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Until Sept. 30 | | | | NCC Member Communions Respond to Hurricane Helene | | On Thursday, Hurricane Helene barreled ashore in Florida’s Big Bend region. In addition to Category 4 winds, catastrophic storm surge and torrential rainfall have devastated not just coastal communities but also many areas further inland. Fifteen feet of Gulf water destroyed homes in Florida while flash flood emergencies were issued for areas north of Florida, including Atlanta and North-Central Georgia, the southern Appalachian Mountains in East Tennessee, western North Carolina, and southwest Virginia, where upwards of 20 inches of rain fell.
NCC’s Member Communions have responded rapidly, setting up emergency responses and requesting support from their congregants.
Communions organizing relief efforts include: In addition, ecumenical partner Church World Service is organizing for relief activities as well. More information can be accessed here. | | | Legacy of Faith: United Methodist Building Celebrates 100 Years | | Keith Swartzendruber (r), NCC Advocacy Coalition Coordinator, and Matt Markay, NCC Project Coordinator, at the 100th anniversary of the United Methodist Building in Washington, D.C. | The United Methodist Building, home to NCC's headquarters, celebrated its 100-year anniversary on September 26. Keith Swartzendruber, NCC Advocacy Coalition Coordinator, and Matt Markay, NCC Project Coordinator, attended the anniversary celebration held in front of the United Methodist Building and hosted by the General Board of Church and Society. The event featured spoken word poets, musical offerings, and speakers who have contributed to the building's long history. Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver II (D-Mo.), a 20-year resident of the building and United Methodist layperson, recounted stories of the building and emphasized the importance of having a building dedicated to faith-based advocacy on Capitol Hill. The United Methodist Building remains the only non-governmental building on the National Mall.
Learn more about the rich history of the United Methodist Building through this video. | | | NCC Attends National Council of Churches in Korea's 100th Anniversary International Conference | | On September 20-22, 2024, senior representatives of NCC member communions attended the conference commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the National Council of Churches in Korea. These communions have church partners in Korea and the wider region, as does the NCC through ecumenical relationships worldwide. | | | UN Summit for the Future Highlight | | Rev. Dr. Angelique Keturah Walker-Smith, president of the World Council of Churches from North America and NCC Governing Board member, and Dr. Tony Kireopoulos, NCC associate general secretary and director of faith and order, international relations, and international affairs, joined prominent leaders from across the nation at the multi-faith reception closing the UN Summit for the Future held in New York in September 2024. | As UN Summit for the Future closes, WCC President Welcomes “a Brighter Tomorrow” | | Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC | By World Council of Churches During a multi-faith reception to mark the close of the UN Summit for the Future, Rev. Dr. Angelique Keturah Walker-Smith, World Council of Churches president from North America, offered a perspective on taking the UN Pact for the Future forward. The reception was organized in conjunction with the Multi-faith Advisory Council to the UN Inter-agency Task Force on Religion and Sustainable Development and a wide coalition of faith actors.
The reception brought together speakers as well as informal conversations on the themes of the summit: peace, sustainable development, and the eradication of poverty.
“This week marks a significant milestone—the adoption of the United Nations Pact for the Future,” said Walker-Smith. "In this moment, we pause to recognize the incredible potential of humanity when we act together for the common good.”
She noted that the decisions and resolutions made at the UN Summit will influence the future for generations yet to come.
“We believe that it is through collaboration, dialogue, and a shared commitment to values such as dignity, compassion, and justice that we can forge a future where all people—regardless of nationality, religion, or background—can thrive,” Walker-Smith said. “Our values call us to a higher moral responsibility—a responsibility not just to our communities, but to all humanity, and to the Earth itself.”
Walker-Smith urged all to embrace the call to safeguard the dignity of every human being and the integrity of all creation.
“We pledge to support the aspirations of this summit through prayer, advocacy, and action, walking alongside our global family as we strive for a future rooted in hope and mutual respect,” she said. “To our leaders, negotiators, and delegates: your work in this summit is not just a policy endeavor; it is a moral duty.”
Walker-Smith further reflected that the Pact for the Future could serve as a beacon of light.
“Together, we have the power to ensure that the future is one of peace, justice, and abundance for all,” she said. “In faith, in hope, and in solidarity, we welcome the adoption of the United Nations Summit for the Future and commit ourselves to its vision. May we continue to walk this path together, strengthened by our shared values, and guided by the unwavering belief in a brighter tomorrow for all.” | | Photo: Simon Chambers/ACT Alliance | | Facing Now: Making Good Trouble | | Pictured, from left to right: Bishop Denise Anders-Modest, program chair of the United Summit Committee; Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, chair of the College of Bishops and immediate past chair of the NCC Governing Board; Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III, presiding bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME); Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, NCC president and general secretary; and Bishop Othal H. Lakey, retired. | Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, president and general secretary of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), was the featured keynote preacher at the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s 12th Annual Unity Summit and General Connectional Board Meeting, held recently in Dallas, Texas.
