Online resources

Web Sites – compiled by the Program Coordinator of YA Ministries, MACUCC

DENOMINATIONAL RESOURCES: these links go to denominational National or Conference websites and are home to a plethora of resources on a wide range of topics. Some of these include: events and news, discerning a call to ministry, updates on social justice initiatives, specialized ministries. They are also packed full of contact names and information to put you in direct contact with the people who can answer questions and help you find the information you need.
www.macucc.org – the website of the Massachusetts Conference, UCC
www.macucc.org/youngadults/index.htm - the webpage for YAs in the Massachusetts Conference, UCC
www.ucc.org – the website of the national office of the United Church of Christ

i.UCC.org - this is a UCC run website for those who are not geographically close to a UCC church, who are searching, or who want an on-line community to connect with
www.ucc.org/justice - speaks to justice and peace issues for the UCC
www.ucc.org/youngadults - Young Adult webpage, includes links and resources
www.UCCtakeACTION.org – Action alerts from the National office of the UCC
www.dhedisciples.org – website for the Higher Education & Leadership Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
www.stepnetwork.org – webpage of STEP, the national college/university studentnetwork of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ.
www.stillspeaking.com – the official website of the UCC’s Stillspeaking campaign
www.pilgrimpress.com – the publishing house of the UCC
www.churchworldservice.org – an ecumenical partnership; find out what’s happening around the world and how you can help
www.globalministries.org – a common ministry between the United Church of Christ(UCC) and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); find out how individuals and congregations can be involved with the world
www.ncccusa.org – home page of the National Council of Churches, USA and ecumenical partnership of 36 denominations
www.masscouncilofchurches.org - The Massachusetts Council of Churches is an ecumenical partnership of seventeen Orthodox and Protestant churches/denominations in the state, with approximately 1700 congregations
www.starisland.org – a religious and educational conference center located off of Portsmouth, NH; jointly owned and operated by Unitarian Universalists and those from the United Church of Christ through the Star Island Corporation

RELIGIOUS/SPIRITUAL PUBLICATIONS/BOOKSTORES: here you’ll find
resources on magazines which cover a wide range of spiritual and religious topics (some are specifically Christian while others are not). Many of these websites and resources would be great tools to hear a religious perspective on current events, providing an antidote to much of the mainstream media.
www.christianitytoday.com – wide variety of information including: hot issues, movie reviews, online communities, Christian colleges, and lots of resources
www.onmission.org – website of On Mission magazine
www.sojo.net – website for Sojourners magazine; with a focus on faith, politics, culture
www.alternet.org/wiretap - Youth and college-age oriented news stories
www.earthlight.org – “The Magazine of Spiritual Ecology” for those who believe saving the Earth is at its core a spiritual activity
www.yesmagazine.org – join a global community that is taking a stand for a more just,peaceful, environmentally sustainable world; events, articles, book reviews, resource guides
www.massbible.org – website of the Massachusetts Bible Society; 2 local bookstores –downtown Boston and at Andover Newton Theological School; newsletter and a listingof events can be found here
www.chosenbooks.com – Christian publisher of books
www.grist.org – website of Grist magazine specializing in environmental journalism

THE FUTURE OF CHURCH: These links take you to sites that are focused on Emerging worship and churches, as well as some alternative worship resources. A good place to start to see what other groups are doing to change the culture of church and attract young people.

