For over a century, the Christmas Fund for the Veterans of the Cross and the Emergency Fund has been a tangible expression of God’s love and light in the world. Year after year, United Church of Christ members and congregations have reached out in kindness, compassion, and gratitude to those who have faithfully shepherded our Church in the past and who now find themselves facing unexpected financial needs.
In 2017, UCC congregations and members generously contributed over $1,500,000 to the Christmas Fund. This enabled the United Church Board for Ministerial Assistance, the charitable arm of the Pension Boards, to provide, on behalf of the whole Church, Supplementation of Small Annuities, Retiree Health Premium Supplementation, Emergency Grants, and Christmas “Thank You” Gift Checks to individuals in need.
The theme of this year’s Christmas Fund Offering is The Light is Surely Coming. Our goal is to raise $1.7 million to help support these ministries of light and love. The recipients of your gifts are persons who have faithfully served the church for many years, and now, in their time of need, you can be the church to them. We invite and encourage you to join thousands of UCC members and congregations who will support this year’s appeal and trust the light is surely coming.
The suggested date for receiving the Offering is December 23, 2018. As always, we will accept the Offering anytime in the month of December. As a 5 for 5 church, I encourage you to join in this worthwhile effort. On behalf of the hundreds of clergy, lay employees, and their families whose lives are touched by your support of the Christmas Fund Offering, we offer our sincere thanks for your generosity!
Your Mission Chair,
Mary Ann Martin