Illinois South Conference of United Church of Christ

09/10/2026

Friedens United Churh of Christ Irvington is starting "Bible Stories with Judy", a new YouTube series bringing short, gentle retellings of Bible stories to children and families. Each video is 2-5 minutes long.

Hosted by retired teached and longtime church member Judy, each episode walks through a familiar Bible story in a way that is warm, age-appropriate, and rooted in the values of God's wide, unconditional love for all people. Episodes so far include the Creation story, Adam naming the animals, Noah and the flood, and the story of Abraham and Sarah, with new stories added regularly.

We are happy to share this resource with our fellow UCC congregations because we believe it can be useful well beyond our own church. Bible Stories with Judy is free to use and share however is helpful to you and your community.

New videos are released every Friday. To be notified as new episodes go live, subscribe on YouTube at youtube.com/.

The full, growing library of Bible Stories with Judy episodes can also be found anytime at irvingtonucc.com/biblestories.

09/08/2026

Here is another opportunity to connect. It's your Weekly Connection!

https://iscucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Weekly-Connection-September-8-2026.pdf

Click and Subscribe!
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/9fJ6BzY/ISCWeeklyConnection?__cf_chl_tk=E4Hc2l9c9DZ.H86mEIJOzNw8rE7qjCOuhxMdD_uOjzI-1788901549-1.0.1.1-cBevqKbVpOVV8PcDMpBpEdW5gwercdD6b1khgyi9IhM

Have a good week🌻

09/03/2026

REGISTER TODAY!

The ISC Annual Meeting presents a wonderful opportunity for our Conference to unite, cultivate community, and engage in discussions about issues that impact our collective experience within the Church. We will gather and joyfully discern under the theme of "Counting the Cost in all seasons" (-Luke 14: 27-28) to engage clergy, delegates, and visitors in discussing the important issues facing our Conference while participating in uplifting worship.

Our meeting will again be anchored by the dedicated gathering space of the Covenantal Commons (formerly the MarketPlace) connecting us with our ministry partners as we co-create a just world through shared resources, ministries, and investments.

Follow the link to secure your spot >> https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/r46hsa8/lp/120d42de-a099-41f6-a25a-95159762429c

Download the to register my mail >>https://iscucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/ISC_2026_ANNUAL_MEETING_Registration_Form.pdf

AGENDA
8:30 am Doors Open
9:00 – 9:15 am Opening Session
9:15 – 9:30 am Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
9:30 – 10:30 am Opening Worship
10:30 – 10:45 am State of the Conference Address
10:45 – 11:00 am Introduction to our Covenantal Conversations
11:00 – 11:45 am Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
11:15 – 11:45 am Covenantal Conversations
11:45 am – 1:00 pm Lunch/Visit the Covenantal Commons
1:00 – 2:00 pm Gathering in the sanctuary
- Covenantal Conversation Feedback, DuBois Center Report, Financial Presentation
2:00 – 2:15 pm Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
2:15 – 3:00 pm Covenantal Conversations
3:00 – 3:15 pm Gathering in the Sanctuary-Covenantal Conversation Feedback
3:15 – 4:00 pm Business Session - Presentation from Nominating Committee, Voting on the 2027 Proposed Slate of Nominees, Voting of the 2027 Proposed Budget
4:00 – 4:15 pm Break/Visit the Covenantal Commons
4:15 pm Closing Blessing & Commission

09/01/2026

2026 ISC Annual Meeting News! Find out more here >https://iscucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Weekly-Connection-September-1-2026.pdf

If you would like to receive the Weekly Connection in your email inbox, you can subscribe here >>https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/9fJ6BzY/ISCWeeklyConnection

Have a wonderfully blessed week!

09/01/2026

Join Us for the ISC Annual Meeting!

The ISC Annual Meeting is an opportunity for our Conference to come together, foster community, and provide education on matters that affect our shared life within the Church. We will engage clergy, delegates, visitors, and ministry partners in discussing the important issues facing our Conference while participating in uplifting worship.

Registration for the ISC Annual Meeting is now open! Follow the link to secure your spot!

👉https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/r46hsa8/lp/120d42de-a099-41f6-a25a-95159762429c

08/25/2026

Another opportunity to get connected—Here is YOUR Weekly Connection!
>https://iscucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Weeky-Connection-8.25.2026.pdf

08/21/2026

Pacific Islander & Asian American Ministries National Moderator Eppie Encabo will share about PAAM, give updates and new initiatives, connect with congregations across the Midwest Region, and help strengthen PAAM's Midwest ministry.

All are welcome—whether your congregation has long been connected with PAAM or is simply interested in supporting and engaging Pacific Islander and Asian American ministries in the UCC.

🌊 PAAM National Moderator Official Visit to the Midwest Region🌊
September 19–20, 2026 | Chicago Area

We are delighted to welcome PAAM National Moderator Eppie Encabo to the Midwest Region for an official visit!

This special weekend is an opportunity for UCC congregations across the region to connect, learn more about PAAM, share ministries, and strengthen relationships for the future.

All are welcome—whether your congregation has long been connected with PAAM or is simply interested in supporting and engaging Pacific Islander and Asian American ministries in the UCC.

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📅 EVENT 1 — Hybrid Regional Gathering
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM (CT)
📍 Eden United Church of Christ (Chicago, IL)
💻 In person + Google Meet
🍃 Light refreshments provided

Our gathering will include:
• Welcome and introductions
• Updates from the 2026 PAAM Convocation and new initiatives
• Sharing from Moderator Eppie Encabo
• Forming the Midwest Regional Team
• Ministry conversation and fellowship

📝 RSVP:
https://forms.gle/v9Eis4DNjDWsauqM8

💻 Google Meet:
https://meet.google.com/mpk-kozg-rbs

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⛪ EVENT 2 — Moderator Preaching
Sunday, September 20, 2026 | 9:30 AM
📍 Christ Church UCC Des Plaines (IL)
1492 Henry Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Moderator Eppie Encabo will participate in worship and share a message. All are welcome to join the service either in person or online.

📺 Online worship:
https://www.youtube.com/

Come connect, share ministry, and help shape PAAM’s Midwest future. Please share this invitation with your congregation, clergy, lay leaders, and friends!

08/19/2026

This , we celebrate the local leaders who make humanitarian action stronger.

A new case study from the The Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action highlights how CWS’s partnership with Zdorovii Gorod in Moldova strengthened child protection systems while supporting displaced Ukrainian families.

Stories like Oksana and Masha’s show that when local organizations have the resources, training and support to lead, children can find safety, healing and hope.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/3TNXqBX

08/18/2026

Here's to a cooler week ahead! But for now, here is YOUR latest Weekly Connection>>
https://iscucc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Weekly-Connection-August-18-2026.pdf

08/12/2026

Be with St Paul UCC Nashville—in person, in prayer, or both—as they celebrate the retirement of their beloved Rev. Bev Kahle on Sunday, August 16th. ♥