The Pentecost Offering, one of our denomination’s four, churchwide Special Offerings, supports ministries with children, youth, and young adults in our community, across the nation, and around our world. As you give to this important offering on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, remember that 40% of your gift remains in our church to support ministries with younger people in our community as we choose.
This year, we plan to use our 40% in support of Hope Academy of Music and the Arts. The Academy was established in 1999 at ELPC as a mission outreach to the community, and offers a safe and affordable opportunity for young people from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds to explore, and develop their artistic gifts through the study of dance, music, and theater. Working in partnership with many local organizations and teaching artists, Hope Academy has helped hundreds of children develop skills, confidence, and determination, and has given them the ability to share these artistic skills through personal, amateur, and professional outlets.
The remainder of your offering is forwarded to the denomination so that young adults can form a foundation for their lives through a year of service in the Young Adult Volunteer Program; youth can be among the 5,000-plus having mountaintop experiences in worship, play, and faith formation at events like the Presbyterian Youth Triennium; and children can receive support through the Educate a Child, Transform the World initiative.
During Pentecost season, as we celebrate God’s many gifts to the church, I invite you to join me in celebrating our part in building lives of faith among our children, youth, and young adults. These members of our household of faith are not just the future of the church, they ARE the church—and they are God’s gift to us. Thank you for all the ways that you give.
Yours in Christ,
Michele Bossers
Chair, ELPC Mission Board