Lighthouse Congregational is proud to be a Five for Five congregation within the United Church of Christ. The United Church of Christ has a goal for all of its congregations to be 5 for 5 in giving to all give of the UCC’s special offerings throughout the year. Being 5 for 5 is one sign of congregational vitality in UCC churches that fully support Our Church’s Wider Mission. 5 for 5 churches give to Basic Support and all four Special Mission Offerings.
Special Mission Offering dates are: Neighbors in Need is on World Communion Sunday, The Christmas Fund is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, One Great Hour of Sharing is the Fourth Sunday in Lent, and Strengthen the Church is on Pentecost Sunday.
In support of our denomination Lighthouse has made a strong commitment to strive to meet this goal every year.
Lighthouse also contributes to OCWM through the Florida Conference. What is OCWM? Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) funds the Florida Conference and the national ministries of the UCC. Our Church’s Wider Mission includes Basic Support, for the funding of core programs; and Special Support, for specific mission opportunities through the four UCC special mission offerings.
How much of my offering every Sunday goes to Our Church’s Wider Mission? Every congregation decides for itself how much to contribute to OCWM. Most give between 5% and 20% of their operating expenses to Our Church’s Wider Mission. This means that local churches use between 80 and 95 cents of every dollar locally.
How is giving to Our Church’s Wider Mission different from giving to other good causes? Our Church’s Wider Mission keeps the church strong, even as it engages in mission and outreach to others. The church has a unique and important role to play in our society and the world, today, and for future generations. You can help sustain the church and its ministries by supporting Our Church’s Wider Mission in your congregation.