October 2016

Dear Committee on Ministry colleagues,
 
The United Church of Christ has a wealth of scholarships available for individuals in the denomination who are engaged in education, leadership and ministry. I invite you to share the following information widely with your Members in Discernment especially, and with the authorized ministers, local churches, and members in your regions who may benefit from these opportunities for education, faith-based projects, ministry support, and more.
 
Scholarships are currently available in the following areas:
 
Ministry Education Scholarships support those preparing for ministry in the UCC and provide emergency assistance to ministers experiencing financial or personal crisis.
 
Leadership Development Scholarships help to support UCC undergraduate students, future seminary professors, African American laywomen, and gifted persons with disabilities, among others.
 
The Genesis Fund accepts applications for faith-based projects that are innovative or experimental, that represent a new initiative in Christian mission, or that may be deemed controversial. UCC local churches, associations, conferences, national bodies, UCC-related institutions, and overseas/global partner churches are eligible to apply.
 
Scholarship application forms and grant applications open online on Thursday, December 1st. Find more scholarship information at http://www.ucc.org/scholarships. Questions can be emailed to scholarships@ucc.org.
 
Many thanks for distributing this information widely!
 
Blessings,
Rachel Hackenberg

The Rev. Rachel G. Hackenberg
Minister for Committee on Ministry Resources & Conference Support
Ministerial Excellence, Support & Authorization (MESA) Team
Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christ
ucc.org/ministers