North congregational church UCC

04/09/2026

🙌🏾"There was a once upon a time, not too long ago, when compassion was an expectation from leaders. Jesus’s commandment to love is rooted in compassion.

"The call for change is a cry for mercy in a world where compassion is lacking from the highest offices. The church and communities of faith should be at the forefront calling for mercy as Bishop Budde and others have done. Instead, the call for silence is supported by the church. Those who continue to claim that the church has no place in the public square. Prophetic witness demands different when there are voices in the chair who claim the anointing of this president and support his actions as being sanctioned by God.

"Across faith traditions and spiritual practices, love and compassion are cited repeatedly as God-centered values. To miss these essential elements and claim faith as a part of one’s life is counter intuitive."

-Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson
General Minister & President/CEO, UCC

👉🏾 Quote from her latest On My Mind Today blog post, “A Compassionless Culture:” https://ow.ly/UrOp50YFgMP

04/06/2026

On Easter Monday, the Catholic Church celebrates what’s called “Monday of the Angel.” In many countries in Europe and South America, this day, also known as “Little Easter,” is a national holiday.

In a Vatican Radio recording in 1994, Pope John Paul II gave an explanation for Monday of the Angel:

“Why is it called that?” the pope asked, highlighting the need for an angel to call out from the depths of the grave: “He is risen.”

These words “were very difficult to proclaim, to express, for a person,” John Paul II said. “Also, the women that were at the tomb encountered it empty but couldn’t tell ‘he had risen’; they only affirmed that the tomb was empty. The angel said more: “He is not here, he has risen.”

The Gospel of St. Matthew puts it this way: “Then the angel said to the women in reply, ‘Do not be afraid! I know that you are seeking Jesus the crucified. He is not here, for he has been raised just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, I have told you” (Mt 28:5-7).

04/06/2026

04/06/2026

Easter didn’t end… it began. The stone is still rolled away. The grave is still empty. Jesus is still alive. And that means today, right now, you are not walking in yesterday’s defeat, but in today’s resurrection power. Whatever you’re facing… you don’t face it alone. The same power that raised Him is alive and working within you. 🙏

So step into this day with confidence, not fear. With faith, not doubt. With hope that refuses to fade. “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you… He will also give life to your mortal bodies.” — Romans 8:11 If you want to stay grounded in that truth daily, I’ve shared devotionals and peaceful worship playlists - link on page. 💛

Save this as your reminder: Easter is still unfolding.

04/05/2026

The popular belief is that Jesus' crucifixion was a sacrifice to repay humanity’s sins, continuing the Old Testament's temple blood sacrifices. This is in contrast to Jesus teachings of absolute, unconditional forgiveness of repentant sins without recompense, rooted in God’s divine love and Grace His crucifixion was an expression of that love by suffering and dying with us to raise us to eternal life—an act of love, not atonement.

04/05/2026

He felt the pain. The weight. The suffering. He stepped fully into our humanity… So we would never have to face life without His presence. And then… what death tried to finish, God turned into victory. The cross proved His love. The empty tomb proved His power. 🙌

Together, they tell the whole story… you are not only seen… you are saved. Sit with that today. If you want to go deeper into this truth, our devotionals and worship playlists are there to help you stay rooted in His presence. (link in bio on our page)

What does the resurrection mean to you personally?

04/03/2026

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🚨Shocking News! 💥⚠️ On 2 April 2026, a strong earthquake struck the Maluku Sea in northern Indonesia, with a magnitude of around 7.4–7.6. At least 1 person is dead, many are injured, and buildings are severely damaged. Please 🅟🅡🅐🅨 🙏 for the affected people. 🅟🅡🅐🅨 for strength and survival.

04/03/2026

Easter reminds us: what looks like the end is often the quiet beginning of God’s greatest work. When darkness fell and hope seemed gone, Heaven was already preparing resurrection. 🙌 “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen.” — Luke 24:5–6
Take a Mindful Moment:
Take three slow breaths. With each breath, release something that feels buried, broken, or unfinished. On the third breath, whisper: “God is still working.”
Jesus, thank You for meeting us in the silence between despair and hope. When we can’t see the miracle yet, help us trust Your timing. Teach us to wait with faith, knowing resurrection is never late. In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏

If you’ve found encouragement here, you’ll love the deeper devotionals waiting for you on our site — crafted with prayer, Scripture, and peace. Your support helps us keep pouring out God’s hope each day. Link in bio.