Central Atlantic Conference United Church of Christ

09/11/2026

Did You Know? We are only one week out from the registration deadline for AM62!

That's right, the registration deadline is Friday, September 18th!

Can't make it in-person? As in past years, this will be a hybrid event, allowing folks to take part from afar via Zoom!

Register Here: https://www.cacucc.org/events/p/am62

09/08/2026

🌍 2025 saw the highest number of active conflicts since World War II, and the trend continues this year. Yet even in the midst of turmoil, we find hope in the courageous work of our global partners—people who are building peace with justice in their communities every day.

🕊️ As we approach International Day of Peace on September 21, join us for a special two-part webinar series. Hear inspiring stories of transformation, discover how you can support peacemaking efforts, and learn ways to bring these stories of hope and action to your own church and community.

👉🏾 Register for both episodes: https://ow.ly/AWE950ZJcGt

08/28/2026

Today we’re shining a spotlight on CACUCC Board Member Dr. Myrtle E. Dorsey.

Dr. Dorsey brings a deep passion for education, equity, and service to our community. As the Director and Professor of the Community College Leadership Program at Morgan State University, her distinguished career in higher education spans roles from reading specialist to college Chancellor. Beyond her academic leadership, she actively serves at Heritage United Church of Christ in Baltimore, living out her faith through dedicated service to others.

We are so grateful for Dr. Dorsey’s wisdom, vision, and guidance on our Board of Directors as we work together to support our churches and ministries across the Central Atlantic Conference! ✝️✨

📍 Read more about Dr. Dorsey and our Board leadership: https://www.cacucc.org/drmyrtledorsey

08/27/2026

NON-PROFIT PARTNER FOR OUR ANNUAL MEETING

This year the Central Atlantic Conference will partner with First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence. First Step is a non-profit organization that provides safe emergency shelter, support services, counseling, and resources to survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. For over forty years First Step has provided these critical and needed services to survivors in the City of Harrisonburg, the location of our Annual meeting, and surrounding communities. First Step respects survivors of intimate partner or relationship violence regardless of race, ethnicity, color, age, gender or gender identity or expression sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, or citizenship status.

We are pleased to partner with this organization and invite you to either bring monetary donations or donations from First Step’s Most Needed Items List here: https://files.constantcontact.com/6a289007601/cf8e96f6-8a7b-46ef-9b54-96b79a6bb604.pdf?rdr=true. We will present an offering of these donations to First Step and will hear more about this organization from its Executive Director in our Annual Meeting.

Thank you in advance for your compassion and generosity!

08/25/2026

🆘 Join UCC Disaster Ministries, Insurance Board, Pension Boards - United Church of Christ, and Cornerstone Fund for a collaborative Preparedness Month kickoff webinar. Through an interactive mock disaster scenario, participants will explore practical strategies for how churches can effectively care for congregants, support clergy, safeguard facilities, and serve their communities when disasters strike.

🦺 This webinar will help church leaders better prepare for emergencies, understand disaster response as a practical expression of loving our neighbors, and gain a clearer understanding of the resources available throughout the response and recovery process. By learning how our ministries work together before, during, and after a disaster, participants will be better equipped to mobilize support quickly, strengthen resilience, and faithfully navigate future challenges.

Register: https://ow.ly/pZNo50ZBE4i

08/17/2026

🧊 As Immigration and Custom's Enforcement (ICE) continues to terrorize communities, separate families, and even kill citizens and non-citizens alike as part of this administration’s mass deportation campaign, there is also increased public scrutiny of this country’s detention center system for migrants.

🧊 In 2025 alone, ICE broke records for the number of people who have died in detention, most often due to the horrific conditions and lack of proper medical care. Since this administration's inauguration in 2025, 52 people have died in detention according to Human Rights Watch—four times that of the previous administration.

📣 Join us to learn from UCC pastors and lay leaders as they share how they've taken action and learn what we can do as people of faith to stop detention and continue to resist this deadly system.

👉🏾 Register: https://ow.ly/HEW350ZA95q

with: United Church of Christ Rio Grande Valley, Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, Truth & Destiny, and Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ

08/14/2026

The Passing of Bishop Yao Kwabena Albert Rainier Cheeks

The Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ joins Inner Light Ministries in mourning the passing of its founder and beloved Pastor, Bishop Yao Kwabena Albert Rainier Cheeks, who entered the nearer presence of God on Tuesday, August 11th.

