During this season of Lent, as we reflect upon the life of Jesus, let us remember Jesus’ compassion for those in need, and our call to follow. One way to share your compassion is through your support of the PC (USA) special offering, One Great Hour of Sharing. The offering is divided among three vital programs: Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

The Presbyterian Hunger Program works to ensure that food is available for people in need while also seeking long-term solutions. The PHP provides direct food aid to food pantries, soup kitchens and church gardens in the U.S., while building grain banks and providing local seeds to small farmers around the world.  The PHP supports important initiatives including: nutrition education, equitable food distribution, water resource development, soil conservation, micro enterprise and food cooperatives. To learn more about PHP: http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/hunger/what-we-do/You can support One Great Hour of Sharing through special designated envelopes and through encouraging the children to faithfully put coins in their fish banks.

“Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9: 7

One Great Hour of Sharing- Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

On the day the destructive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) issued this statement: “PDA stands ready to respond to needs from the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Japan and the ensuing tsunamis across the Pacific Rim.

ACT Alliance (PDA is a member of ACT) reports that the Pacific Islands are highly vulnerable and most of them will be touched by the tidal waves. ACT general secretary, John Nduna, said today, ‘We are deeply concerned about the most vulnerable countries and their people, and we are monitoring the situation closely so that ACT Alliance can direct its resources to where they are most needed, as quickly as possible’”.

The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering is divided between: Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. You can support One Great Hour of Sharing through special designated envelopes and through encouraging the children and youth to faithfully put coins in their fish banks. Your contributions to The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering enable PDA to be ready to respond!

One Great Hour of Sharing: Self-Development of People

On Palm Sunday, as palms wave in joy around the world, our children and youth will bring in their fish banks jingling with coins, given with love for people they don’t know. Those coins are making a difference around the United States and the world. As part of the PC (USA) special offering, One Great Hour of Sharing, those coins are divided among three important programs: Presbyterian Hunger Program, Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Self-Development of People works with economically poor, oppressed and disadvantaged people to promote long-term change in their lives and communities. One example of their many projects includes supporting a low-income group in Chicago with learning to compost and grow their own food. Any excess produce grown can be sold to increase the income of the group members.

You can support One Great Hour of Sharing through special designated envelopes- and remember to encourage the children and youth to feed their fish banks!