What is a Global Mission Congregation?
We believe that God calls us to covenantal, holy connection with siblings around the world. As a Global Mission congregation, Rock Spring has made a commitment to working for a just peace in the world.
The focus of our partnership is on the Holy Land, including walking with the Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem. Rock Spring members have taken several trips to the Holy Land to better understand the situation on the ground, the impacts of occupation on the people of Palestine and Israel, and the US role in the conflict. We have held a series with Jewish peacemakers, including representatives from J Street and Americans for Peace Now. Some of our members are involved with Jewish Voices for Peace and advocacy with American Muslims for Palestine. We recognize the diversity of approaches and perspectives among these organizations, and that each of them shares a commitment to creating a new way in the Holy Land.
Rock Spring is involved in advocacy and action with Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), the Voices of the Holy Land film series, and annual sales of olive oil to benefit small farmers and humanitarian work in the region. Rock Spring also supports the UCC’s wider ministries through Our Church’s Wider Mission, and the UCC/Disciples Global Ministries.
We encourage you to learn more through these resources for children and youth from the “Another Story Heard” project.
We are involved in the work of the UCC Palestine/Israel Network and amplify their work.
We have hosted an iftar with the American Palestian Women’s Association.
We have supported work to increase solar lights to Gaza through groups including The Rebuilding Alliance.