Minute for Mission: Christmas Joy Offering

December 24, 2017

Bob Forsberg at his computer.

As an urban minister for more than 40 years, Bob Forsberg dedicated his willing hands, generous heart and sharp mind to serving people society had cast aside.

Recently, however, at age 91, the mental capacity that had served this Presbyterian minister so well began to fade. His memory loss became so debilitating that Forsberg, who had spent years focused on helping others, found himself in need of help.

Prior to retirement, Forsberg earned a modest salary serving among economically disadvantaged people at Wider City Parish in New Haven, Connecticut. “His philosophy was to keep life simple and to give to others,” said his daughter, Barbara Forsberg.

In retirement, he moved to the West Coast to be near his children and eventually moved into a retirement community. When dementia forced him to move into a memory care unit, the added service was more than Forsberg could afford long-term. His children were grieved by the possibility of having to move their father to another facility.

Bob Forsberg with kids and Wider City Parish staff.

Thanks to gifts made to the Christmas Joy Offering, Forsberg did not have to move. Help from the Board of Pensions Assistance Program has enabled Forsberg to receive high-quality care in familiar surroundings. Barbara Forsberg and her two brothers are elated. She notes that it was generosity, a trait that Forsberg so faithfully incarnated, that came to his aid in his time of need.

Half of the gifts to the Christmas Joy Offering provide assistance for current and retired church workers and their families in times of critical financial need. The other half supports Presbyterian-related racial-ethnic schools and colleges to provide life-changing education and leadership development.

Seeing our world’s need, God sent us the generous gift of the Christ child. When we care for others through our service and our giving, we demonstrate the love that Christ modeled and become faithful stewards of God’s indescribable gift.

Pat Cole, Communications Specialist, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus:  Christmas Joy Offering

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Ann Wolf, BOP                                                                               
John Wood, OGA

Let us pray:

Loving God, we are grateful for your gift of the Christ child. Through our own gifts, may we serve you in gratitude and faith. Amen.

Daily Readings

Morning Psalms 24; 150
First Reading Isaiah 60:1-6
Second Reading Galatians 3:23-4:7
Gospel Reading Matthew 1:18-25
Evening Psalms 25; 110