In 1883, the women's auxiliary of the Episcopal church began the United Thank Offering (UTO) when they took up a thank offering to support innovative mission and ministry around the world beyond what the church budget could cover.
Now including people of all ages and genders, UTO invites individuals and churches to develop a daily spiritual practice of gratitude. It collects the prayers and grateful offerings of The Episcopal Church in thanksgiving for the many blessings of this life and awards 100% of what is collected in grants to global ministries.
In 2024, UTO awarded just over $1 million for projects focusing on "the stranger" mentioned in Matthew 25:35 (NRSV): "for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." The awards supported: a) Asylum seekers, migrants and refugees; b) community building; and c) the LGBTQIA+ community: https://unitedthankoffering.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-UTO-Grant-Brochure.pdf
Please practice gratitude using these resources: https://unitedthankoffering.com/whygratitude/ Then give generously to UTO via Breeze (select “Outreach Sunday: “United Thank Offering” from the drop-down menu); by texting “outreach” to (301) 685-7608; or by check, payable to St. John’s Norwood with “United Thank Offering” on the memo line. Thanks!
- Margaret Hilton