Same love, new look: Three new special offerings for the Church of the Brethren.

The Church of the Brethren is now giving congregations the opportunity to participate in a series of three new special offerings in addition to the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. They are the Pentecost Offering, the Mission Offering, and the Advent Offering. Although each one has a different theme and individual look, they all share one unified goal: to support the life-changing ministries of the Church of the Brethren. Read more at www.brethren.org/offerings.

Gifts to any of these special offerings support the work of Congregational Life Ministries, Global Mission and Service, the Office of Ministry, the General Secretary’s office, our communications and web services, the Brethren Historical Library and Archives, Brethren Volunteer Service, workcamps, Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and so much more. Special offerings are a unique and important way that Brethren congregations can join together to continue the work of Jesus through their denominational ministries.

Pentecost Sunday is May 19, the suggested date for the Pentecost Offering. The scripture theme is Acts 2:38-39, and this offering will emphasize congregational vitality and church planting. Offering materials will arrive at all churches on standing order by April 19. Corresponding worship resources are available now at www.brethren.org/pentecost.

Sept. 22 is the suggested date for the Mission Offering, which will focus on service and international mission. And Dec. 8 is the suggested date for the Advent Offering, which will focus on how we can boldly speak the good news with our Brethren voice for the glory of God and our neighbors’ good.

If you have questions about any Church of the Brethren special offerings, call Mandy Garcia at 847-429-4361 or e-mail mgarcia@brethren.org. To order offering materials e-mail mdeball@brethren.org. To support the ongoing work of Church of the Brethren ministries now, visit www.brethren.org/give.

-- Mandy Garcia is associate director of donor communications for the Church of the Brethren.

Source: 4/5/2013 Newsline