Reflections on My First National UCC Board Meeting
By Jennifer Smith, member Holladay United Church of Christ
Life often takes us places we never imagined. That’s the journey of a seeker—curious, open, sometimes unsettled, always searching for wisdom and meaning. I grew up “unchurched,” yet never unaware of a greater presence in my life. I often wondered—what was that quiet, guiding force?
That seeking, and the supportive hands of Reverend Erin Gilmore and Reverend Brent Gundlah, brought me to serve on the national Board of the United Church of Christ. This is a blessing and a responsibility. My hope is to share what I learn from this experience with our congregation and conference.
Entering the Circle
I entered my first board meeting with some trepidation—new to the table, surrounded by many clergy who could quote scripture and hymn with ease, forward and backward. Yet I was quickly embraced by a spirit of wisdom, grace, and courage that filled the room. I was deeply moved by the leadership and prophetic presence of our General Minister and President, the Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson. We are fortunate to have her as one of our leaders.
Learning Our Full Story
You may recall from new member or Sunday School classes that the UCC was formed in 1957 from four streams—the Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, and Reformed traditions. But did you know there is a fifth officially recognized stream? In 2022, the Afro-Christian Convention—representing predominantly Black congregations that were part of the UCC’s founding—was formally acknowledged as an equal founding stream. In 2023, the General Synod issued an apology for decades of neglect. Many of our histories and websites still omit this truth. Recognizing this fifth stream honors the strength and spiritual richness that Black churches bring to our shared faith. I have a sense of more wholeness with knowledge. I hope we can learn more from this important part of our history. I found this Sojourners article on the Fifth Stream enlightening.
A Ministry of Imagination
I feel like I have been a faithful follower of all things UCC. However, I am going more deeply about who we all are as a body. Among the many ministries I learned about, the UCC Building and Loan Fund especially captured my attention because on the surface it may sound mundane —but it’s really a ministry of imagination. They help congregations reimagine how to use one of their greatest assets—their buildings—not just two days a week, but every day in service to God. Some churches are transforming unused and rebuilding spaces into housing for the unhoused, community centers, food pantries, and sources of sustainable income. This ministry is even being featured at global philanthropy conferences for its innovation and faith in action.
Faith in Action
There are moments when I wonder if I’m doing enough to help create the conditions for justice, peace, and dignity for all. I’ve written letters, prayed, marched, donated, and spoken up—and still I wonder. Yet, this weekend reminded me that the UCC is doing this work, every day, on our behalf.
Our church employs a full-time representative at the United Nations, advocating for global justice and human rights—including reproductive and sexual health education through Our Whole Lives. The UCC is the only U.S. Christian denomination to advocate for women’s reproductive rights at the UN.
Through Global Ministries, we partner equally with the Disciples of Christ in 80 countries and 250 partnerships worldwide. And in Washington, D.C., our Justice and Witness Ministries are speaking truth to power through initiatives like “Love Knows No Borders,” confronting the extreme policies causing harm and division with the unyielding message that God’s love includes everyone. Twenty conference ministers are showing up on October 27th to act, on our behalf and those being harmed, in Washington DC. They are speaking to our representatives and sharing stories to affect change.
A Shared Responsibility
Much of this vital work is funded through Our Church’s Wider Mission, which has seen a 50% decline in giving over the past decade—a loss of $1 million just last year. This is the work many of us hope “someone” will do—Congress, governors, leaders—but in truth, it is us. We are the hands and feet of Christ in the world. Our support of our wider denomination is a profound way for us to show up.
I left the meeting inspired, humbled, and more deeply connected to this body we call the Church. The work is immense, the needs are great, and yet the Spirit is alive and moving through us.
May we each continue to ask, “What more can I do?” And may our shared seeking keep drawing us closer to feelings of peace, love, and the presence of God.
