May 20, Strengthen the Church offering dedicated
The annual Strengthen the Church special offering empowers youth to build the future of the United Church of Christ. Money received from this offering is split evenly between the Hawai’i Conference and the UCC national ministries. Nationally, the offering supports youth and young adult ministries, new church plants and grants to help congregations communicate the “God is still speaking” message.
In Hawai`i, Strengthen the Church breathes life into new local church projects, especially those focused on youth ministry through Christian Investment Grants administered by the Stewardship Missional Team.
Lori Yamashiro, Office Coordinator at the Hawaii Conference, provided the following information:
“Over the past two years, the portion of the Strengthen the Church special offering that stayed in Hawai`i has been used to help fund events such as the Church Leaders Event and the Aha Pae`aina where the Conference provides opportunities for new learnings, ideas and leadership development. For example, this past February, the Conference hosted the Church Leaders Event during which Rev. Jeffrey D. Jones was the keynote speaker. Gloria Kobayashi, Woody Kita, Sue Smith and Pastor Eric were in attendance. The registration fee for neighbor islanders was $100 which included airfare so you know this event was heavily subsidized… Because providing our churches opportunities to learn, grow and build relationships is important, this was definitely a worthwhile investment. The Conference hopes our churches see the value in events like the Church Leaders Event and relies on the generosity of our church folks to be able to continue to provide such opportunities.”
“Over the past two years, the portion of the Strengthen the Church special offering that stayed in Hawai`i has been used to help fund events such as the Church Leaders Event and the Aha Pae`aina where the Conference provides opportunities for new learnings, ideas and leadership development. For example, this past February, the Conference hosted the Church Leaders Event during which Rev. Jeffrey D. Jones was the keynote speaker. Gloria Kobayashi, Woody Kita, Sue Smith and Pastor Eric were in attendance. The registration fee for neighbor islanders was $100 which included airfare so you know this event was heavily subsidized… Because providing our churches opportunities to learn, grow and build relationships is important, this was definitely a worthwhile investment. The Conference hopes our churches see the value in events like the Church Leaders Event and relies on the generosity of our church folks to be able to continue to provide such opportunities.”
Strengthen the Church provides an annual opportunity for all members to help plant churches, renew existing churches, foster new leaders and grow the UCC as a community of extravagant welcome.
This year we will dedicate this offering on May 20. Offering envelopes were mailed out earlier and are also available at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your generous support.
– Board of Stewardship and Mission
Social Networks:
440 W. Lanikaula Street
Leave a Reply