UCC Partners in Service Program
"Love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength and our neighbor as ourselves."
The Partners in Service program is for adults (ages 19 and up) affiliated with the United Church of Christ or Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) who wish to be engaged in work for the common good as volunteers for anywhere from one month to one year. By partnering with local churches and community-engaged nonprofit organizations, this program aims to match people with work opportunities that align with their interest and skills, allows participants to build relationships and learn about different cultures and communities, and puts their faith into meaningful action. The program offers short-and long-term volunteer opportunities with UCC local congregations and non-profit organizations.
Our Mission: Partners in Service is grounded in the core values of inclusivity, justice, community, love of neighbor and spiritual formation. The program’s purpose is to build capacity among partnering organizations that serve the common good, and to connect program participants with meaningful experiences, knowledge and faith development through work that aligns with God’s inclusive love, justice and hospitality.
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.