christmas joy Archives

December 9, 2015

Christmas Joy – Helping and Empowering Others

Posted 9:50am

Minute for Mission: Board of Pensions No one should have to choose between food and medicine, but Sharon was approaching that. Battling advanced thyroid cancer since 2001, Sharon was facing the growing number of additional prescriptions and the copays that come with them. “I didn’t know what I would do,” she shared. “You hear about… Read more »

November 30, 2015

Keeping the promise of the Advent season

Posted 10:55am

During this Advent season, we reflect on the influence a promise can have on our lives. God promised each of us salvation, and kept that promise with the birth of Jesus. That promise sustains and uplifts us, during good times and challenging ones. When we understand this deeper meaning of a promise, we also understand… Read more »

November 23, 2015

Words of Thanks from Menaul School

Posted 2:47pm

As we approach Thanksgiving, we are also greeted by words of thanks from others. Two students from the Menaul School, a recipient of Christmas Joy Offering Funds, have sent along a letter for me to share with you:

Board Of Pensions Assistance Grants

Posted 3:20pm

Yesterday, we learned about where 50% of offering receipts go for the Christmas Joy Offering: Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges. The second half of this offering is dedicated to Assistance Grants of the Board of Pensions. Rooted in a nearly 300-year-old tradition, the Assistance Program embodies the connectional Church at its best. As the Assistance Program… Read more »

December 15, 2014

Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges

Posted 12:23pm

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… Read more »

December 15, 2014

This year, give something more than a present…

Posted 10:41am

Give Opportunity. Gift giving has become a large part of the Christmas spirit we celebrate each year. We give our family and friends presents to show our love for them, following in the tradition of the wise men the very first Christmas. It is through these actions that we are reminded of those in need,… Read more »

December 11, 2014

A Brief History of the Christmas Joy Offering

Posted 3:24pm

Several years ago there was a wonderful history of the Christmas Joy Offering. Where can I find that information? …Wendy What a great question, Wendy! The Christmas Joy Offering has been received in Presbyterian churches for over 75 years! It has seen its share of changes in this time, but the heart of the offering has remained… Read more »

December 5, 2014

Your One Stop Shop for Christmas Joy Resources

Posted 10:42am

To find resources related to Special Offerings, the best place to start is always our website: http://specialofferings.pcusa.org (to go directly to the Christmas Joy page, click here). You can find a link to our resource tag from this site. Resources available for the Christmas Joy offering include: Worship Resources Leader’s Guide Minutes for Mission Bulletin Inserts Poster… Read more »

December 1, 2014

The most common question

Posted 10:26am

In case you were wondering how I decide what to write about on here, I’ll share my secret: I take the questions I get from your phone calls, assume other people have those questions, and answer them on the internet. That’s it. The most common question I get about this time of year is some… Read more »

November 30, 2014

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Posted 12:42pm

People, look east. The time is nearOf the crowning of the year.Make your house fair as you are able,Trim the hearth and set the table.People, look east and sing today:Love, the Guest, is on the way. Eleanor Farjeon – People, Look East I don’t know what it is about adulthood that turns your greatest enemy… Read more »

Posts Tagged: christmas joy