Being 5 for 5 is one sign of congregational vitality in the First Congregational Church-UCC. The church fully supports Our Church's Wider Mission and Basic Support.

UCC Basic Support- provides funding from congregations for conferences and the national ministries of the United Church of Christ (Wider Church Missions, Local Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries, General Ministries and Pension Boards).

Our Church's Wider Mission is comprised of gifts to the four Special Mission Offerings in the United Church of Christ, per capita dues, and gifts that are specially designated for the Conference, national setting or UCC-related institutions. These missions are:

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) - Giving Help, Hope and Life.
Supports partners in more than 70 countries with ministries that fund development projects, feed the victims of famine, provide services for displaced people, and respond to natural disasters. These ministries are the responsibility of Wider Church Ministries, Global Sharing of Resources. Received annually on the fourth Sunday in Lent.

Strengthen the Church- Supports church growth and leadership development in the conferences and through the national offices of Local Church Ministries. Received annually on Pentecost Sunday.

Neighbors in Need (NIN)- Supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, including ministry carried out by the Council for American Indian Ministries (CAIM) and by the national offices of Justice and Witness Ministries. Received annually on World Communion Sunday, the first Sunday of October.

The Christmas Fund - Remembering Those Who Serve Our Church. Provides financial aid to retired and active ministers and their surviving spouses and children who face overwhelming financial demands, a ministry carried out by the Pension Boards. Received annually on the Sunday before Christmas.

We have been delighted by the response of our congregation to celebrate being 5 for 5. This recognition program says "thank you," often to churches that are small but nevertheless faithful and generous, and it strengthens their relationship with the wider church. It also teaches the congregation about missions and the ways their gifts are being used beyond the local congregation.

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