Our Monthly Missions
March 2024
One Great Hour of Sharing
You are invited to "Share the Light" by participating in the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. The United Church of Christ joins with eleven other religious groups to connect and cooperate in helping others around the world. That effort will feed, shelter, clothe, educate, teach farming practices, provide medical and health care, provide for refugees and displaced persons, and respond to natural disasters by immediate and long term recovery.
"Sharing the Light" will help hurting and needy people feel the light and warmth of God's love. Share the Light - Share the Love!
February 2024
FCCC Food Pantry - $665
In honor of Souper Bowl Sunday, we will use February’s Mission to fill the First Christian Church’s Food Pantry with cans of soup! Their goal is 600 cans and we aim to meet their 600 or exceed it!
January 2024
Save The Children - $850
Selecting a January mission focus was difficult. It is hard to see the horrible devastation and hunger in Gaza. After careful vetting, Save the Children was selected.
It is a charity with no ties to governments or churches, has been helping children for over 100 years, and has very good marks by rating agencies. Save the Children was one of the first agencies to deliver food to Gaza.
Humanitarian needs in Gaza are totally unbelievable, but if we can feed just one child, we have blessed that child with survival. Keep the children and workers in your prayers.
December 2023
Christmas Fund - $465
Community Assistance Ctr - $685
The Christmas Fund sponsored by the UCC: This is a traditional offering that aids mostly retired pastors, lay employees, with emergency grants, supplementation of small annuities & health premiums and Christmas checks to lower-income retirees.
Community Assistance Center cares for needy folks in Montgomery County. They are preparing Christmas gifts for over 160 families. CAC still welcomes items by 12/18th or donations through Open Arms.
November 2023
One Of Our Own - $640
This month we express our gratitude by giving to an individual close to home - person of faith, known to some of us, hard working, but hit a rough patch. Our offering would assure food and necessities.
October 2023
Neighbors in Need (NIN) - $525
Neighbors in Need (NIN) is a mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States.
This year’s focus is on environmental justice. As people of faith, We must be better stewards of our planet!
September 2023
Music Therapy Access Fund - $800
Founded in 2019, this Texas-based nonprofit provides Music Therapy Grants to individuals seeking music therapy services and Internship Scholarships to music therapy students completing an internship as part of their course requirements for an accredited music therapy program.
August 2023
Back to School - $500
First, Back to School - Mission has made about 60 Teacher bags with special teaching tools to help in the classroom & personal items for the teachers to use.
Next, we have Vacation Bible School - we have appropriated $200 to help with supplies to St. Peter’s UCC.
In addition, we will be providing lunch for the 120 residents at Camp Hope on August 22nd.
July 2023
Montgomery County Food Bank - $455.00 / Interfaith of The Woodlands Food Bank - $455.00
Hunger and Food Insecurity are a constant problem in our community and globally. As people of faith, we are committed to respond to the needs of families, especially children and seniors. Recently, Open Arms has received pleas from two main resources that serve with food & support.
Our community of faith is invited to give generously to answer the call to feed our sisters and brothers.
June 2023
Camp Hope - $405.00
The facility opened in 2012 and is located in a quiet and safe setting in Houston, Texas whereby veterans and their immediate family members can find healing, help and hope while benefitting from an intensive peer support and mentoring program for combat related Post Traumatic Stress.
May 2023
”Adopt A Mom” - Star of Hope - $755.00
“Adopt a Mom”: Recently we received a plea from Star of Hope mission in Houston. Star of Hope is a Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women, and their children. The current request is for urgent needs to help moms living in shelters. Hygiene items (see list on basket) will be collected or a financial donation will be used to purchase needed supplies.
April 2023
”The 42nd Mile” - $1,146.61
Our vision is a world where everyone has food, voice and a safe place to call home. We’ve been working to make this a reality for more than 75 years, and we know it’s possible. We’ve welcomed thousands of refugees and other new neighbors into our communities, helped countless families put food on the table and lifted the voices of people who have been left out.
