The purpose of the Wider Ministries area is to extend the ministry of Redlands United Church of Christ beyond our own doors. The Wider Ministries area is represented by one or two Area Leaders, a Wider Ministries Committee, and various subcommittees such as Faith Acts, and Marriage Equality. From our beginning, we have been a tithing church with 10% of the RUCC Operating Budget designated for Wider Ministry efforts.
We develop and foster ties with the national United Church of Christ Denomination, Southern California Nevada Conference, and the Eastern Association. We assure representation to Association and Conference Meetings from RUCC. Delegates from RUCC to the larger UCC bodies are approved by the Church Board. We encourage participation in Synod and national UCC events as much as possible. We present action, advocacy, Synod Resolutions, Motions, and Pronouncements to the church for study and use. We promote national and world missions. We ensure that we are a UCC “Five for Five Church”, giving to Basic Support (UCC dues and OCWM) and all 4 Special Offerings: Neighbors In Need, Christmas Fund, One Great Hour of Sharing, and Strengthen the Church.
We give, and encourage RUCC members to give, donations of money, service, time and talent in the name of RUCC to helping organizations such as Christian Counseling Service, and Redlands Family Services. We encourage the active participation of church members in ministries both locally and in the world at large. We provide representation from our congregation to Redlands Area Interfaith Council. We encourage the church and church members to take an activist stance in meeting and dealing with social concerns, both locally and globally.
We choose, as the Wider Ministries area, to be actively engaged in the effort of making a difference for good in the world.