Sat, Jul 31, 2010
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 UCC News
'Language Matters' symposium to explore expansive language useFri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500
A diverse group of Christians will gather in Chicago August 9-11 to talk about the language people use to talk about God and faith.
UCC leader responds to Anne Rice's repudiation of ChristianityFri, 30 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 In response to novelist Anne Rice's public denouncement of Christianity on Facebook, the Rev. Geoffrey A. Black offered words of support and understanding for the acclaimed author, saying her commitment to following Christ with authenticity is admirable and reflects the faith journey taken by many who have found a spiritual home in the 1.1-million-member United Church of Christ.
UCC leaders applaud Arizona immigration law injunctionThu, 29 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 Responding to a United State District Court judge's injunction against implementing certain parts of Arizona's new immigration law S.B. 1070, United Church of Christ leaders issued a statement in support of the ruling.
Inaugural investor conference offers educational opportunities, investment expertsTue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500 Aiming to help churches manage their permanent assets more effectively, United Church Funds will hold its first-ever National Investor Conference, “Investing Responsibly in Uncertain Times,” Oct. 22 and 23 in Chicago.
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" I think we have decided to attend Crestwood Christian Church again this Sunday. I had already told t... "
"Sorry about your father's passing, Vincent. I'll keep you in my prayers."
" The ceremony is complete; my father has been cremated and the ashes should soon be mine. What I will... "
" trying to engage a practice of "in 25 words or less" to describe where I think the sermon and worshi... "
"I love this post, Jerry. I agree with you, that it is the relationships of people that give real Christianity (whatever that is) its power. I would even take that idea further: Jesus tells us to love God and to love others as ourselves. It is pretty hard to follow this instruction outside of community."
Very good article under the Feed Your Spirit link for today. Check it out!
on Wednesday, 28 July 2010 16:08
" I somehow got talked into joining Facebook a year or two ago. I generally like it because it helps ... "
"Thanks, Jerry. I always appreciate your writings.Nancy"
" I love movies. For about 6 years I ran a summer movie program at my church "Film and Faith." So, I... "
"I have to agree with you on that. Lots of people I'm sure find it odd. Especially when people mention it that's not a regular in church. I've heard it all my life growing up. It's hard for me to give up control."
"Thanks JDB. The funeral is on Wednesday. I'm trying to get off so I can be with him. We will be back at church searching next Sunday I'm sure. "
Reading 'A Generous Orthodoxy,' by Brian McLaren. So far it's pretty interesting, yet questionable!
on Monday, 26 July 2010 20:39
"Craig - I'm very sorry to hear about Joe's uncle. In my experience you're absolutely right about cancer sucking. It can suck everything right out. Hopefully both of you are able to take some time to grieve, and can return to church searching sooner or later!"
"Unfortunately, we didn't make it anywhere. Joe lost his uncle to cancer on Friday. He doesn't take news like that very well. He's doing better, tho. We are shooting for next Sunday. He just laid around all weekend for the most part. "
" Well, our attempt to visit Vine Congregational Church failed. We didn't get up in time once again. T... "
"My typo, friends... it's Judy Collins... sorry."
"Craig - I hope you had a good visit this a.m.!"
" In not a few Christian settings I've been advised to "let go" or "give up some control" or "embrace ... "
"There's such a cultural interest in keeping Sabbath today with a very diverse practices. Good article in the NYTimes last Sunday and report on NPR th..."
Just saw a mug that reads, 'Coffee Hour: The 3rd Sacrament'
on Saturday, 24 July 2010 13:07
" I'm really excited about tomorrow. I guess it's partly because the preacher in me. I love Sundays an... "
"If I had to decide which irritates me more, the ones who misuse the Bible or the ones who allow others to misuse the Bible, I would probably choose the latter. At least the ones who misuse the Word probably read some of the passages and misinterpreted them. The ones who allow them to do this are ignorant and should be ashamed of themselves for allowing themselves to be an audience for them!"
