Benevolent Giving

The vision of OCWM currently:

Christ-Driven Connection: Striving to imitate the life of Christ, the transformative spirit of the United Church of Christ will encourage authentic connection and compassion between individuals, local communities, and the world using creative, agile technologies and partnerships.

Spirit-Led Leadership: In ten years, this transformative spirit will be an innovative, nimble, and credible source of institutional support, moving with Spirit and intention, able to vision courageously and respond swiftly to/for communities and the world in which we live for the sake of the gospel.

God-Centered Action: In ten years, the United Church of Christ will be committed to building deep partnerships in communities that produce collective social action. We will boldly and actively endeavor to bring justice for all. We will be invitational as well as being self-reflective, engaging the internal work of welcoming radical difference and truth-telling against systems of oppression that have held God’s beloved people captive.

C.U.E.

To be able to serve in our congregations, ministers are educated in schools called “seminaries”. The education typically requires three years of schooling followed by a period of intern training. We support their education and training in part by our contributions to the seminaries. The acronym C.U.E. refers to the Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago, The United Theological Seminary in Minneapolis, and the Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis.

Undesignated Benevolence

Undesignated benevolence is a giving budget which is designated to various recipients twice a year by the Zion church council. Some of these organizations include United Caring Shelters, Eden Seminary, Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Hoyleton, United Family Counseling Services, OCWM, and Project Notebook.

Second Mile Fund

The United Church of Christ has a commitment to assist the work among the people of Honduras, Central America. Second Mile gifts help financially support doctors in their medical missions and provide for very basic agricultural research to help the people who are in need in that country.

Blanket Fund

The Blanket Fund is grounded in an organization who is one of many partners with the church, Church World Service. Through this organization, we are able to send blankets and other relief immediately to people who have suffered disasters. The CWS explains that blankets can be used in a variety of ways such as a wall of privacy, as robes and clothing, and in the event of an emergency as bandages or protective coverings. Blankets can be easily packed and quickly transported to disaster areas.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)

One Great Hour of Sharing® is one of four special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ. This Lenten Offering supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the UCC.

Neighbors in Need (NIN)

Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States. One-third of NIN funds support the Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds of this offering is used by the UCC's Justice and Witness Ministries (JWM) to support a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects through grants. Neighbors in Need grants are awarded to UCC churches and organizations doing justice work in their communities. These grants fund projects whose work ranges from direct service to community organizing and advocacy to address systemic injustice. This year, special consideration will be given to projects focusing on serving our immigrant neighbors and communities.

Strengthen the Church

The Strengthen the Church offering supports the expansion of ministry and growth of UCC local congregations. Your support of this offering will help the UCC fulfill its commitment to creating a just world for all by investing in new ministries and practices that meet the emerging needs of local communities.
As God calls our congregations to be the church in new ways, your generosity will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults.

Food Pantries

Zion-Lippe works to support the food pantries at St. Peter’s UCC and Parker Settlement as well as the Mt. Vernon, New Harmony, and Salem Huesler pantries. This support is made possible through the Partners for Food Program, individual donations, and special offerings. Special collections for the food pantries are held on every 5th Sunday in a month.

United Caring Services (UCS)

United Caring Services, located at 324 NW 6th Street, Evansville, IN, is a community center for the homeless. Money given to UCS pays expenses to house and feel the homeless people of our community. Sunday School Classes and other members of the church help prepare and serve meals at the center on the 5th Sunday of the month. Our Confirmation Class often helps serve the homeless as a part of their community service and servant-leadership.

United Family Counseling Services (UFCS)

United Family Counseling Services provides counseling services to low income and/or unemployed people. Zion-Lippe helps support this program in order for our fellow community members who have either limited or no income to get their lives back onto a healthy path. The UFCS is a non-profit UCC organization located in Evansville, IN.

Christmas Fund

Supports the needs of retired and low-income clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ.

Crossroads Children’s Home

Crossroads Children’s Home provides support to emotionally troubled youth and their families. When necessary, youth may reside at the Crossroads Campus where basic needs and a supportive environment are provided. Treatment and therapy programs are available and provided both on and off the Crossroads Campus.

Heifer International

Heifer International is a global nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based holistic community development. Heifer distributes animals, along with agricultural and values-based training, to families in need around the world as a means of providing self-sufficiency.

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. Habitat believes affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities. Our local community is directly impacted by the work of Habitat and the local United Church of Christ/Disciples of Christ Habitat Committee.

Merom Conference Center

The Merom Conference Center began as Union Christian College in 1859 and is now used as a camp and conference center for the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ. Merom hosts UCC church camps and retreats for all ages. Collections at Zion-Lippe help with the center’s expenses of upkeep. Merom Conference Center is located in Merom, Indiana, on the Wabash River.

Emmaus Home

For over 125 years, as a faith-based organization, Emmaus Home, located in St. Charles, MO, has provided quality services and caring for the whole person for their whole life. Many people with developmental disabilities find it hard to live independently. Emmaus provides services so they can be in control of their lives and live like you and me.