Early this summer, Danielle Hickman made one last trip in her role as Global H.O.P.E.’s minister of volunteer engagement, visiting Back Bay Mission to see firsthand what hearts committed to being Christ’s hands and feet can accomplish together.
Back Bay Mission staff and volunteers were honored to welcome Hickman, sharing on social media how she helped them “tremendously” to find long-term volunteers and interns who were filled with passion. Back Bay Mission staff also wished Hickman well in her new chapter with the United Church of Christ National Ministries.
Hickman is now UCC’s ecumenical and interfaith relations minister and manager. The position was previously held by the Rev. Mark Pettis. Pettis is currently serving as senior minister of Avon Lake United Church of Christ in Ohio.
Hickman said she is excited to continue “United Church of Christ’s commitment to the unity of Christ’s church” which is affirmed by one of UCC’s taglines, “That all may be one.”
While Hickman is aware that she has her work cut out for as ecumenism in the 21st century faces challenges, she is also aware of the many opportunities. Bringing her trademark enthusiasm and steadfast faith to the role, Hickman seeks to strengthen relationships with ecumenical and interfaith partners in what she says is a “very difficult season to stand in solidarity and conviction.”
“As we witness and journey with ecumenical partners in the sacred struggle for justice, my hope is that will find ways to challenge systems of oppression, advocate for the marginalize, and share resources globally,” said Hickman.
Hickman joined UCC’s Global H.O.P.E. team in September 2023, where she was instrumental in energizing volunteer ministries, creating avenues of deep sharing and learning while fostering relationships. In April 2024, for example, a gathering for UCC camp counselors was held in the Cleveland national offices. It was an opportunity, said Hickman, for camp leaders to not only share their joys and challenges, but to receive their own gift of being on retreat.
New minister for refugee and migration services
As Global H.O.P.E. searches for its next minister of volunteer engagement, the team added a new member in July, welcoming Megan Bergert as its minister for refugee and migration services.
Bergert, an educator and advocate for God’s displaced children, views refugee and migrant work as “sacred” and admitted joining Global H.O.P.E. felt like “coming home.”
Prior to joining UCC’s National Ministries, Bergert worked in a resettlement office in New Jersey for the International Rescue Committee. (Click here to read more on Bergert.)
“I am looking forward to continuing to connect with individuals and congregations that have been engaged in advocating for justice for refugees and immigrants,” said Bergert, adding that a crucial part of her work is to “hear their stories.”
“Immigrants’ access to safety — and even basic needs — is precarious. I know that UCC members are accompanying many in these perilous conditions,” she said.
Bergert hopes that the prophetic stance of love and extravagant welcome “continues to be declared, as it has for decades” within the denomination.
“I hope that ever more UCC folks can see a place for their own engagement in immigration justice across the breadth of opportunities that the cause offers and our faith bids us see,” said Bergert.
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