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The United Church of Christ (UCC) News team has been active throughout 2024, sharing stories that highlight the ministry, movement, and advocacy within the denomination. Here are some notable events from the year.
In February, pilgrims gathered in Washington, D.C., concluding an eight-day Pilgrimage for Peace that began in Philadelphia. UCC members participated in these pilgrimages advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza. Volunteers delivered hearts from Bethlehem to Congress as a symbol of peace. UCC leaders expressed solidarity with Middle Eastern partners and students advocating for peace on college campuses. They called for an end to violence and genocide while providing spaces for grieving and hope. Webinars were conducted to navigate interfaith relations amid global conflict.
United Church Homes and similar organizations focused on creating inclusive living spaces for LGBTQ+ elders, as highlighted in a popular article this year.
The UCC national ministry teams adopted new names early in the year under a unified theme of "love." Leadership included Rev. Shari Prestemon as Acting Associate General Minister and co-executive of Global Ministries starting January, and Rev. Bentley de Bardelaben-Phillips as transitional executive for Love of Church beginning June.
During a divisive national election year, General Minister and President Rev. Karen Georgia Thompson emphasized living love boldly. She joined other leaders in offering a pastoral letter focusing on unity and justice. The Our Faith Our Vote campaign encouraged voting with love.
Rev. Randy Mayer from Good Shepherd United Church of Christ in Sahuarita, Arizona shared insights about welcoming asylum seekers at the border through "holy moments." Webinars featured stories from the border experience.
Plans were announced for next year's General Synod 35 with the theme "Into The Deep," based on Luke 5:4. Registration opened in December with significant decisions expected at the 2025 event.
Churches responded to the national housing crisis by providing shelter, advocacy, and care for unhoused individuals while advocating for affordable housing solutions.
More than 130 youth attended Regional Youth Events across the country under the theme "Love is Greater Than Fear," marking their first in-person gathering since 2018.
In response to Hurricane Helene's destruction in Southeast U.S., UCC issued appeals to support recovery efforts with leaders visiting affected areas like North Carolina's Southern Conference.
A Dallas congregation moved towards a mission-centered model by becoming a "church without walls," reflecting recent trends among churches reassessing building use.
As 2024 concludes, UCC News has updated its web page design to improve access to stories and resources planned for release in 2025 through weekly email digests.
