Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering

Neighbors in Need Special Mission Offering – October 6, 2013

Through the Neighbors in Need offering, the church expresses a common commitment to justice and compassion throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. One-third of the offering undergirds the work of the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM), including much-needed financial support for 20 American Indian congregations in the UCC. Two-thirds of the offering supports justice advocacy and direct service projects such as just-peace programs and community grants.

Two-thirds of Neighbors in Need supports program initiatives and direct grants offered by the UCC’s Justice and Witness Ministries. Small but essential grants are made throughout the year to congregations and organizations engaged in community organizing, public policy advocacy, and direct service. Although grants are made to address a wide range of justice priorities, a significant portion of these grants are made to address issues of hunger and poverty.

One-third of Neighbors in Need supports the work of the UCC’s Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM), which is the voice for American Indians in the United Church of Christ. CAIM supports the work of local churches and their pastors; encourages youth and young adults; supports persons preparing for Christian ministry; empowers American Indians who are members of non-Indian congregations; and advocates for justice on issues affecting American Indian life.

Most congregations receive Neighbors in Need on the first Sunday of October, World Communion Sunday. A countdown calendar helps congregations plan for the Neighbors in Need offering.