Today my goal is to give you a bit more insight into the recipients of the Christmas Joy offering. Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges receive 50% of the offering.
The importance of the racial ethnic schools and colleges of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is demonstrated in the continuing partnership between the two entities. The institutions have provided quality education to people who have contributed immeasurably to the church at large and to the world. Students are educated for the professions of their choice in an environment which supports and nurtures racial and ethnic heritage.
Many of the college students are the first in their family to attend college and come from low- to moderate-income families. They may be marginalized and would not be accepted at other institutions of higher learning. The secondary schools receive students earlier than typical schools and prepare them for acceptance at institutions of higher learning.
To many students, these institutions offer the additional support which is needed to truly excel. Tutoring and special courses in math, science and English encourage continued success as the students advance in their studies. This support gives many students a “second chance,” resulting in confident, competent, qualified men and women who emerge as leaders in society.
These institutions have a covenant relationship with the General Assembly through the General Assembly Mission Council and the relationship is guided by the Articles of agreement (8.3 and 8.4) adopted at the time of reunion in 1983.
Recipients of the Christmas Joy Offering include:
Menaul School • menaulschool.com
Founded in 1896 by the Presbyterian Church as a school for Hispanic and Native American students, Menaul School is a multicultural, independent, college-preparatory institution, with a day school for grades 6–12 and a boarding school for grades 9–12. It exists to live out its motto, “Sea La Luz,” or “Let There Be Light.”
Presbyterian Pan American School • ppas.org
Developing young Christian leaders since 1912.
Presbyterian Pan American School is a coeducational, college-preparatory school preparing students from the Americas and beyond for lives of Christian leadership.
Stillman College • stillman.edu
Founded by Dr. Charles Stillman in 1876 as an institution where students could “enter to learn and depart to serve,” this four-year liberal arts college prepares students for careers in Christian ministry and other professions.
Cook Native American Ministries • cooknam.org
Founded by missionary Charles H. Cook in 1911 as a Bible school, Cook Native American Ministries is “educating, empowering, and equipping Native Americans for leadership in their churches and communities.”