MINISTERING TO THE WORLD
Community Engagement Fund
Church is not only in the gathering, it's in the scattering. UCC Norwell set aside 6% of our most recent capital campaign proceeds to establish the Community Engagement Fund (CEF), a financial resource designed to encourage outreach and expansive ministry partnerships while fostering the generation of new and vital ministries. UCC Norwell has a rich history of engaging in significant ministries that powerfully connect with the outside world. It is our intention that as we reach out, new people will find their way into our community, and that they might become impassioned, as we are, to engage in ministry throughout the South Shore and the world.
GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
The Community Engagement Ministry Team meets regularly to consider requests to assist in the creation of transformative ministries on the South Shore. There must be a direct connection to at least two members of UCC Norwell, and two or more people from our South Shore community must be committed to the ministry in order for funds to be released.
Community Engagement Success Stories
Linden Ponds
Community Church
Launched by UCC Norwell in 2014 in partnership with Linden Ponds, an Erickson senior living community in Hingham, LPCC provides a vital and inclusive Christian church experience for residents of Linden Ponds through weekly worship, pastoral care, and mission and outreach opportunities.
UCCN Community Garden
To bring the church together and serve the need of increased food insecurity and lack of access to fresh vegetables, CEF provided funding to establish UCC Norwell’s community garden. Volunteers of all ages, from UCC Norwell and Friendship Home, tend the garden. During the growing season, produce is delivered to local shelters and food pantries every other week.
Jou Nouvo's Haiti Youth Education Fund
CEF partnered with Jou Nouvo and Thayer Academy to launch the Haiti Youth Education Fund (HYEF), empowering Haitian students to attend a prestigious university in Haiti and helping them realize their dream of higher education. Through the HYEF, students receive financial support for tuition, books, computers, and other personal expenses for all four years of their university studies.
A Celebration of Veterans: Concert + Reflections
In 2018, the CEF enabled Karen Harvey and our choirs to host this powerful community event aimed at celebrating Veterans and educating the general public as to what it means to have served in the armed forces. Readings and video testimonials from Veterans augmented the musical selections to reach a wide audience of children, youth, and adults from across the South Shore.
Being Mortal
UCC Norwell members planned and promoted this important community event that served to encourage conversation among family members related to their health care and final wishes, especially those living with a terminal illness. The event featured a screening of the documentary film “Being Mortal,” followed by an expert panel discussion on how to take concrete steps to identify and communicate wishes about end-of-life goals and preferences.
Community Advent Devotional
This beautifully constructed devotional book provided the opportunity for daily spiritual reflection during the Christmas season, a time that has become increasingly busy and commercialized in American culture. The book features writings and photographs by members and staff of UCC Norwell and was distributed widely through various South Shore organizations, including Friendship Home, Linden Ponds, the Emilson YMCA, the Norwell VNA, and the Norwell Council on Aging.
COVID-19 Assistance Fund
The CEF provided vital funding to seed UCC Norwell’s COVID-19 Relief Fund with an initial $5,000. These funds have been used to support local organizations and individuals who are struggling with food insecurity, imminent risk of loss of housing, medical expenses, and mental health issues due to COVID-19.