Subject: NCC Newsletter – December 30, 2023

Newsletter

December 30, 2023

It's Not Too Late to Give to NCC

Nearly 75 years ago, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) set out to achieve a mission that was revolutionary—seek Christian unity through intentional interdenominational relationships and be a strong ecumenical voice, proclaiming God’s word and expressing Christ’s love through “justice, peace, and the healing of the world.”

Since its founding in 1950, NCC has grown exponentially. Today, 37 member denominations, with some 100,000 congregations and 30 million people, have proudly joined this movement, united in common understanding that we are all created in God’s image and that God has called us to treat each other with dignity and love.

In 2023, the NCC continued to demonstrate its commitment to social justice, advocate for positive change, and strengthen its role as an influential voice in faith-based activism.

  • The inaugural NCC Impact Week included “Freedom to Write, Freedom to Read and Freedom to Learn,” Literary Freedom Read-ins in various local congregations featuring books by marginalized or banned authors.

  • “Journey to Jubilee,” a six-week Reparations Bible Study to explore the biblical basis for reparative justice developed in cooperation with the Harvard University Kennedy School.

  • A Juneteenth March for Reparations and, with the support of 54 national faith leaders and hundreds of local faith leaders, issued a call to action by formally requesting President Joe Biden to create a Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans.

  • Intensified advocacy efforts at the state and federal levels. Building on past successes, NCC engaged with policymakers in statehouses, on Capitol Hill, and at the White House on key policy issues.

  • Issued policy statements and resolutions, which provide the foundation for the NCC to speak out on issues.

  • NCC was on the ground during the horrific trauma of mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, Uvalde, Texas, and Lewiston, Maine. In response to these tragic events, the NCC convened a national prayer gathering that included a wide range of national faith leaders and passed a resolution condemning gun violence. We continue to both advocate and pray for peace in all places experiencing war and violence.

    We have accomplished a lot together this year; but there’s more work to do!

  • Work to facilitate international collaboration, build relationships and promote mutual understanding in terms of theology and spirituality, and explore issues of mutual concern through interfaith dialogue with the Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities.

  • Engage with other organizations on relevant domestic issues—Islamophobia, anti-Semitism, and issues that extend beyond hateful rhetoric to extreme violence, including ethnic cleansing and inter-communal conflict.

  • Advocating for peace in Israel and Palestine, especially now as we call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

  • NCC proudly released the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition of the Bible (NRSVue), a translation produced in association with Friendship Press.

  • The Committee on the Uniform Lessons Series (CUS) — a corporate committee of NCC—elected to make the NRSVue the primary translation for its yearly publication, the “Guide to Lesson Development.” This Guide is the basis for numerous denominational publications.

  • CUS convened publishing partners to develop Christian education resources through the next several years, an initiative that goes back more than 150 years!


As we prepare to celebrate our 75th anniversary in 2025, we honor the past while creating a pathway to the future of “convening committed Christian Communions into an ecumenical community which, by working together, amplifies each member’s capacity to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.”

Today, you have a unique opportunity to shape the work of the NCC in ways more transformative than ever before. Your generous year-end contribution of $25, $75, $250, $500 (or more!) will allow the NCC to expand its ecumenical and advocacy work.

Next year, we hope to produce, in collaboration with Friendship Press, a commemorative NRSVue Bible, with a concise history of each communion and an updated NCC history to reach the next generation of ecumenists, advocates, and activists.

We thank you for your valued support through the years. You have helped the NCC touch countless lives by bringing a Christian response to critical issues, creating useful resources, and advocating for social justice in the public square. I hope and pray that you will continue to partner with us as the NCC moves into another successful year.

 

In gratitude,
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie

A Call to Prayer…

The above message was shared with NCC recently. As 2023 closes and we move beyond the holiday festivities to enter 2024, let us remain vigilant in our prayers for peace on earth.  

NCC Urges Congress to “Let There Be Peace” in Holiday Message 

Washington, D.C.—The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) sent a holiday message to members of the U.S. Congress urging them to honor the spirit of this holiday season by “acting for justice and righteousness on behalf of all of God’s people.”


