UCC President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson shares a Christmas message, reminding the church that there is light during dark times.
Epiphany Sunday (January 4), United Church of Santa Fe Choir Director Andre Garcia- Nuthmann will lead a “Drop-in Choir” for all voices. For folks who love to sing, but can’t commit to a weekly choir, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy a choir experience. They will rehearse an “accessible” anthem, then sing during service. No pressure, but lots of fun and meaning.
This ceramic Be the Church Rainbow 11 oz. mug features a wrap-around of the "Be the Church" rainbow design with the UCC logo and bold messaging. Order here.
Church of the Good Shepherd in Albuquerque’s Hospitality team is joining with youth, families, and every child at heart for some holiday fun & fundraising to relaunch Sunday School and Youth Activities for 2026. (A new idea for me). The perimeter of their hospitality space will be set up with long tables & snowflake decor to create a magical "cookie walk." Cookie shoppers will:
Purchase an empty wide-mouthed mason jar at the beginning of the walk
Select different cookies along the way to fill their jar!
Top it with a festive fabric lid cover & a personalized tag.
What will some COGS members do on December 25 after the coffee is consumed and presents are opened? Why come to the 3rd Annual COGS Christmas Gathering, of course! Activities include a hymn sing and a $0 gift exchange, as well as bring-some-and-eat-some treats afterwards. Coffee and the usual beverages will be provided. $0 Gift Exchange Pointers for those who need them:
Look around your house or yard or garage for items you no longer need or want, but would be of use or interest to others (comedic value can be considered too).
Regift something you just opened, lol.
Make a small craft without buying any supplies.
Write a poem or a short story and print it out.
Offer an hour’s worth of light cleaning or conversation
Offer a guided nature walk on your favorite trail.
Common Ground on the Border: It is time for folks to sign up for the big Border Conference that is held at the Good Shepherd January 15-17th. It will be an amazing experience of border music, film, arts, food, lectures and fun. Folks will be coming from around the country to learn more about immigration and the border. You can find more info at the webpage: HOME | Common Ground on the Border
Shared by Church of the Palms:
Across the country, we are witnessing a renewed and coordinated effort to restrict and criminalize gender-affirming care for transgender and gender-expansive young people. Just this week the U.S. House passed legislation that would make it a federal crime for doctors—and in some cases parents—to support gender-affirming medical care for minors, despite the consensus of major medical organizations that such care can be appropriate and lifesaving when provided responsibly, as reported by The Guardian and CNN. These attacks rely on misleading language about “protecting children,” while disregarding the voices of parents, medical professionals, and faith leaders who know that denying care causes real harm. In this moment, Open and Affirming churches are being called to something deeper than politeness or symbolic inclusion. Open and affirming churches can and should provide hope—not merely through welcome (WELCOME IS NOT ENOUGH), but through affirmation, protection, education, and sustained commitment. That is why the work of the Open and Affirming Coalition matters now more than ever. The Coalition has received a 2-for-1 matching grant from a generous supporter. Every contribution—large or small—strengthens the ministry that strengthens all of us. Give here.
Shared by Shadow Rock UCC:
Archdiocese of Boston, ICE Director Call for Removal of Anti-ICE Nativity Scene | MassLive
The Archdiocese of Boston and the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have called for the removal of a Nativity scene at St. Susanna Catholic Church in Dedham, Massachusetts, which criticizes immigration enforcement actions. The church's Nativity scene features a sign that reads "ICE was here" in place of Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. A smaller sign reads "The Holy Family is safe in our Church." Terry Donilon, archdiocesan spokesperson, called for the removal of the display, saying it is "divisive political messaging."