The United Church of Christ

A Denomination of Firsts

Years the UCC has existed in its current form

Number of UCC Congregations (approx)

Number of UCC Members (million)

We claim a history of firsts for justice.

From an early stance against slavery to the first woman ordained, first openly gay person ordained, and many more the United Church of Christ has long been a beacon of justice in a broken world. You can read more here.

Our faith is 2,000 years old. Our thinking is not.

We believe in God’s continuing testament. This is why we are committed to hearing God’s ancient story anew and afresh in our lives and in the world today. We try to remain attentive to God’s creative movement in the world. Religion and science are not mutually exclusive, and your head and heart are both welcomed into our places of worship. We prepare our members and leaders to be engaged in ministry in the present and future church, and we embrace all kinds of communities and new modes of thinking. Why? Because God is still speaking,  

No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here.

We believe in extravagant welcome. This is why we insist that God’s communion table is open, not closed, and God’s gift and claim in baptism are irrevocable. We advocate justice for all. Our congregations extend hospitality as a sign of God’s inclusive love. Our perspective is global, not provincial. We work with — not against — people of other faiths. Why? Because God is still speaking,  

Never place a period where God has placed a comma.

We believe the church’s mission is to change lives — individually, systemically and globally. We work to make transformation possible, but trust in God’s grace. This is why we insist that churches must be places of vitality in worship, learning and advocacy. We are committed to working for justice, and we believe that lives are changed through global experiences and friendships. Why? Because God is still speaking,

www.uccmn.org is the website for the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. We are in covenant with all the churches in the conference and are beneficiaries of their program and ministry.

www.ucc.org is the home of our denomination. Go here to learn more about the exciting and diverse ministries of the United Church of Christ, a Still Speaking Church.

www.ucccoalition.org will take you to the nation website for the LGBT community in the United Church of Christ. As an Open and Affirming congregation for the past 35 years we believe this vital ministry is essential to heal our world and understand our God.

www.unitedseminary.edu is for those who want to pursue a deeper dive into their own call to ministry. You can apply for a degree or certificate program or just audit a class. It is a resource for all spiritual seekers.

Subscriptions at the United Church of Christ

The United Church of Christ provides weekly and monthly newsletters from many ministries that share stories, action alerts, resources and educational opportunities and more. Browse the options below and subscribe.

Minnesota Conference

COMMAntary

National Conference

Creation Justice Webinars

Creation Justice Webinar Each month, the UCC co-hosts a webinar featuring environmental justice leaders who not only educate the audience about critical issues but also direct the audience as to how faith communities can take action. Past speakers have included Senator Cory Booker, climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe and bestselling author Adrienne Maree Brown.

Daily Devotional

The Daily Devotional is a spiritually deep and refreshing well to which thousands of readers are drawn each day. The overall vision and voice of the Daily Devotional is tended by the Stillspeaking Writers’ Group and supported by the staff of The Pilgrim Press.

Join the Movement

Can you imagine a church free of racism and a world where all people live without fear of violence or systems that harm God’s human creation? The United Church of Christ invites you to Join the Movement toward racial justice as we answer God’s call to be an anti-racist church. Here, we will share stories and grow together, learning from one another to build a just world for all. Subscribe to receive the latest stories and updates.

JPANet

The Justice and Peace Action Network (JPANet) is our denomination’s grassroots advocacy network composed of individual members and local UCC congregations across the country. When you join the network you will receive weekly alerts allowing you to take action on timely justice issues and monthly newsletters to keep you informed on other ways to get involved.

Mind Body Spirit

Linking Lives for Health and Wholeness is the E-Newsletter of the UCC Wellness Ministries. Published every other month, it features reflections and articles designed to support and promote the wellness ministries programs of local churches. The newsletter also shares news and announcements about events and opportunities to learn and increase the wellness ministries leadership capacity of the church.

Nurture the Soul

Nurture the Soul is our Thursday webinar series to care for the whole church. Topics are wide ranging, and are focused on the spirituality and care of people. Prayer, worship, music, psalm readings, or compassionate teaching are included.

Our Whole Lives (OWL)

This quarterly newsletter provides information to anyone interested in the Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith programs offered by the UCC and UUA. Each issue includes updated information about engaging with the OWL material, resources to use in addition to the OWL curricula, information about upcoming training opportunities and links to learn more about Our Whole Lives. A scripture reflection is also included for those who would find that helpful.

The Pollinator

The Pollinator is a monthly environmental justice newsletter of the United Church of Christ. It is devoted to the sharing of best practices, upcoming events, action alerts and faith-rooted reflections that equip and inspire church members in caring for God’s creation.

UCC News Digest

Sign up to stay up to date on the news of the United Church of Christ. The UCC News Digest, issued every Tuesday, brings the latest news stories, action alerts, podcasts and prayers directly to your inbox.

Wednesdays with the World Webinars

This bi-monthly newsletter provides information on upcoming Wednesdays with the World webinars. The Wednesdays with the World webinar series highlights the ways in which the quest for justice is intersectional and global, providing opportunities for increased awareness of global concerns, and highlighting opportunities for advocacy and action.

Weekly Seeds

Weekly Seeds is a Bible study resource based on the readings of the “Lectionary,” a plan for weekly Bible readings in public worship used in Christian churches throughout the world. Each week, you will receive a theological reflection on the focus text, discussion/reflection questions and additional thoughts for conversation around a central theme. When we pray with and study the Bible using the Lectionary, we are praying and studying with millions of others.

Witness for Justice

Witness for Justice is a weekly opinion column for public distribution (inside and outside the church) that identifies timely or urgent justice issues. It is a theologically based perspective founded on the UCC’s historic commitment to justice and peace. It is also intended to engage readers and encourage prophetic witness and action. Columns are posted to UCC.org, UCC News Digest, emailed out to subscribers (including newspapers who publish commentaries), shared via Justice and Witness Ministries and UCC social media.