www.youngpeoplefor.com - an organization committed to social justice and progressive ideas for young adults; check out their fellowship program!
www.emergentvillage.org – find out what Emergent is, connect with others, information on resources and events
www.emergentys.com – buy resources related to the emerging culture
www.vintagefaith.com – a place to learn about the emerging church and vintage Christianity, resources, links, blogs
www.theooze.com – conversation for the journey of the emerging culture, message boards, blogs
www.smallfire.org – documentation of some alternative worship services; focuses on the UK, New Zealand, and Australia
www.alternativeworship.org – provides an introduction to alternative worship; links to other sites and resources
www.spiritgarage.org – the church with a really big door; a Christian faith community with an alternative style worship in Minneapolis, MN
www.smallvoices.net – thoughts about God, the Church, salvation, people, music, and more
www.emergingchurch.org – information on emerging churches, links
www.faithmaps.org – tools for navigating theology, praxis, and leadership in the emerging church
www.emergentconvention.com – exploring the church in a changing culture; information about conventions related to this goal
www.illuminateresources.com – resources for ministry with college age and “nextgen” populations
www.episcopalchurch.org/3702_ENG_HTM.htm?menu=menu7071 - the Young Adult webpage from the Episcopal Church
www.InternetMonk.com – the personal web space of Michael Spencer. Michael has been a minister, youth specialist, writer, teacher and communicator in churches and schools for over 30 years.
www.boarsheadtavern.com – In 2002, a diverse group of Christians started a wideranging weblog conversation. The conversation continues…and you’re invited.
www.churchmarketingsucks.com – gives the basics of marketing (not advertising) and getting the word out about who you are as a church; full of helpful tips; can also be reached through www.churchmarketingstinks.com

www.spirituality.ucla.edu - a National study of college students' search for meaning and purpose. The newest study released as part of this project is focused on professors' religious and spiritual values.

www.metanexus.net/local_societies - linking religion and science together; grants available for local projects

SOCIAL ISSUES, ACTIVISM…HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Separated into 3
categories – local, national, and global – these are all websites that are advocating for change with one or more social issues. Many of these have outstanding resources and excellent ways to find out how to get involved to become part of the solution.

LOCAL:
www.ecclesia-ministries.org – website for Common Cathedral and the other programs Ecclesia Ministries offers to the homeless in and around Boston
www.activeingredients.org – local website with activist resources
www.WesternMassAFSC.org – American Friends Service Committee; a grassroots social justice and peace organization
www.angelfire.com/ma4/arise/ - a low-income rights, anti-oppression membership organization in Western MA
www.umass.edu/ewc - Everywoman’s Center at UMASS – Amherst
www.hcac.org/ - Hampshire Community Action Commission; mission is to address both the cause and effects of poverty
www.nuestras-raises.org – Nuestras Raices; a grassroots organization that promotes economic, human, and community development in Holyoke
www.westernmassfsc.org/colombia/index.html - Solidaridad Columbia; supports Columbian and US efforts for justice and peace
www.traprockpeace.org – Traprock Peace Center; exploring nonviolence, fostering community, working to end war
www.westernmassafsc.org/vwb/ - Valley War Bulletin; covers the war at home and abroad
www.westernmasshealthycommunities.org – Western MA Center for Healthy
Communities; offers training, consultation, and a full lending library as resources for prevention and assistance
www.peacepagoda.org – the Peace Pagoda located in Leverett, MA; these pagodas are offerings for world peace and “prayers of the spirit made manifest form”
www.umass.edu.fac/nwt/index.html - New World Theater; blurring the line between theater and activism, college and community

www.prochoicemass.org - the website for NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts; check out their annual Chocolate Madness event...lots of great chocolate from some of top restaurants, bakeries in Boston and all the proceeds go directly to furthering reproductive rights in MA

NATIONAL:

