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Advent Advance Giving
As Christians we believe the words of the old carol that love did come down at Christmas at the birth of the baby Jesus. God has given His love unconditionally and universally. At this holy time of the year, we, as members of a blessed congregation living in a blessed nation, have the opportunity to respond to that love by reaching out to others who are enduring difficult situations. The Advent Advance Giving is a way to honor a friend or relative by giving a gift to missions in his/her name. Then your Christmas gift will not only touch the people you know, it will also reach around the world to someone in need.
The Advance for Christ Giving began in the aftermath of World War II as people began to rebuild a shattered world. In 1948 the General Conference launched the Advance as a call to concerned Methodists to help revitalize war-torn areas of the world. Since that time United Methodists have raised money every year to address needs in the United States and around the world. We have sheltered refugees, built churches, schools, and hospitals, fed the hungry, and shared our love and faith with millions of people.
Each year Goldston United Methodist Church gives over $1,500 to Advance Mission Projects and to our Local Mission Funds during the Advent Season. The mission projects receive 100% of the money given since all administrative costs are paid through our Conference apportionments. This means that every cent is used for the ministry and service for which it is intended.
If you would like to be a part of this united effort, simply choose a mission project from the United Methodist literature. When you give your gift, you receive a Christmas card to send to each person you wish to honor. On the card fill in the mission project you have chosen for them.
Remember that no gift is too small! There are millions of other United Methodists giving to these projects, and together we can make a tremendous difference in the lives of many people around the world.
Thank you for Christmas shopping with Advance Giving.
Wishing you joy and peace!
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