Easter Offering services are currently taking place across the Connexion. The tradition of the service was initiated in 1883 by Mrs Caroline Wiseman, secretary of a committee set up to support Methodist women missionaries in the nineteenth century. Initially, families were asked to raise ‘a penny a head’ at Easter for the mission fund. In 1900 Women’s Work raised £1,655 for the work of overseas missions.
Since that time, each successive Methodist women’s movement has encouraged donations in support of God’s mission. In recent years, Methodist Women in Britain have taken responsibility (supported by the Methodist World Church Relationships Team) for producing resources, including this annual service of dedication.
All the money raised through the Easter Offering goes to the World Mission Fund of the Methodist Church in Britain and Ireland to be allocated for work in our 65 Partner Churches around the world. In 2015, a total of £427,500 was raised through the Easter Offering, thanks to the generosity of Methodist people.
This year’s service highlights the work of nationals in mission appointments and features stories from Brazil, Ghana and Pakistan. The service is based on the passage from the letter to the Philippians, where Christians are encouraged to ‘shine like stars’ in the darkness of our world.
This photo was taken at a service led by Elaine Turner in the York and Hull District on Sunday. Details of where and when services are being held in your area can be found on this website
