Global HOPE
Severe Weather from Oklahoma to Michigan
On Friday, March 7, 2026, devastating storms moved across Michigan and surrounding areas. Many communities were impacted by severe weather including hail, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Early reports indicate that three individuals were killed in this devasting storm, and at least 12 people were injured across southwest Michigan. We are aware that First Congregational UCC in Union City, MI was directly impacted by a tornado there. The Disaster Ministries Team and other staff at the National Setting of the United Church of Christ continue to be in communication with the Michigan Conference to monitor the situation and determine how best to support communities at this time.
We continue to hold all of those affected by the storms, and their loved ones in our prayers.
To support the relief and long-term recovery of those affected by these severe storms, and other communities that have experienced similar events across the US, click here, and select “Severe Storms” as the designation.
California Wildfires 2025 Special Appeal Updates HERE
Hurricane 2024 Special Appeal Updates HERE
The Global HOPE team in United Church of Christ Love of Neighbor unit brings together the UCC’s refugee and migration ministries, volunteer engagement, disaster response and recovery, and sustainable development support. The acronym HOPE makes clear the team’s vision: Humanitarian: Opportunities, Partnerships, Empowerment.
Global HOPE also distributes One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offerings and gifts to special appeals. Your support for OGHS and special appeals makes a tremendous impact close to home and all over the world. Gifts for supporting refugees can be made to the Refugee Emergency Fund. To support response work more broadly, gifts can be designated to “Emergency USA” or “International Emergency” online or by mail. In addition, the following special appeals are open for designated gifts:
Active Appeals
| 2025 California Wildfires | 2024 Hurricane Relief | Hawaii Wildfires Appeal | Ukraine Appeal | Middle East Appeal |
Thank you for your gifts, prayers, and engagement, enhancing the work and witness of the church with neighbors around the world.
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Global HOPE Ministries
Refugee & Migration Ministries creates robust structures of welcome for the resettlement of refugees and the protection of asylum seekers within the United States while advocating for and responding to the needs of the displaced globally.
Volunteer Ministries offers a variety of service opportunities for groups and individuals across the U.S.A. Our historic programs connect individuals with vibrant opportunities to learn, serve, and grow in faith.
- Mission Trip Opportunities – currently limited
- Partners in Service Opportunities – placements available now
- Young Adult Service Leadership Program
- Other UCC Ministry Opportunities
- Spring Break Immersion Collaboration with Back Bay Mission
Responding to the call of our Christ-centered faith, UCC Disaster Ministries support holistic community recovery worldwide, by engaging supporters, volunteers and partners to focus on preparedness, emergency relief and long-term recovery.
Recovering Hope is a ministry of disaster to address emotional and spiritual care in times of disaster.
Global HOPE News Feed
Operation Cacti: Compassionate Care for Children
As Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents make devastating sweeps through cities and…
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Stories from the Field: Disaster Recovery Grant Builds Bridges and Hope for the Future
Article written for Global HOPE Newsletter by Rev. Gary M. Barraco – Conference Disaster Response…
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UCC’s Disaster Ministries get a generous boost: Lilly Endowment grant to build ‘disaster response capacity’
The United Church of Christ’s Global H.O.P.E. team recently received a $50,000 Lilly…
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