Thanksgiving Offering

Happy Thanksgiving!

As we enter this season of harvest and gratitude, we are reminded of the importance and power of giving thanks every day of the year. Christians are called to “give thanks in all circumstances,” (I Thessalonians 5:8) and so experience the gifts of God that we might otherwise overlook. Thankfulness is a choice we can make that opens our lives toward greater contentment and joy, and opens our eyes to see our neighbors with God’s love.  

On Thanksgiving Day we are invited to reclaim the story of a meal long ago, shared in love and thankfulness among people who grew from feared strangers to trusted friends, that began our nation’s Thanksgiving tradition. And we are invited to remember those who in this day are in need of food, shelter, compassion, and justice.

One of the ways we as a church show God’s love for our neighbors is through our Thanksgiving offering. The Thanksgiving offering goes specifically to ministries of local outreach and social justice. Our gifts are directed through our congregation’s Mission, Justice, and Community Work Area (combining the former Mission and Church and Society Work Areas); and will be used to reach out to lives, speak out about needs, and work to bring improved circumstances to others through the organizations described on the reverse side of this letter. 

If you haven't received a Thanksgiving offering envelope, they are available in the church office.

May your Thanksgiving be blessed with God’s abundant love.

Pastors Jim and Greta McDonald
Mission, Justice and Community Work Area

Click here to find a video meditation featuring a prayer of thanksgiving from the United Methodist Church.

The following are organizations that have received support from the Thanksgiving Offering in recent years.  How many organizations can be supported and in what amounts is dependent on your generosity in giving.

Bread for the World – A collective Christian voice urging our nation’s leaders to end hunger at home and abroad.  

Bridge Communities Inc. – Mentors families from homelessness to independent living by providing temporary housing, guidance (budgeting advice, tutoring, etc.), love, and stability.  Our church mentors Bridge families. 

DuPage Habitat for Humanity – Our locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International works in partnership with families to build affordable housing.  

DuPage Senior Home Sharing – Helps meet the need for affordable senior housing by providing a shared housing option.  Founded in 1981.  

Family Shelter Services – Founded in 1976, this agency addresses domestic abuse by providing emergency shelter services and non-residential counseling services, children’s programs, support groups, court advocacy, hotline services and preventive education.  

Hope’s Front Door (formerly Walk-in Ministry of Hope) – Provides emergency assistance to those in desperate need (unemployed, underemployed, homeless, seniors and disabled).  Clients are helped with food, medical, dental and/or transportation vouchers plus guidance to appropriate social agencies.  

JFON– Initiated by the UMC in 1999 to serve immigrants with hospitality and free legal guidance with professional immigration attorneys.  

Literacy DuPage – Provides accessible and customized tutoring in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English to help adults achieve independence.  

Love Christian Clearinghouse – Provides some short term financial aid and makes community referrals to help clients become or return to self-sufficiency.  

PADS (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) – Coordinates a network of sites to provide temporary food and shelter including one at FUMC.  Their long term mission is to end homelessness through case management, life coaching, employment support, etc.

Peoples Resource Center – Meets basic needs, including food, clothing, and rent assistance, and offers skill-building resources, such as literacy classes, job assistance, computer training and art.  

Prisoner Release Ministry – Help men and women find jobs when they are released from prison or jail.  

Reconciling Ministries – Works for the full inclusion in the United Methodist Church of all God’s people regardless of sexual identity and gender identity.