The holiday card named NCC advocacy priorities and encouraged members of Congress to support legislation that would bring peace on earth, peace in our communities and peace of mind to the most vulnerable.  In particular, the message to Congress called for support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, a ban on assault rifles, and a permanent expansion of the child tax credit, among other issues.


“This holiday season, we’re working and praying for peace and we’re asking you, as members of Congress, to do your part to support legislation that will make it a reality,” the card noted. “For Christians, celebrating the birth of Jesus is about more than consumerism and sharing empty words of peace, joy, and love. It is about putting our faith into action for the most vulnerable.”


The holiday message was a part of NCC’s “Let There Be Peace” campaign launched for the Advent season. Daily prayers by Christian leaders focused on peace were posted to NCC’s social media accounts. A litany about peace was made available to local congregations and individuals were invited to take an “I’m a Peacemaker” Pledge.


While the “Let There Be Peace” campaign focused on the Advent season, NCC plans to elevate its focus on peace in the New Year as well. Click here to view a larger image of the card sent to Congress. 


For more information, visit the National Council of Churches website

Save the Date

Look for information in future issues of NCC's newsletter about the following events sponsored by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for the Health Opportunities for Policy Equity (HOPE) Challenge, in cooperation with The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and other partners.


February 2024 — The Heart of the Matter: Closing Disparities in Hypertension, Cardiovascular Disease & Stroke


March 2024 — Holding Mommy Dear: A National Action Strategy to Eliminate Maternal Mortality

June 2024 — A Fair Shot for Health: Collaborating to Close Race, Gender, and Age Disparities in Gun Violence

Faiths United to Save Democracy Hosts MLK Voter Registration Event

Faiths United to Save Democracy is hosting a virtual Call to Action Voter Registration Launch on January 15, 2024, 4:00 - 5:15 pm/EST. Please help them get the word out about the launch and the powerful January 15 messengers addressing the 2024 election question, "Why Vote?"

 

Feel free to post the above flyer to your social media accounts and encourage attendance by clergy and voting rights advocates in your network before Christmas.


Click here for more information.

Employment Opportunities

NCC Position Openings

Marketing and Communication Officer

The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) seeks a talented professional to drive the external and internal engagement of our ecumenical, advocacy, and activist agenda. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead and implement strategic communications initiatives, from concept to reality, aimed at promoting NCC's vision, mission, and values. The Marketing and Communication Officer will manage the organization's overall communication and marketing strategy, including written and verbal communications, media relations, social media presence, and relationship building with key contacts in Washington D.C.


Joining NCC's team as a Marketing and Communication Officer offers a unique opportunity for a motivated and passionate individual to drive impactful external and internal communications strategies that advance our organization’s goals. If you are dedicated to utilizing your skills and experience to make a difference toward positive social change, NCC would love to hear from you.


Job Classification

Full-time exempt. Work is generally conducted Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. This is a hybrid position with at least one to two days in the office each week. Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required. Eligible for paid time off and retirement benefits. Salary range: $65,000 – $75,000.


To apply, click here.


Receptionist (Part Time)

The National Council of Churches is seeking a part-time Secretary/Receptionist to join our office team. This position requires working at least two in office, and up to three days a week, providing essential support in various administrative tasks. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills.  


Executive Asst. to the President/General Secretary 

The NCC is seeking a highly organized, multifaceted, and motivated individual for the position of Executive Assistant to the President/General Secretary with human resourcing responsibilities. This role will provide essential administrative support and act as a trusted liaison for the President/General Secretary. This position requires the ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, as well as exceptional organizational and communication skills. 


The Executive Assistant will have the flexibility to work remotely with only 1-2 days per week in the office, though living in the Washington, DC metropolitan area is preferred. The ideal candidate will also possess knowledge of the Washington, DC area and be capable of assisting with human resourcing responsibilities, communications, and marketing strategies. 


Office Location 

The Methodist Building, 110 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, D. C. 20002 


Application Process: 

To apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience, interest in ecumenical/ advocacy work, and knowledge of the DMV area. 


How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@nationalcouncilofchurches.us 

• • • • • •

Faith in Public Life Position Openings

Faith in Public Life is hiring for a few positions and is looking for candidates who would be a good fit. Click on the links below for more information:

           

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