“The little blue box”

United Thank Offering turns the prayers of Episcopalians into grants that meet compelling need. Its mission is to “expand the circle of thankful people” by encouraging “daily prayers, offerings and awareness of the abundance of God’s blessings.”

The Ingathering of these offerings occurs twice each year, and the national UTO office deposits the funds into an interest-bearing account from which grants are made. Approved applications are funded in whole or part as far as funds permit.

Last year, the UTO committee awarded nearly $2.7 million in grants. Some of the projects that have received UTO grants include family counseling; halfway houses; after-school programs; homeless shelters; and dental clinics.

When we name our blessings, say a prayer of thanksgiving and place an offering in the little blue box, we are joining with others to share what God has given us. Our prayer is: “Gracious God, source of all creation, all love, all true joy; accept, we pray, these outward signs of our profound and continuing thankfulness for all of life. Bless those who will benefit from these gifts through the outreach of the United Thank Offering; and keep each of us ever thankful for all the blessings of joy and challenges that come our way; through Him who is the greatest gift and blessing of all, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.”

Related story:

• UTO grant given to Knoxville Bridge Refugee Project