The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, received during Lent, has a

sixty-nine year history as an ecumenical endeavor that now involves nine denominations and Church World Service. Founded in 1946 by Episcopal Bishop Henry Knox Sherrill, a goal was set to raise one million dollars in one hour for World Relief. 

The first Presbyterian participation in this ecumenical offering was initiated in 1947 by the the former United Presbyterian Church in the United States of America (UPCUSA), followed in 1948 by the former Presbyterian Church in the United States (PCUS). In 1949, church leaders from several denominations began working together to promote this effort. Major networks broadcast a show, called “One Great Hour”, on Saturday, March 26 at 10 p.m. EST. The broadcast, featuring President Truman and popular musicians and actors of the time, closed with the request to make a sacrificial contribution at their own place of worship the next morning. While there is no record of funds raised that day, it is estimated that over 75,000 churches participated. 

Today, our denominational offerings are divided among 3 missions of the PCUSA: 

  • 32 percent to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
  • 32 percent to Self-Development of People
  • 36 percent to the Presbyterian Hunger Program

Over the next six weeks, we will share stories about your impact through this offering. And don’t forget — Gracie the Fish (Bank) can be picked up along with a sharing calendar this Sunday!

For more info go to: https://tinyurl.com/WPCOGHS26