Strengthen the Church

On  Pentecost Sunday  –  we  will  be  receiving  the  Strengthen  the  Church  special  mission offering  of  the  United  Church  of  Christ.  This  offering  builds  the  UCC’s  future.  It  funds  new          congregations  and  renews  existing  ones.  It  supports  programs  for  youth  and  young  adults  and  nurtures  current and future leaders. And it aids the God is Still Speaking Ministry to spread our message of  inclusivity. Directed to local Conferences, Local Church Ministries and the Still-speaking Ministry,  Strengthen  the  Church  gifts  help  to  create  vibrant  church  communities  of  extravagant welcome.  

A little love can go a long way.  When our lives become unpredictable or chaotic, when we’re facing into a storm, when we’re weary and discouraged, fearful or confused… a little love can give the boost we need.  Many of us find that love in our church.  But there are many people still seeking and yearning for a little love, a little hope, and a reassuring word.  They have not found a church that’s reaching out with an extravagant welcome, where they can hear the message of the unconditional love of our still speaking God.  That’s where the Strengthen the Church special mission offering steps in. Each year, we receive a special offering that helps the church’s love to grow and thrive. Called Strengthen the Church, this offering funds new congregations and renews existing ones. It supports programs for  youth  and  young  adults  and  nurtures  current  and  future  leaders.  And  it  sends  the  God  is  Still Speaking Ministry’s message of extravagant welcome and inclusivity into our world. 
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We will receive this offering on Pentecost Sunday– the birthday of the church – Pentecost Sunday.  I invite you to celebrate by giving to Strengthen the Church. Your generous gift today ensures a vibrant church tomorrow. 

Spread the Love. Strengthen the Church. God is still speaking. Still-speaking: It's the shorter form of "God is still speaking," a campaign by the United Church of Christ to simply remind us that God still has a lot more to say. Since 2004, Still-speaking has worked with thousands of UCC churches and  individuals across the country to make religion relevant again and to extend an extravagant welcome to all—because no matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you're welcome here. Here at the United Church of Christ. 

Your gift to Strengthen the Church builds the UCC’s future now by funding The Still-speaking Ministry, new and renewing churches, youth and young adult ministries, and lay and pastoral leadership formation - especially among women and people of color. 

Your offerings are directed to your church’s Conference, Local Church Ministries, and The Still-speaking Ministry for these church development, leader development and Still-speaking purposes. 

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