The United Church of Christ (UCC) nationwide has launched an emergency appeal for Haiti after a major earthquake struck the country. Thousands of people are feared dead and countless have been left homeless. The need is massive.
Funds from the UCC's One Great Hour of Sharing have already been rushed to our Haitian partners to support their initial emergency response. We, here in Neenah_Menasha, have an opportunity to help our Haitian partners. The Mission & Stewardship (M&S) board has already received approval from the Trustees for $1,000 to be sent from the Permanent Opportunity Fund (Good Samaritan Fund). We are challenging the congregation to match this $1,000 in individual giving. This can be done by sending a check to the church office, or using a special envelope during Sunday worship. In addition, all offerings collected at the Lenten worship will be designated to go for the relief of our Haitian partners and will be considered part of the “match challenge”. If the congregation matches the $1,000, the M&S board will request an additional $1,000 to match this, from the Ruah Fund. As a member of the Christian community, this is a unique opportunity to share our bounty with Christians that have so little and now are in even graver distress. The season of Lent is a time for inward reflection and sacrifice... what better time to exercise our faith in our own journey, while supporting our Christian beliefs. Please consider giving as generously as you are able…it’s Christian Responsibility at work. Thank you.