Serving Our Community and Beyond with Love
At First Congregational UCC Sarasota, our Mission Team is dedicated to making a difference both locally and globally. Through faith, compassion, and service, we support those in need, advocate for justice, and contribute to creating a more equitable world. Whether through financial gifts, outreach programs, or hands-on involvement, we live out our calling to build a stronger, more compassionate community in Christ’s name.
Caring for Our Neighbors 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 allow us to support mission initiatives both locally and globally—aligning with our faith and values as we seek to make a meaningful impact.
Christmas Love Offering: Caring for Our Community
Your gifts support local organizations serving our most vulnerable neighbors, including:
- 🏠 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 supports organizations focused on hunger relief, disaster assistance, and global health initiatives, such as:
- 🌍 Church World Service – Provides humanitarian aid, including food, water, and emergency relief for communities affected by disaster and poverty
- 📢 One Great Hour of Sharing – Supports disaster relief efforts and refugees
- 🏥 Partners in Health – Works to provide health care in impoverished regions, improving access to medical treatment and fighting diseases
- 🏳️🌈 Open and Affirming Coalition of the UCC – Supports LGBTQIA+ inclusion in churches
- 🎓 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, Partners in Health, 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 the Christmas and Easter Love Offerings!
💖 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? Visit our Giving page to learn how you can donate online or by check.
💬 To discuss giving opportunities, contact our Financial Clerk.
📚 You can explore recent donation impacts in our newsletter archives.
Team-Driven Impact
At First Congregational UCC Sarasota, we are deeply grateful for the collective efforts of our congregation’s teams. Together, we make a powerful impact on the local and global missions we support. Last year, through the dedication of our various teams, our congregation was able to donate a total of $70,221 to 27 local missions and 13 national and international missions. We also continue to donate food, clothing, toys, and books to organizations like Alta Vista, Baby Basics, and the Salvation Army. And we provide office space for community organizations like SURE and Project 180.
Here’s how our teams have generously contributed to these efforts:
- Mission Team: $46,600
- Peace and Justice Team: $8,271
- UCC Women’s Team: $6,250
- Racial Justice Team: $4,000
- COLLAGE Team: $3,500
- Moderators Team: $1,000
- Green Team: $600
A total of 68% of these funds supported local charities, with the remainder supporting UCC-affiliated and international initiatives.
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:
- A fundraiser in July and August to raise money for the principal to use for student needs
- A Parent Student Night with a program and pizza
- 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
- 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.
Aligning Our Mission with Our Core Values
Each year, our Mission Team selects organizations that align with our church’s core values of Worship, Welcome, Belonging, Caring, Justice, and Faithfulness. These values guide our mission to support initiatives that create lasting impact, locally and globally. Our current focus includes:
- 🌍 Global Health & Clean Water – Providing medical care, nutrition, and access to clean water.
- 🍽 Hunger & Food Security – Tackling food insecurity and promoting sustainable farming
- 🛠 Disaster Relief & Community Rebuilding – Assisting communities in recovery after crises
- 🕊 Justice & Human Rights – Advocating for fair labor, immigration rights, and peace initiatives
To learn about the specific organizations we’re supporting this year, be sure to check our Love Offering announcements on the home page during the Christmas and Easter seasons, as well as 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