Christmas Joy

On Christmas Eve our offering will go to the PCUSA's special Christmas Joy Offering. This offering supports church leaders past, present, and future. Half of the offering goes to the assistance program of the Board of Pensions to help current and retired pastors and church workers who have critical needs. Support comes through income and housing supplements as well as emergency assistance grants.

The Christmas Joy offering also supports young people and future leaders in the church. Half of the offering is used to provide education and leadership development at three Presbyterian-related schools that equip communities of color - Menaul School, a private high school in Albuquerque, NM; Presbyterian Pan-American School, a private international high school with a 100% college acceptance rate in Kingsville, TX; and Stillman College, a college of distinction in many disciplines with 87% of its students being first generation college students in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Below are links to the stories of two women whose lives are being impacted by the Christmas Joy offering. Peggy Krong is a retired pastor, and Mikayla is a high school student.

You can read Peggy's story here.

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for those who serve your church, in all times and places. Be present with them, especially when they face real need. As we give to the Christmas Joy Offering, may they know of our support and care, and sense the important ways their ministry makes a difference. We pray in the name of Christ our Lord. Amen.

You can read Mikayla's story here.

God of justice and hope, you desire all your children to thrive in body, mind, and spirit. We thank you for schools that nurture and cultivate such growth. Bless them in their work, and bless our giving to the Christmas Joy Offering, that it may support this critical mission. In Christ's name we pray. Amen.