March 2023
One Great Hour of Sharing - $660.00
Why? Because generosity makes a difference. OGHS provides immediate aid and long-term support to people experiencing hunger, thirst, disaster, or crisis around the world.
One example of that caring comes from Honduras. In the “Pass Chain” program, a family receives a pregnant pig, sheep, or cow with teachings of how to care for the animal. When the next piglet, lamb, or calf is born, it is passed on to another family, which will do the same. That improves food security as the family will have a micro business for the production and sale of a meal.
February 2023
American Red Cross - $660.00
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission.
January 2023
Church World Services - $345.00
Our vision is a world where everyone has food, voice and a safe place to call home. We’ve been working to make this a reality for more than 75 years, and we know it’s possible. We’ve welcomed thousands of refugees and other new neighbors into our communities, helped countless families put food on the table and lifted the voices of people who have been left out.
December 2022
UCC Christmas Fund, The Wheelchair Foundation, & Tamina Christmas Baskets for Seniors
Our December Mission is to provide funds for the Christmas Fund which aids Retired Clergy, The Wheelchair Foundation to provide wheelchairs for those in need of them but are unable to afford them. And 20 Seniors of the Tamina Community who will be receiving a Christmas Basket.
November 2022
Thanksgiving for Tamina $500.00 & Numerous Beanies and Gloves for BackBay Mission
November Mission is to provide Thanksgiving dinner for those in need in the Tamina Community where we are located. We are also collecting Beanies and Gloves for BackBay Mission, located in BackBay, Missouri.
October 2022
Neighbors In Need - $780.00
October Mission is NIN and is one of the 5 for 5 for the UCCIn 2022, the Neighbors in Need “BEHOLD!” offering focuses on an economic justice. With inflation impacting all of our households, we wanted to provide a way to discuss this through a faith lens. As you may recall, one-third of the offering supports Council for American Indian Ministry (CAIM). Two-thirds are used by Justice and Witness Ministries to provide grants to UCC churches and organizations as well as supporting a variety of justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects.
September 2022
The Johnson Family - Flood Relief - $650.00
This months mission will help with temporary housing, clean up costs and replacement of household items for the Johnson family who lost so much due to the flood in St. Louis Missouri. We will also be sending personal letters of support and encouragement.
August 2022
MC Food Bank & Tamina Food Pantry - MCFB $310.00/TFB $300.00
Montgomery County is experiencing unprecedented abundance and growth, making it all the more shocking that there are so many families in our community who are struggling without food. Furthermore, there are thousands of elderly, children, and adults who must make a choice to go hungry or consume cheaper low-nutrition foods simply to survive. We will also be collected funds for the Tamina Food Pantry for them to buy meat and other perishable items for the much needed community.
July 2022
Shoe, Shoes, & More Shoes - $680 plus many shoes were donated
Open Arms UCC has partnered with St. Peter UCC for our July mission. Our collections of new/gently used shoes will be distributed to developing-country entrepreneurs who need inventory to open a local shoe store to provide employment to a community and place shoes on the feet of children and adults. Open Arms will collect shoes on Sundays, July 24 and 31. We are grateful to St. Peter’s folks for including us in their mission efforts..... joining forces to help make a difference in the world.
June 2022
Victims & Families of Gun Violence
in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX - $718.68
This month we were led to help out with the families and Victims of Gun Violence. There is not one simple answer, but there is a lot to consider. You can make a difference by donating to our mission or calling or emailing a letter to your congressman and/or The White House. whitehouse.gov
May 2022
Star of Hope - New Haven Program - $532.59
New Haven provides permanent supportive housing and services for chronically homeless single men and women diagnosed with mental, emotional, or physical disabilities, or experiencing co-occurring disorders. Open Arms UCC will be providing twenty gift bags to be given to the moms in the New Haven program during a special Mother’s Day luncheon.
April 2022
One Great Hour of Sharing - $660
The theme this year is LOVE REMAINS. When Apostle Paul talked about love, he says, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” We can show that love through OGHS as it ministers from floods, hurricanes, tornados, hunger, injustice, wherever our sisters and brothers are in need.
