All of this:
Government Incentives for Churches to Lower Electrical Bills and Reduce Fossil Fuel Use
Sowing Justice: Cultivating a Just World for All in the Farm Bill
In the latest JPANet newsletter:
UCC Webinar— A Plea from the Pope
As the feast day of Francis of Assisi is celebrated on October 4th, Pope Francis will release the "second part" of his encyclical on the climate crisis and inequality. The new edition of the encyclical will provide an update to confronting "the senseless war on our common home."
A panel of climate faith leaders will reflect upon Pope Francis's plea for climate action.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on October 11th at 1 pm ET (10 am AZ / 11 am NM/EP), still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it. Register now!
Read MoreGlobal H.O.P.E. updates
In the latest Global H.O.P.E. newsletter (click here to read it):
Global H.O.P.E. Team Welcomes New Minister for Disaster Response and Recovery
Volunteering is Good for Your Health
Congregation Kicks Off New Church Year With a 'Saturday of Service'
Global H.O.P.E.’s Team Leader Named UCC Chief of Staff
Congregation's Refugee Ministry Budget Grows
Congregational Solar Tour
Solar Tour at Shalom Mennonite Fellowship, 6044 E 30th St, Tucson AZ 85711
October 7, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
More info and great pictures here
This is a great opportunity to view a successful project, talk with Shalom member Duane Ediger about the design, installation, and performance to date. Even if you have solar on your house of worship already, there are some interesting additions, like batteries and electrification (eliminating natural gas to use high-efficiency electric appliances), water harvesting, etc. that you may want to aspire to!
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World Day Against the Death Penalty
Tuesday, October 10, 6:00 - 7:30 pm AZ time
First Church UCC Phoenix (or via Zoom)
1407 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Join the Arizona Faith Network and Death Penalty Alternatives for Arizona on October 10th, World Day Against the Death Penalty, for a gathering that brings together advocates and faith leaders to unite against the death penalty. During this event, we will discuss the topic of abolition of the death penalty in Arizona, engage in prayers for our state and the federal death penalty in our nation, and pray for the global end of capital punishment.
Together, we will discover sources of hope, and share meaningful discussion about how our state can break cycles of violence. This gathering promises to be a place of empowerment, tranquility, and spiritual reflection. This event joins faith leaders and advocates around the world in solidarity to recognize World Day Against the Death Penalty.
Read MoreTAKE ACTION: Urge Congress to Invest in Welcoming Policies, Avoid Government Shutdown →
Join us in calling on Congress to provide robust funding to welcome refugees and asylum seekers, reduce reliance on immigrant detention, deportations, and border militarization, and ultimately avoid a government shutdown that could inflict devastating consequences on humanitarian programs.
Read MoreA Muslim family, living on the campus of a Christian church, being helped by a Jewish Temple
Riveting story from Holly Herman…and how you can be a part of it.
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Tell Congress: Avoid Shutdown, Pass a Clean CR
As UCC advocates, we understand our call and responsibility to care for the poor and the vulnerable. When there are voices calling for government shutdown, or cuts to vital programs that provide needed resources to our neighbor, we cannot be silent. Tell Congress: keep the government running with a clean bipartisan CR, and pass funding bills that prioritize human needs.
Read MoreAUGUST UCC Global H.O.P.E. E-News: Preparing for Disasters
In the latest Global H.O.P.E. newsletter (read it HERE):
Preparing for Disasters
Disaster Preparedness and Older Adults - National Preparedness Month Focuses on Keeping Seniors Safe
Creating Your Basic Disaster Kit
Danielle Hickman Joins Global H.O.P.E. Team
Special Appeal Issued to Help Those Impacted by Hawaii's Wildfires
Grant helps Oklahoma church provide diapers for Afghan families
Global H.O.P.E. Solidarity Grant - Helps In Times of Disaster
Grant Recipient Spotlight (Recovery and Repair Grant)
November 4: Prayer-Rising for Oak Flat. SAVE THE DATE!
Will you come to pray with us at Oak Flat November 4? Prepare yourself in prayer and plan your own transportation to this sacred site located an hour east of Phoenix, Arizona.
Apache Stronghold also invites churches and other faith groups around the world to join the prayer-rising November 4 from their own locations and to share their prayer actions via social and other media. Will you organize your spiritual community to pray with Oak Flat on November 4?
Read MoreHawai’i Conference offers space for grief, prayer for wildfires
The service acknowledged the grief and devastation of the wildfires that began Aug. 8, moving between Scripture readings and prayers shared from clergy and laity in Maui and across the Conference and wider denomination.
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UCC Webinar—The Climate Strike Movement 5 Years Later
Five years have now passed from when Greta Thunberg and others launched a movement that reverberated around the world. The movement continues as organizers prepare for the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City on September 17th.
This webinar will feature faith-based organizers and activists who will reflect back on the movement and where we are today. Speakers will include Rev. Jim Antal, Aly Tharp, and Gabriela Martinez.
Even if you cannot make the webinar at its scheduled time on September 13th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and we will send you a link to a recording of it.
Read MoreAmid wildfires devastation, UCC makes appeal for Hawaii
The United Church of Christ, through Wider Church Ministries, is issuing a special appeal to provide essential items and long-term support to those impacted by wildfires across Hawaii, including the deadly wildfires on the island of Maui.
Read MoreHawaii Wildfires Response
Your donation to the Hawaii wildfires appeal helps the United Church of Christ increase support to immediate relief efforts and enables us to be present for the journey ahead, assuring long-term aid for persons who require assistance with their recovery.
Read MoreChurch of the Palms UCC - heat relief bags for the homeless
Jayne Peak and Kay Klinkenborg of Church of the Palms attended the Arizona Faith Network’s ‘heat relief bag preparation event’ in mid-June. 100+ volunteers filled 1000 Heat Relief Bags in one hour!. Jayne and Kay took their idea and presented an opportunity for ‘anyone to carry heat relief bags’ to hand out their car window. They provide the list and a sturdy plastic bag in their church narthex for anyone.
Read MoreSynod Service Project Update: Thank You for Your Generous Gifts
Your overwhelming support for the Period Packs Service Project at General Synod 34 helped us to exceed our goal. Because of you, we were able to deliver 4,257 period packs to Church World Service (CWS) warehouses for distribution to menstruating people with limited funds and/or access to menstrual hygiene products.
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Ways to help Maui
Prayers for Maui and Hawai'i Islands Wildfire Relief and Donations
“In these times we want to be of help and assistance to our 'ohana in distress. Offerings and collections taken through your local church can be sent to the Conference Office where we will work to distribute the funds to devastated areas and those in need. Individuals may also donate directly through our Conference 2023 Wildfires Relief Fund.”
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JPANet: August Recess
From the Rev. Michael Neuroth, Director of the UCC Washington D.C. Office:
Recess was often the favorite part of my school day growing up. It was a break in the day - a time to relax, play kickball, connect with friends, and prepare for what was to come. Here on Capitol Hill, "recess" has a different connotation. “August Recess” is the time in which members of Congress head back to their states and districts to engage constituents in town hall meetings, state fairs, and other community events. It is a key time to engage with your members of Congress locally. For us in the UCC Washington D.C. office, August Recess also provides space to reflect on the past few months and plan for the work ahead.
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DATE CHANGE! - Reparations in Action: Webinar on How Your Faith Community Can Engage
Learn more about how reparatory justice is becoming manifest in Lansing along with ways your community can engage the reparatory justice process too!
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