www.amnestyusa.org - Packed full of resources; lots of information on how to get involved at all levels in a variety of issues
www.nfwm.org – National Farm Worker Ministry: an interfaith organization supporting farm workers as they organize for justice
www.communitychange.org – the Center for Community Change based in Washington,D.C.
www.interfaithalliance.org – The Interfaith Alliance: people of faith and goodwill restoring healthy democracy
www.calltorenewal.org – a faith-based movement to overcome poverty
www.faithfuldemocracy.org – a grassroots organization pertaining to civic participation by religious people
www.webofcreation.org/ncc - the National Council of Churches’ Eco-Justice working group’s website
www.foodfirst.org – Institute for food and development policy; “a member-supported,nonprofit people think tank and education-for-action center…”
www.faireconomy.org – “United for a Fair Economy raises awareness that concentrated wealth and power undermine the economy, corrupt democracy, deepen the racial divide,and tear communities apart. We support and help build social movements for greaterequality.” Resources to promote activism, engagement, and involvement.
www.secondharvest.org – the national food bank resources center; find out hoe you can help end hunger
www.targetearth.org – with a mission of “Serving the Earth, Serving the Poor”, fosters Christian living with sustainability of God’s Creation
www.earthisland.org – focused on citizen action and supporting a diverse array of projects that work to better the environment
www.responsibleshopper.org – a place to search how companies and brands rate on a host of issues (environmental issues, labor practices, and more); plus a resource of “green” companies
www.coopamerica.org – “Economic action for a just planet”; resources on responsible investing, “green” products and companies; ways to take action
www.fairtradefederation.com – association of members who are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide; comprehensive listing of catalogs (on-line and mail order) that sell fair trade products
www.outwardbound.org – with a mission to conduct safe adventure-based programs with a focus on building self-esteem, self-reliance, care for others and the environment
www.rebuildingtogether.org – looking to improve and revitalize communities; work on low income housing; 5 affiliates in MA
www.jwj.org – Jobs with Justice; “a campaign for workers’ rights”; resources for change in communities, nationally, globally; good source of information about what’s being done
www.netaid.org – in the fight to end poverty; resources for high school students, college students, educators, volunteers, and media outlets
www.roadtripnation.com – “Find the open road”; started by 2 college friends who didn’t know what they wanted to be when they grew up – sp they went on a roadtrip and began interviewing people who made their own paths; now a PBS documentary
www.bordc.org – Bill of Rights Defense Committee; encourages local communities to take an active role in working for civil liberties
www.populareconomics.org – Center for Popular Economics; a non-profit that teaches economic literacy to activists for progressive social change
www.karunacenter.org – Karuna Center for Peace Building; a US based nonprofit that offers international training programs in conflict transformation, intercommunal dialogue, and reconciliation
www.mensresourcecenter.org – dedicated to supporting men, challenging men’s violence, and developing men’s leadership in ending oppression
www.natprior.org – National Priorities Project; offers citizens and community groups the tools and resources to shape the federal budget and policy priorities that promote social and economic justice
www.NoSweatShop.com – 100% union made apparel; no sweatshop labor
www.onetableconference.org – One Table, Many Voices a mobilization to end hunger and poverty conference; ecumenically sponsored
www.bread.org – action oriented to end hunger; annual Washington, D.C. lobby day
www.one.org – the campaign to make poverty history; goal is to rally Americans to fight the emergency of global AIDS and extreme poverty; one person, one dollar, one vote at a time
www.alaskawild.org – Alaska Wilderness League; a lobbyist organization in
Washington. D.C. striving to protect the National Wildlife Refuge
www.cpjustice.org – The Center for Public Justice; “Serve God, Advance Justice, Transform Public Life”; resources, lectures/events, speaker’s bureau, news updates

www.rcrc.org - the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice; the latest information related to reproductive choice

www.syrf.org - Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom; the student movement of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

www.centeronconscience.org - to extand and defend the rights of conscientious objectors to war and violence

www.jwj.org/index.htm - Jobs with Justice; find out how you can help workers get the rights they deserve; updates on actions related to worker justice

www.moveon.org - an action-oriented, left wing political organizing group

www.nmass.org - National Mobilization Against Sweatshops; news updates, action alerts, and more

GLOBAL:

