Interwoven Congregations

03/07/2026

02/11/2026

I'm encouraged to see people speaking up for democracy. See how CCDD is doing just that at www.ccddus.org!

02/10/2026

This is great interview that unpacks the brilliance and beauty of Bad Bunny's halftime show. We'll remember that far longer than the game!
https://youtu.be/zmP601v497Y?si=AHjTuQ9XHFfuMiyR

02/10/2026

This is a great interview to highlight the significance of Bad Bunny's brilliant halftime show. We'll remember this halftime show far longer than the game! Get the link in the first comment.

01/31/2026

Voting is the heartbeat of the U.S. democracy, and exercising your right to vote should be as easy and accessible as possible for everyone.

Unfortunately, since the 2020 election, voter suppression has been on the rise with states across the country introducing new barriers that make it difficult for voters—particularly in communities of color—to perform their civic duty.

That’s where the for Common Ground (CFCG) is stepping in. CFCG is a nonpartisan, Black- and women-led voting-rights organization working in states where voter suppression systematically targets communities of color.

Through grassroots mobilization, CFCG:

-- Contacts voters that major campaigns often overlook and provide practical, nonpartisan information about registration, early voting, and Election Day options;
-- Offers year-round civic education and help with voter information;
-- Trains college students as organizers against systemic voter suppression; and more!

Learn how to get involved and build a more inclusive democracy thru the link in the 1st comment!

01/28/2026

Dear friends,

I’m writing to share something with you that’s been five years in the making – and is desperately needed today to protect democracy in the United States.

Concerned Citizens Defending Democracy or (CCDD) was launched five years ago to support free and fair elections, promote social justice and help strengthen American democratic institutions. The group was spearheaded by Vivian Lowery Derryck who had spent a good portion of her professional career working to strengthen democratic institutions in Africa.

Five years ago, as she watched the same warning signs that she responded to in Africa popping up here in the U.S., she saw an opportunity for mutual learning between and among countries, as everyday citizens in Ghana or Tanzania could share stories of their efforts to strengthen their democracies with Americans and vice versa. So she created CCDD to rally people in our country to take steps to defend our democracy and support racial justice and then share their stories here in the U.S. and across the globe.

I’m proud to be a part of CCDD, and today, CCDD is launching a new campaign on the CCDD website to promote “Stories of Local Activism” – accounts of how regular Americans are taking steps to defend democracy in their own communities. Our hope is that you and your family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues, will be inspired by these examples to organize similar efforts.

We believe strongly that people are more likely to participate in defending our democracy if they are encouraged to do so by someone they know and trust. And that’s where you come in.

You can help spread the word. This week, in February, and in coming months, we will continue to publicize “Stories of Local Activism” along with targeted ads such as you see at the top of this message (and attached). Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and like and SHARE the campaign posts.

It’s time for all of us to stand up together to defend our democratic values and the rich blessing of our diverse, pluralistic nation.

Peace,
Rev. Pat Jackson
CCDD Chair

01/19/2026

Which quote of Dr. King's serves as a point of inspiration for you today? For me, I am lifted up by his vision that we are all a part of this 'single garment of destiny.' That's an image which feels so frayed in our world today, but imagination is a powerful tool for change.

01/10/2026

Join us for a lively conversation on Thursday, January 29th at 7 p.m. EST (Zoom) with Professor Rory Bahadur (Washburn University School of Law, Topeka, KS) as we discuss his provocative new book, "A Critical Race Approach to Systemic Inequity."

Professor Bahadur gives a penetrating examination of white supremacy and challenges commonly accepted approaches to racial justice, including those by people of faith. It's a conversation you won't want to miss, and which may lead us all to take a harder look at what we're doing to advance racial justice in our world today.

Register with the link in the first comment!

12/24/2025

12/14/2025

Horror on the first day of Hannukah in Australia. We condemn this latest attack on a Jewish community and the continuing scourge of antisemitism that targets Jewish communities around the globe. Noone should be attacked for their beliefs and faith practices. In this world of ours today, we need all the light we can find.

12/05/2025

A word from the Racial Justice Conference in Berlin: "Hope-Makers, From Hostility to Hospitality."