Hello

Mission Statement

The Mission and Justice Ministry Circle inspires, equips, and mobilizes our congregation to live out God’s call to justice and mercy in our community and beyond. Through partnerships, advocacy, education, and hands-on engagement, we seek to embody our identity as a church committed to love, inclusion, and meaningful action.

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

What We Do
The Mission & Justice Circle leads our congregation in faithfully responding to the needs of our neighbors and the wider world. Through thoughtful collaboration and bold compassion, we work to bring God’s justice to life.

Congregational Engagement: Develop projects, events, and learning opportunities that invite the congregation into justice-centered living and prayerful action.
Community Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with local churches, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations, ensuring our mission efforts are collaborative, relevant, and rooted in community needs.
Denominational Cooperation: Connect our congregation with the justice initiatives of the Central Pacific Conference (CPCUCC) and the wider United Church of Christ, sharing resources and encouraging active participation.
Justice Education & Advocacy: Host workshops, forums, guest speakers, and advocacy campaigns that deepen our understanding of issues such as homelessness, climate justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and systemic inequity.
Service & Mission Projects: Coordinate local volunteer opportunities, service days, and mission trips that offer direct support to vulnerable communities.
Evaluation & Accountability: Utilize feedback and community input to assess the impact of our efforts and ensure our work remains aligned with the church’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Our Vision
We envision a church that not only speaks of justice but practices it—boldly, consistently, and lovingly. Through the leadership of this Circle, First Congregational UCC will continue to be a visible and vibrant advocate for equity, compassion, and peace in Salem and beyond. Inspired by Christ’s call, we strive to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly in all we do.

Feel called to participate with Mission and Justice?

Every person has a role to play in the work of justice. Whether you feel called to advocacy, service, education, or community partnership, the Mission & Justice Circle welcomes your gifts and passion. Together, we pursue God’s vision of a more just, compassionate, and flourishing world.

Here are the Teams and mission opportunities we are currently involved with:

Team Earth: everything climate and environmental justice.
Family Promise: Supporting families to find stable and long-term housing for a better life.

We partner with the organizations listed below, as well as a number of advocacy groups and 12 Step groups.

Hello

“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” — Micah 6:8

What We Do The Mission & Justice Circle leads our congregation in faithfully responding to the needs of our neighbors and the wider world. Through thoughtful collaboration and bold compassion, we work to bring God’s justice to life.

Congregational Engagement: Develop projects, events, and learning opportunities that invite the congregation into justice-centered living and prayerful action.

Community Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with local churches, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations, ensuring our mission efforts are collaborative, relevant, and rooted in community needs.

Denominational Cooperation: Connect our congregation with the justice initiatives of the Central Pacific Conference (CPCUCC) and the wider United Church of Christ, sharing resources and encouraging active participation.

Justice Education & Advocacy: Host workshops, forums, guest speakers, and advocacy campaigns that deepen our understanding of issues such as homelessness, climate justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and systemic inequity.

Service & Mission Projects: Coordinate local volunteer opportunities, service days, and mission trips that offer direct support to vulnerable communities.

Evaluation & Accountability: Utilize feedback and community input to assess the impact of our efforts and ensure our work remains aligned with the church’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.

Feel called to participate with Mission and Justice?

What We Do
The Mission & Justice Circle leads our congregation in faithfully responding to the needs of our neighbors and the wider world. Through thoughtful collaboration and bold compassion, we work to bring God’s justice to life.