United Methodist Women Lead the Way: Giving God Gratitude United Methodist Women have been giving the fruits of their abundance since 1887 when A Call to Prayer and Self Denial began as a way “to consecrate a portion from abounding riches or scant poverty to send forth the good tiding of great joy unto all the earth”. (Dorothy M. Woodruff, “The Story of the Week of Prayer and Self Denial 1887-1961)

This spirit of giving from our abundance continues to this day. United Methodist Women all over the country forego small luxuries, like a cup of coffee, and drop their “least coins” into World Thank Offering collection boxes. When pooled with other World Thank offerings, these coins total more than 1.8 million dollars for mission.

In the book, Ceremonies IV , (The Women’s Division, GBGM, 2003) J. Ann Craig writes in the worship service,“The Wealth of Peace,” “Let your money worries go! Let your wealth and your being go into the service of the world, which suffers in great need, even as we worship. Do not be shy! Go and tell the world that new birth, new hope, even resurrection is possible – it happens very day.”

United Methodist Women already are in the groove of gratitude. The World Thank Offering is one way women give a shout out to God! It’s our way of saying, “Thanks, God for all you’ve done, are doing, will do in my life.”

World Thank Offering Box, #01731, 45 cents; Ceremonies, #3225, $3.50 Order from Service Center at 1-800-305-9857, or www.scorders.org .

For information on finance and mission, contact Mary Beth Coudal, executive secretary for mission opportunities at mbcoudal@gbgm-umc.org .

Date posted: Sep 20, 2004