2009 UCCCOSSN Facts

What is the United Church of Christ Support Staff Network?
We are the Office Support Staff from local churches, conferences and national agencies and instrumentalities. We are the supporting hands at the end of the administrating arms of the on-going ministry of the United Church of Christ.

Our Purposes and Objectives
The Purpose of the United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network is to help bring about dignity, respect, and fair compensation for all United Church of Christ Office Support Staff.

The Objectives are:

• To create a network of United Church of Christ Office Support Staff at all levels throughout the denomination.
• To raise the level of professionalism of United Church of Christ Office Support Staff
• To provide continuing education opportunities for United Church of Christ Office Support Staff.
• To provide opportunities for fellowship and sharing among peers.
• To raise the awareness of local churches, associations, conferences, national bodies - the denomination as a whole - of the vital role the contributions of United Church of Christ Office Support Staff

How did this all get started?
The first meeting of the United Church of Christ Office Support Staff Network took place in 1987 at Winter Park Florida. For many years the meetings of UCCOSSN were held and hosted by the Florida Conference and largely underwritten by that Conference. In 1994, conversation began around other locations. If the meeting were in other locations, more local church office support staff persons could participate. As a result, it was decided to plan ahead with meetings to be held in Cleveland at the national offices in non-Synod years (even numbered years). The alternate years the meeting would be hosted by different geographical areas.

If I want to attend, how do I convince my employer and find some financial support?
The first step is education. This is not a "vacation" trip. This is continuing education just as executives continue their education. Gathering and relaxing with SUPPORT STAFF from all over the country, from different, yet similar settings - comparing notes, ideas problems and experiences, are why this rewarding opportunity will enhance your ministry and the church you serve. Above all, you deserve it…you’ve earned it….and you will be a better and happier staff person for the experience.

Possibilities for creative funding:

• Lobby to get some money put in the budget for continuing education for support staff.
• Special gifts may be received from a mentor to cover the cost for a secretary of a local church.
• A special gift given for long time service in a local church or conference setting.
• A conference might name a "Secretary of the Year" and underwrite costs of attending the meeting.