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The United Church of Christ (UCC) National Ministries is focusing on "going deeper" in 2025, according to Rev. Michael Neuroth, director of the Office of Public Policy & Advocacy in Washington, D.C. This involves strengthening relationships with partners and grassroots advocacy groups.
The D.C. office is preparing for the first 100 days of a new administration by reaching out to new members of Congress. "We are setting up 20-plus introductory meetings with Congressional leadership offices and new members," said Neuroth. The policy priorities for 2025 include immigration, environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, protecting human needs funding and programs, and addressing war and conflict abroad.
In addition to these efforts, several initiatives are planned across various UCC ministries:
1. **General Synod**: The theme for this summer's 35th General Synod in Kansas City is "Into the Deep," inspired by Luke 5:4. Registration is open for the event from July 11-15.
2. **Disabilities and Mental Health Justice**: An accessibility team will be present at the General Synod to support attendees with questions or needs. Rev. Sarah Lund announced her upcoming book "Blessed Minds: Breaking the Silence About Neurodiversity," set for release on March 24.
3. **Economic Justice Ministries**: The "Fill the JAR" Campaign will launch early in 2025, aiming to advance goals like those of the Fair Food Program led by the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.
4. **Webinars**: The Nurture the Soul webinar series will cover topics such as Black mental health and immigration.
5. **Children and Youth Ministries**: A Love of Children Ministry Cohort will begin work in 2025 to strengthen local churches' ministries for children.
6. **Racial Justice Ministries**: Resources will be available for MLK Day, Racial Justice Sunday on Feb. 8, Lent, and Juneteenth.
7. **Environmental Justice Ministries**: A Climate Action Commissioning Service was launched at the start of the year with a nationwide day of action planned for Valentine's Day.
UCC News will continue covering these initiatives throughout 2025.
