Rev. Shari Prestemon

Hawaii has experienced multiple natural disasters in recent years: the wildfires of August 2023 and the more recent flooding and landslides caused by a series of Kona storms. I had the opportunity to visit sites on Maui and on Oahu last week, and share these reflections. It’s so important that we remember and respond to communities devastated by disasters long after the rest of the world’s attention has faded. Recovery is a long-term process.

Disasters in Paradise - United Church of Christ Three years. In disaster recovery terms, that’s nothing. Just shy of three years ago, multiple wildfires scorched the island paradise of Maui in

Our Public Policy & Advocacy team in Washington, D.C. is hosting youth from a variety of Conferences this week. An exciting collaboration with the Network of Wider Church Youth Ministries (NOWCYM). https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14bxuzxuvBo/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We celebrate Linda’s life of service and give thanks for the gifts and joy she shared with us in Global Ministries and with partners around the world. 🙏🏽 🌎

Global Ministries mourns the death of Linda Lawrence, former Child and Elder Sponsorship administrator with Global Ministries. Linda lived a life rooted in faith, service, and love for her family and community. Through her leadership, generosity, and unwavering compassion, she touched countless lives and leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. https://ow.ly/tj2r50ZaAfV

The Aha Pae’āina (annual gathering) of the Hawaii Conference UCC began this afternoon, and I am thrilled to be here as preacher and keynoter!

We give thanks for this decision of the congregation in Talmadge, OH to become a Global Mission Church, and for congregations who remember our global partners in their worship, outreach, advocacy!

What does it mean to be a Global Mission Church? One congregation finds out - United Church of Christ This past January, First Congregational Church of Tallmadge became a Global Mission Church. The congregation enthusiastically voted and signed the

Prayers continue for our partners in the SE Mindanao Jurisdiction of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BxJMVK12j/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Marajaw na adlaw mga Igsoon...

Ang hulagway sa ubos mao ang UCCP Malapatan ubos sa South Cotabato Sarangani District Conference nga naguba tungod sa 7.8 magnitude nga linog...

Padayon pa ang pagtasa sa extent sa damage... Naa sa proceso karon ang Rapid Needs Assessment(RNA) sa mga kumperensya ubos sa atong South East Mindanao Jurisdictional Area nga apektado sa maong linog...

Hiusahon nato kuman ang atong mga pag-ampo alang sa mga survivors ug akong gidasig ang matag Iglesia Lokal nga magahigayon ug special offering karong Domingo, Hunyo 14, 2026...

Puydi ihatod dinhi sa Conference House ang mga Special Offering...

Panalanginan kita sa Ginoong Dios niining atong paningkamot...

Praying for our Global Ministries partners on the island of Mindanao, the Philippines. I already have one report from a friend of devastating damage to his family’s home. Please join me in lifting prayers for this island, its people, and for the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. 🇵🇭 🙏 .

Strong Earthquake in Philippines Topples Buildings and Prompts Tsunami Warnings (Gift Article) The quake struck off the island of Mindanao, raising fears of possible tsunamis in the Philippines, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia.

On my last day in the Philippines, we visited the Dansalan College campus in Iligan City on the island of Mindanao. This partner has an extraordinary witness as a Christian educational institution that has served a predominantly Muslim population. But it has faced enormous challenges since the 2017 Marawi Siege entirely destroyed its historic campus. We give thanks for the stubborn resilience of Dr. Linda Tawagon, its Principal, and pray for Dansalan’s continued recovery.

Our global partner, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, has so much to teach us. Read here about their witness and discipleship.

The witness of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines challenges us to consider what faithful discipleship truly requires. Read this moving reflection on courage, sacrifice, and the enduring hope that springs from lives dedicated to justice, peace, and the Gospel. https://ow.ly/YFwz50Z5mJR