NW Association - Mission of the Church in the World

The Division on the Mission of the Church in the World resources local congregations in areas of mission, stewardship, and social concerns. We are currently working to promote the 5-for-5 program of United Church of Christ mission offerings: Our Church's Wider Mission, Neighbors in Need, One Great Hour of Sharing, Strengthen the Church, and The Christmas Fund.

If you would like help in adding your church to the list of 5-for-5 churches, please contact the Division on Mission of the Church in the World through the Association Office or through the chair, Rev. Paul Veldman.

Mission Speakers

Do you want to focus on mission in a lively way? Invite one of our mission speakers to preach some Sunday morning. Here's a partial list.

Our Ministry in Brazil - Barb de Souza

Click here to read Barb's most recent update (13 April 2010)

For many years, the Northwest Association has supported the medical ministry of Rev. Barbara de Souza in the shantytowns of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paolo, Brazil. Many shantytown women have been trained over the years as grassroots health educators. The health educators have been working with families in their communities on matters of preventive health care and public health issues, networking and pressuring local authorities to provide adequate conditions for positive community health.

In 1996, the first shantytown health clinic was built near Rio de Janeiro, bringing in a new phase of this work and the network of grassroots health educators acquired non-profit status as the Association of Community Health Educators. The clinic began with four volunteer doctors for a few hours each week as well as student interns. In June 1999, the addition of the Family Health Program was instituted, prioritizing preventative health care instead of just curative health care.

The Shanty Town Health Clinic now oversees two primary health units and has completed construction. It is also a highly recognized family health program in the community. Staff includes three health teams, three doctors, three nurses, six nurse assistants, 18 health educators, a social worker, an administrative assistant, a dentist, and two dental assistants. The facilities provide health screenings, physical therapy programs, a dental program, and ongoing trainings for medical students.

Barb is a member of First Congregational UCC, River Falls.