Weekly e360 Newsletter

Dear Friends in Christ,

During the Conference Clergy Convocation earlier this fall, Rev. Mike Slaughter offered copies of his book, Christmas Is Not Your Birthday as part of his focus on the mission of the Church: to bring an old yet always new message to the world.

Now we are on the brink of the swirl of the shopping season, while at the same time we are eager to sing carols about a boy born in a stable to save the world. Let us truly remember whose birthday it is, and what our gifts can do for a spiritually hungry, physically hurting world. Here are 12 ideas for giving this Advent that I hope you will use to change the world.
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson.

Please give generously to ~

  1. The World Service Fund, 100% for mission around the world: give through your local congregation or ministry. Information available at: http://www.umcgiving.org/ and search "World Service Fund."
  2. The Global Aids Fund: http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/work/health/hivaids/aids-fund/
  3. The Central Conference Pension Initiative: http://www.ccpi-umc.org/
  4. Imagine No Malaria campaign: http://www.imaginenomalaria.org/
  5. Camp scholarships, and gifts to improve conference camp sites. http://www.calpaccamps.org/donate.aspx
  6. Save La Plaza Fund: http://www.urbanfoundation.org/?p=121
  7. L.A. Urban Intern Project: http://sites.google.com/site/unitedmethodisturbaninternship/home
  8. Western Jurisdiction Mission Retreat Center: contact Rev. Kim at http://www.cal-pac.org/churches/detail/934
  9. Episcopal Welcome Fountain project and global mission water projects: support your local congregation or ministry’s initiative. Information available at: http://www.cal-pac.org/pages/detail/2016
  10. Scholarships for youth to leadership development events: www.calpacyoungpeople.org
  11. Campus ministries: please give through your local congregation or ministry. Info available at http://www.calpaccampus.org/
  12. And, help a fellow church in your district to keep on their heat and lights!