Special Mission Offerings

The Special Mission Offerings of the United Church of Christ support vital ministries that bring hope to people in the U.S. and around the world.  Our church has identified four areas where critical human needs exist:

• in places lacking health and educational resources and/or where a disaster has struck;
• within systems of injustice which oppress daily life and opportunity;
• in the lives of church leaders without sufficient resources to live with dignity;
• in the nurture of youth and congregations just beginning their lives of faith.

A Year of Love

Celebrate the Special Mission Offerings with your congregation this year by following a theme of love. Each offering will highlight ways love animates our giving. Throughout the year, your congregation will be invited to participate in this curriculum of giving as our shared commitments to global, justice-oriented, and emerging ministries are supported and celebrated.

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing channels resources for international programs in health, education, and agricultural development, emergency relief, refugee ministries, and both international and domestic disaster response, administered by Global HOPE.

Suggested Offering Date: Fourth Sunday of Lent

Strengthen the Church

Strengthen the Church re-imagines and builds the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels, Strengthen the Church supports youth and young adult ministries, new and renewing congregations, and leadership development. Strengthen the Church provides funds for the Church Assessment, Support and Advancement (CASA) Grant program.

Suggested Offering Date: Pentecost Sunday

Neighbors in Need

Neighbors in Need supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States, including the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM), justice and advocacy, and direct service projects supported by Neighbors in Need grants.

Suggested Offering Date: First Sunday of October

Christmas Fund

The Christmas Fund is a Special Mission Offering that congregations have been supporting for over 100 years.  The offering is administered through the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the charitable arm of the Pension Boards.  Funds provide direct financial support to those who serve the church and are facing financial difficulties.  Active and retired clergy, lay employees, and their surviving spouses may be eligible for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums, Emergency Grants, and/or Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks.

Suggested Offering Date: Sunday before Christmas

Is your church 5 for 5?