One Great Hour of Sharing: Give Generously!

Don Miller

KO Disaster Ministries Coordinator

One Great Hour of Sharing is one of the four special offerings of the United Church of Christ. It is usually received during Lent, and this year the offering falls on March 14.  Its focus is on disasters, refugee-immigration issues, and development ministries throughout the world.  When a disaster strikes or when people are displaced or made refugees by violence or extreme poverty, the UCC is part of the immediate response and of the long-term recovery. 

This year’s OGHS theme is “Let Love Flow,”  and it couldn’t be more appropriate.  We have been living through a year-long world-wide disaster as COVID-19 has spread throughout the world.  And then recently, with the bitter cold that swept our nation, as far south as our southern borders and the Gulf of Mexico, we have experienced wide-spread disasters throughout our Southern Rim! 

The bulk of our funding for Disaster Ministries comes from this special offering.  One of the uses of these funds during the past year has been to provide clean water in communities that need it, both in the US and worldwide. 

Last year, this offering was severely impacted by the closure of so many Church buildings and the limits of in-person worship.  This year, the need for funding is as great as it has ever been.  I want to encourage all of our Churches to not only receive this Special Offering, but to place special emphasis on its importance.  There has never been a greater need for support of Disaster Ministries than this year!