"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself." Luke 10:27              

"And who is my neighbor?" Luke 10:29b

He said, "The one who showed mercy".   Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:37                      

History and Background
Jesus' message is clear: Love your neighbor.  Jesus lived this and expected others to.  His Disciples were sent out into the world: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matt 28:19).

The church has taken this mission to heart.  In the 19th century in the United States, women's missionary societies were mission committees.  As denominations developed Mission Boards, local churches found ways to encourage and support missionaries, both local and worldwide.   Churches have also traditionally been involved with social and justice issues in their local and wider communities.

Common Practices
There are many names for mission committees: benevolence, outreach, OCWM (Our Churches Wider Mission) or social action.  Other churches combine their mission and stewardship committees together.  Whatever you call it, the mission committee usually manages the monies set aside for mission and determines when and where to disperse it. 

Responsibilities
The Boards responsibilities include:

     - Creating a budget used for dispersing mission pledges collected
     - Coordinating special offerings: i.e. Neighbors In Need, One Great Hour    of Sharing, etc.
     - Preparing information for the congregation: "Courier" articles, moment for missions, etc.
     - Assisting other church groups with their mission concerns
     - Setting the example and taking leadership roles in congregational activities and concerns

Individual members should learn about the mission and social justice issues important to their congregation.  They should be aware of needs in their communities and what is being done to fulfill these needs.  Knowledge of where the United Church of Christ and the Massachusetts Area Conference of the United Church of Christ stands on social and justice issues should be valued and researched where available. 

Members should follow their passions, pray for others, educate themselves and those around them, respect each individual's views and use whatever means available to be involved in Jesus' work. 

Remember, you have a voice, use it.

Please pick up a copy of our "Missions Matters" booklet. Because mission matters we provide this informational    guide for all our members and friends.