Thanksgiving Offering

Each year, North Carolina Baptists show their love and support for children by participating in the annual Thanksgiving Offering for Baptist Children's Homes (BCH).

The theme for 2008 is A Loving Touch... It is inspired by God’s great love for children. For 123 years, Baptist Children’s Homes has been that “loving touch” transforming hurting boys’ and girls’ lives. Through this essential, life-changing ministry, North Carolina Baptists have followed Jesus’ example by placing a “God” priority on their well being.

Scripture...Mark 10:13-16: “And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.”

Our statewide offering goal this year is $1,410,000. Baptist Children’s Homes depends on the prayers and support of North Carolina Baptists. Giving to BCH’s Annual Offering is not only important in helping to meet the tremendous needs of boys and girls. . . it’s essential!

The Week of Prayer - November 16-23

Set aside this week to pray for Baptist Children’s Homes and use this guide as you pray.

We covet your prayers. We seek heavenly guidance and inspiration in all that we do. As you pray this week, remember you are a part of “helping hurting children…healing broken families.”

Sunday. Pray for all children and families in North Carolina.

Monday. Pray for all the hundreds of children and families to whom we offer hope each year.

Tuesday. Pray for all the dedicated child care workers, residential care givers, and Chiefs who give of themselves around the clock to care for our boys and girls.

Wednesday. Pray for our social workers who guide, encourage and challenge our children and families to be all that God intends.

Thursday. Pray for those who live at all of BCH’s homes for developmentally disabled adults.

Friday. Pray for the new Oak Ranch ministry and BCH’s new equine therapy program.

Saturday. Pray for BCH president Michael C. Blackwell as he leads the institution boldly into the future.

Sunday. Pray that you will be sensitive to the hurting children around you.

Here are ways your church or group can conduct a successful Thanksgiving Offering campaign:

Order enough material. A Thanksgiving Offering Promotion Packet will be mailed to every North Carolina Baptist church around the beginning of October. After your church receives their packet, determine if you need more material. If you do, order additional material by calling BCH’s Development and Communications office – in NC (800) 476-3669, ext. 1209 or E-mail: wwstewart@bchfamily.org.
Multiple packets are sent to each church. Make sure someone else has not already ordered your church’s materials.
A pastor’s support is essential. Keep your pastor informed concerning all activities. You can take your campaign beyond the local church by promoting the offering with the association office and among other local churches.
Don’t try to do it all yourself. Start early and be organized. For example, form a committee and explain to them the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of hurting children.
Two weeks before promotion begins, meet to discuss specific efforts, including:
- creating bulletin boards
- putting up posters
- placing offering envelopes in pews and in Sunday School departments
- getting articles in the church newsletter.
Pray. Pray, then determine a challenging, but attainable, offering goal for your church.
Secure someone for a special testimony during Wednesday night services, Sunday nights, and Sunday mornings. BCH speakers are available to help you. Today is not too early. Call the office of Development and Communications to schedule your speaker. Our toll free number in NC is (800) 476-3669, ext. 1209 or E-mail your request to: wwstewart@bchfamily.org
Emphasize that BCH is a personal ministry. Part of your strategy should be to point out the personal aspect of raising gifts to make a difference in the lives of children and young people. Ask BCH supporters in the church to make a “pace-setting Thanksgiving Offering gift.” This kind of example encourages others to give.
Subscribe to Charity & Children. It’s free and sent to anyone interested in helping children and families through BCH.

Call in NC (800) 476-3669, ext. 1209 or E-mail: wwstewart@bchfamily.org for more information about Thanksgiving Offering.

Thanksgiving Offering

The Week of Prayer - November 16-23

Here are ways your church or group can conduct a successful Thanksgiving Offering campaign:

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