“For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” (Psalm 71:5)
Dear Siblings in Christ,
God’s vision for the world is that everyone finds their place in God’s kingdom — in God’s household.
At Pentecost, we celebrate God’s pouring out of the Holy Spirit so that everyone may hear and know a word of welcome. We are all connected in God’s household — living, learning and celebrating as the church … together.
In this season of new awakening, we look particularly to children, youth and young adults for their new thoughts, approaches and questions. The psalmist reminds us that faith is established in our earliest years, saying, “For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O Lord, from my youth.” These youngest members of the household of faith need our support to reach their full potential in faith and life. We all have important roles to play in their journey. And while we teach and lead, we often find that these younger ones give us new insights into our own faith and in how the Holy Spirit is moving in our world. Your gifts to the Pentecost Offering support ministries with children, youth, and young adults in our community, across the nation and around the world.
As we prepare to receive the Pentecost Offering, remember that 40% of your gifts remain in our community to support ministries with younger people. The remainder of your offering is forwarded to the denomination so that young adults can form a foundation for their lives through a year of service in the Young Adult Volunteer Program; youth can be among the 5,000-plus having mountaintop experiences in worship, play and faith formation at events like the Presbyterian Youth Triennium; and children can receive educational support through the Educate a Child, Transform the World initiative.
During this Pentecost season, as we celebrate God’s gift to the church of Spirit-led energy, intelligence, imagination, and love, we invite you to join in celebrating our part in building lives of faith among our children, youth, and young adults. These younger members of the household of faith are not just the future of the church — they ARE the church.
Contributions may be given through your offering envelopes, through the Donate tab on our website homepage (please select missions and indicate the Pentecost Offering), or through the PC(USA) website. Please give generously.
