Church shelters Liliana one year

Church shelters Liliana one year

Source: Ventura County Star - Camarillo, CA, USA

Author: Tom Kisken

Date: 23 August, 2008

A year ago today, the illegal immigrant moved into a small home owned by the United Church of Christ in Simi Valley. She came with her then 5-month-old son Pablito for sanctuary against the threat of being deported to Mexico. …

People who once protested at the church call federal authorities and demand Liliana's deportation as well as investigations into the church. Immigration officials avoid saying they won't make an arrest on church property, instead declaring they take action at "appropriate times in appropriate places."

The limbo continues, and no one knows how long it will last, including Liliana. …

United Church of Christ

United Church of Christ
Source: purrplexity blog

Author: Katrien

Date: 17 August, 2008

This morning, we got up early, earlier than usual, to go to church! B. had found out about this one little progressive church, way up in the Oakland hills, and we decided to check it out. It's a United Church of Christ church. ...

Finding ways to get involved

Finding ways to get involved

Source: Petaluma Argus-Courier - Petaluma, CA, USA

Author: YOVANNA BIEBERICH

Date: 14 August, 2008

What began as a fall festival many years ago at Petaluma’s United Church of Christ has turned into quite the extravaganza complete with a car show and chicken barbecue — Festival on the Hill.

New UCC pastor inspired by pope

New UCC pastor inspired by pope

Source: Enterprise-Record - Chico, CA, USA

Author: LARRY MITCHELL - Staff Writer

Date: 9 August, 2008

The Rev. Jim Peck has an unusual background for a United Church of Christ minister.

He was raised Southern Baptist, began his working career as a regional planner and was inspired to become a pastor by Pope John Paul II.

SB church celebrates 140 years of reaching out

SB church celebrates 140 years of reaching out
SBsun.com: 02-25-2007

Today, the First Congregational United Church of Christ of San Bernardino still reaches out to the community.

"We've always been part of a wider ministry, reaching out beyond our doors," said the Rev. Petra Malleis-Sternberg, the church's first woman senior pastor.

Pioneer Chapel: Fabulous at 140 years young

Pioneer Chapel: Fabulous at 140 years young
Inside Bay Area: 02-19-2007

"This month, the Pioneer Chapel got an early birthday present.

"California's Historic Resources Commission recommended the wood-frame building — one of Alameda County's oldest surviving churches — to the state and national registers of historic places.


"The chapel's owner, the Eden United Church of Christ, is making sure its spiritual legacy isn't just rooted in the pioneer past."

E. Bay church now 'open and affirming'

E. Bay church now 'open and affirming'
The Bay Area Reporter: 02-15-2007

“The congregation of the First Congregational Church of Antioch, a member of the United Church of Christ, voted earlier this month to change its status to "open and affirming," becoming one of the few organizations in Contra Costa County's conservative east end to welcome LGBT people.”

Note: To find this section at the Internet site, scroll down to the above sub-heading

Women of Vision conference slated

Women of Vision conference slated
Ventura County Star: 02-15-2007

“This year's theme is "Forgiveness: What Our Faith Traditions Offer Us." The conference will include an interfaith panel discussion, music, an awards ceremony and refreshments.”

“Conference founder and chairwoman Robin Martin said the catalyst for the event was the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The riots, she said, brought to light the need to bring communities, cultures and religions together. She was also concerned about the lack of tolerance for other cultures and religions at her children's schools.

“Martin, wife of the Rev. John Martin, pastor of Church of the Foothills United Church of Christ in Ventura, says she was able to launch the event in 1998 with the help of the ministerial association. The goal is to help major religious denominations in Ventura County find agreement in core values. They work together to bring peace in their communities and the world.”

California Pastor Stole the Whole Church

California Pastor Stole the Whole Church
Breitbart.com: 0212-2007

“For nearly a decade, members of Ripon's First Congregational Church bared their souls to Pastor Randall Radic. But clearly it didn't work both ways. There were certain things he wasn't telling them.”

Kansas Evolves – Again: State School Board Approves New Science Standards

Kansas Evolves – Again: State School Board Approves New Science Standards
Americans United for Separation of Church and State: 02-15-2007

“The Rev. Jeffery Spencer of Niles Congregational United Church of Christ in Fremont, California used his Sunday sermon to celebrate the harmonious mix of faith and science.
Spencer is one of over 10,500 Christian clergy who has signed an open letter stating their belief in the Bible, but also their acceptance of evolution.”

Interfaith Festival Helps Bring Community Together

Interfaith Festival Helps Bring Community Together
Black Voice News Online: 02-15-2007

"...the combined choirs of First Presbyterian Church, First Congregational United Church of Christ. Lutheran Church of Our Savior, First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and St. Paul United Methodist sang Joy comes in the Morning. "

INTERFAITH FESTIVAL FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY

INTERFAITH FESTIVAL FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY

IE News (01-29-2007)

"The festival will feature inspiring musical presentations by choral groups and soloists from New Hope Missionary Baptist Church (African-American), Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral (Roman Catholic), St. Prophet Elias (Eastern/Greek Orthodox), Congregation Emanu El (Jewish), Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) as well as a combined choir representing five major Protestant churches (United Church of Christ, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian and Lutheran) and the Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu and Native American communities."