March 2022
International Rescue Committee
for Ukraine Aid - $1,045
Founded in 1933, the IRC is consistently awarded top marks by charity watchdog groups for their efficient use of donor contributions and the effectiveness of their work. The International Rescue Committee is on the ground in Poland supporting displaced children and families with vital supplies.
February 2022
STRIVE - $360
Strength Through Restoration Independence Vision and Empowerment - Strive is a re-entry program of the TX Dept.of Criminal Justice. Women participants learn basic PC skills, job interview skills, public speaking, along with personal self-care, hygiene, hairstyling, and makeup. We are donating a ton of clothes, purses, jewelry and shoes to stock their Boutique so these ladies can go and pick out something that works for them and build their confidence and strength.
January 2022
Church World Services - $543.25
We have one goal: building a world where there is enough for all. After seven decades moving towards this goal, CWS has the faith and experience to know it’s possible. Working around the world, we’ve seen gardens flourishing in barren land. Migrants and refugees finding home even after every door has been closed. Houses standing strong against nature’s worst disasters. That’s the power of your compassion at work when it links to human resilience.
December 2021
DEEP - $525
Deep Bal Sewa is a Social Service Organization, working with Women and Children in the rural areas of Chhattisgarh, India. Children do not get adequate food, child care, education, health care etc, as their parents work from daybreak to sundown to meet the basic needs of the family. As a result of which, children incur diseases, and worm infections which make them mal- nourished and limit their mental and physical growth.
November 2021
A New Entry - $530
Their goal is to assist individuals in finding their true identity outside of their past and move them forward to sustained successful living. We envision every life affected by homelessness, incarceration and addiction to be spiritually restored and driven by hope and passionate eternal purpose.
https://www.anewentry.org/
October 2021
Neighbors In Need - $630
In 2021, Neighbors in Need “Unfailing Love” offering is focused on supporting organizations and projects that are serving homeless and immigrant neighbors or communities. 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 provide funding grants to UCC churches and organizations leading justice initiatives, advocacy efforts, and direct service projects in their communities.
September 2021
Help for Haiti - $620
A UCC Haiti Appeal seeks to raise $100,000 for immediate relief and longer-term recovery for the thousands of people in Haiti who are reeling from sequential disasters.
The UCC is working with Global Ministries, Church World Service and the ACT Alliance among other partners, all of which are currently assessing the situation for damages and needs.
June 2021
Montgomery County CAC - $500
Community Assistance Center has proudly served Montgomery County since 1981. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) social services organization that provides basic needs services and long-term case management to individuals and families throughout Montgomery County who are struggling through times of financial hardships. Community Assistance Center provides essential assistance programs, services and resources to help stabilize their situation during these difficult times by initially providing for basic needs and long-term solutions which lead to happier, healthier lives.
August 2021
YES to Youth - $500
YES to YOUTH - Montgomery County Youth Services strengthens the emotional and mental health development of youth and families by providing crisis intervention, counseling, and suicide prevention services. We provide a safe and nurturing home where abused, battered, sex-trafficked, homeless, and at-risk youth begin healing from the past and become empowered for the future.
May 2021
LIRS - $700
For 80 years, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to more than half a million refugees. Since 1939, LIRS has transformed lives, with the support of people like you, to welcome the most vulnerable to the United States — from sea to shining sea. Together we have supported, equipped and empowered these new Americans, while advocating for policy that protects all of God’s children.
July 2021
Arrow Ministries - $600
Since beginning as a nonprofit organization in 1992 with foster care, new services and programs have continued to develop and expand as we fulfill our mission of helping kids and strengthening families. We are grateful to have been used by God in the past to change lives, but we are even more excited and humbled by what He will accomplish through our ministry in the future.
April 2021
NAM Pediatrics - $500
Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is a nonprofit, community-based, multi-program social service agency that strives to meet basic human needs through Neighbors Helping Neighbors. NAM provides assistance in areas including food, shelter, health, education, safety and financial education. Our service area covers over 660 square miles of northwest Harris County, an area with over 1,500,000 residents.
