by Rev. Roberto Ochoa and Rev. Robin Blakemore
As we approach the Lenten season this week, we Invite All in the Iowa, South Dakota
and Nebraska Conferences to join us in Walking Together this Lent.
Beloved siblings,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ .
We write to you together as Conference Minister of the Nebraska Conference of the United Church of Christ and Transitional Regional Minister of the Nebraska Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We do so not only out of shared responsibility, but out of shared relationship—and shared hope for the Church in this season.
For many years, our Conference and our Region have found ways to collaborate, to learn from one another, and to stand alongside each other in ministry. We are sibling denominations, shaped by different traditions and histories but bound by a common call: to follow Jesus Christ and to love our neighbors as ourselves. That relationship matters—especially now.
We are living in a time of deep anxiety and polarization. Communities are hurting, trust is fragile, and too often distance becomes division. In such a moment the church has a choice. We can retreat into what is familiar and comfortable, or we can bear witness to the way of Christ, who draws people together.
So, in that spirit, this Lent, we are choosing to walk together in a commitment to caring for our neighbors.
In Luke 10, after telling the story of the one who showed mercy along the road, Jesus asks, “Which of these was a neighbor?” and then sends his listeners with a simple charge: “Go and do likewise.” This shared journey is our invitation to take that command seriously—not as an abstract ideal, but as a lived practice of mercy, compassion, and care.
We are inviting our Region and Conference into a shared Lenten journey called Neighbors on the Way. This journey is not about uniformity or agreement on every issue. It is about practicing what we already confess: that we belong to Christ, and therefore we belong to one another. It is about learning again how to see our neighbors clearly, listen deeply, and remain faithful to love—even when the road is hard.
Throughout Lent, we will offer simple weekly resources—prayers, reflections, and practices—for individuals and congregations who choose to participate. We will also host optional weekly Zoom conversations, creating space for connection, reflection, and shared witness across our communities.
You can sign up here to join us as Neighbors on the Way.
Our collaboration this season is a testimony, a sign that relationship matters and the church can model what it means to walk together. Please know that our collective prayers are with the people and congregations of our Region and Conference. We journey with you in hope, faith, and love as we make our way through Lent and to the empty tomb.
May the God who created us, the Christ who shows us the way to Divine Love, and the Holy Spirit who sustains us with courage and comfort be upon you, your loved ones, and our world always.
In shared hope,
Rev. Roberto Ochoa
Conference Minister
Iowa Nebraska South Dakota Conferences
United Church of Christ
Rev. Robin Blakemore
Transitional Regional Minister
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Nebraska