New York, May 11, 2023 – United Church Funds (UCF), a financial ministry of the United Church of Christ (UCC), is pleased to announce the awarding of $182,000 in scholarships to 24 Members in Discernment (MID), who are persons preparing for ordained ministry in the UCC.
This year’s Brown scholars come from 17 UCC conferences and attend 12 seminaries, divinity schools, or regional theological education programs. The awarded scholarships, ranging from $4,000 to $12,000, will assist MIDs in their seminary or theological education.
Rev. Gwendolyn V. Kirkland, Administrator of the Endowment, said: “The scholarships will enable these talented individuals to pursue their dreams of becoming ministers and leaders within our faith community. They’ll join hundreds of others who have received Brown Scholarships over the last two decades and now serve as UCC ministers.”
Rev. Kirkland added: “By investing in their theological education, we are investing in the future of our church, fostering a strong and vibrant community of leaders who will guide and inspire congregations across the UCC.”
Brown scholarships are funded by the Helen and Richard Brown Endowment, established from a generous gift received in the 1990s. The Endowment supports training and continuing education for pastoral ministry in the UCC and its global partner churches. United Church Funds serves as a trustee of the Brown Endowment, which today provides over $300,000 annually for individual scholarships for seminarians, grants for continuing education for authorized ministers and support for seminarians in UCC global partner churches.
Charles Buck, UCF President & CEO, said: “Helen and Richard Brown’s generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of these deserving scholars and the communities they serve.”
“UCF is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of funds entrusted to its care. By managing and distributing endowments like the Helen and Richard Brown Endowment, the organization strives to support the mission and ministries of the UCC and its commitment to fostering spiritual growth, social justice and inclusive community,” added Buck.
Click here to learn more about the Brown Scholars Class of 2023, and click here for more information about the Helen and Richard Brown Endowment.
Click here to download the press release.