Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We celebrate Jesus’ birthday by giving love and sharing joy. And each year, the UUMC Missions Committee designates one local and one international nonprofit for our congregation to support through a special Christmas Offering. For 2024, the Missions team has chosen to support Haven House Homeless Shelter and the famine relief work in South Sudan through the United Methodist Advance.
This special Christmas offering will be divided equally between these two organizations for the good and lifesaving work they are doing. Please return your gift in the enclosed envelope or donate through the Venmo app (@UUMCDonation) and indicate that it is for the “Christmas Offering.”
Here is a bit more about the two organizations:
Haven House supporting Families who face homelessness (www.havenhouseel.org) Haven House has provided temporary shelter for homeless families since 1983. The services include supporting clients with basic needs such as shelter, food, clothing, and personal needs items, and programs that will make an impact on the lives of families after they have left the shelter. Haven House also works to prevent homelessness for families whenever possible.
Famine Relief in South Sudan through United Methodist Advance: Over 7 million people in South Sudan are facing food insecurities and famine. The impacts of climate change have caused major flooding for more than one million people across 42 counties and domestic and sexual violence continue to be rampant in the region.The South Sudan famine relief, through South Sudan undesignated Advance and the ministry of Rev. David Muwaya, are responding to this heartbreaking situation with help and hope.
Thank you for your generosity and for sharing the gift of Christmas with others this season.
Pastor Melanie