Received in many congregations on Nov. 14 & 21, 2021
The Thanksgiving Offering benefits the Colleges, Universities, Seminaries, and Divinity Houses affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Higher education has been an important focus for Disciples since the very beginning of the movement. Throughout our history, Disciples have founded institutions of higher learning to educate students and form leaders to make a difference in the world. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is still committed to higher education. Your gift to the Thanksgiving Offering helps support the education of thousands of students at our fifteen colleges and universities as well as our seven seminaries and divinity houses.
The Colleges and Universities of the Christian Church provide quality education through classes offered by some of the nation’s top undergraduate and graduate faculty. Many of the campuses are comprised of state-of-the-art facilities, offer diverse degree programs, include dynamic student life activities, offer exciting athletics programs, and much more. The Thanksgiving offering supports everything from scholarships, to religious life offices, to faculty growth and development. By giving to the Thanksgiving Offering you are helping our institutions invest in students as they prepare themselves to become leaders.
The Thanksgiving Offering also provides scholarship and support for our theological education institutions. Each of our seminaries and divinity houses is committed to educating and forming Christian leaders for church and society. Generations of pastors, community leaders, and agents of social transformation have been educated at our theological institutions. They have flourished and made a difference in the world, thanks to gifts from Disciples congregations and individuals throughout the ages. These institutions continue to prepare leaders for the present age and the age to come.
As we continue to struggle with effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, our higher education institutions are facing unprecedented challenges and they need our support now, more than ever. Even as they work diligently to ensure safe and healthy learning environments, the financial realities faced by many of our schools add additional stress to students, faculty, and staff.
Support for Disciples Mission Fund and gifts to the Thanksgiving Offering are a critical part of the ongoing collaborative work of church and higher education that is such a foundational part of the heritage of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Please give generously to this offering. You gift makes a difference in the lives of our students and it makes a difference in the world.
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Stories to Share
New for 2021
“Coming to a Disciples of Christ affiliated institution has allowed me to connect with my faith community in more ways than I knew was possible. As a Disciples student on campus, I have been able to meet with other DoC students and work with Bethany Memorial Church to extend outreach work and meet with new people who share this church community. Being able to attend a DoC affiliated school has given me the amazing opportunity to even be a guest preacher at BMC this past month. Working with BMC and Bethany College has given me the joy of working with other students and members of the church to bring the two communities together. Doing this has allowed me to not only grow in my personal faith journey, but also work with others who have helped me grow and mature. I cherish my church families and all they have done for me. Bethany Memorial has given me the chance to dip my toe into the experiences of preaching, and FCC Monongahela has given me the opportunity to lead my congregation and gather them together in times of hardship. One thing I will always be grateful for here at Bethany is the sound of the clock tower bells. While walking through campus, I hear the tunes of traditional hymns and it reminds me to take a second and realize all of the blessings God has given me – the new people I have met here, the ability to study on such a beautiful campus, the chance to ride horses and play lacrosse with my friends, and even the ability to lead clubs, learning communities, and faith based events. While Bethany is a small college, the love of God is abundant here. Please give generously to the Thanksgiving offering as it supports Bethany and other DoC schools that make these experiences possible.”
Marci Mazza- Fredley, Bethany College Student, Class of 2024, (She, Her, Hers)
“My name is Sarah and I am a sophomore at Chapman University. I grew up in a Disciples congregation and am a life-long Disciple. As a sophomore, being on campus full-time is new for me, but the community I have found in Disciples on Campus has made this transition easier. Entering the Chapman family, I knew I would be involved with this group of people as it was a significant factor in my college decision – knowing I would have a community I could become a part of that I had already been exposed to through participation in Pacific Southwest Regional events. This community is important to me because it allows me to enter a space of acceptance and understanding at our Wednesday Night Worship Services. Despite being on zoom the first year, I have been able to become a part of this community, have fun, and further develop my faith as a Christian. Having the Disciples community on campus has helped me bring my faith with me to college instead of leaving it at home, as so many college students do. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity I have to attend Chapman University and the opportunity I have to continue participating in the Disciples community despite being in a college environment. Thank you so much for your support of the Thanksgiving offering that makes Disciples on Campus, and so many other programs, possible!”
Sarah Sandoval, Chapman University Student, Class of 2023
- In their own words: Yejin Lim – 2020
- In their own words: Marci Mazza-Fredly – 2020
- In their own words: Emma Drake – 2020
- In their own words: Sarah Sandoval – 2020
- The importance of authenticity in leadership: a conversation with Richie Sanchez – 2020
- Culver-Stockton service-learning shapes leaders – 2020
- College chaplains provide ministry of presence on campuses – 2020
- Thanksgiving offering can work miracles! – Chapman University – 2020
