A reflection for Giving Tuesday (November 30) by Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement communications

“How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we feel before our God because of you?” ~1 Thessalonians 3:9

The bond of love in the body of Christ knows no bounds.

As Paul wrote to the church in Thessalonica, he was serving more than 250 miles away in Corinth—a distance that would involve several days of travel. Paul surely longed to be present with them, but in the meantime, he wrote a heart-felt letter to share words of encouragement and gratitude with their community.

The places where we serve in the US (and around the world) might have far more than 250 miles in between; however, as we talk with one another (by letter, email, phone, or video conference) and hear stories of how each of us is growing in faith and love, we are held tightly together in the family of God.

Over the past year (and long before), we have witnessed your boldness of faith and your spirit of generosity through the ways that you care for your community, for the church, and for people who are in need everywhere. We also have felt your loving support for the missions and ministries of the Church of the Brethren.

Through your faithful partnership, volunteers are trained through Brethren Volunteer Service to be the hands and feet of Jesus. With your help, the work of the Emergency Disaster Fund ­­­rebuilds communities affected by disaster and brings healing to survivors. Because of your support, the Office of Global Mission continues to accompany our sisters and brothers around the world, and the Global Food Initiative works with partners to support agriculture and address food insecurity. With your gifts, Discipleship Ministries equips Brethren of all ages, the Office of Ministry cares for district leaders and set-apart ministers, and the Office of Peacebuilding and Policy bears witness to the peace of Christ in ecumenical and non-religious settings. In short, the ongoing work of our missions and ministries is because of you!

On Giving Tuesday (November 30), we will give thanks for you and celebrate all the work we are able to accomplish together. Join us (today or then) by making a gift to the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org/givingtuesday.

Through seasons of challenge and celebration alike, we give thanks to God for you and for the love we share across many miles.