June 2024
THEME INTERPRETATION: SHARE THE LIGHT
The One Great Hour of Sharing offering began seventy-five years ago in response to the devastation of World War II. On Saturday evening, March 26, 1949, a national broadcast titled “One Great Hour” featured a remarkable assembly of national leaders and celebrities. The 33rd U.S. President, Harry S. Truman’s, radio address during the broadcast included the following:: “There are thousands of children in foreign lands today who have no memory of their parents, no knowledge of the meaning of the words "home" and "family," and who have forgotten what it feels like to have enough to eat.
There are hopeless thousands who wander among the shattered towns seeking a place to rest, security, and a chance to begin their lives anew. There are many who pray to God only in secret, fearing persecution if they profess their beliefs openly. It is hard for us to comprehend grief and distress such as this because we in America are so much more fortunate. Our country has been blessed with material riches. Our homes are secure. We can go to our churches and worship God as we desire. We know that we enjoy these great blessings not because of any special merit on our part, but because of the bounty of God. It is to His Providence that we owe the richness of our country and our heritage of freedom. Since these good things come to us from Him, we know that we must use them for the good of others in accordance with His will.”
THEME INTERPRETATION: SHARE THE LIGHT - This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine… Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine… “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous [Father] in heaven.” - MATTHEW 5:14-16