Dear Members and Friends,

Lent is traditionally a season of fasting and prayer.  During this time, Christians pay close attention to spiritual disciplines that deepen our understanding of what God is doing in our lives and in the world. As a church, we spend time together hearing about and praying for the ministries of compassion and justice done through our support of One Great Hour of Sharing.

Jesus' ministry was among those who were most vulnerable. He preached good news to the poor, and release to the captives.  One Great Hour of Sharing helps us share this same good news to those same vulnerable people in our world today: those who are hungry, who are suffering from disaster, and who are dealing with oppression in society.

Every gift made to this offering will meet the needs of people, and you will hear about just a few of these individuals over the coming weeks - in a bulletin insert and minutes for mission.  These stories will help us to see the face of those whose lives have been changed by our gifts, but they are only a few of the thousands and thousands of people served in this important ministry.

I'd also like to invite you to visit the One Great Hour of Sharing website, to find out more information on how your support of OGHS helps people all over the world, and offer prayers for the projects and people who receive them.

While we trust our OGHS programs to respond to the needs of our poorest and hungriest neighbors, those programs can only do so to the extent of our generousity.  Please prayerfully consider what you can give to support this offering.  We will be collecting this offering throughout the month of March, and didicating the offering during worship on Sunday, March 25th.

Yours in the love and grace of Jesus Christ,

Melinda Jones, Elder

One Great Hour of Sharing