Partners in Service
"Love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbor as ourselves."
The Partners in Service program, through solidarity and service with local communities, provides UCC members 19 years of age and up, the opportunity to serve in diverse settings throughout the United States. UCC members put their faith into action, and practice Jesus’ greatest commandment as they act as God’s vehicle of love to those on the margins. The program offers short-and long-term volunteer opportunities with UCC local congregations and non-profit organizations.
Our Mission: Grounded in the core values of social justice, community, love, serving the human need and service, the Partners in Service Program is for individuals interested in walking in solidarity with organizations committed to serving the community, persons dedicated to practicing God’s justice and extending an extravagant welcome.
BENEFITS
Housing
Medical Insurance
Monthly Stipend
GOALS
Practice God’s Justice
Serve Human Needs
Community
Faith into Action
Partner in Service mission sites range from working with refugees, children and youth to serving as a camp director or a health care professional. Volunteer Ministries welcomes and supports volunteers on their volunteer journey. Volunteer Ministry walks with volunteers as the direct point of contact throughout a volunteer’s time with their mission site, provides guidance during the discernment process, and support during your entire experience. We are glad to assist you with finding the right fit for your interests.
Learn about specific mission sites below
Current Mission Site Placements:
Disaster Ministry
+Unhoused Ministries
+Immigration Issues & Refugee Resettlement
+Prisoner Visitation
+Outdoor Ministries/Camp & Conference Settings
+
Looking to Serve?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications are reviewed and chosen applicants are invited to a virtual interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Mission Site?
+A Partners in Mission site (also referred to as a mission or ministry site) is a non-profit organization or church that is aligned with the values of the United Church of Christ and welcomes UCC volunteers to share in community-related work.
Who Can Serve?
+Partners in Service is an option for adults ages 19 and up who want to make a positive impact in a community through service, advocacy, social justice and peace. There is an application process and interview involved in placement of volunteers to ensure they are a match with a particular ministry site, and background checks are completed before service begins.
How Long Can I Serve?
+Volunteers serve part or full-time for periods of 1 – 12 months with a mission site. The time of service can be renewed at the end of the service date if that is desired by both the volunteer and the ministry site.
What Benefits Are Provided?
+Partner in Service volunteers are provided a monthly stipend, health insurance if needed, housing and professional development opportunities.
What Type of Housing is Provided?
+Ministry sites offer lodging for non-local volunteers but the style depends on the site. Sites commonly offer a private bedroom and shared communal living space and kitchen, or dormitory style housing. For volunteers serving a location near their home, housing isnt’ a necessary factor.
Who Chooses My Mission Site?
+Volunteers without a particular site in mind will be given possible ministry sites to read about, and can seek placement at a site that aligns with their interests, talents and gifts. The Minister of Volunteer Engagement connects the volunteer with the mission site staff for an interview, after the interview through a mutual discernment process both the organization and volunteer decide if the mission site is a good fit.
Questions?
Please contact Kelly Burd, Minister for Volunteer Engagement Ministries, at burdk@ucc.org for more information.