On Sunday, May 17, all cash offerings and any designated outreach offerings will be donated to United Thank Offering (UTO).
The United Thank Offering began in 1883 when women of the church took up a thank offering to support innovative mission and ministry in The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion that the church budget could not cover. Today, UTO includes members of all ages and genders, and welcomes people regardless of church affiliation. UTO’s focus is still on promoting gratitude and supporting innovative projects that address compelling needs around the globe.
In 2025, $1,079,748.37 was donated and awarded for projects addressing water issues, health issues related to water quality, water needs of the unhoused, or projects that address the historic trauma inflicted upon marginalized people around water issues. Since its official founding in 1889, UTO has awarded 5,475 grants for a total of $145,318,512.13.
As you enjoy the warmer weather and plan for summer vacations, be sure to give thanks for all your blessings using the UTO resources at 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