2016 Pentecost Offering 

 Pentecost - Celebrating The Birth of the Church

An Opportunity for Discipling a New Congregation 

 Pentecost celebrates the start of the Christian church. As Peter and the disciples told of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit descended upon the people and the disciples were identified by fire above their heads. The gospel was heard by each person present, in their own language, and thousands believed! We are told the church increased in numbers as the disciples carried the message to other towns and cities throughout the Roman Empire. 

As we celebrate the ‘birthday’ of the Church, we celebrate the beginnings of our own congregation. Whether the congregation is fairly new, or over a century old, people came at it’s start to help establish each congregation. 

Perhaps a minister from the old country was sent. Trained by others and sent by others to serve a new fellowship in America. Perhaps a congregation formed because of the growth in the community.

In the 1950s and 1960s the General Assembly employed a network of ministers through its Board of Home Missions to preach and establish congregations. Before that, the General Assembly made grants to build churches. Now, the General Assembly has a grant program for new worshipping communities and for new church developments. 

In all of this, presbyteries have been a working partner. Homestead Presbytery wants to continue this tradition of encouraging new churches to grow disciples and witness. To help in this effort, we have established the Homestead Presbytery Pentecost Offering. Funds given in this special offering will be dedicated to assisting establishment of a new church or new worshipping community. 

It seems appropriate that at a time of celebration of the Birthday of the Church, we give a gift for the birth of a new congregation on Pentecost Sunday - May 15, 2016

You can pledge now and mail your check or donate now with your credit card.  Thank you!