March 2021
OGHS - $900
One Great Hour of Sharing is part of Our Church’s Wider Mission, is the special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that carries God’s message of love and hope to people in crisis.
December 2020
Star of Hope - $545
Star of Hope is a Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women and their children. Positive life changes are encouraged through structured programs which focus on spiritual growth, education, employment, life management and recovery from substance abuse.
February 2021
Souper Bowl of Caring - $520
Souper Bowl of Caring is a nationwide, grassroots movement utilizing Super Bowl weekend to mobilize youth to fight hunger and poverty in their local communities.
November 2020
MCWC
The Montgomery County Women’s Center has been committed for many years to providing a 24-hour hotline, safe shelter, crisis intervention, counseling, advocacy and legal services to survivors of family violence, sexual assault and stalking.
January 2021
Church World Service - $605
In the midst of crisis, faith guides a loving response. That’s how the CWS Blanket program started, and that’s why your congregation's gifts mean so much this year. Through the generosity of congregations and our partners, vulnerable neighbors can keep warm with fresh linens and clean sleeping quarters.
September & October 2020
UCC Disaster Relief
The United Church of Christ reaches out to those affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods.
Open Arms UCC and Mission
The dictionary offers numerous definitions for mission. Usually the first explains a task undertaken by a person or group for a specific purpose, like disaster relief and rebuilding. – that one the church knows all about! Another meaning is a definite military operation like a mission to Mars or an action by SWAT or Navy seals.
In a governmental setting, a group is sent to a foreign country to conduct diplomatic or political negotiations as a member of a trade mission, or establish a permanent embassy. Then there is the business world. A Mission is a pre-established and often self-imposed objective or mission statement for a company.
So, what does mission mean to churches. Most congregations have their own meaning of mission. Lots of churches, especially Evangelical ones, define their mission as spreading the word of Jesus and converting all to Christianity. Other groups claim helping others here and worldwide as their mission.
We at Open Arms United Church of Christ have our idea of mission. Our mission statement reads:
“With Open Arms, we embrace Christ’s commandments to love
God and to love our neighbor, knowing that all are our neighbors, welcomed and cherished here.”
That means we do spread the Good News of Jesus, and we work to help others. But, our first mission is to welcome ALL with Open Arms. That includes the broken, all races, LGBTQ folks, the stinky (as our pastor Jules says) and YOU. Open Arms UCC is a new church and we hope to build a congregation that is planted on the foundation of welcome to all. We plan to grow, become stronger, continuing to preach the gospel, help the needy, and be the church that truly loves and serves all. And we have fun doing that!
We’d love to have you join us on this remarkable journey.
Recent Mission Projects of Open Arms United Church of Christ (UCC)
Shortly after Open Arms began meeting as a new church, there was a terrible explosion and fires in Beirut, Lebanon. Many people were killed and fires raged for days. Working through global partners, Open Arms was proud to send our first mission offering to help the people of Beirut begin a recovery process.
Then came the two hurricanes in Louisiana and the wildfires in California. Working through UCC disaster relief, we send our money and prayers to those areas.
Covid has touched every part of our lives. We were especially moved by the Montgomery Count Women’s Center’s work as they have taken on an extra load of women who are suffering abuse as a result of the pandemic. Those numbers increased by 30 % and we helped their work.
The Star of Hope Mission has a great reputation for helping the homeless populations in Houston. As our Christmas offering, we sent funds to continue their vital ministry. Oh, yes, we ordered a sheep from Church World Service to be sent to a third world country….. got it, sheep, Nativity, Christmas.
As winter brings the chill – especially those living in refugee camps – we bought over 50 blankets through Church World Service for their use. Not just blankets, but big, tough, strong ones used to make a tent, or flooring, shelter, and warmth.
Valentine’s Day found us making 60 baskets for seniors living in a low income housing project. Needless to say, we put our hearts into that!
You can help with monthly mission projects. Check our website for mailing address. AND if you have an idea that we might consider as a monthly projects, let us know at: office@openarmsucc.org.
Also we invite you to check out our worship on Facebook and Youtube. We’d welcome you with Open Arms… virtually, for now.