Spreading Justice Initiative

Many of us have been concerned about how COVID-19 has led to such a disproportionate amount of suffering and death in communities of color. As a predominantly white congregation, rather than numb our hearts or give in to feelings of hopelessness, we have chosen to embrace the Holy Spirit’s urging to take collective action. The result is our Spreading Justice Initiative.

Spreading Justice provides a way for us to care for one another and live out our values as a congregation. It’s an opportunity for all of us to make contributions over and above our pledges to the church to care for people who are in financial distress, and to extend our love collectively with attention to racial justice and equity. The plan was developed by the Racial Justice Ministries committee, then reviewed by the Board of Justice, Outreach, and Service as well as other individuals, and adopted by the Church Council in May 2020.

Gifts can be made online, through the UCCH giving page. Any gift made to this fund will be used in two ways.

• 80% of funds contributed go to the Pastors Discretionary Fund. The four pastors, Cameron, David, Ian, and Mary Elizabeth, have a monthly budget from available funds to distribute to those members of our church community who need assistance with things like rent, food, unpaid bills, etc. These funds will meet critical needs that are beyond the scope of our ongoing food pantry and gift card assistance programs. Church community members may fill out this Emergency Relief Fund application. All information is reviewed by our pastors and kept confidential.
• 20% of gifts to the Spreading Justice fund are given to a church or organization in our community that is historically black or led by people who have been marginalized due to their racial identities. The church or organization that receives these funds is determined by the Racial Justice Ministries committee, and is selected from among those who share our church’s core values, and are interested in building an ongoing relationship with our church.

In this time when illness, death, anxiety and distress continue to spread, join us in responding to God’s love and hope by Spreading Justice.