There comes a moment in every believer’s journey when God places a calling, an assignment, or an opportunity in front of us — and we must decide whether we’re going to tiptoe into it or step forward with a bold, unapologetic YES.

Now, let me be clear: saying yes to God doesn’t mean you suddenly stop being nervous, unsure, or overwhelmed. Oh no. Sometimes that YES comes with shaking hands, a racing heart, and a whole lot of “Lord, are You sure You meant me?” But something shifts the moment we stop doubting and start agreeing with what God already spoke over our lives.

My YES, this season has stretched me. Seminary stretches me. Ministry stretches me. Office leadership stretches me. But instead of shrinking back, I’m learning to stand tall in the assignment — because if God called me to it, then He already equipped me for it.

Confidence isn’t pretending we have everything under control. Confidence is remembering Who does.

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Across the nation, the recent sweep of key races by Democrats has sparked a renewed sense of hope. For many, it felt like a collective exhale a reminder that our voices, our votes, and our values still matter. In a time when democracy feels fragile and compassion sometimes seems out of style, these wins were a small but significant light breaking through the fog.

But let’s be real even with political victories, the world around us still feels unstable. People are losing jobs. Families are watching SNAP benefits decrease or disappear altogether. The ongoing government shutdown hangs in the air like a storm cloud. Prices are rising faster than paychecks, and for too many, it’s not about thriving anymore it’s about surviving.

So how do we hold onto hope when everything around us feels uncertain? How do we keep the faith when the headlines are filled with chaos, conflict, and confusion?

Click through to keep reading Shandrika’s article.

From Katie Allred in the Church Communications Facebook Group:

Hey friends, quick warning for your teams.

A church I’m connected with was targeted this week by a TikTok creator. They called the church office pretending to be a mom with a hungry baby who needed formula right now.

The receptionist responded the way a lot of our teams would:

• She explained they didn’t have formula on site

• She immediately pointed the caller to several local food pantries the church partners with that DO stock formula and help families every day

The caller was secretly recording.

They then posted the audio with a headline like:

“Church turns away starving baby”

The video blew up.

Now the church is getting:

• Thousands of angry comments

• A wave of 1-star Google reviews from people who’ve never been there

• Trolls piling on across platforms

All of this is happening during a federal government shutdown, when:

• SNAP benefits are being delayed, cut, or thrown into chaos for millions of people

• Families who depend on those benefits are legitimately terrified about how they’ll feed their kids this month

So we’re in this strange moment where:

• Real need is rising, and

• Outrage content is farming that pain for views.

And your front desk team is standing right in the middle of it.

Read some helpful tips from this church communications pro—click through to read the article and get a link to a helpful script.

UCC Gender & Sexuality Justice Ministries is thrilled to extend our Love is Louder offerings to include The Book of Love! Within this first edition are the voices of our wider church offering their poetry, devotional reflections, and liturgy with Gospel of inclusion embodied.

Download the Book of Love here

by Shandrika McDowell

This is my second course in seminary, and let me tell you—it’s been a workout! The Old Testament will stretch your mind and your faith at the same time. I went from just reading the Bible to actually studying it—breaking down context, history, language, and meaning. And whew, it’s a whole different experience when you slow down and really dig in.

Each assignment felt like lifting spiritual weights. Some days I left sore (mentally), other days I left stronger. The Old Testament isn’t just about ancient people, it’s about us. It shows God’s power, patience, and purpose through generations of folks who were just as flawed and faithful as we are today.

Click through to read Shandrika’s article.

Last week, Dr. Gloria and I discussed the teachings of Jesus Christ and how they have endured for more than 2,000 years. She made a lightbulb moment that stuck with me, which I plan to use in a sermon or Bible study: “That alone should instill faith.” (You would think the lightbulb should have been on already, lol!)

You know she’s right! The words and wisdom of Jesus have carried through wars, cultural shifts, and generations of change. They still call people to love, compassion, justice, and hope. That kind of lasting truth shows the living presence of Christ among us.

I love that the United Church of Christ gathers around that very same faith. We don’t rely on rigid rules or identical beliefs. We stay connected through our shared trust in Jesus, who is the head of our church: the very same Jesus, the One who teaches us to love God and our neighbors. In a world full of noise and distraction, His voice still speaks through Scripture, community, and acts of service.

We live in a time when many people post, protest, and speak out, but fewer put faith into practice.

(click through to keep reading)

The Pastoral Residency Program at The Village Church in Wellesley and Weston, Massachusetts is a two-year, full-time ordainable call in the United Church of Christ designed for recent M.Div. graduates preparing for parish ministry.

This position is an ordainable call in the United Church of Christ, with a full-time salary and housing allowance of $60,000 a year (or $55,000 with free parsonage housing, if available), and full benefits.

• As full-time pastors, Residents participate in all aspects of the life of Village Church in Wellesley and Weston. The two settings provide experience of working with a large staff and as solo pastor.

• Residents gain experience in core areas of pastoral leadership: Worship, Faith Formation, Pastoral Care, Transformational Leadership, Social Justice, and Professional Development. We intentionally leave space in their portfolios for Residents to respond to the Spirit's movement.

• The program trains two Residents at a time, and the staggered call process enables them to progress in their learning and leadership with the support of a peer.

• Throughout their service with us, residents receive extensive support and mentoring from both the pastoral staff at Village Church in Wellesley and the congregations in Wellesley and Weston.

• We support participation in a New Clergy Group through the UCC’s Southern New England Conference.

To read more program details and the application timeline for the 2026–2028 cohort, click here.