By The Rev. Susan Balfour

Beloved,

Greetings in the name of Christ! I am grateful for you, and I remember you in my prayers, asking God’s blessings for you and for our church family.

The Christmas Joy offering dates to 1930 and is one of the five special offerings the PC(USA) receives each year. Half of this gift benefits current and retired church workers and their families in time of need through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions. The other half benefits students at Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. By participating in this offering, we actively support church leaders—retired, active, and future—in ways that go beyond budgets and convey the promise of the unity of the church, ensuring the wellbeing of those who have dedicated their lives to church service. This special offering is coordinated by the denomination and is not a line-item in the congregational budget; it is your opportunity to directly participate in the life, ministry, and mission of the broader church by supporting its leadership and their families.

Typically, this special offering is received on Christmas Eve, though you are welcome to contribute anytime. For checks, write “Christmas Joy” in the memo line; for cash, please enclose it in an enveloped marked Christmas Joy. For other methods of giving, please contact Ashton in the church office.

On a personal note, I have benefitted from the Christmas Joy Offering myself. It is a comfort knowing that the denomination as a whole prioritizes church leaders like me who may find their families undergoing difficult times. I know that I received help from our denomination at a vulnerable time, and that help came from people sitting in pews answering the call to support us.

Again, I give thanks for your generous hearts and your love for church, community, and Christ.

In Christ,

Rev. Susan