www.overcomingviolence.org –The official website of the Decade to Overcome Violence (2001-2010)
www.Hands-of-Peace.org – promotes interfaith dialogue between Israelis, Arab Israelis, and Palestinians; ways for youth to be involved
www.worldaidsday.org/ - the official website of World AIDS Day (Dec. 1st)
www.datadata.org – DATA (debt, AIDS, trade, Africa); one voice, one goal to fight global AIDS & poverty
www.tasouganda.org – the AIDS Support Organization in Uganda
www.cmaid.org – Christian Mission Aid (CMA) was founded in 1986 as a nondenominational, non-profit organization working on relief and development projects in Africa. They have offices in Michigan and in Nairobi, Kenya. They are focused in East African countries, including Kenya, Uganda and Sudan. CMA’s primary focus is to help others help themselves.
www.africare.org – Africare is a leading nonprofit organization, specializing in aid to Africa
www.lifewater.org – Lifewater International (LI) is a Christian training organization with water development goals.
www.tearfund.org – Christian action with the world’s poor; this website has resources, ways to help, action alerts
http://youth.tearfund.org/ – wonderful site designed for youth and youth leaders; tons of resources and real life ways to walk the walk, not just talk the talk
www.bloodwatermission.org – Founded by Dan Hazeltine, lead singer of Jars of Clay, Blood:Water Mission, is committed to obtaining and accessing clean blood and clean water to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic, to build clean wells in Africa, to support medical facilities caring for the sick, to make a lasting impact in the fight against poverty, injustice and oppression in Africa through the linking of needs, talents and continents, of people and resources.
www.africanleadership.org –This organization strives to make a difference on a forgotten continent by providing HOPE, one leader…one family…one child at a time. Among other projects they are currently discipling nearly 10,000 pastors and church leaders in 27 African nations.
www.act-intl.org – Action by Churches Together (ACT) International is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide; the UCC is a member though Wider Church Ministries
www.actionagainsthunger.org – a leader in the fight against hunger; delivers programs in over 4o countries, specializing in emergency situations of war, conflict, & natural disaster, meets the long-term needs of people in distress
www.mercycorps.org – Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities; focuses include emergency relief services, sustainable economic development, and civil society initiatives
www.brothersbrother.org –Their mission is to promote international health and education through the efficient and effective distribution and provision of donated medical, educational, agricultural and other resources. Programs are designed to fulfill its mission by connecting people’s resources with people’s needs around the world.
www.americares.org - As a non-profit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization, it provides immediate response to emergency medical needs, as well as supporting longterm humanitarian assistance programs for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES: sites which promote living out the practices of the Christian faith, including prayer and discernment.
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/paradigm/index.htm - an online Labyrinth
www.sacredspace.ie/ - daily prayer online (Scripture based); organized by the Irish Jesuits
www.waytolive.org – a website designed to work with the book “Way to Live: Christian Practices for Kids” written by Dorothy Bass and Don Richter; includes a downloadable leader’s guide and other resources.
www.taize.fr – the official website of the taize community; worship resources and guides,information on visiting the community, and more
www.spendingwisely.com – reflections on spending, saving, investing, and living simply
www.charitynavigator.org – rates charities (of all types and sizes) up to 4 stars; gives breakdown of charities’ expense reports and their goals/services; want to know where your money is actually going…look here

CULTUAL RESOURCES – FILM/MUSIC/TV/BOOKS/MEDIA: a great way to connect with youth and Young Adults is through the culture that they are already entrenched in – tv, media, books, music – and ways to bring out the spiritual or theological aspects that are so often woven into the mainstream media
www.churchnoise.com – use this site to find some Christian musicians
www.hollywoodjesus.com – pop culture from a spiritual point of view
www.Christianrock.net – a resource to find Christian artists, find out the Top 20 in this category; also affiliated with www.ChristianHardRock.net and www.Christianhiphop.net
www.comingsoon.net – see trailers, previews, get the latest news on upcoming movie releases; database of projects that are in the works
www.imdb.com – the Internet Movie Database; a great resource for getting a summary of just about any movie, finding out who’s in the cast, and more
www.rottentomatoes.com – reviews, news, movie ratings based on a tomato freshness/rotten scale
www.televisionwithoutpity.com – get updates on current tv shows, find out plotlines,character developments, and more; lots of forums to connect with other fans
www.spiritualcinemacircle.com – this is a dvd service which has a fee to join; they offer comedies, dramas, documentaries with a spiritual message which you get to keep (more like a book of the month club than a movie rental)
www.unomaha.edu/jrf/ - Journal of Religion and Film from the University of Nebraska, Omaha; among other articles there is a list of films from the Sundance Film Festival with faith/spiritual/religious themes
www.godspolitics.com – home page of “God’s Politics: Why the Right is Wrong and the Left Doesn’t Get It” authored by Jim Wallis, editor of Sojourner’s Magazine
www.mediaed.org – Media Education Foundation; produces and distributes video documentaries to encourage creative thinking and debate about the relationship between media ownership, commercial media content, and the democratic demand for free flows of information, diverse representations of ideas and people, and informed citizen participation
www.blue-head.com – socially conscious apparel company (more left than right)

www.thedavincichallenge.com - information on the DaVinci Code; articles related to the the topics brought up in the best-selling book and soon to be released movie

