December 11, 2020

Friends in faith,

     We are once again in the season of waiting and the season of giving.  United Christian Church has a very long history of giving time, talents, and funds.  This year, our Christmas Eve service collection will be going to Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM). The United Church of Christ (UCC), in partnership with the Disciples of Christ - Christian Church (DOC), help support Global Ministries (GM).  Global Ministries is a project that involves over 270 partner churches and organizations and is involved in 70 countries.  The OCWM and Global Ministries support many functions within our denominations. It promotes local church ministries to encourage licensed, ordained, and commissioned ministers to strive for ministerial excellence.  Congregations are nurtured by Local Church Ministries through the educational materials that Global Ministries and Our Churches Wider Mission help provide. These funds also help support the Justice and Witness Ministries to encourage a peaceful and compassionate world that honors all of God's creation.  Part of these funds are set aside for disaster relief.  The OCWM/Global Ministries (OCWM/GM) responded with assistance in Puerto Rico after the earthquake and the following hurricane.  They responded with financial aid and supplies immediately after the hurricane that devastated south Texas.
The Justice and Peace Action Network is a UCC grassroots advocacy effort to educate and engage church members and friends to shape public policy.  These are but a few of the benefits of the OCWM/GM.  There are many bible verses about why you should give, but it comes down to one simple reason.  Love.  Love of your neighbor, love of the world, love of others, love in Christ.  2020 has been a year when things have been stretched for many families and may continue to be so.  My prayer is that you will search your heart and find what you can give to our denomination's vital mission on Christmas Eve.

Prayers and blessings,
Pastor Carl.