April 2006

As a small girl I moved from place to place; living in six different cities by the time I was 12.  One constant amongst all these moves was participation in the Episcopal Church.  Although each parish had its own traditions, one of the most comforting constants was “The Blue Box”.  Another constant was those, mostly women, who taught me the blessings of daily thankful prayer and first introduced me to the concept of outreach by sharing the stories of how the offerings would be used to help others.
When asked if I would consider helping with our UTO campaigns, I initially hesitated.  However, my memories of the good work done through UTO  and the idea of a focus on daily thankful prayer convinced me to agree to do what I could.   With support from Elaine and other women active in ECW, I agreed.

Being involved with UTO has been a life changing experience for me, even though my involvement has been for less than a year.  Daily thankful prayer has been a struggle at times;  I have often forgotten just how blessed I am.  Being a part of a larger community in Christ has often mystified me; through UTO I have again felt included in a larger Christian community active throughout the world.

Matthew 25:35, “feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, care for the sick and visit the imprisoned” has long been a personal reminder of my responsibility as a Christian.  Working more closely with others in our Diocese has given me a new awareness and new hope as to the changes that can occur when many work together.  The fact that contributions and prayers world-wide gather together to do good works is a powerful concept, and one that finds physical reality through the United Thank Offering.

It is often said that “personal stories” are what motivate us to donate to a cause.   Did you know that HOPE Clinic - right here in Texas - was awarded a UTO grant in 2005 and used it to purchase much needed medical equipment that serves the poor in a multi-county area?  Another UTO grant was awarded to the Greater Athens Anglican Community.  Yes, in Greece!, to help provide emergency exits and access for the handicapped.  St. Joseph’s in California was awarded a grant that enabled them to build a community outreach center.  In Amarillo, UTO provided funding for dental services to those who would otherwise be unable to access this care.  These are just a few of the grants awarded because YOU participate in the United Thank Offering.
The power of daily thankful prayer remains immeasurable.  For me it provides a reminder of my blessings, a time set aside to focus me spiritually, a way to keep me open to Christ on a daily basis.  United Thank Offering has been a blessing to me.  I invite you to share in this experience.

For more information about the United Thank Offering, contact your parish coordinator, me, or online at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/