Easter Sunday
One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
(April)—
Each year on Easter Sunday, First Church joins ecumenical churches around the country, including Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. First Church divides our offering, with half going to local mission, and half being given to the national offering, which supports people in more than 100 countries. The One Great Hour of Sharing offering was established by Christian churches in response to the devastation of World War II.
Pentecost Sunday
Pentecost Offering
(May)—
Pentecost celebrates the birth of the church and the presence of the Holy Spirit in us. The Pentecost Offering was initiated by Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1998 in support of children at risk; faith-focused leadership development programs for youth; and young adults programs that benefit children at risk in this country and around the world. Half goes to the national church designations and half to a local ministry designated by First Presbyterian Church.
Peace Sunday
World Communion/Peacemaking Offering
(October)—
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) funds its Peacemaking Program through the annual Peacemaking Offering, received as part of World Communion services on the first Sunday in October. On this day, the Peacemaking Offering is received at First Church, and one half of the offering goes to support the PCUSA Peacemaking Program in its efforts towards humanitarian, economic and environmental justice. The other half goes to a local mission effort as approved by First Presbyterian Church's Session.
Christmas
Joy Offering
Distribution of the offering: Fifty percent of the receipts to the Christmas Joy Offering are distributed to the Board of Pensions for assistance programs that provide support to retired and active church workers and their spouses and families. The other fifty percent supports Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education through the National Ministries Division of the General Assembly Council.