✨🌈The congregation is warmly invited to a very special moment in Pastor Craig’s journey toward ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ. 🕊️

On Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m., Irvine United Congregational Church will host Craig’s Ecclesiastical Council, one of the final steps in the UCC ordination process.

But what exactly is an Ecclesiastical Council?

In the United Church of Christ, ordination is not something that happens within a local congregation alone. We are part of a wider church, connected in covenant with other UCC congregations and clergy. At an Ecclesiastical Council, representatives from churches throughout our Association gather to hear from a candidate for ordination, ask questions about their faith and call to ministry, and discern together whether to affirm that person for ordination.

That makes this more than a milestone for Craig. It is also a wonderful opportunity for IUCC to participate in the life of the wider church. Our presence matters. By gathering with our siblings from other UCC congregations, we live out what it means to be a church connected by covenant, supporting one another in ministry and discerning together where the Spirit is leading.

Craig’s journey toward ordination has been deeply rooted in the life and ministry of IUCC, and he would be honored to have his church family present for this important next step.

A reception will follow the Council!