The UCC Special Mission Offerings sponsor vital ministries that bring hope to people in the U.S. and around the world. The Strengthen the Church Offering re-imagines and builds the future of the UCC. Shared at the conference and national levels, Strengthen the Church largely supports youth ministries and full-time leaders for new churches in parts of the country where the United Church of Christ does not have a strong presence. Its also provides support for existing church’s new initiatives.We believe these Special Mission Offerings collectively serve to lift people closer to the abundance and wholeness to which Jesus Christ has called us to work together to bring about. You can give in worship on June 8, send a check designated to Strenthen the Church or give on line by designated this special offering under "Other".
Here is information from the UCC's website about the offering:
The Strengthen the Church (STC) Offering reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations. By your generosity to this offering, you build up the Body of Christ.
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Contributions can be made online at any time here. We will collect this offering during worship June 8, Pentecost Sunday.
The 2025 theme for Strengthen the Church is Great and Wide. This phrase, from Psalm 104, represents the diverse and playful nature of the multitude of ministries the offering supports. Whether the offering supports an outdoor worshipping community in Wisconsin or the National Ministries MESA team who builds systems to connect pastors and congregations, the movement of God is apparent.