"Hopefully your relationship has a lot of fun in it. That's important too. But your message is a sound one. Don't become compacent with your relationship. It's too easy for things to fall apart if you don't actively attend to it.BTW, I spent most of my childhood in York, NE, not to far from Lincoln. Very nice area. :)"
"I love payday. Unfortunately, my payday's not until next Friday. Good luck with they new hard drive, Craig! "
"sorry, didn't mean to double-post... :("
"Hey Jimmy! I'm not a music director so I don't really have anything to offer for your question. I just wanted to welcome you and wish you well with your new blog! :)"
"Hey Jimmy! I'm not a music director, so I can't really help with your question. But I did want to offer a quick welcome for your new blog! :)"
"UCC Community members: For whatever reason, videos posted to my home blog don't cross over the feed to this website with the rest of my posts. If you want to watch the accompanying video blog entry, click on the title posted above."
"UCC Community members: For whatever reason, videos posted to my home blog don't cross over the feed to this website with the rest of my posts. If you want to watch the accompanying video blog entry, click on the title posted above."
" Hello. I am only a couple years new to the UCC as a music director. I sometimes find it hard to find... "
"The sample of the adult faith practices is available fromhttp://www.ucc.org/education/practices/files/living-stewardship/stewardship-adult-scripture.p..."
"I am also looking for a sample of adult materials. Thanks!"
"That's really ignorant bunch of people that go that church!"
" I haven't posted many "preachy" thoughts on this blog. At least I didn't think I have. My blog is mo... "
Working on some new blogs, they should be posted soon. Keep checking!
on Friday, 23 July 2010 11:46
" Today is pay day! FINALLY. Getting paid every other week stinks sometimes. Especially when you have ... "
Just changed my blog photo. I think it's a little more fitting. What ya think?
on Thursday, 22 July 2010 21:51
"Thanks Pastor Jerry. I would love to be involved with the UCC. I have heard that they don't discriminate when it comes to sexual orientation. That's part of the reason I joined this site a few years ago. The only thing is the requirements seem a little staggering at the present time. Maybe one day tho!"
"Thanks for sharing your story on here, Craig. I know that there are many people who will read it who will relate to what you said because they have gone through a similar situation as you experienced in their growing up years. Your last line is exactly right. God created us all and God created us as we are. If we truly believe that God knows us better than we know ourselves, then why is it so difficult for some to believe that perhaps God created some persons to be gay. If the animal kingdom is filled with such diversity, then why should the human species not have diversity also? You are great the way you are and God will use you as you are in ministry to God's Church. The UCC does not use sexual orientation as a factor to determine whether or not a person can be a minister. You are welcome in the UCC and welcomed to fulfill your calling as a pastor in the UCC. Many blessings to you. "
" There are some things about me I wish I could change. My homosexuality use to be one of those things... "
"Thanks guys! I did get an email from the pastor of Crestwood. We are going to get together and talk some after he gets back from CO. Looking forward to what God has in store!"
"God will lead you to where you should be. The UCC and the DOC are mission partners and we do many things together so we are already in a ministry relationship in many ways. If the local congregation speaks to your spirit, perhaps God is Still Speaking in some way to you through this worship event. You will be in my prayers also. "
Friends For the Journey
Wed, 28 Jul 2010 18:51:52 Z I somehow got talked into joining Facebook a year or two ago. I generally like it because it helps me stay in touch with people who live across the country or the world whom I rarely see in person. I like it because I can share this blog on it and connect with many more people than I can on this website alone. It also allows people to give their opinions about topics of interest and join variou...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice Wed, 28 Jul 2010 13:22:49 Z I caught a Regal Cinemas' 'Value Days' ($5 admission all day weekdays, free popcorn and a soda) showing of the Mickey Mouse inspired Nicholas Cage movie. Here's my short review:Nothing epic here, but it's pretty good.Here's a little more:Nicholas Cage looks the best he's looked in years in this film. It also looks like he was having fun!The mopping scene made me smile.This is the first movie whe...
