The holidays are here and while many of us will be gearing up for the sales season and working through our Christmas lists, it is imperative that we make time to acknowledge the many giving opportunities around us. Giving Tuesday is tomorrow, November 27, and you have several more opportunities to ‘save’ on this unique day of global generosity that can help transform lives through wonderful ministries and non-profits that reach the least of these each and every day.
We invite you to take a moment to find at least one great group to support today and find something that might peak your interest to foster a new charitable relationship.
As you prepare to share and ‘save,’ here are some of the great ministries you can help support.
The Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children
The Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children uses funds donated by local churches and individuals throughout Indiana to help support ministries worldwide devoted to serving children and young people. Across communities, children are often the most vulnerable in our society. Through the kindness and generosity of people like you, the Indiana Conference is able to impact young lives by strengthening programs and ministries like IMPACT 2818 Camp & Outdoor ministries, children and youth homes, local outreach projects, The Advance projects, the Bishop’s fund for emerging children’s projects, and so much more.
In his letter launching the Christmas Offering for this year, Bishop Trimble states, “Each of us could share stories of persons who impacted us during our childhood through the types of ministries the Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children seeks to support. It is through this legacy that I pray you would continue to bless these ministries in generosity.”
Resources, including PowerPoint slides, children’s sermon starters, social media images and more, to help you share the news about the Bishop’s Christmas Offering are available here.
Africa University
Africa University (AU) is a United Methodist-related institution of higher learning in Zimbabwe and has helped students from across the continent of Africa become world-changing leaders for their countries, as well as nations all around the globe. For 25 years AU has offered Africa a chance for change by providing its young people a future with hope. You may support the University by making donations toward scholarships to make a good education a possibility for young leaders throughout Africa. You may also give to the AU Farm Development project, through The United Methodist Advance, in support of AU’s focus to improve farm life by making advance agricultural education accessible to students, as well as small-crop farmers across Africa.
– Donate to Africa University scholarships (Advance #3021028)
– Donate to AU Farm Development (Advance #3021027)
Mission Guatemala
When you give to Mission Guatemala (Advance #3019214) on Giving Tuesday, you are empowering a United Methodist ministry in helping to meet the basic needs and improve the quality of life of underserved Guatemalan people through health, education, and nutrition initiatives and meaningful missionary service. Donations through The Advance go toward strengthening Mission Guatemala’s focus in implementing health, education and nutrition programs in the Lake Atitlan region.
Click here to make a donation.
United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR)
Advance hope, love, and healing around the world on #GivingTuesday by giving to a ministry committed to providing help where it’s most needed. UMCOR projects are prevalent worldwide, from Kenya, where the UMCOR volunteers provide medical relief, to making education a reality for children in South Sudan. Whether it’s your community or the other end of the world, whether it’s women and children, or young adults seeking to explore their calling in missions, UMCOR works to serve and empower all of God’s children. Explore the many UMCOR projects that are actively responding to needs and supporting ministry focuses across the world — Creation Care, Migration, Global Health, and many other opportunities.
Explore UMCOR projects and donate
General Board of Church and Society
When donors give to support the work of Church and Society, they are assisting in “the struggle for justice and peace.” Less than half of the Church and Society’s budget comes directly from The General Church. Leadership and advocacy from the Board is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. Donations go toward funding advocacy workshops on topical issues like climate change, immigration, and domestic violence. Funds also help with the support of local church across the Connection and connect adult interns of various backgrounds to leadership training and guidance.
Click here to learn more and make your contribution
Support the work of Indiana Conference ministries with Amazon Smile
As you’re shopping for items this holiday season, consider Amazon Smile. Amazon connects efficiency with convenience by allowing shoppers all over the world to find the perfect gift and deliver it right to your door. When you order through Amazon Smile, your purchases will make an impact in communities across the world, by automatically designating a portion of your funds to ministries in the Indiana Conference, as well as the worldwide Church. Funds will be used to support the work of these ministries:
– The Advance
– Disaster Response Giving
– Special Sundays
– Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children
– Camp & Outdoor Ministries
Learn more and start shopping today!
The gift that keeps on giving
Giving opportunities are in abundance when you seek to strengthen United Methodist ministries and impact lives through The United Methodist Advance. The Advance, committed to advancing hope in Christ’s name, provides a global platform that allows you to empower and advance ministries throughout the Connection. Learn more at umcmission.org.