Join the #GivingTuesday movement on Nov. 28

Every generous gift benefits the many expressions of Christ’s mission

by Emily Enders Odom, Associate Director of Mission Communications | Presbyterian News Service

Photo by Pro Church media via Unsplash

LOUISVILLE — With Black Friday sales starting earlier and earlier as retailers seek to drive consumers into a holiday shopping frenzy, the Church is called now more than ever to assert its countercultural witness.

By participating in #GivingTuesday — a global day of giving which falls this year on Tuesday, Nov. 28 — Presbyterians are invited to join with religious organizations, nonprofits and others to demonstrate not the way of the world but rather radical generosity on behalf of a world in need.

Originally launched in 2012 on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday was intended as a philanthropic response to the consumer-driven holidays of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The PC(USA) joined the #GivingTuesday movement in 2014.

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%), the Office of the General Assembly (25%), and Special Offerings (50%).

The Rev. Dr. Sallie Watson

The Rev. Dr. Sallie Watson, general presbyter of Mission Presbytery in San Antonio — who represents the PC(USA)’s #GivingTuesday initiative as a member of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) and chair of the Stated Clerk Nomination Committee — calls upon Presbyterians to join her in taking action.

“I hope that you will consider supporting the work of COGA in their planning of the 226th General Assembly (2024) in Salt Lake City, as well as the important work of identifying our new Stated Clerk to lead us through this time of transition by making a gift on Giving Tuesday,” Watson said.

In addition to helping to make the Assembly more accessible to Presbyterians and other attendees from around the world, #GivingTuesday will again offer Presbyterians the opportunity to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, impoverished and marginalized by giving generously to Shared Mission and Special Offerings.

The Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley

Because the Presbyterian Church is a connectional church, #GivingTuesday allows Presbyterians far and wide to give communally to the greatest needs of the PC(USA).

“Please consider supporting the work we do in resourcing mid councils and supporting domestic and international mission,” said the Rev. Dr. SanDawna Gaulman Ashley, transitional synod leader, Synod of the Northeast, who serves on the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board. “Today, the Mission Agency is leading the church, demonstrating new ways of being in mission with those in need and modeling the work of repairing historical harm. By making a gift on Giving Tuesday, your gift will support these great efforts. We are the church together!”

Join the PC(USA) in responding to a world in need! Give now.