By Rev. Claire Berry, Associate Pastor
I’m thrilled to share that in April, Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church contributed $11,000 to One Great Hour of Sharing, a special offering of our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). One Great Hour of Sharing goes to address disaster, hunger, and oppression throughout the world, through several Presbyterian agencies—Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People. This special offering is in addition to the generous support WHPC already gives its local and global mission partners each year.
Last year, One Great Hour of Sharing supported long-term recovery from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. It provided food for Somalian refugees fleeing war and famine. In New Jersey and North Carolina, the offering has helped people advocate for secure and affordable housing. Funds have also helped rebuild homes in Syria, destroyed by civil war. The impact of this special offering is truly global.
Refugees in Africa have received much needed food aid and agricultural equipment sourced by One Great Hour of Sharing gifts.
This year, the offering is likely to prove more important than ever. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s response to COVID-19 has already begun, with One Great Hour of Sharing providing their core funding. Presbyterian hunger and development programs, also supported, are especially important in this vulnerable time of pandemic and its economic aftermath.
Thank you to everyone who contributed this year. WHPC’s strong participation in One Great Hour of Sharing, in unity with the PCUSA, is a powerful testament to love, healing, and renewal.
