BLACK LIVES MATTER
UCC Social Justice
In the United Church of Christ, we are engaged in social justice issues.
The UCC started in the 60's with the Civil Right movement, has been advocating for gay rights since the 70's, and took on environmental racism in the 80's.
In 2005, the UCC was the first church in America to endorse marriage equality.
Justice.
Join us.
Click here to find convenient links for contacting your representatives.
In the United Church of Christ, we are engaged in social justice issues.
The UCC started in the 60's with the Civil Right movement, has been advocating for gay rights since the 70's, and took on environmental racism in the 80's.
In 2005, the UCC was the first church in America to endorse marriage equality.
Justice.
Join us.
Click here to find convenient links for contacting your representatives.
Pain and Prayer
Tuesday June 2, 2020
Tuesday June 2, 2020
This has been a week of excruciating pain for our nation. We have been horrified and outraged over the videos George Floyd lying restrained with a knee on his neck, as we watched some of the last moments of his life. As a result, the pain and anger of his killing has erupted across the country in destructive and deadly ways.
On Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the faithful and formed them into the church. In the Bible, the word for “spirit” (ruach in Hebrew; and pneuma in Greek) is also used to mean “wind” or “breath.” The Holy Spirit is the breath of God, breathing life into creation. This year, as we celebrate the breath of God on Pentecost, we also mourn George Floyd who repeatedly said, “I cannot breathe” in his last moments. What terrible irony!
On Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended on the faithful and formed them into the church. In the Bible, the word for “spirit” (ruach in Hebrew; and pneuma in Greek) is also used to mean “wind” or “breath.” The Holy Spirit is the breath of God, breathing life into creation. This year, as we celebrate the breath of God on Pentecost, we also mourn George Floyd who repeatedly said, “I cannot breathe” in his last moments. What terrible irony!
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In the Bible, we read of the faithful people crying to God in their most painful times, pleading with God for help and healing. And now, we echo Psalm 6:3-4, which reads, “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.” When we are unable to find the solutions we need, we turn to God.
Like the Psalmist, I also cry out to God in prayer. I pray for peace – not the pretend peace that comes with silence, but the peace of Christ which comes with the end of oppression. I pray for forgiveness, for centuries of injustice and oppression, for becoming numb to the racism around us. I pray for unity, so that this divided nation may come together and work together for the good of all people. I pray for justice, that the fairness and equity and mercy of God may guide how we behave. I pray for wisdom to understand how we can move forward, valuing every person and treating them with dignity. I pray for hope, trusting that nothing is too broken for God to breathe new life into. |
As our nation cries out and acts out from the terrible pain we feel,
may we all pray together for the wholeness that is so desperately needed.
may we all pray together for the wholeness that is so desperately needed.
North Guilford Congregational Church
Council Statement on Social Justice
As Christians, our faith calls us to do justice, seek peace, and work to better the world. The Bible instructs us to do this by caring for the least and the lowliest, the vulnerable and the oppressed, the neighbor and the stranger.
NGCC has a politically diverse congregation. While the church is not partisan (promoting or denouncing any political party or politician), we are called to be political (actively engaged in the world around us, locally, nationally, and globally). Whenever and wherever we see injustice, we have a Christian obligation to speak prophetically and strive to effect change. Even with differing political affiliations and ideologies, the church stands up for what is right and just, as well as stands united through our Christian values. Our church serves as an example of how our nation can move beyond differences to work harmoniously for the betterment of all. In all times and places, the church unites to be active and involved, insisting on justice, peace, compassion, and equality.
We agree to differ.
We resolve to love.
We unite to serve.
Council Statement on Social Justice
As Christians, our faith calls us to do justice, seek peace, and work to better the world. The Bible instructs us to do this by caring for the least and the lowliest, the vulnerable and the oppressed, the neighbor and the stranger.
NGCC has a politically diverse congregation. While the church is not partisan (promoting or denouncing any political party or politician), we are called to be political (actively engaged in the world around us, locally, nationally, and globally). Whenever and wherever we see injustice, we have a Christian obligation to speak prophetically and strive to effect change. Even with differing political affiliations and ideologies, the church stands up for what is right and just, as well as stands united through our Christian values. Our church serves as an example of how our nation can move beyond differences to work harmoniously for the betterment of all. In all times and places, the church unites to be active and involved, insisting on justice, peace, compassion, and equality.
We agree to differ.
We resolve to love.
We unite to serve.
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Refugee Resettlement!
In 2017, an energized group came together to co-sponsor a refugee family with IRIS. In 2018, that sponsorship became a reality when we welcomed a family of five into the United States! |
IRIS
Refugee families arriving in the United States have endured untold horrors in their homeland, from wars to political persecution. IRIS (Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services) in New Haven helps these people become established and start new lives. Click the button below to learn more about IRIS. |