The World Thank Offering

Each year, United Methodist Women have the opportunity to show their gratitude for God’s blessings through the World Thank Offering.

Sometimes the Lord surprises us with an unexpected gift. As people of faith, we bring many requests to God for health, healing, and hope in our lives and in the lives of people who are facing difficulties. We are uplifted by the Lord’s beautiful promise through the prophet Jeremiah. In the place where there was sadness, loss, and disappointment, there will again be “the voices of those who sing, as they bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord: ‘Give thanks to the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!’” (Jeremiah 33:11, NRSV). In God’s time, our prayers are answered according to his wisdom. Truly, God does great things! We are so grateful that we want to express our thanks and tangibly share God’s blessings with others.

We can participate in the World Thank Offering at any time of the year. Individuals may set aside coins or bills whenever they feel especially grateful for God’s gifts in their life. Special offering banks are available for order, or stickers may be placed on a bank of your choosing. Now it is easier than ever to give a donation in any amount to the World Thank Offering through this link: http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/donate/umwprojects/world-thank-offering. You can even specify if the gift is in honor or someone or in memory of a loved one.

Chapters of United Methodist Women’s groups in local churches may decide when to collect this special offering. Many churches select November as a fitting time of the year. All the contributions to the World Thank Offering are gathered together to support the total program of mission through the United Methodist Women’s national office. The purpose of United Methodist Women is “turning faith, hope and love into action on behalf of women, children and youth around the world.” Their web address is http://www.unitedmethodistwomen.org/.

The goal for the World Thank Offering is that members of United Methodist Women’s groups will “discover creative ways to raise funds… so that the lives of women, children and youth will be impacted beyond measure.” Our offerings honor God and can become part of the good work that God is doing in the world—even an answer to the prayers of vulnerable women and children. May this year be a time when you and your church will experience God’s blessings and respond with a joyful outpouring of generosity and thanksgiving.