On Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024, we will collect our annual One Great Hour of Sharing Offering (OGHS). Each of our denominations receives half of our collection, to be used in their respective projects around the world. The information that both denominations send us about their use of the funds includes stories of projects large and small. These may range from huge efforts (disaster relief for communities devastated by storms) to small (help for individual families).
Some examples this year include a brief story from the UCC about Pedro, a Honduran farmer who had trouble maintaining his harvest and sales early in the COVID-19 pandemic. OGHS had set up a food security program. Pedro received chickens, a piglet, sheep, and a cow. He was given intense training in caring for these animals. He also learned how to start a vegetable garden. This brought them out of the depths of poverty. Plus, he also shared his knowledge and food with his neighbors.
The PCUSA also has a wide range of projects – and divides its OGHS offering into 3 basic Uses: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA; 32% of the donations received); Hunger Program (36%); and Self-Development of People (32%) (i.e., investments in communities dealing with oppression, poverty, and injustice).
Here are two examples of very different scale: different groups of PCUSA partners around the world planted more than 60,000 trees; in Guatemala–75 potable water filters were distributed to those needing safer drinking water.
2024 Themes
"Share the Light" is the theme of this year's UCC half of the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Its metaphor is a kaleidoscope – fragments of many-colored light reaching those in need. The theme also references the “Sermon on the Mount,” in which Jesus reminds us of our role as Christians to be the Light of the World. Projects supported range from community-wide to family-sized.
PCUSA's half has as a theme “Isaiah 58”, centered on the verse “And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In." It specifically focuses on hunger issues, disaster assistance, and self-development. Some projects are large and long-term; some are immediate, providing tools and food.
More information and brief stories will precede our collection on March 24, 2024. We also welcome early donations. You can donate online by choosing One Great Hour of Sharing Offering from the Fund dropdown menu on the Give page of our church's website, or by sending a check with that notation in the memo line.