Movie Review: "Agent of Grace" Tue, 27 Jul 2010 21:05:58 Z I love movies. For about 6 years I ran a summer movie program at my church "Film and Faith." So, I recently watched the made-for-PBS movie "Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Agent of Grace" which was made about Bonhoeffer's life in the conspiracy to kill Hitler. I thought I'd note a few things about it.
I thought Ulrich Tukur was very good in the role of Bonhoeffer. Just the right blend of clear caring an...
What Makes YOU Happy? Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:11:59 Z Do you want to be happy? Then, you may need to move. No, I dont mean that you need to move to another city or state but you need to move to an entirely new country. The Gallup Poll recently did a survey of 136,000 people in each country in the world to find out who feels happy and why. The country that came out on top with the happiest people in the world is.......DENMARK! Denmarkians are the happ...
Stuff Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:36:57 Z Here's this week's Bible study post:How much stuff do you have? How much of your stuff do you hold onto simply because having more stuff makes you feel more secure or powerful?In this week’s Bible reading from Luke 12:13-21, Jesus addresses stuff. Stay away from greedStop accumulating so much stuffFocus on having a rich relationship with GodThe sum of your life is not measured by how much stuff yo...
Discipleship = Giving up control? Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:47:14 Z In not a few Christian settings I've been advised to "let go" or "give up some control" or "embrace surrender to God's will in my life". May I say I find these suggestions odd? I think what lies behind them is openness to serendipity, that is, to the unexpected stirrings of the spirit in new and amazing ways. This much is very exciting to me.
At the same time, I am concerned that "just go-wi...
That Prayer Sun, 25 Jul 2010 02:51:25 Z This week's Bible study post (Rote) has grown into a series of mini-sermons for Sunday at Union Congregational UCC in Somonauk, IL."That Prayer" text"That Prayer" podcast (coming soon)
Inception Thu, 22 Jul 2010 22:13:42 Z It wasn't on my list of films to see this summer, but I think the new dreamy Leo film has become the must-see event of the summer. I saw it last night with Cassie. Here's my short review:I'm going to have to see that again.Here's a little more:Cassie said that this film was sort of like Lost -- but with a much better payoff. I agree.Expect to say "What?" a few times. And hang in there. It wil...
Baptism Chat--Part Two Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:40:58 Z Pop Quiz:
Baptisms are: 1) Really cute and sweet because we see a baby up front when the pastor puts water on him/her. 2) Christenings--babies are up front and the pastor puts water on him/her and we enjoy it very much. 3) being buried and raised from the dead. Choose one. Discuss with someone nearby.
Okay, now that you have had time to discuss this important topic with others, the answe...
Weary in Well Doing Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:06:46 Z "So let us not grown weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)
Do you ever just want to give up--to just throw in the towel--to just chuck it all and walk away? Do you ever just think, "What's the use...?" I think all of us are confronted with those feelings at times. We all get weary in the work of love or just get weary in our phy...
Any small, non-yuppy UCC church need a minister?
Fri, 30 Jul 2010 11:05:35 Z They tell me to do search and call, but it doesn't work as well for a former missionary. :crazy: I tried it in '04 and went bankrupt waiting! :angry: I ended up teaching overseas for 6 yrs. :alien: Should I reenter the ministry? Would any church accept me as I am? Can we just cut to the chase here? I'm a single white dad, 49, highly trained. ordained w/ standing in UCC. I have planted churches...
Homosexuality Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:24:54 Z I have struggled with my sexuality most of my life as it relates to GOD and Jesus Christ. I enjoy the fact that being a UCC member, I am able to express my feelings and thoughts on the subject. I am writing to see if there are any other GBLT members in Central Ohio as well as see what thoughts the membership may have.SHALOM!~Jeremy
Heaven Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:21:34 Z [size=2]Reading Steven's post about his friend's death and whether or not he made it to heaven, led me to believe that a short discussion of "Heaven" might be in order.Where is Heaven?According to the Bible:Genesis 1:8. [i]And God called the [b]firmament Heaven[/i][/b]..........Saul/Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:2. [i]I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cann...
