Moment for Mission Archive

I’m here to talk about the Christmas Joy Offering, an important contribution to help two extremely worthy causes that help those in great need: a financial assistance and retirement fund for current and retired church workers, and several Presbyterian ethnic schools. The large majority of the offering will go directly to both these causes, in equal proportion.

The first cause is the Board of Pensions Financial Assistance Programs, which helps current and retired church workers through their various difficult financial struggles. As it is, these people work tirelessly, giving up better paying jobs, to serve God and provide an incredible service to all of us. However, the reality is that many church workers have limited benefits including a thin or absent retirement plan and often are financially unable to plan for unexpected situations, which can range from medical injuries not covered by insurance to recovering from natural disasters to an unemployed spouse.

The second group benefiting from this offering is seven racial ethnic schools. The fund helps with these schools’ basic operating costs as well as provides scholarships to the most deserving students. These schools were founded and sponsored by the Presbyterian Church and are primarily geared for African American, Latino and Native American people, although obviously, anybody can apply and all are considered. They help those people with very limited means to find their passions, develop interests, and receive an education. In addition, they help mold some of our future leaders in the church and society, as well as provide an opportunity for people to create a better reality for themselves and their families, which they may not otherwise be able to receive.

Especially during Christmas, we should all think about Christ and his sacrifice for us, and pass along the love he gave to us and continues to give to us daily. Please take a moment and imagine yourselves in the following scenarios to appreciate how your donation may make a difference.

You are a bright and hardworking student who is forced to drop out of college because you can’t afford to pay next semester’s tuition and need to help her family financially.

After spending a lifetime of service to the church, you can’t afford the costs of your basic needs including rent, food, and electricity.

You are a church worker, and your child is gravely ill. The medical insurance only covers part of the costs, and you and your family still can’t afford the necessary treatments for your sick child.

These are all examples of situations that are unfortunately the reality of many people, but it is in your power to actively make a difference.

As we are wrapping up our own Christmas shopping for our loved ones, let’s think of those in more need and give generously…to the faithful church workers and their families who work tirelessly, especially during our most joyous seasons and underprivileged minority students who are our future.