The Christmas Fund

“See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me…The mes-senger of the covenant in whom you delight, in-deed, he is coming says the Lord of hosts.”

Malachi, the Messenger, reminded the community that God’s covenant was not a burden to be endured but a source of overwhelming delight and rooted in the knowledge that the One we seek is near. Throughout our history the United Church of Christ has affirmed relationships that reflect the grace-filled covenant into which God invites us. As the body of Christ we seek to be informational in a spirit of holy love.

For 113 years, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund has been a leading light in our mission. One of four special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ, the Christmas Fund provides us with a means to directly assist those who have so faithfully and selflessly served and now find themselves facing unexpected financial needs. Through the ministry of giving we covenant in Christ’s name to show love, compassion, and care to the elderly pas-tor who receives a thank-you gift check at Christmas; to the widowed spouse who receives pension supplementation to bring retirement income to a dignified level; to the clergy family struggling with chronic illness who receive an emergency grant to help pay for mounting medical bills; to the many individuals, lay and ordained, who receive some type of ongoing ministerial assistance.

We invite you to covenant with us, and with thousands throughout our church, in this ministry that touches the lives of so many. Your gift can and will make a difference. Donations can be received throughout December with the 11th being our dedication Sunday.

The Christmas Fund — 2016 Brought to you by The Board of Stewardship and Mission