The United Church of Christ receives five special offerings each year for the continued mission and ministry of the United Church of Christ. First Congregational United Church of Christ contributes to each of those offerings making us a "5 for 5" congregation. Here is a brief description of each of the offerings:
Our Church's Wider Mission (OCWM) provides the basic support for the ministry of the wider United Church of Christ. Gifts to OCWM are distributed by the Illinois Conference UCC to the National Setting and are used in Illinois and the National Setting to provide salaries, travel expenses, program materials, support staff and many other items necessary for the on going ministry of the United Church of Christ.
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.
Supports church growth and leadership development in the conferences and through the national offices of Local Church Ministries. Received annually on Pentecost Sunday, a Sunday near the Anniversary of the United Church of Christ in June or around Thanksgiving.
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.
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 and/or on Christmas Eve.