Who We Are

The Committee on Local Church seeks to initiate and support the formation of new church communities and the transformation of existing church communities where renewal is dependent upon resources from beyond that community. The committee’s primary duties are to consult, assist, and provide funding in partnership with those involved in church formation or transformation.

Meets: Fourth Mondays, 6:30-8:30 pm PST on Zoom.

Seed Grant Applications

GRANT PURPOSE
In his letter to the church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul observes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. . . .The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, . . . for we are God’s coworkers, working together.” (I Cor 3:6-9, adapted, NRSV)

Trusting the Spirit’s movement between us and among us, and faithfully stewarding the financial gifts in our care, we offer support and financial assistance to initiate and support the formation of new church communities and the transformation of existing churches, where renewal is dependent upon resources from beyond that community.

The purpose of this grant is to provide financial assistance toward that purpose.

ELIGIBILITY
This grant shall be available to new or existing church communities and church related ministries affiliated with (or seeking affiliation with) the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Church of Christ that are in need of financial resources for formation or transformation.

Some examples of such projects include, but are not limited to:

• community outreach
• direct service
• children and youth ministries
• young adult and family ministries
• clergy and lay leadership development
• technology for worship, communication, and ministry
• new church or ministry development
• mental health, wellness, and pastoral care programs (i.e. Stephens Ministry training)
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiatives
• partnership with schools, non-profit organizations and community groups

NOTE: This grant is not designed to address capital or facility needs

AMOUNT: Up to $5,000 may be requested for a calendar year; requests for renewal of the full grant will be considered the following year; requests for 50% funding will be considered for a third year.

Grant Process Timeline:

• Applications open Oct 5, Due November 30, 2026
• Review, notification by December 14, 2026
• Funding available January 4, 2027

Affiliating Congregations

WELCOMING NEW OR AFFILIATING FAITH COMMUNITIES
A new church start, ministry setting, or existing congregation that desires to be a Local Church of the United Church of Christ will participate in the Local Church Standing Discernment process. The Local Church Standing Discernment process engages all discernment partners in reflection, conversation, and assessment to discern the readiness of a particular faith community for relationship, affiliation, support, and accountability alongside other Local Churches in the United Church of Christ (MOLC p. 47).

DUAL AFFILIATION
At times, the Spirit leads a congregation or another ecumenical body to seek dual affiliation with the UCC. In these cases, the congregation will maintain full standing with its original denomination, while also meeting the covenantal expectations for standing in the PNCUCC (MOLC p. 49).

New Ministry Context Leaders

Connection and Support
The Committee on Local Church seeks to support New Church Starts. One way that we do this is by gathering a cohort of ministry leaders who are envisioning or engaging in church planting. We want to invite you to participate in an on-going, peer-support group via Zoom. Please fill out the contact form below to join: