Serving Our Community and Beyond with Love
At First Congregational UCC Sarasota, our Mission Team is committed to making a difference—both locally and globally. Guided by faith and compassion, we support those in need, advocate for justice, and extend resources to create a more equitable world. Through financial gifts, outreach programs, and hands-on service, we live out our calling — building a stronger, more compassionate community, guided by Christ’s love.
Caring for Our Community and Extending Our Reach
At First Congregational UCC Sarasota, we invite our congregation to participate in two special offerings each year: the Christmas Love Offering and the Easter Love Offering. These offerings help us support local, national, and international mission initiatives that align with our faith and values.
Christmas Love Offering: Caring for Our Community
Each Christmas, we invite our congregation to contribute to a special offering that supports local agencies providing essential services in Sarasota — including food banks, homeless shelters, and programs that care for vulnerable children and adults.
These gifts directly impact our neighbors by strengthening organizations such as:
- 🏠 Family Promise – Helping families facing homelessness find stability through shelter, support, and community partnerships
- 🍽 Resurrection House – Providing day services, dignity, and basic needs for individuals experiencing homelessness
- 🥫 All Faiths Food Bank – Fighting food insecurity in our region through donations and monthly food collections
- 🌊 Sarasota Bay Estuary Program – Protecting our local waters and ecosystems through environmental awareness and stewardship
- 🎄 And many others…
Easter Love Offering: Extending Our Reach Worldwide
The Easter Love Offering goes beyond our local community to support national and international organizations working on hunger relief, disaster assistance, global sponsorship programs, and theological education.
As part of the United Church of Christ, we proudly support:
- 📢 One Great Hour of Sharing – Provides disaster relief and supports refugees
- 🌱 Neighbors in Need – Funds justice initiatives, including environmental advocacy
- 🏡 Strengthen the Church – Invests in future church leadership and new churches
- 🏳️🌈 Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC – Supports LGBTQIA+ inclusion in churches
- ✊ Join the Movement – UCC Racial Justice – Strengthens racial justice efforts today and in the future
- 🎓 Joseph Henry Evans Scholarship Fund – Provides scholarships for Black UCC students
In addition to supporting global partners, the Easter Love Offering also helps us fulfill our commitment as a 5 for 5 Church—an initiative of the United Church of Christ. This designation reflects our active participation in Our Church’s Wider Mission and in four Special Mission Offerings: One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, Neighbors in Need, and The Christmas Fund. Through these efforts, we extend our reach worldwide, supporting disaster relief, community development, and faith-based outreach that transform lives far beyond our own community.
to support both the Christmas and Easter Love Offerings!
If you’d like to contribute, contact our Financial Clerk to learn more about giving opportunities. You can also explore recent donation impacts in our newsletter archives.
💖 Every contribution, no matter the size, brings hope and healing. Your continued generosity allows us to expand our mission and deepen our commitment to service.
👉 Want to contribute to the Christmas or Easter Love Offering? Visit our Giving page to learn how you can donate online or by check.
Neighbors We Walk With
At First Congregational UCC Sarasota, we believe in making a difference close to home. Through hands-on service, fundraising, and relationship-building, our Mission Team partners with local organizations to meet practical needs and share Christ’s love in meaningful ways.
Here are two of the community institutions we’re proud to support:
Alta Vista Elementary
Just across the street from our church, Alta Vista Elementary holds a special place in our hearts. Our Mission Team supports students and families through efforts such as:
- School supply drives to help kids start the year with confidence
- Welcome-back events on the first day of school
- Holiday toy drives, Peace Flower projects, and other creative outreach
These acts of kindness help foster a supportive, caring environment for the children and their families—and remind them they’re not alone.
Sarasota Point
Located right next door, Sarasota Point is a rehabilitation and assisted living center where we share friendship, care, and joy with the residents. Our Mission Team regularly brings warmth and human connection through:
- A festive Christmas Tea with cookies, carols, and companionship
- Holiday gift baskets to brighten the season
- Thoughtful visits and small acts of kindness throughout the year
These gestures create lasting bonds and remind residents they are valued members of our extended church family. We continue to explore new ways to bring light and love into their lives.
Get Involved
Join us in making a difference! Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply offering your time, there are countless ways to walk alongside our neighbors in need.
Expanding Our Impact: Additional Mission Partners
Each year, our Mission Team selects organizations whose work aligns with the church’s core values: Worship, Welcome, Belonging, Caring, Justice, and Faithfulness. These values guide our mission to support initiatives that make a meaningful, lasting impact. Our focus is on:
🌍 Global Health & Clean Water – Providing medical care, nutrition, and clean water access
🍽 Hunger & Food Security – Addressing food insecurity and sustainable farming
🛠 Disaster Relief & Community Rebuilding – Helping communities recover from crises
🕊 Justice & Human Rights – Advocating for fair labor, immigration rights, and peace initiatives.
To learn about the specific organizations we’re supporting this year, please see our Love Offering announcements on the home page during the Christmas and Easter seasons, and the latest Mission Team updates in our newsletter archives.
How You Can Help
Join us in making a difference! There are many ways to participate:
- ✅ Give your time: Volunteer for outreach programs and hands-on mission work
- ✅ Share your resources: Donate to support mission initiatives, both locally and globally
- ✅ Inspire change: Share your ideas on how we can expand our impact and serve even more
💖 We’d love to hear from you! Click here to learn how you can make a difference.
Contact the Mission Team