The success and sustainability of the United Church of Christ’s national ministries rely on the church’s’ contributions to basic operating support and mission.
Being 5 for 5 means that our church provides support not only to Our Church’s Wider Mission, but also the four Special Mission Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen The Church, Neighbors In Need, and The Christmas Fund.
Participating in all five offerings makes us a “5 for 5 Church.” It’s a distinction we’re proud to hold — not for the label, but for the ministry it represents. When we show up with our gifts, we stand in solidarity with the hurting, the hopeful, and the healing. We keep our covenant strong. We have been a 5 for 5 church for the past three years (2023, 2024, and 2025).
Provides funding from congregations for Conferences and the national ministries of the UCC (Wider Church Ministries, Local Church Ministries, Justice and Witness Ministries, General Ministries, and Pensions Boards).
The UCC responds to humanitarian and development needs in the World. Through our work with local churches, conferences, international partners and organizations, these gifts provide sources of clean water, food, education, health care, advocacy, resettlement for refugees and displaces persons, emergency relief and rehabilitation as well as disaster preparedness and response.
The Strengthen the Church offering reflects the shared commitment of people across the UCC to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts received. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations.
Neighbors in Need is an offering that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of the NIN funds support the Council of American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants.
The Christmas Fund is administered through the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the charitable arm of the Pension Boards. Funds provide direct financial support to those who serve the church and are facing financial difficulties.