Presbyterians are invited to join in global day of giving to benefit Christ’s mission
by Emily Enders Odom | Mission Communications
LOUISVILLE — #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving which falls this year on Nov. 28, is a day when Presbyterians are once again invited to be radically generous on behalf of a world in need.
Originally launched in 2012 on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday was intended to be a philanthropic response to the consumer-driven holidays of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
“In this season of gratitude, Giving Tuesday gives us an opportunity to continue practicing gratitude to God by supporting the ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” said Kathy Lueckert, president of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation.
This year, the worldwide observance will once again help to underscore the many ways in which Presbyterians are acting boldly and compassionately with love to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.
“In my brief time as the Acting Stated Clerk, I have been amazed at the wide range of work that is being done across all of the agencies of the PC(USA),” said the Rev. Bronwen Boswell, Acting Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). “The pandemic may have slowed us down, but the church has been steadfast in the work of Jesus Christ. We’ve been able to conduct the business of the church while under lockdown. We’ve continued to provide support to our mid councils and beyond, not simply because it was our job, but because of our faith in Jesus Christ. That faith is now moving us to become a new church, but we can’t do it without the love and support of all Presbyterians. The contributions through Giving Tuesday help make our ministry and work possible.”
Unified under the theme, “We are the Church … together,” a multi-agency, cross-departmental, #GivingTuesday staff team has been working together for months on a coordinated campaign to raise much-needed funds for Presbyterian mission.
All gifts given on Giving Tuesday will be directed to Shared Mission (25%), Office of the General Assembly (25%), and Special Offerings (50%).
The Rev. Joe Chu
The Rev. Joseph “Joe” Chu, who represents the initiative as a member of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, recently recorded a video testimonial to promote the PC(USA)’s Giving Tuesday efforts, which he wholeheartedly supports.
“Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for our church to join a larger movement in the world,” said Chu, who serves as stated clerk for the Eastern Korean American Presbytery and as bridge pastor for St. Paul’s Church in Nutley, N.J. “It is a chance for Presbyterians to give generously and strategically.”
Ever since the founding of #GivingTuesday, nonprofits, small businesses, corporations, schools and faith-based and religious organizations — like the PC(USA) — both in the U.S. and all over the world have mobilized to celebrate this global day of giving.
“Giving Tuesday has become a cultural phenomenon, and we are thankful for the opportunity to invite Presbyterians and others to support our mission and ministry in this creative way,” said the Rev. Dr. John Wilkinson, Director of Ministry Engagement and Support. “Jesus taught us not to keep our light hidden. Giving Tuesday provides us with the opportunity to share our vital Presbyterian mission and ministry with the broader world, to tell our stories and to invite people into generous support.”
As church and society continue to adjust to the ever-changing habits and practices of life after — and life with — Covid, the call to address the world’s hurts and needs is more critical now than ever.
“Our gifts combined is a powerful thing,” said the Rev. Dr. Diane Givens Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. “Together, we can accomplish far more than any one of us can do alone. We are the church, together; and together we can make a difference.”
Join the PC(USA) in responding to a world in need! Give now.
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