Loving God, on this fifth Sunday of Lent, we turn to your Word in John 11:1-45, where we see the power and compassion of your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank you for this story of resurrection and hope, which reminds us of the victory that we have through Christ over […]
Read MoreThe Need for Congregational Care in the Church
Congregational care is a critical part of pastoral ministry. As pastors, we are called to care for the members of our congregations, and this includes visiting the elderly. In a progressive church, where social justice and inclusivity are key values, it is especially important to ensure that all members of […]
Read MoreWhy Churches need a Pastoral Relations Committee
A Pastoral Relations Committee (PRC) is a group of individuals within a church who are responsible for supporting and caring for their pastor. This committee can provide a range of services, including offering emotional and spiritual support, mediating conflicts, and providing feedback on the pastor’s performance. While not all churches […]
Read MoreA Blessing for Churches (Irish Blessing Style)
May the blessings of the Almighty be upon the UCC Church, both near and far. May the community be strengthened by the grace and love of God, and may the spirit of Christ be present in every heart and every act of worship. May the light of faith guide the […]
Read MoreA Blessing for Pastors (Irish Blessing Style)
May the blessings of the saints and angels be upon you, dear pastor of the UCC Church. May the light of Christ shine brightly through your words and actions, and may the Holy Spirit guide and inspire you always. May your heart be filled with joy and your soul be […]
Read MoreTransforming Discipleship in the Inclusive Church
Discipleship is a central aspect of Christian faith and practice, and involves following Jesus and seeking to live out his teachings in our daily lives. However, traditional models of discipleship have often excluded or marginalized certain groups of people, such as LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and people of color. […]
Read MorePastoral Care for the Purple Church
As a United Church of Christ (UCC) pastor, serving a diverse political congregation can be challenging. However, with the right pastoral care techniques, it is possible to minister effectively to individuals with differing political views. In this blog post, we will explore some practical suggestions for serving a UCC church […]
Read MoreWhat does “Extravagant Welcome” mean?
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a Christian denomination that is known for its commitment to inclusivity and diversity. One of the key ways that the UCC expresses this commitment is through its concept of “extravagant welcome.” This phrase is used to describe the UCC’s belief that every person […]
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