Bishop Cheeks, affectionately known as "Rainey," stands as a monumental figure of compassion and inclusion in the Washington, DC community through his visionary leadership as the founder of Inner Light Ministries. Founded in 1993, Bishop Cheeks created a sanctuary that celebrates the inherent worth of every individual, bridging the gap between spiritual devotion and radical acceptance. His ministry served as a beacon of hope, providing a space where faith and social justice intersect. Thanks to Bishop Cheek's leadership and witness, Inner Light Ministries became a place where the African-American q***r community, marginalized and ostracized from many churches, are empowered to embrace and affirm their fullness in Christ.

Beyond the pulpit, Bishop Cheeks’ legacy is defined by his tireless dedication to public health and civil rights. As the founder of Us Helping Us, he was a pioneering force in addressing the HIV/AIDS crisis, bringing vital support and advocacy to those often overlooked by traditional institutions. His lifelong commitment to uplifting LGBTQ+ communities and his work as a bridge-builder have left an indelible mark on the nation’s capital, cementing his status as a transformative leader whose work continues to inspire generations to lead with love and integrity.

There will be a celebration of Bishop Cheek's life on Saturday, August 29th at 11AM at First Congregational Church, UCC 945 G Street N.W at 11:00 AM. The "Save the Date" flyer is below this notice.

Please keep Bishop Cheek's family, friends, and the many who knew, loved, and were transformed by his life and ministry in your prayers.

Blessings and peace,

Freeman L. Palmer

Conference Minister

08/13/2026

Just a reminder: our negotiated discounted rate of $129/night for the Meeting at the Doubletree by Hilton ends Sunday, August 23.

After that date, the discount will be removed. If you need a room, please do so here: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/rooms/?ctyhocn=HSBDTDT&arrivalDate=2026-09-24&departureDate=2026-09-26&groupCode=919&room1NumAdults=1&displayCurrency=USD&aarpRate=

To register for AM62, head here: https://www.cacucc.org/am62

08/12/2026

Preparing to Vote with Love

Are you or your congregation preparing for how you will approach the midterm elections in November? Are you thinking of ways to engage your local community through registration efforts, postcarding, town hall events, prayer, and other ways to encourage people to vote with love this fall? Are you wondering how our faith speaks to this moment in our country and what our policies say about our priorities? Are you worried about the integrity of our elections or the safety of those going to the polls?

We have resources to help you and we're joining together for a wider conversation!

Clergy and Lay Leaders from around the Conference are invited to join together for an initial conversation and a time of resource and information sharing on Thursday, August 20th at 7pm

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/eO5PPnKJTMixdSAONr9f9A

The CAC will be putting out a set of resources in late August/early September (including a recorded sermon and worship resources) and in the meantime we encourage you to check out the following additional resources:

From the UCC Public Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington DC: https://www.ucc.org/our-faith-our-vote/
Nonprofit Voter Engagement Guide:https://njnonprofits.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/NonprofitVoterEngagementGuideNJ.pdf

08/12/2026

There's still time to register! The 62nd Annual Meeting of the Central Atlantic Conference is happening September 25–26 in Harrisonburg, VA!

Join clergy, lay leaders, and members from across the Mid-Atlantic region for two inspiring days of fellowship, worship, prophetic witness, and collective visioning for the future of our churches.

🗓 When: Friday, September 25 – Saturday, September 26, 2026

📍 Where: DoubleTree by Hilton (Harrisonburg, VA) & Online via Zoom

🎟 Registration: $100 (Includes Friday dinner, Saturday breakfast & Saturday lunch)

Whether you're attending in person or joining virtually, your voice and presence matter.

👉 Register now: https://www.cacucc.org/events/p/am62

Date : September 25th-26th Location : Doubletree by Hilton - 1400 E Market Street, Harrisonburg VA 22801 -and- online via Zoom Please Note: Scholarships will be available on a first-come, first served basis. Please contact the Conference Office at 410.788.4190, or by email at: admin@cacuc