Churchwide Special Offerings
Support Presbyterian Mission year-round through Special Offerings
Individuals and congregations continually seek ways to support mission that makes God's love present to people around the world. In addition to regular giving, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has created four churchwide opportunities each year call Special Offerings to support specific causes. The focuses of the offerings correspond with the season of the liturgical year or special days of the church calendar: the Christmas Joy Offering is generally received the Sunday before Christmas; One great Hour of Sharing on Easter Sunday; the Pentecost Offering on the day of Pentecost; and Peacemaking Offering on World Communion Sunday. All the ministries supported by these offerings represent priorities lifted up by the denomination.
Four opportunities to make God's love present to those in need.
The Christmas Joy Offering has been a Presbyterian tradition for more than 70 years. Its proceeds benefit active and retired workers of the church in times of need and also support the work of racial ethnic Presbyterian schools and colleges.
Since 1949 One Great Hour of Sharing has helped people in need around the world. The offering supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Self-Development of People and the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
Congregations are encouraged to retain 40% of the Pentecost Offering for local work with children at risk. The remaining 60% is shared among ministries with youth and young adults, young adult mission volunteers and child advocacy.
The Peacemaking Offering is distributed among local congregations (25%), presbyteries and synod (25%) and the general Assembly (50%) for peacemaking efforts. The offering is received on World Communion Sunday, the Sunday in October.