In 2023 the Board of Outreach led our church in giving more than $72,000 in gifts to the community in Grinnell and the world beyond.
Grinnell UCC lives out its social justice convictions with mind, body, and treasure. The Board of Outreach leads our congregation in social action and in benevolences. Throughout the year, the board organizes opportunities to engage the community through programs like Suds of Love and Church World Service Kits.
Jesus tells us that we can know where our hearts really are by looking at where our treasure really goes. So the Board of Outreach leads us giving to the community and the Wider Church. In addition to our regular support of local organizations like MICA, each year our congregation contributes to four special offerings in worship that directly support people who are in need.
One Great Hour of Sharing
Contributions to OGHS support disaster, refugee/immigration, and development ministries throughout the world. When a disaster strikes or people are displaced or made refugees by violence or extreme poverty, these offerings serve both immediate response and long-term recovery. Through OGHS we support holistic development programs including health care, education, agriculture, food sustainability, micro-financing and women’s empowerment. Look for this offering in the season of Lent.
Neighbors in Need
These gifts support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One third of the funds are allocated to the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministry and the other two-thirds are allocated to the Office of Justice and Witness Ministries. From these offerings, grants are made to local churches and community organizations that provide either direct service or advocacy to address systemic injustice. Look for this offering around World Communion Sunday, the first week in October.
The Christmas Fund
These offerings provide financial aid to retired and active ministers and their surviving spouses and children who face overwhelming financial demands. This fund is one method that the church employs to support its pastoral leaders in retirement, illness, or emergency. We receive this offering during the season of Advent.
Strengthen the Church
These offerings support church growth and leadership development throughout the United Church of Christ. Through these gifts, we contribute to the expansion of the church’s mission by planting new congregations or investing in the revitalization of older ones. This offering is received annually on Pentecost Sunday.