Presbyterian Offerings

Christmas Joy Offering
Presbyterians have long celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ by giving generously to an Advent Offering. The Christmas Joy Offering is directed towards two programs: the Board of Pension’s Financial Assistance Program and Presbyterian Racial Ethnic Schools and Colleges.

The Financial Assistance Program recognizes the faithfulness of current and retired church workers by providing funds to help them through difficult times. The Presbyterian tradition of promoting education through establishing and supporting racial ethnic schools is continued, in part, through Christmas Joy donations..

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering
Since 1949, Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God’s love with people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of disaster  response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and community development that help people find safe refuge, start new lives, and work together to strengthen their families and communities.

Recognizing that the hope we have in Christ is lived out in our hope for one another, we respond with gifts that help our sisters and brothers around the world find the hope for a brighter future. Where does the money go? The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36% of undesignated One Great Hour of Sharing gifts, while the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receives 32 %.

Pentecost Offering
This offering celebrates youth and the money raised goes to lessen their struggles and to assist with their individual faith journey. Forty percent of the Offering stays right here in the La Crosse area.  With our share we are able to make a real difference for children at risk in our community.

The Pentecost Offering develops a new generation of leadership for our denomination through the Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program. Over 25 percent of YAVs become pastors, missionaries, seminary professors, or other church leaders. The Pentecost Offering helps “grow” young Presbyterians through the Presbyterian Youth Connection (PYC). These young people learn more about their faith and how to live as faithful people in today’s world.

Since the Offering began in 1998, Presbyterians have raised more than $5.7 million for these ministries that benefit younger members of God’s family.

Peacemaking Offering 
The Peacemaking Offering is received by Presbyterian congregations on World Communion  Sunday, celebrated the first Sunday in October.  By giving to this offering, Presbyterians act out our unity with other Christians and our desire to follow the Prince of Peace by being peacemakers in whatever ways we are able.            

It is recommended that 25 percent of the offering received stays right here at First Church, 25 percent is used by synods and presbyteries. The remaining 50 percent is used by General Assembly ministries through the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program:  a series of resources, events, and programs that assist the church as it responds to the gospel calling to "seek peace and pursue it".