Dear Episcopal Church Women, Over the past several months, members of the National Episcopal Church Women’s Board have observed the evolving events that have impacted the ministry of the United Thank Offering (UTO). We have felt the pain that has accompanied the changes and our hearts go out to all concerned.
Women’s ministry in the church has a long tradition, and we remember especially the Emery sisters who, in the late 19th Century, were instrumental in the formation of the Women’s Auxiliary and the Box Works. Today, Episcopal Church Women promote a daily, personal practice of prayers of thanksgiving in response to God’s blessings, and encourage tangible, intentional, and daily offering in gratitude for those blessings. In addition they provide UTO boxes in their parishes, place them on tables at their diocesan conventions, and gather them in every spring and every fall year after year. We are thankful for the legacy of women who have gone before us and for those who continue to work tirelessly today.
We are thankful most especially for the UTO leadership, the province leadership, the diocesan and parish coordinators, and the women, men and children who place coins of thankfulness in their UTO blue boxes. As a result of the generous giving of time, talent, and treasure by countless people, many have been helped throughout the world. The ECW Board supports the continuation of coins of thankfulness. We acknowledge and respect the wisdom of the women of the church to make their personal decisions pertaining to thankful giving.
UTO grants are awarded to churches and institutions throughout the Anglican Communion whose people are laboring diligently in the fields to bring about the fulfillment of God’s kingdom here on earth. Sweep away the hostilities, the mistrust and the utter dejection that have been experienced these last several months and what will be found is this: ECW stands firm in its desire to see the work of United Thank Offering continued. We pray that all future decisions will be made with coins of thankfulness in mind.
“For minds to think and hearts to love and hands to serve, we thank you, Lord.”
Your Sister in Christ, Nancy R. Crawford