Retired Ministers and Widows Appreciation Day Is October 27
Sunday, October 27, 2019 is Retired Ministers and Widows Appreciation Day in the Church of God. It is part of a long-standing tradition to honor the heroes of the faith who have contributed and sacrificed over a lifetime of ministry.
The special offering taken by congregations around the world will go to support retired ministers and widows in the form of a monetary Christmas gift.
Church of God General Overseer Tim Hill said of the intended recipients, “Throughout their ministry careers, they were missionaries, pastors, and evangelists, wholeheartedly dedicating their efforts to the work of the Lord. In their days, money was rarely available for contributing to a retirement fund, and because income was limited, their Social Security check is now small.”
Hill explained the practice of setting aside funds to help them is supported by an offering given by each local church on Retired Ministers and Widows Appreciation Day. This year it is designated as October 27. Twenty-five percent of the offering given on that day goes for emergency assistance, while seventy-five percent furnishes a financial Christmas gift for retired ministers and widows.
Hebrews 13:7 (NLT) states, “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives and follow the example of their faith.”
Local pastors are encouraged to communicate with their congregations to designate October 27 as a day to come prepared with an offering. General Overseer Hill has recorded a video that can be shown in the local church concerning Retired Ministers and Widows Sunday. It is located here: https://vimeo.com/362673299
