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DEIB training held July 22

Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Training is required for authorized and lay ministers by the end of 2026.

Registration is July 8 for he last training, called “Culturally Responsive Ministry Training Module 1: Culture and Race”—by the New York UCC Conference specifically for PNC ministers will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., PDT Wednesday, July 22, said Cindy Bauleke, Committee on Ministry chair.

For information, visit https://pncucc.org/authorized-and-lay ministers for more approved DEIB trainings or email cindybauleke@gmail.com.

Seattle churches join Pride

Seattle churches may join the Seattle Pride Parade after worship on Sunday, June 28. At a time of trans and queer siblings face increasing attacks on their dignity, safety and belonging, University Congregational UCC believes people of faith have an important role to play. UCUCC is sponsoring an entry in the Seattle Pride Parade on behalf of the Pacific Northwest Conference on the theme, “Louder.”

They invite progressive churches to march, walk or roll in the parade together as a visible Christian witness celebrating the sacred worth of every person, said Kyna Shilling, Pride Parade point person.

“Let’s proclaim a message of joy, affirmation and belonging! Let’s show that faith communities can be places where LGBTQIA+ people are not merely accepted, but cherished!” she invited.

The parade route is along 4th Ave. in downtown Seattle, starting at Westlake Park at Pike & 4th and ending after 12 blocks at the Seattle Center at 4th & Denny.

For information, email kshilling@universityucc.org.

Pension Board offers webinar series

The national UCC Pension Board will offer a Seven-Part Summer Webinar Series on “Because of Ministry—Financial Security and Self Care Sustain the Call” that begins at noon PDT, Wednesday, June 10. It will be on “Multi-Vocational Struggles.”

As more clergy serve outside traditional full-time roles, sustainability requires creativity, adaptability and intentional planning. Retirement readiness is essential for leaders whose income streams are diverse or nontraditional. The session explores how leaders are building diverse income models while honoring their calling and preparing for the future.

The second session on “Burnout Prevention” will be held at noon PDT, Wednesday, June 24. It will focus on sabbatical stories and formation practices, exploring how rest, reflection and self-care extend the lifespan of ministry and support wiser long-term decisions, including retirement readiness.

Other sessions are on “Mid-Career Check-In” on Thursday, July 16; “Sustainable Investing” on Tuesday, July 28; “Leadership Skills” on Wednesday, Aug. 5; “Money and Ministry” on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and “Employer Support” on Monday, Aug. 31.

For information, visit https://buff.ly/GCbO0Di.

Pastor leads trauma workshops

Rebecca Sumner, pastor of the Welcome Table Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is offering Trauma-Informed Church Workshops in June to help people in worship address trauma they bring.

A trauma-informed church learns to notice and change small things so the people can stay present, included and empowered.
Sessions, which are limited to 12 people, will look at case studies and simple practices.
They are 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 8, 12 to 1 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, and 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Thursday June 11.

For information or to schedule a workshop for your group, call Katy Lloyd at 206-930-1639, email revkaty206@gmail.com or visit https://forms.gle/JM7PxuuZHAmiL79CA.

Communities of Practice support groups start

Communities of Practice offers clergy support and peer learning groups, said Amy Hitchens, who began participating in Communities of Practice when they began in 2006 and has been coordinator for three years.

Amy finds the COP groups a way to counterbalance the pressures of ministry today, helping restore hope and finding meaning in struggles.

“I was in a specialized ministry group when I was a chaplain at Highline Medical Center,” said Amy, noting that previous coordinators were Tara Barber, Cameron Sharp and Brigitta Remole. “COP was a good place for me to continue to imagine and reimagine my call to ministry and understand where I was at vocationally and to troubleshoot situations in hospital or church setting.”

The groups meet nine times from September through June as ways for clergy to find support, engage in learning and find accountability and encouragement.

In 2026/27, there are groups for specialized ministers, LGBTQIA+ church pastors, a mixed group of specialized and church pastors, pastors of rural churches in the Montana/Wyoming conference and a group for retired ministers. In the past there was a member in discernment group. New groups can form based on interests. The PNC has expanded to the Central Pacific Conference and hopes to draw more from there.

Some of the groups meet only on Zoom, some meet in person, and some do a little of both depending on the season of the year. Groups have from four to eight participants.

Because this program is under the Committee on Ministry, the coordinator and facilitators are all from the PNCUCC.

The cost remains $250.00 and there are scholarships available.

For information, email amy@npucc.org.

FAN informs on energy credits

The Faith Action Network (FAN) and Lawyers for Good Government (L4GG) ae hosting a Zoom webinar to share how to open energy tax credits with elective pay from noon to 1 p.m., Wednesday, June 17. The session will help the FAN partners better understand opportunities for churches, faith organizations, schools, hospitals, nonprofits, businesses and other institutions invest in clean energy solutions.

They will look at free services through the Washington Clean Energy Tax Assistance Program (WA CETCAP) with funds from the state Climate Commitment Act

For information, visit climate.wa.gov, irataxcredits.wa.gov or email churchill@fanwa.org.

FAN workgroups gather

Faith Action Network work groups will gather people across the state to help shape the FAN legislative priorities.

The Interfaith Network for Indigenous Communities met June 8 on Zoom. The Environmental Justice Work group is reconvening said Elizabeth Dickinson of FAN.

For information, email dickinson@fanwa.org.

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