United Thank Offering
The United Thank Offering (UTO) is a ministry of the Episcopal Church that began in 1899. Its mission is to significantly impact the lives of women and children demonstrating God's love. The monies collected from parishioners at Good Shepherd and throughout the Episcopal Church are distributed in grants to missionary projects around the world.
In 2017, the United Thank Offering of the Episcopal Church awarded 47 grants for a total of $1,169,969.55 for the mission and ministry of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
United Thank Offering's practice centers on people: individuals and families, who make daily and intentional, prayerful offerings by putting coins in the iconic blue box. In this act, lives are directly connected to God's mission.
The United Thank Offering Prayer is as follows:
Gracious God, source of all creation, all love, all true joy: accept we pray these outward signs of our profound and continuing thankfulness for all of life. Keep each of us ever thankful for all the blessings of joy and challenge that come our way. Bless those who will benefit from these gifts through the outreach of the United Thank Offering. This we ask through Him who is the greatest gift and blessing of all, Jesus Christ. Amen.
UTO at Good Shepherd
At Good Shepherd we hold a UTO ingathering at the end of the year, but you can participate year-round. UTO blue boxes and envelopes are made available in the narthex. You are invited to take a box or envelope home. Many individuals and families enjoy placing the box on their breakfast or dining room table, acknowledging their daily blessings with a meal-time prayer as they drop coins into the box.
If you would like to learn more about the work of the UTO, contact Karin Elsen or visit their website.
