A movement for wholeness in a fragmented world

Special Offerings

In addition to supporting the mission of First Christian Church, our congregants also choose to give to several special Disciples of Christ offerings throughout the year, including:

PentecostPentecost. The Pentecost Offering supports Disciples new church development. Planning, nurturing and sustaining new congregations is part of the Disciples’ vision.This offering supports the specialized ministry of new church development through both regional and general programs – with gifts for this offering divided between each. Fifty percent of gifts received by a region remain in that region, the balance supports the work of general, new church efforts.

ThanksgivingThanksgiving. The Thanksgiving Offering provides direct support to Disciples colleges, universities and theological institutions. Disciples have a long history of post-secondary and theological education. This offering provides a direct connection to 14 colleges or universities, 3 seminaries and 4 seminary foundations/divinity houses. Gifts from the Disciples Mission Fund Thanksgiving offering continue a Disciples tradition of developing leaders for our communities and the church.

ChristmasChristmas. The Christmas offering supports Regional Ministries in 33 regions across the U.S. and Canada.  In the Capital Area, 50% of all donations received through this fund go to support the programs provided at Camp Mary Mac, near Hagerstown, Maryland, and our Conference Center at Bethany Beach, Delaware.  Children, youth and adults of all ages are nurtured through the regional ministry programs offered. Congregations, as well as outside groups, are welcome to reserve space at either facility, where opportunities for work, play and worship reside.

ReconcilliationReconciliation. The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has a history dating from the 1960s of sharing our resources to address the racism of our society and the racism within our own church. We have called this process the Reconciliation Ministry. We use the funds throughout the year to give grants to the pro-reconciliation/anti-racism initiative to organize to dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate this sin of division within the Church.

week of CompassionWeek of Compassion. Week of Compassion is the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. We seek to equip and empower disciples to alleviate the suffering of others through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable development and the promotion of mission opportunities.

easterEaster.  The Easter Offering supports the General Ministries of the church. General Ministries serve across the U.S. and Canada and around the world. General Ministries are partners in ministry serving through far-reaching and unique organizations