Presbyterian Women

2024 THANK OFFERING

The Thank Offering began in 1888 by Eliza Clokey of Springfield Ohio and has been carried forward by Presbyterian Women ever since. Women were encouraged to give one dollar or more above their usual contribution to the Women’s General Missionary Society. Presbyterian Women in the PCUSA adopted this program in 1988. Today this tradition is carried forth.

The Creative Offering Ministry Committee reviews projects sent to them each year. This year six projects have been selected in the US and two are international. In keeping with the Thank Offering bylaws, more that 40% of the selected projects are related to health ministries.

One of the international projects will provide a Surgicenter Ambulance for Haiti and the other ministry will support Vulnerable Children in the Greater Kasai of the Congo. I visited this ministry on a mission trip to the Congo a few years ago. Here when a family cannot support a child, that child is put out on the street no matter their age. The Presbyterian Church in Congo (CPC) rescues, houses and educates these children until they are 18.

One of the national projects comes from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the Dakota Presbytery. I visited with the Lakota Indians in South Dakota on a mission trip to the Lakota nation. Caring for newborns and small children is much needed since many young mothers are single and income sources are minimal. (And yes, they are not offended when being referred to as Indians as well as Native Americans).

There are five other projects which need funding, and I hope you’ll prayerfully consider giving to the 2024 THANK OFFERING. Please make you check for the Thank Offering, care of Presbyterian Women.

Alice Wyatt