults that focuses on integrating sexuality into the ministry and mission of the church. Learn More.
• Affirming Persons, Saving Lives: the comprehensive HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention education curriculum published by the United Church of Christ. Learn more.
Learn More
•A Selected Chronology of Sexuality Education in the UCC
•5 Reasons to Talk about Sex in Church
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Sexuality Education
Our Whole Lives
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Updates to OWL 7-9
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Amy Johnson
Our Whole Lives Coordinator
700 Prospect Ave E
Cleveland, OH 216-736-3718
johnsona@ucc.org
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"To offer sexuality education in a congregation is to acknowledge that human sexuality is simply too important too beautiful and too potentially dangerous to be ignored in a religious community." - Rev. Lena Breen, Mt. Vernon, WA
We live in a culture that is deeply conflicted about sexuality.
Our religious heritage compels and guides us in creating a safe environment where people can come to understand and respond to the challenges facing them as sexual beings. As faith communities, we promote justice for all people and we affirm the dignity of every individual, the importance of personal responsibility, and the essential interdependence of all peoples.
6booksowl.jpgThe United Church of Christ holds that sexuality is a God-given gift, and offers the following resources:
• Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith: Our Whole Lives is a series of sexuality education curricula for six age groups: grades K-1, grades 4-6, grades 7-9, grades 10-12, young adult, and adult. The program and its religious companion books, Sexuality and Our Faith, provide an opportunity for children, youth, and adults to learn about sexuality in the affirming and supportive setting of our faith communities. Learn more.
• Created In God’s Image: a ten-week program for adults that focuses on integrating sexuality into the ministry and mission of the church. Learn More.
• Affirming Persons, Saving Lives: the comprehensive HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention education curriculum published by the United Church of Christ. Learn more.
Learn More
•A Selected Chronology of Sexuality Education in the UCC
•5 Reasons to Talk about Sex in Church
Section Menu
We Do Justice - Join Us!
Sexuality Education
Our Whole Lives
Our Whole Lives Training Schedule
Updates to OWL 7-9
Contact Info
Amy Johnson
Our Whole Lives Coordinator
700 Prospect Ave E
Cleveland, OH 216-736-3718
johnsona@ucc.org
Loans. We have plans. We have loans. Let's talk.
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Understanding the Issues
Doing justice, seeking peace and building community are central to the identity of the United Church of Christ. We invite you to explore the breadth and depth of the UCC's justice work. Join us in building a stronger faith-based movement for peace, justice, equality and inclusivity. Our work is rooted in the teachings of scripture and the policies of our General Synod. Questions about anything you see here? Send us a message.
To explore JWM issue areas, click on the categories below.
Bullying: What we can do to stop it
Justice for Children
Literacy
Public Education
Sexuality Education Criminal Justice
Human Rights
Gun Violence
Human Trafficking
Immigration
LGBT Justice
Media Justice
Our Faith Our Vote Campaign
Reading Changes Lives - Literacy Campaign
Torture Awareness – Stop Torture
Voting Rights
Economic Justice
Banking and our Values
Coffee Project (Fair Trade)
Congregation-based Community Organizing
Economic Crisis
Economic Inequality
Economic Justice Covenant Program
Federal Budget and Appropriations
Hunger| Just Eating
Globalization
International Trade and Investment
Jubilee Debt Relief
Poverty
Privatization
Social Security
Tax Reform
Environmental Ministries
Mission 4/1 Earth
Colombia
Globalization
Immigration
International Trade and Investment
Israel/Palestine
Jubilee Debt Relief
Marshall Islands
Syria
United Nations
Learn more about our Global Partnerships through our UCC/DOC Global Minstries.
Disabilities
Faith Community Nurse Network
Health Care Justice
Health Equity
HIV/AIDS
Mental Illness
Physician Aid in Dying/Physician Assisted Suicide
UCC Health Ministries
Sexuality Education
LGBT Justice
UCAN - UCC HIV and AIDS Network
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
Bullying: What We Can Do to Stop It Just Peace
Militarism & Pentagon Spending
Nuclear Weapons
Syria
Torture Awareness – Stop Torture
Racial Justice
Doctrine of Discovery: Lenten Study
Intersections: Racism and...
