Don’t hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or – worse! – stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it’s safe from moth and rust and burglars. It’s obvious, isn’t it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. Matthew 6:19-21 (The Message)
(Share this video from https://youtu.be/P79sdfESTBo.)
(Another recent OCWM video can be found here: https://youtu.be/PNBCbaSCpPw.)
Our purpose is to:
-
- Foster a spirit of generosity among the congregations of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference;
- Provide education about and encourage contributions to Our Church’s Wider Mission (OCWM) offerings;
- Oversee all fundraising activities of the Conference.
OCWM: What is it?
Our Church’s Wider Mission (OWCM) is the name we use to describe the work we do as the United Church of Christ beyond the local church – through our Conferences, national ministries, and UCC-related institutions. Our Church’s Wider Mission is also the name we give to the financial support given by UCC members and congregations that makes this broader mission possible. (Source: UCC Wisconsin Conference website)
What does OCWM do in PSEC?
The videos at the top of this page give an overview of how Our Church’s Wider Mission (OWCM) supports work in our Conference and beyond. Click here or on the image above to read the 2023 OCWM Annual Report, which details annual financials, donor acknowledgements, a message from the Conference Minister, and more.
Resources you can use!
PSEC Stewardship/Financial Resources
psec.org/category/resources/stewardshipfinancial-resources/
Giving USA is a top publication reporting on the sources and uses of charitable giving in the United States. Click here to view their infographic showing the numbers and trends from Giving USA 2024: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2023. On their website, you can also buy (for free) the infographic for your use.
On Giving | Reflections & Resources for Pre-Generous Parishioners is a good, inexpensive resource from The Pilgrim Press. https://thepilgrimpress.com/products/on-giving-reflections-resources-for-pre-generous-parishioners
Lake Institute on Faith & Giving Resource Library
lakeinstitute.org/resources/resource-library/
Henri Nouwen Society – A Spirituality of Fundraising
henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/
United Church of Christ National Denomination
Stewardship Resource Directory
ucc.org/stewardship-directory/
Extravagant Generosity – Video Series
youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VgfHt6zEy6Y7JqbfjhHQtffgpGad0I9
Planned Giving Stewardship Resources – Video Series
youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VgfHt6zEy5BE2ddV7E9pjvWyaJkOYFe
