The UCC Disabilities Ministries Board of Directors has recently announced the release of an updated publication "Any Body, Every Body, Christ's Body: A Guide for Congregations, Association, and Congregations for Becoming Accessible to All."  Becoming Accessible to All (A2A) is a response to the growing need for churches to become accessible for all persons with disabilities.  The UCC call to become accessible in all aspects of church life including worship, fellowship, and leadership was made clear when a resolution was adopted at the Twenty-fifth General Synod.  This resolution, "Called to Wholeness in Christ: Becoming a Church Accessible to All," set forth the following activities: a) Establish Conference level Inclusion Task Forces charged with needs assessment, planning, and education; b) Join the Accessible Congregations Campaign of the National Organization on Disability. c) Continue to make improvements in United Church of Christ buildings and facilities to achieve full physical accessibility; d) Encourage local churches to establish Inclusion Committees and/or Inclusion Coaches to help conduct any accessibility or inclusion evaluation and modify existing curriculum and practices when needed. e) Seek out and befriend mentors in the disabilities community, keeping in mind the slogan, "Nothing about us without us." f) Consider ways to invite/include people with disabilities to participate in and lead worship services and other programming. This may involve hiring professional support or acquiring specialized technology. This new publication provides information and resources that will guide congregations as they answer this call.  It is available at uccdm.org the UCC Disabilities Ministries website.  Questions can be sent to chair@uccdm.org or secretary@uccdm.org or to any of the board members listed on the website.

The Bar Harbor Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, is looking for a part-time DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION, starting in the fall and averaging 15 hours a week, including Sundays.  We're looking for a person of faith who is devoted to nurturing faith and fellowship in our diverse congregation by coordinating Christian Education programs, from nursery care to Sunday school, from youth groups to programs for adults.  The successful candidate will be an effective communicator (including computer skills, familiarity with social media, and strong interpersonal skills, including skill and enjoyment working with children) who can recruit and support volunteers, ensure our compliance with safe church practices, and is (or will be) First Aid and CPR certified.  In addition to a compelling salary and a fun, collaborative, and creative work environment, the Church offers support and training opportunities, and is open to non-traditional staffing models.  Applicants should send a letter of interest, along with a current resume, to Bar Harbor Congregational Church, 29 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor, ME  04609, or by email to