Multi-Racial Multi-Cultural Church
Sacred Conversation on Race - the Journey Continues
Race, Ethnicity, and Economic Justice
Women's Justice Home
Expansive Language
Human Trafficking
Reproductive Justice
Sexual and Domestic Violence
Farm Workers
Immigration
Labor Sunday
Labor Unions
Low-wage Work
Sweatshops
Workplace Justice
Section Menu
We Do Justice - Join Us!
Take Action
Understanding the Issues
Justice Events
Justice Training Resources
Publications & Resources
Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering
Contact Info
Bentley de Bardelaben
Executive for Administration and Communications Justice & Witness Ministries
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3713
debardeb@ucc.org
Contact Info
Jessie Palatucci
Online Communications Specialist
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-543-1517
palatucj@ucc.org
Loans. We have plans. We have loans. Let's talk.
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Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
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http://www.ucc.org/justice_issues
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Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Vimeo YouTube
Find A
Church
About Us
Change
The World
Contact
Us
News
and Events
Advocate
For Justice
Home / Advocate
For Justice
Understanding the Issues
Doing justice, seeking peace and building community are central to the identity of the United Church of Christ. We invite you to explore the breadth and depth of the UCC's justice work. Join us in building a stronger faith-based movement for peace, justice, equality and inclusivity. Our work is rooted in the teachings of scripture and the policies of our General Synod. Questions about anything you see here? Send us a message.
To explore JWM issue areas, click on the categories below.
Bullying: What we can do to stop it
Justice for Children
Literacy
Public Education
Sexuality Education Criminal Justice
Human Rights
Gun Violence
Human Trafficking
Immigration
LGBT Justice
Media Justice
Our Faith Our Vote Campaign
Reading Changes Lives - Literacy Campaign
Torture Awareness – Stop Torture
Voting Rights
Economic Justice
Banking and our Values
Coffee Project (Fair Trade)
Congregation-based Community Organizing
Economic Crisis
Economic Inequality
Economic Justice Covenant Program
Federal Budget and Appropriations
Hunger| Just Eating
Globalization
International Trade and Investment
Jubilee Debt Relief
Poverty
Privatization
Social Security
Tax Reform
Environmental Ministries
Mission 4/1 Earth
Colombia
Globalization
Immigration
International Trade and Investment
Israel/Palestine
Jubilee Debt Relief
Marshall Islands
Syria
United Nations
Learn more about our Global Partnerships through our UCC/DOC Global Minstries.
Disabilities
Faith Community Nurse Network
Health Care Justice
Health Equity
HIV/AIDS
Mental Illness
Physician Aid in Dying/Physician Assisted Suicide
UCC Health Ministries
Sexuality Education
LGBT Justice
UCAN - UCC HIV and AIDS Network
UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns
Bullying: What We Can Do to Stop It Just Peace
Militarism & Pentagon Spending
Nuclear Weapons
Syria
Torture Awareness – Stop Torture
Racial Justice
Doctrine of Discovery: Lenten Study
Intersections: Racism and...
Multi-Racial Multi-Cultural Church
Sacred Conversation on Race - the Journey Continues
Race, Ethnicity, and Economic Justice
Women's Justice Home
Expansive Language
Human Trafficking
Reproductive Justice
Sexual and Domestic Violence
Farm Workers
Immigration
Labor Sunday
Labor Unions
Low-wage Work
Sweatshops
Workplace Justice
Section Menu
We Do Justice - Join Us!
Take Action
Understanding the Issues
Justice Events
Justice Training Resources
Publications & Resources
Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering
Contact Info
Bentley de Bardelaben
Executive for Administration and Communications Justice & Witness Ministries
700 Prospect Ave.
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-736-3713
debardeb@ucc.org
Contact Info
Jessie Palatucci
Online Communications Specialist
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-543-1517
palatucj@ucc.org
Loans. We have plans. We have loans. Let's talk.
Home
Site-Map
Privacy Policy
About Us
KYEP Signup
Donate
Press
Español
Opportunities
Contact Us
User Profile
Copyright 2015 © United Church of Christ. All rights reserved.
700 Prospect Ave. Cleveland, OH 44115
Sign in with Facebook, Twitter or email.
Created with NationBuilder
http://www.ucc.org/justice_issues
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