
This offering is one of the United Church of Christ's four special offerings. 80 percent of what is received will go toward Conference programming, and the other 20% will be used to support ministries in the national setting.
In a letter sent to churches last week about the offering, Executive Conference Minister the Rev. Darrell Goodwin and Director of Stewardship Rev. Dr. David Cleaver-Bartholomew wrote:
"Please know that your generosity supports programs which have lasting impact ... The Center for Transformational Leadership has designed a process to shepherd our congregations seeking transformation to discern a path toward a sustainable future. ADAPT (Assess, Discern, Align, Plan, and Transform) is currently running in its pilot stage and will receive new applications in the 2023-2024 program year.
"Your Faith Formation team is working to support and equip leaders for changing times, and our Outdoor Ministry programs are giving children and youth the opportunity to experience God in nature and create beloved community."
Churches that make their Proportional Giving to Our Church’s Wider Mission contributions and who also participate in all four special offerings (Strengthen the Church, One Great Hour of Sharing, Neighbors In Need, and the Christmas Fund) are recognized as “5 for 5” churches.
More information about the Strengthen the Church offering, and a downloadable flyer, are available at: www.sneucc.org/strengthen-the-church.