One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is one of three offerings the Canaan Congregational Church sponsors during the year to support our wider mission. This offering enables the United Church of Christ to reach people and communities affected by disaster, violence, displacement or poverty, in the United States and throughout the world.
OGHS works with congregations and organizations locally, those vested in the affected communities, so that we can be present quickly, and help the people living in those communities rebuild their lives. This year’s OGHS theme is Love Remains.
In the theme scripture (1 Corinthians 13), the Apostle Paul helped newly converted Christians at Corinth embrace the virtue of love. Love is an active decision to think of others before self; to work on behalf of others; and to care for other with acts of kindness and advocacy. Paul taught that community is less about “me” and more about “us.”
Putting love into actions is a call to us to help our neighbors, near and far, as we have the ability. The Apostle Paul reminds us, just as he did the Corinthians so long ago, that the greatest expression of our connection to others is the way we love them. Our generous gift to One Great Hour of Sharing – United Church of Christ enables our church and our worldwide partners to make a difference in lives and communities around the world. Together, we are responding to disasters, supporting sustainable farming, education, and health initiatives, as well as pitching in to assist people fleeing violence from their home communities. We receive this offering with joy, believing that, despite all the challenges facing the world, love remains.
On Sunday, March 27, please join with members from several thousand fellow UCC churches to support One Great Hour of Sharing. We will be accepting donations throughout the month of March.
Please make your check payable to the Canaan Congregational Church and indicate in the memo portion that the check is for the OGHS offering. Donations may be mailed to the Canaan Congregational Church, P.O. Box 66, Canaan, NY 12029.
Ed Fallon, for the Missions Team