Sunday, May 22, 2011

"Imagine No Malaria" OFFERING

“And let us consider how to encourage one another to love and good deeds...” (Hebrews 10:24)

Many of you are aware that each year, our Bishop of North Georgia United Methodism (Michael Watson) designates an annual “Bishop’s Mission Offering” to be collected by North Georgia United Methodist churches in the weeks leading up to Annual Conference, and then shared by each church’s delegates at a worship service during Conference.

This year, Bishop Watson has named “Imagine No Malaria” as the 2011 Annual Conference Bishop’s Mission Offering. “Imagine No Malaria” is an initiative of The United Methodist Church with the goal of raising $75 million to eliminate malaria deaths in Africa by 2015. (Find out more about this initiative HERE, and how our Conference is partnering with it HERE).

Malaria itself is a disease that is entirely preventable. We already possess the treatment and preventative measures to eliminate deaths from malaria around the world. Fifty years ago, more than 2 million people were dying each year from smallpox all over the world—today that number is zero. Imagine what we will be able to say about malaria in 20, 10 or even five years. With the promise and the hope of the people of The United Methodist Church (and our small part in that), we have an opportunity to collaborate in a global effort to overcome malaria --a goal world leaders hope to accomplish by 2015. One person can save thousands of lives. Just imagine what 11.5 million United Methodists can accomplish!

Consequently, I’m inviting you to join me in participating in this special opportunity with an over-and-above-your-regular offering financial gift. To contribute, please make your check payable to East Cobb UMC and designate either it or cash to our Bishop’s Mission Offering.”

We’ll be collecting funds through June 5th, and will present our church’s combined check during the offering time at the Annual Conference afternoon worship service on Thursday, June 16th. Please join me as we seek to make a difference with the poor of the world through the eradication of this disease!

Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

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