www.cpyu.org - Center for Parent/Youth Understanding

INTERFAITH and ECUMENICAL RESOURCES: a wide range of websites that provide information on other religions, as well as some who help to explore your beliefs and to more fully understand what you believe.
www.interfaithcalendar.org – Primary sacred times for world religions
www.interfaithalliance.org –The Interfaith Alliance: people of faith and goodwill restoring healthy democracy
www.beliefnet.com – a wide ranging website for people of faith, or for those who want to learn about different faiths
www.explorefaith.org/questions.html - provides questions and answers with the goal of the site being to “provide an open, non-judgmental private place for ANYONE exploring spiritual issues
www.SistersofProvidence.org – Order of Nuns based in Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana; active in promoting mercy, love, and justice
www.middleeastfellowship.org – working to promote peace and non-violence as an advocate for the Palestinian people
www.cathedralcollege.org – home of the College of Preachers at the National Cathedral in Washington; a premiere method of continuing education with top scholars and preachers leading workshops and events
www.sbcenter.org – Saint Benedict Center, Madison, WI; explore this ecumenical Benedictine community for a retreat or a conference
www.zenonmain.org – Zen Center; intentional and conscious exploration of race and privilege, and hot it manifests in our communities

www.pluralism.org - run by the Pluralism Project of Harvard University; broad range of resources, articles, and information about the variety of religions represented in the US.

www.nicwj.org - Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) calls upon religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers.

www.nwcu.us - National Workshop on CJristian Unity; working to equip Christian leaders in the quest for unity

CAMPUS MINISTRY: resources focused on college-aged Young Adults and campus ministries
www.goacta.org – American Council of Trustees and Alumni
www.thefire.org – Foundation for Individual Rights in Education
www.ivyjungle.org – Resource for people who with college students
www.raiseyourvoice.org – campaign of Student Action for Change (MA/RI focused)
www.raiseyourvoice.org– a resource for college and campus activism; how to get started and start change
www.stepnetwork.org – webpage of STEP, the national college/university student network of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ

www.higheredmin.org - Higher Education Ministries Arena; guide to student ministry across the US; resources, and more

www.methodx.net - The Way of Christ, sponsored by Upper Room Ministries

SIMPLE LIVING/SUSTAINABILITY: listed below are links to sites that help to simplify our busy, often harried lives. There are also resources on living sustainably and making decisions that are more Earth friendly.
www.timeday.org – Take back our time! Americans our working more than ever before and we’re paying the price. This is a site filled with resources to help you and your family take time to be together.
www.simpleliving.net – tools and resources for healthy, conscious, responsible, and restorative living
www.tvturnoff.org – find ways to break the tv habit; activities, resources, and more for parents, kids, and educators
www.greenseal.org – independently tests products to learn about their effect on the environment; gives out a “green seal” to those who meet the criteria
www.zerowaste.org – The Zero Waste Alliance is a non-profit partnership of universities, government, business, and other organizations working to develop, promote, and apply Zero Waste strategies. The goal is reduce and eliminate waste and toxins from our environment.
www.grrn.org – Grassroots Recycling Network; resources, involvement in more than just curbside recycling
www.sustainabletable.org – details what sustainability is; why it is important; resources on buying products, recipes, and more to make thinking about consumption an easier process
www.eatwellguide.org – search their directory of sustainably-raised products from stores, restaurants, and local farmers
www.sare.org – Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education; provides resources and grants “to improve profitability, stewardship, and quality of life”
www.earth911.org – “making everyday Earth Day”; resources on recycling and more
www.earthcharter.org – The Earth Charter Initiative; values and principles for a sustainable future

SOCIAL: Grab some friends, make some friends, and have fun!
www.BigKidsDodgeball.com – a tournament format of dodgeball; located near the TD Banknorth Garden (formerly the Fleet Center), Boston
www.friendster.com – connect with old friends, make new ones with similar interests
www.craigslist.com – find “anything” here; great to use if you’re near a metro region that they cover

www.HIhostels.com - A clearinghouse of Youth Hostels from around the world

EVANGELICAL VIEWS:
www.nae.net – National Association of Evangelicals; “Cooperation without
Compromise”
www.creationcare.org – Evangelical Environmental Network and Creation care magazine