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, chair of the College of Bishops and immediate past chair of the NCC Governing Board, preached the opening sermon.
The event was hosted by the Eighth Episcopal District under the leadership of Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick III, at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Participants gathered from across the United States, as well as from Jamaica and Africa. CME members, guests, and friends worshipped and engaged in meaningful study under the theme, "Facing Now: Making Good Trouble." | | Friendship Press Welcomes New CEO, Dr. Brian Sigmon | |
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair of the Board, Friendship Press cmebishop59@teresasnorton.com
The Board of Friendship Press, Inc. enthusiastically welcomes Dr. Brian Sigmon as its chief executive officer (CEO). Dr. Sigmon has more than a decade of experience in the religious publishing industry, most recently as an acquisitions editor for Abingdon Press. Sigmon holds a B.A. degree in Religious Studies from the University of North Carolina, a Master of Divinity degree from Duke Divinity School, and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Marquette University.
Dr. Sigmon began his tenure with Friendship Press on August 5, 2024. In addition to his work at Abingdon Press, he has served as editor of the Daily Christian Advocate of the General Conference of the United Methodist Church since 2015. He has also taught university classes on the Hebrew Bible.
“Friendship Press has a rich legacy as the publisher for the National Council of Churches, and I have tremendous respect for the RSV, NRSV, and NRSVue Bible translations,” said Sigmon. “I am honored to lead Friendship Press and look forward to publishing books that tell compelling stories, cultivate sacred wisdom, and promote justice and peace.”
Friendship Press began its publishing efforts on June 27, 1935. The editorial and publishing team produced a variety of works that expressed its value, commitments, and support for the health and welfare of children, constructive race relations, church missions, vibrant culture, and peace among nations. In January 2018, after nearly 20 years of inactivity, the Friendship Press Board of Directors reactivated its operations. Rooted in the values and commitments of its past and supported by the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., the Press resolves to honor these same commitments today and in the future: concern for fairness, justice, and the well-being of all peoples.
Friendship Press holds the copyrights for several Bible properties, including the Revised Standard Version (RSV), the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), and the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVue). The Press recently launched The People’s Book, a series of audiobooks from selected chapters of the Bible (NRSVue) read by Black, Brown, Asian, and Indigenous religious leaders.
For more information on Friendship Press, visit our website at www.friendshippress.org.
To contact Dr. Sigmon, email him at ceo@friendshippress.org. | | SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline Available | | SAMHSA’s multilingual, national Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is available with 24/7 crisis and emotional support for anyone who may be experiencing distress or other mental health concerns in relation to Hurricane Helene. | | | Unite for Change: Download Potluck for Democracy Toolkit | | Pathways to Understanding has developed a Potluck for Democracy Toolkit and sample documents to help communities and individuals combat political violence and division. This resource guides wisdom communities, such as churches, mosques, temples, and other groups, in planning and hosting a Potluck for Democracy. When people from diverse cultures, traditions, and identities gather publicly, the larger community is inspired and uplifted.
Download the toolkit today to access sample invitations, a suggested event agenda, planning tips, and more! | | | | Poll Chaplain/Peacekeeper Training with Faiths United to Save Democracy | | Join Faith's United to Save Democracy's 2024 voter protection campaign to safeguard vulnerable voters seeking to vote in free, fair, and safe elections. There are just TWO training sessions left! Register today and learn about how you can help ensure that prospective voters have access to free, fair, and safe elections.The trainings are designed to equip ordained and lay leaders to serve in key polling sites across the nation.
Training Dates (Monday: 7:00–8:30 p.m. ET) September 30, 2024 October 10, 2024
Poll Chaplains / Peacekeepers will be placed in priority polling sites located in: AL, AZ, FL, GA, MI, NC, OH, PA, TX, and WI.
Sign up at www.turnoutsunday.com (click "Poll Chaplain"). | | | | Spirituality with Justice: Kingian Nonviolence Gathering, Sept. 30 | | Join the Church of the Brethren and others on Kingian Nonviolence, the tradition of active nonviolence associated with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at Washington City Church of the Brethren, 337 N. Carolina Ave. SE, Washington, D.C., 20003, on Sept. 30, at 5:30 p.m. This multi-belief and justice-oriented gathering is open to all. | | Join Repairers of the Breach for Moral Monday Season of Prayer and Action, Sept. 30 | | Join Repairers of the Breach for Moral Monday Season of Prayer and Action at Saint John's Church, Lafayette Square, 1525 H St NW in Washington, D.C., 20005, for a prayer vigil and press conference on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. EST. This event will feature faith leaders from various traditions, led by Bishop William J. Barber, II, Senior Lecturer and President of Repairers of the Breach, and Founding Director of the Center for Public Theology and Public Policy at Yale Divinity School. | |
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