The Christmas Joy Offering is one way we join together as Presbyterians around the country to help vulnerable people whom we aren’t able to meet individually or as a congregation.

Working together really does make big- ger and better things possible. During these past months, because of COVID-19, many haven’t been able to come together in person. Now, during the Advent Season we come together, if only virtually, to support church workers past, present and future through the Christmas Joy Offering.

This offering, a cherished Presbyterian tradition since the 1930s, distributes gifts equally to the PCUSA Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and Presbyterian- related schools and colleges with communities of color.

The Assistance Program provides critical financial support for current and retired, or past, church workers and their families experiencing life’s challenging circumstances.

Presbyterian-related schools and col- leges educate and develop future church leaders, while nurturing racial and ethnic heritage, a Presbyterian commitment for some 140 years. One of the supported schools is Presbyterian Pan American School in Kingsville.

The offering will be taken December 6. However, we can give throughout the Advent Season. We can give to the Christmas Joy Offering two ways:

1) through the “December Giving” porting our website

2) by mailing a check, payable to First Presbyterian Church, with “Joy Offering” in the memo line, to Sue Bell, Financial Secretary.