John Calvin’s definition of faith states, faith is “A firm and certain knowledge of God’s benevolence towards us…” One definition of the word benevolence is a generous gift. God gives freely and abundantly to us and our response is to give. Giving of money, time and expertise are some of the ways that we respond to God’s preceding movement in our lives and our world.
During Lent and Easter, over 6,000 Presbyterian Churches received One Great Hour of Sharing, one of the four PC(USA) Special Offerings. The Offerings invite us to contribute to mission work reaching beyond ourselves and our communities. The Offerings deepen discipleship by nurturing church goers in becoming joyful givers opening themselves to the Holy Spirit.
On Pentecost, join with many Presbyterian churches by giving to the Pentecost Offering, which supports faith formation and education for children, youth and young adults.
Peace,
Rev. Sally Wright
Adapted from the UKirk and Young Adult Ministries eNewsletter for April 2015. To subscribe to this or other PC(USA) publications, click here.