MISSION MOMENT

Hear these words:

“I would like to thank you, the Pension Boards, and the hundreds of congregations and thousands of individuals who contributed so generously to the United Church of Christ’s annual Christmas Fund.

It is because of such a giving spirit that pensioners like me, celebrating 57 years in the Christian ministry, can have a most enjoyable and heart-warming Christmas this year! With this gift, we will have an opportunity to share the great joy of celebrating with family and loved ones…the birth of our Savior and the rebirth within us all! We have been blessed with the birth of a great-granddaughter this year…and though they are 2,000 miles away…we can now send a gift of our love to her and her dear ones…plus share with others, as well as
something for ourselves!

Again…a special thank you to you and all, who in any way, made this possible for us. May the Lord…born in a manger…who died on a cross for us all…bless you and yours at this most beautiful and love-filled time of our Christian year!“

You have the opportunity to be a part of this ministry that cares for the active and retired clergy and lay employees of the United Church of Christ through your participation in the annual Christmas Fund Offering.

Your gift to the Christmas Fund will not only assist pastors like the one above with a "Thank You" Gift Check at Christmas, but also provide for the Supplementation of Small Annuities, Supplementation of Health Premiums and provide Emergency Grants to active and retired clergy and lay employees.

The mission of the Christmas Fund is to provide assistance dollars in situations of critical need, while preserving the dignity of those who receive the aid.

Our 2011 goal is to raise $1,650,000 for the vital ministries of Pension Supplementation, Health Premium Supplementation, Emergency Grants, and Christmas Gifts to low-income retirees. During 2010, you provided gifts totaling $1,504,420, which was slightly less than the previous year. Aware as we are of the effects of the lingering recession, we are grateful for the generosity you have shown.

Please remember that your generous contributions can and do make a difference in the lives of many.