wfn.org | UCC Approaching Advent: Ministering in tough economic times

[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>]

Approaching Advent: Ministering in tough economic times

> Written by Gregg Brekke
> November 24, 2009

"What is the church doing to respond to the current economic crisis?"

This question was addressed by the UCC's 27th General Synod in Grand
Rapids and the result was a resolution titled "Ministering to Those
Struggling and Suffering in The Troubled Economy."

The resolution was presented to the General Synod by the Michigan
Conference in the hopes of beginning a dialog within the UCC "to
envision, encourage, support and strengthen outreach ministries that
serve those in distress due to issues such as unemployment,
bankruptcy, dislocation, hunger, illness, and financial problems."

For the next six weeks Keeping You e-Posted will draw attention to one
of the questions posed at the UCC's Congregational Vitality page
dedicated to the discussion of the resolution. Biblical reflections,
assessments, planning tools and video resources can also be found on
the links at this site.

"We hope these discussions grow into a resource that helps even more
congregations minister effectively to spiritual, emotional and
financial needs within their communities," says Doris Powell, UCC
minister for pastors and congregational stewardship. "Multiplying
ministries to restore communities is the vision."