What Is Truth? Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:07:16 Z In another thread I was accused of not believing in absolute truth. Not true. I believe in God, and I understand God to be absolute or ultimate truth. Therefore I believe that there is absolute truth. But it occurs to me that there are many beliefs and understandings to the age old question.What is Truth?"What is truth?" is a very simple question. Of course, answering it isn't so simple. We ...
How to create a web calendar that works in bullitens Sat, 24 Jul 2010 15:51:22 Z Hello,I am trying to find a calendar program that works great to publish information online, but at the same time be able to print it on 1 page landscaped where we can put it in our monthly bullitens. Has anyone had any luck with this?
Reconciliation Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:50:28 Z Nearly lost in all the focus on how Shirley Sherrod was so unjustly treated by FOX News and, yes, initially even by the Obama Administration, is the essence of what she really said and what she represents -- a stunning example of moving beyond very painful experiences. Her father was killed by a Klansman and her then-fatherless family experienced a cross-burning on their lawn. And yet she ultimat...
What happens to nonbelievers? Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:32:15 Z A very good friend died unexpectedly from cardiac arrest this morning after a knee replacement in a well-regarded hospital. He was in excellent health.Anyway, he was a Unitarian and didn't believe in God or Jesus Christ. The scriptures are clear that the only way to everlasting life is through Jesus Christ. So, if I am understanding things correctly, he is in a state of nonexistence and separated ...
Young adult age designation Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:23:15 Z So this is why I pose the question. I was surfing the web and found other churches, such as the Methodist church, who designate young adult up to the age of 35.As I am turning thirty in two months and have not even gotten to minister to the age group of which I still feel a member and called to minister to (those between the ages of 14 and 35), I feel as those an increase in the age designation is...
Witchcraft and the UCC Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:02:43 Z As a pagan I was wondering what the UCC's position on Witchcraft and neo-pagan religions was. If a person believe in Christ and practiced witchcraft would this line up with the teachings of the UCC?
God is still speaking.com is for sale Sun, 18 Jul 2010 22:07:09 Z Was surprised when trying to find some older GISS stuff and went to godisstillspeaking.com the site is for sale? Is that not an opportunity for sabotage?edited by Karlfor spelling
Chris Dewey Fri, 16 Jul 2010 10:24:00 Z Please keep Deputy Chris Dewey and his family in your prayers.[url]http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/284993/[/url]
Christianity and Evolution ARE Compatible Thu, 15 Jul 2010 15:00:03 Z I am still working on this but this is what I have so far:God created evolutionary forces. These forces continue to make continents, oceans and mountains and, yes, new species to this day. God used a hominid body and then by a *miraculous special creative act* created a human being, body and soul, from that pre-existing hominid. This is when the Garden of Eden happened.
Exploring the philosophical merits of creeds, Past & Present Fri, 09 Jul 2010 14:46:35 Z James: Excellent idea as we are drifting well past the Mormons' status.[quote]Earl,The question isn’t whether the UCC and its predecessors have adopted the Nicene Creed. Although since you brought up the topic of history; there is also the history of the Christian church branch of the UCC. They wanted the frontier churches to be freed to deal with the needs and concerns that were different from th...
BP Oil spill & Our Gov.'s Disaster Response Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:16:38 Z Yes, that could be read, "Our Government's Disastrous response. What are we, 80 days into this and not a peep on these Fora. Amazing! We must be on a collective vacation. :PSo, a brief Question: Bill Clinton recently stated the following priorities he urges for our government:1. Cap the well, stop the oil.2. Collect, skim, retrieve and otherwise get the oil off the water.3. Clean up the beaches &...
How many times a day can we say, "Thank you God for this moment!"? Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:27:24 Z [font=System]Pretty much self explanatory. How would you answer?[/font];)Peace
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on Friday, 30 July 2010 23:05