Disaster Ministries

Severe Weather from Oklahoma to Michigan

On Friday, March 7, 2026, devastating storms moved across Michigan and surrounding areas. Many communities were impacted by severe weather including hail, tornadoes, and thunderstorms. Early reports indicate that three individuals were killed in this devasting storm, and at least 12 people were injured across southwest Michigan. We are aware that First Congregational UCC in Union City, MI was directly impacted by a tornado there. The Disaster Ministries Team and other staff at the National Setting of the United Church of Christ continue to be in communication with the Michigan Conference to monitor the situation and determine how best to support communities at this time.

We continue to hold all of those affected by the storms, and their loved ones in our prayers.

To support the relief and long-term recovery of those affected by these severe storms, and other communities that have experienced similar events across the US, click here, and select “Severe Storms” as the designation.

Support Communities Impacted by Severe Storms

As severe weather continues to move across our country, we continue to hold in our prayers the families of those who have lost their lives, those recovering, and those picking up the pieces after this devastating tragedy. The Disaster Ministries Team and other staff at the National Setting of the United Church of Christ continue to be in communication with those in the affected areas to monitor the situation and are ready to accompany those who have been impacted.

To support the relief and long-term recovery of those affected by these severe storms, and other communities that have experienced similar events across the US, click here.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the national office of the United Church of Christ responded quickly and faithfully, standing in solidarity with devastated communities across the Gulf Coast. Through financial support, volunteer mobilization, and long-term recovery initiatives, the UCC offered not only immediate relief but also a commitment to rebuilding lives and neighborhoods. The church’s response embodied its call to be a servant church—walking alongside survivors with compassion, justice, and hope.

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Hurricanes 2024 Special Appeal Updates

Preparedness Resources

Conference Disaster
Response Coordinators

Post-Disaster Resources

Short-Term and Long-Term Volunteer Opportunities

Get Involved Locally

Emotional and Spiritual Care

The Global HOPE team facilitates the UCC’s response to natural and human-caused disasters across the United States and its territories and around the world.

Hand in hand with our Partners in Service and other volunteers, congregations, conferences, and partnerships, including a network of Conference Disaster Response Coordinators, UCC Disaster Ministries seeks to serve the most vulnerable populations, focusing on disaster preparedness, identifying and meeting unmet needs, and spiritual and emotional support.

The UCC is an active member of National VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), through which we partner with dozens of organizations, large and small, for holistic, community-based recovery.

Internationally, Global HOPE maintains direct relationships and partnerships with organizations and faith communities able to appropriately and effectively respond to emergencies and long-term needs. The Global HOPE Team Leader works with Area Executives of Global Ministries and through organizations such as Church World Service and the ACT Alliance to direct financial support and ensure the United Church of Christ stands with vulnerable people during times of crisis.

Receive regular updates on ways your church can respond to disasters.

Ways to Respond to Disasters

Donations
Disaster Ministries Donations Page

Active Appeals
Give to one of the appeals below to bring hope and healing to communities in need.

Disaster Grant Opportunities
Receive assistance to help communities in disaster find hope and strength.