United Thank Offering

Diocese of Virginia

United Thank Offering Report 2007

Sandra Kirkpatrick

He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.                                                                 2 Corinthians 9:6

From January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2007, I have sent a total of $300,766.00 to the national office. That equates roughly to $150,283.00 per year. Because the fall ingathering is relatively late in the year, many churches do not remit their fall contribution in time for it to be included by the December deadline, so this two-year average gives a more accurate picture of the two year period. This annual amount is significantly less than the high of $186,445.97 in 2003, but is slightly above the median for the last ten years.

During the past year several churches have revived their UTO program and one has started a program. There have been no defections; only one of the eleven churches that voted to break away from the diocese had an active UTO program, and that church has reconstituted and continues to contribute. The three other reconstituted (continuing) churches have agreed to begin UTO programs in 2008.

During 2008 new rectors will receive a packet of UTO materials and an explanation of the prayerful aspect of this ministry. A dozen churches that do not have active programs will be targeted for special attention in 2008. I hope that more churches will take advantage of the educational materials we have available in the form of films and speakers. I can provide a program for any church that requests one.

In 2007 the Peter Paul Development Center in Richmond received a UTO grant for $20,000.00 to “help pay staff salary to expand a growing program teaching inner-city youth personal leadership skills and career planning, with parental involvement.”

The United Thank Offering has adopted a new vision statement:  “We will significantly impact the lives of women and children because of Christ’s love.”As a result, starting in 2009, UTO grants will focus particularly on projects that alleviate the human suffering that the Millennium Development Goals address.  

         Sandra Kirkpatrick

            United Thank Offering Coordinator

                     Diocese of Virginia