As we approach the holiday-giving season, UMC #GivingTuesday is an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of cheerful Christian giving by making a donation through The Advance.

On Dec. 1, United Methodists once again are invited to extend the spirit of giving thanks into the Advent season by participating in UMC #GivingTuesday. Every gift made online through The Advance at www.umcmission.org/give on Dec. 1, 2015 will be matched up to $1 million.*

When you make an online donation on Dec. 1, you will “Activate Love. Transform Lives. Change the World.” Last year on UMC #GivingTuesday, United Methodists collectively raised $2.5 million online through The Advance. As always, when you give through The Advance, 100 percent of your gift directly supports the ministry you designate; overhead costs are covered through other channels.

Please consider joining me by putting love in action to change lives by making a generous gift on Dec. 1. Thank you so much!

You can peruse Advance projects at www.umcmission.org/give.  I will be supporting The English Speaking School of Lumbumbashi, a ministry my Uncle Jeff and Aunt Ellen are involved with in the Democratic Republic of Congo.   The earlier on Tuesday you give, the better chance of your chosen project receiving matching funds.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Lorinda

* Global Ministries will allocate matching funds dollar for dollar up to the first $1 million in gifts to Advance projects received online on Dec. 1, 2015, between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. CT. A maximum of $2,500 per individual gift to a project will be dispersed as matching funds. A project may receive a maximum of $25,000 in matching funds.