Each June our church collects the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, but the greatness of this offering is that we don’t do it alone. This offering began seventy years ago in 1949 in response to the devastation of World War II. It was a national broadcast plea that asked Americans to give generously in their churches the next Sunday. More than 75,000 churches responded.
This ecumenical offering is sponsored by eight denominations: African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, American Baptist Churches USA, Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, United Church of Christ, and Church World Service. This offering serves people in over 80 countries around the world, and the funds can be dispatched quickly as needs arise. Looking at the world with a global view, you see disasters that occur each week from natural, hurricanes, fires, mudslides, flooding, tornadoes etc, to those of human origins. The many man-made disasters occur in Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, Nigeria, South Sudan, Nicaragua, India and the list goes on.
The philosopher Aristotle long ago said that, “Thinking itself begins in wonder, begins in imagination. When we imagine what God wants for our world and all humankind, it helps keep us energized and seeking to better the lives of those who have been battered by the circumstances that surround them. God can work through all events to bring new life, new hope, and more resilience when neighbors help their neighbors and strangers are willing to reach out and work together.
When God inspires our imagination, it’s always also an invitation. We’re invited to give ourselves to what God is doing, to become part of the way God moves imagination to reality. We give our time, energy, creativity and money to God’s work of wiping away tears and making all things new. Please prayerfully consider your gift for this offering that we will take up on Sunday, June 30
With Love and Gratitude,
The CBC Mission Team