Black Wealth Builder Update

By Jeanne Strauss, Bay Association Moderator Representatives from at least 14 churches attended the BWB Information Session on January 16, where we shared ideas and plans for implementation of the Black Wealth Builders Resolution. If you were among the attendees, you may receive a follow-up phone call from Rev Barry Cammer (925-352-7101). Whether or not you were there, please feel free to reach out to Barry for more information. The process for becoming a BWB Congregation is explained in this document. In short, the primary requirements are: ·  Undertaking church-wide study and education on systemic racism in our country and its ongoing economic…
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Who’s Your Neighbor? Being Church at BART

SPIRITUAL TOUCHSTONE Being Church at BART by Rev. Dr. Melinda V. McLain On Ash Wednesday, a local group of clergy braved the rain and wind to offer the blessing of ashes at BART during the evening rush hour. Since I came to Mira Vista (now The Good Table UCC) in 2014, this is only the third time we have gathered at El Cerrito Del Norte station to offer ashes to commuters because pandemic concerns made us stop this public offering for three years. This year, we were one Lutheran, one Presbyterian and two UCC pastors. I heard on the clergy…
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The Importance of Black History

By Diana Madoshi History matters! We need to know who is included and who has been left out. We need to know and examine historical myths and historical facts. It is imperative that we as citizens explore and examine the terrain of the past and present. It is a useful tool to explore pathways toward a better future for all of us. Because “Yes, Virginia, history often repeats itself!”   To begin with, we as a people must stop listening to the nonsense that history is archaic and has no bearing on our future. As many young people of today say,…
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The Ozempic God

Ozempic is currently all the rage. For those of us, like me, who have struggled with “weight issues” all of their lives, it is touted as a miracle drug. I’ve read articles and seen the reporting on how it has made life more tolerable for many and a so-called easy fix for those who have never been able to reach and/or maintain their weight goals. Ozempic users say they look better, feel more confident, happy, and willing to go out into the world feeling good about themselves. I reached my weight goal once. I was 42 years old, constantly working…
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Have You Heard? You could be the Keynote Speaker at Annual Gathering!

The 2024 NCNC UCC Annual Gathering will take place at First Congregational UCC (“The Big Red Church”) in Fresno on June 6 to 8, 2024. We’re currently accepting proposals from those who would like to be the Keynote Speaker for this exciting event.  Our 2024 theme “Making All Things New" is based on Isaiah 43:18-19. (Please submit only your own name.) Based on our theme please submit the following information: Your Name Contact information Affiliation with UCC Home Church Short Bio Give a description of what you do, what makes you credible to be the keynote speaker, and how you…
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Advent Blessings, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanza to you and your families.

Advent Blessings, Merry Christmas, and Happy Kwanza to you and your families. Praise the Lord! We made it.   Wow, where did the year go? It seems like January was just a few months ago. Collectively, as the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ (NCNCUCC), we have done some fantastic ministry together over the last twelve months. I am grateful for each of you and how you have shared your gifts, talents, time, and finances with the conference. Your conference staff, Associate Conference Minister- Rev. Dr. Celestine Fields, Conference Managing Administrator- MeLinda LaViene, Office Support- Joy Davis,…
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Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and Happy Hannukah!

The UCC Mental Health Network wishes you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year! While we hope that you all will stay safe, healthy, and joyous. We know that this year has generally been challenging for all of us, including those of us who live with mental health challenges, neurodiversity, and trauma. We have compiled a few tips and links to utilize as resources in navigating the holidays.     Tips for Coping and Staying Safe During the Holidays Managing Your Mental Health During the Holidays – NAMI Blog Surviving Painful Holiday Emotions – NAMI Blog Avoiding Holiday Stressors:…
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Contemplatives in Action

A new website resource is available growing out of the "Becoming a Church of Contemplatives in Action" Resolution that passed at the UCC General Synod 2021.  Lots of great resources for both congregations and Pastors!  https://www.contemplatives-in-action.org/ A group growing out of this Resolution meets monthly for rotating contemplative practices with different leaders each month.  The regular practices are the first Thursdays of the month at 2:30pm ET (11:30 AM PT). Our last monthly contemplative practice of 2023 is Thursday, December 7th at 2:30 p.m. ET at the Zoom link below.  Rev. Mark Suriano will lead a loving-kindness meditation, and Rev. Susie…
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Who’s Your Neighbor? Rev. Dr. Toni Dunbar

Bridging the Gap: Mental Health First Aid Training Among People of Faith Post-COVID, and in a world that moves at a relentless pace, mental health has become a critical concern affecting individuals from all walks of life. People of faith, in particular, continually find ourselves navigating in balance between mental health and spiritual well-being. Per the CDC, more than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness; over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness; about 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with…
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