The United Church of Christ Council of Conference Ministers offers this Seven Last Words of Christ Good Friday service on April 3.

The Southwest Conference will publish the video at 12 pm New Mexico & El Paso time / 11 am Arizona time on our YouTube channel and Facebook page.

The service is led by:

• Rev. Dr. Toni Hawkins, Southwest Conference

• Rev. Nayiri Karjian, Florida Conference

• Rev. Dr. Terrill Murff, Illinois Conference

• Rev. Dr. Davena Jones, Northern California Conference

• Rev. Freeman Palmer, Central Atlantic Conference

• Rev. Dr. Marsha Williams, New York Conference

• Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Southern New England Conference

“We are pleased to share our 2025 Annual Report, “Rooted in Faith. Forward in Mission.” This report highlights UCF’s responsible investing, rooted in the United Church of Christ’s traditions and its role in advancing meaningful change — from addressing systemic risks through advocacy to collaborating with partners to build a more just and sustainable world.

We invite you to READ THE REPORT and share it with others who may feel called to partner with us in faithful stewardship. We recommend using Google Chrome for the best viewing experience.”

“Yesterday, I had to do one of the hardest things that I have ever done in my life. I had to put my beloved fur baby to sleep and say goodbye. The above photograph was taken about 10 minutes before her procedure. I knew it would be our last photo together, and I sense that she knew it as well. After I snapped our final selfie, I broke down. And just like the dutiful companion she has been for over a decade, she comforted me in her final moments.”

In justice‑centered and faith‑rooted work, the most meaningful support often comes from the quietest companions.

The Open and Affirming Coalition (ONA) recently launched its Spring Campaign, Love Without Fear, inspired by the deep bond between people and the pets who sustain them through grief, exhaustion, and hope. Sparked by the personal loss of a beloved companion experienced by ONA’s Acting Executive Director, Rev. Derek Terry, the campaign has grown into a collective moment of reflection, gratitude, and action.

For many engaged in advocacy and community work, the emotional labor is constant. The pressure is high, the challenges unrelenting, and rest can feel elusive. In these moments, pets become grounding presences—pulling us outside, slowing us down, offering comfort without expectation, and reminding us that we are loved simply for who we are.

As Rev. Terry reflects, pets teach us how to “love without fear.” We welcome them fully into our lives, knowing their time with us will likely be shorter, and we choose love anyway. That courage—to love deeply despite loss—mirrors what it means to keep showing up for one another and for a more just world.

Love Without Fear invites community members to share photos and stories of the pets who bring them joy, connection, and steadiness. These tributes will be shared on ONA’s social media platforms through the end of May, creating a space to honor the companions who quietly sustain this work.

In addition, the campaign aims to raise $5,000 to support a new microgrant program launching in June. These grants, up to $500 each, will help Open and Affirming churches extend their work beyond their walls and deepen local impact.

By weaving together memory, tenderness, and action, Love Without Fear reminds us that care is not separate from justice—it makes the work possible.

The PATHWAYS Environmental Justice Program equips participants with the tools to engage in environmental justice work in their own communities (such as community advocates, eco-church consultants, or coalition builders among faith-based, science-based, and government-based organizations). Consisting of 17 courses in three levels (comprehending, applying, synthesizing), this program invites participants to encounter the planet’s devastation and move towards its healing. Click here for more information.

The United Church of Christ’s General Minister and President/CEO, the Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson issued a statement Saturday condemning the bombing of Iran by the United States and Israel, and urged people of faith to continue to call on elected officials to reject war. 

“We call for an end to the abuse of government might that is poured out on people who are not the ones making decisions yet bear the brunt of the ensuing violence, casualties of actions they do not support,” said Thompson in the statement.

Read it in full here.

The United Church of Christ Musicians Association is pleased to announce its upcoming biennial national conference to be held July 8 – 11, 2026 at the First Community Church in Columbus, Ohio.

Conference 2026: United in Spirit, Diverse in Sound will offer workshops, worship services, concerts, optional activities and networking to church musicians and worship leaders. The First Community Church of Columbus, Ohio, which is affiliated with both the Disciples of Christ (DOC) and the United Church of Christ (UCC), will host the conference. Attendees will have access to a wide range of activities designed to refine musical skills and provide valuable resources and ideas for expressing God's Spirit creatively, especially during challenging times.

This in-person event is open to all. For complete information and registration, please visit Conference 2026.

For information about the United Church of Christ Musicians Association, visit their website or click here for an introductory welcome letter.

Feb 26, 2026 01:30 PM

This is the first in a four-part series discussion on those ministers who serve in and with community-based organizations, rather than through congregational outreach. Join our conversation as we discuss the immediate role of clergy and other authorized spiritual support individuals in times of emergency crisis and disasters. Four spiritual support specialists from across the country will discuss their roles as first-responder chaplains and disaster response individuals on the important role of clergy in those moments when all hope seems lost and in long-term community-based situations when immediate concerns are being handled, but hope seems hard to find.