ONA Sunday Ideas and Resources

Each year, the fourth Sunday in January is designated as "International Welcoming Church Sunday." This is a time when congregations in many different denominations all celebrate our commitment to diversity – and in particular to affirming God's love for persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

We encourage you to find ways to celebrate ONA Sunday in all areas of your congregation's life.

• Include a special bulletin insert.
• Use scripture, prayer, music, dance, and liturgy to highlight your commitment.
• Discuss your ONA commitment during a sermon.
• Re-affirming your church's historic ONA statement by reading it in unison during worship.
• Take up a special mission offering to support the UCC Coalition.
• Write a letter for your church newsletter.

UCC Coalition Resources

Two hymns by Brian Wren that were commissioned for The Coalition are available in PDF format for use by any ONA congregation.

• Come Let Us Welcome (PDF)
• Great Love (PDF)

Written by David Lohman, this hymn was dedicated to Rev. Ann B. Day and Donna Enberg in honor and and celebration for leadership with and through the Coalition's ONA program.  It is available in three versions (congregational, piano score, and choral).

• For All the Children (congregational)
• For All the Children (piano score)
• For All the Children (choral)

More Ecumenical Resources for 2008 Welcoming Sunday

• Resources from the Institute for Welcoming Resources
• Resources from Lutherans Concerned/NA
• Resources from the Reconciling Ministries Network

For further assistance with your ONA programming, please contact the ONA Coordinator: ONA@UCCcoalition.org or  216-861-0779.