Giving to Missions and Social Concerns is an ongoing occurrence because of the millions of people in our society and world who are going hungry, homeless, are oppressed, denied education and medical supplies, imprisoned and dealt inhumanely by the political powers of their government, and much more.

The calendar to the right lists the dates of the special requests we will be asking you to prayerfully consider to support in 2007. It should be helpful to you when planning your mission giving for the year. Your yearly pledge helps support the Conference Askings and in-house or community needs with defined amounts of financial aid.

The Special Askings have no set dollar amounts to be reached or quantities of food, etc., to be collected. However, what we give beyond our pledge is an indication of our growing understanding and awareness of our blessings that can be shared with those in need.

Human Relations Sunday -supports the work of church-based community developers in low income, racial and ethnic minority communities; an interracial network of grassroots social justice organization, and local church Youth Offenders Rehabilitation Projects

Retired Minister's Sunday -Helps to maintain an adequate minimum pension for retired ministers and their spouses. The Conference Board of Pensions, as necessary, provides supplemental grants from this offering.

Blanket Sunday -Every $5.00 given purchases a blanket through Church World Service for those in need around the world, offering warmth, shelter and security.

Mozambique & Brazil Ministries -Supports the work of Volunteer in Missions, allowing Troy Conference churches to be in mutual ministry with United Methodists around the world.

One Great Hour of Sharing -Supports the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) that organizes rehabilitation, relief and refugee resettlement around the world.

Native American Awareness Sunday -Reminds the church of the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans. The offering provides scholarships for Native Americans attending United Methodist seminaries.

COTS Walk-a-thon -Raises money for Committee on Temporary Shelter, which provides services and shelter to poor and homeless Vermonters.

Golden Cross Sunday -Forty percent goes to the Saratoga Retirement Center, 20 percent to the Gateway United Methodist Youth Center and Carlton School for Girls. The last 40 percent is available upon application for health and welfare ministries of local churches.

Peace with Justice Sunday -Funds Peace with Justice Ministries and the educational work of the General Board of Church and Society.

JUMP Sunday -Supports Joint Urban Ministry Project that offers pastoral care and referrals, emergency assistance and advocacy for persons flow income.

World Communion Sunday -Supports Crusade Scholarships, The Ethnic Minority Scholarship Program, and the Ethnic Minority In-Service Training Program.

CROP Walk -raises money for world hunger. 25% stays locally and 75% supports national and international emergency assistance and developmental programs.

Burlington Emergency Shelter (BES) $2.00 Sunday -Provides support to this interdenominational Christian resource reaching out to those in need of recovery programs and in search of new beginnings.

World Hunger/Poverty (UMCOR) Sunday -an Advance Special what supplies food for the hungry and helps countries move forward with development.

Food Shelf -Non perishable food is collected and given the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf

Church Family Assistance -An outreach program to our own church family in need of temporary financial assistance.