April - One Great Hour of Sharing - one of our 5 for 5 ministries

What is One Great Hour of Sharing®?
One Great Hour of Sharing, as part of Our Churches Wider Mission, is the special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that carries God’s message of love and hope to people in crisis. The UCC works with international partners to provide sources of clean water, food, education and health care, small business micro-credit, advocacy and resettlement for refugees and displaced persons, and emergency relief and rehabilitation. OGHS also supports domestic and international ministries for disaster preparedness and response.  

Who participates in One Great Hour of Sharing?
Several Christian denominations - American Baptist Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Christ, and Church World Service work together to develop common promotional materials thereby sharing ideas, costs, and a commitment to faithful service. Each denomination receives and manages its respective OGHS offering.

How is the United Church of Christ's offering used?H
62 percent of the UCC's offering supports international development initiatives, including annual support for missionaries. Currently there are 2 OGHS supported missionaries and 1 Global Mission Intern working in disaster relief, health care, education, sustainable agricultural development, and refugee support. The offering also funds disaster preparedness and response, and disaster related volunteer initiatives in the U.S. 

Where and how are OGHS funds shared?
The United Church of Christ responds to humanitarian and development needs in the world. Specifically, we support sustainable development and refugee needs internationally, and provides disaster relief and immigration assistance in the United States.
The United Church of Christ responds as a member of organizations such as Church World Service and the ACT Alliance. We also support the direct mission efforts of churches and church-based organizations that the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have direct partnerships with through Global Ministries. Nearly one-fifth of the UCC's OGHS offering is shared through Church World Service to support refugee, and disaster programs worldwide.

How many dollars are given to the UCC's OGHS offering?
In 2017, the OGHS offering received over $2 million. Nearly sixty-five percent of UCC congregations participate annually.

What percentage of OGHS donations are used directly for mission?
On average, of every dollar given to One Great Hour of Sharing, 95 cents is used directly for mission programming; and 5 cents for interpretation materials. The associated administrative costs are paid by gifts to Our Church's Wider Mission National Basic Support.

How are decisions made to fund the various projects?  
Most of the expenditures are put into the budget to support long-term sustainable development. All funding is reviewed and monitored by a leadership committee that also reviews grant requests for long-term disaster rehabilitation initiatives.

 How can I contribute to One Great Hour of Sharing?
The OGHS special mission offering is received through local UCC congregations and all UCC members are encouraged to participate in this way. Local churches should forward their gifts to their conference office and all gifts are then forwarded to the United Church of Christ, Financial Services 6th Floor, 700 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115-1100.

May - Undie 500

           OCWM

June - Parker Task Force

           Strengthen the Church

July - Horsehoes for Cousin

August - Migrant Kits and School Supplies (La Puente)

September - Neighbors In Need

October - Virginia Kreyer Schlolarship (A2A)

November - Thanksgiving Baskets (Parker Task Force)

                   Angel Tree

December - Bikes for Buckley

                      Christmas Fund

January 2019 - Mitten and Scarf drive

PAST: 

March 2018 - 6th Ave UCC Women’s Homeless Initiative (WHI)

WHI is a consortium of churches working with Capitol Hill United Ministries to give sanctuary and hospitality every night to women who would otherwise be on our streets.  Find more information here.

               Easter Baskets (Parker Task Force)

Special Offerings listed in bold green are part of the UCC 5 for 5 Campaign.