One Great Hour of Sharing, March 31, 2019

On March 31st, the One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering will be collected and dedicated at our Church. This mission offering carries God’s message of love and hope to people in more than 80 countries. The UCC works with international partners to provide sources of clean water and food education and health care, small business micro-credit, emergency relief and advocacy and resettlement for refugees and displaced persons.

Our theme this year continues with “More than we can imagine!” Based on Ephesians 3:20, the theme reminds us that we are not alone in our imagining a better world for all of God’s children. God imagines a world where:

• No one is left to face the ravages of natural disaster alone – neighbor helps neighbor, stranger helps stranger – for we are the church together.
• Even if things will never be same after a disaster, God can work through all events to bring new life, new hope and even more resilience.
• Clean and abundant water and sanitation facilities are available to everyone.
• Work brings security from hunger and the land is treated with respect.
• Families displaced from their homes are able to build new lives.
• Women are no longer subject to discrimination and gender-based violence.

On average, of every dollar given to One Great Hour of Sharing, 91 cents is used directly for mission program, 5 cents for interpretation materials and 4 cents for administrative costs. Eight Christian denominations work together to develop common promotional materials and together raise about $12 million each year.

God is at work doing so much more than we can imagine! And when we contribute to this offering we are part of God’s work in the world.

Please use the enclosed envelope for your offering. Thank you for your generosity.

-Board of Stewardship and Mission