special offerings

One Great Hour of Sharing is a multi-denominational offering that makes the love of Christ real for individuals and communities around the world who suffer the effects of disaster, conflict, or severe economic hardship, and for those who serve them through gifts of money and time. Today, projects are underway in more than 100 countries, including the United States and Canada. While specific allocations differ in each denomination, all use their One Great Hour of Sharing funds to make possible disaster relief, refugee assistance, development aid and more.

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) gives to three specific ministries of the church: Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), Pesbyterian Hunger Program and Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People.

Bread for the World is a Christian advocacy organization urging U.S. decision makers to do all they can to pursue a world without hunger. Their mission is to educate and equip people to advocate for policies and programs that can help end hunger in the U.S. and around the world.

What is the Offering of Letters?

Bread for the World’s annual Offering of Letters campaign engages churches, campuses, and other faith communities in writing letters to Congress. Each year, for the focus of the campaign, Bread for the World chooses specific legislation or a legislative emphasis that can make a real difference to people struggling with hunger and poverty.

Sunnyvale Pres urges people to learn about the Farm Bill, and to write letters to their senators and representatives urging them to support the reauthorization of the farm bill. The Farm Bill is reauthorized every five years. The recent Farm Bill expired on Sept. 30, 2023. Write your legislators to encourage them to pass a new bill now!

Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church has a history of generously supporting the Peace and Global Witness offering. Twenty-five percent of the offering goes to support organization RIP Medical Debt chosen this year after careful discernment by the Mission & Service Ministry Team. The remainder of the offering helps fund many worthy mission-related causes of our national denomination and the Presbytery of San Jose’s Peace and Justice Working Group. The campaign begins in early September and ends on World Communion Sunday, October 1, 2023. Thank you for your generous support.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA)

Multiple fires continue to burn in Hawai'i on the islands of Maui and Hawai'i (The Big Island). While there are no PC(USA) congregations on those islands, PDA is collaborating with UCC and other National VOAD members to respond. An initial response grant has been disbursed to address emergency needs, and PDA will be present through the long-term recovery phase. Emergency needs include but are not limited to food, shelter, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), medicine and more. More Information.