
Cents-Ability (5c a Meal) Offering
What can a nickel buy? It seems so small. But when we all put our nickels together they can make a BIG impact for Presbyterian Hunger Relief Programs!
Remembering those in need
The concept behind the Cents-Ability is simple. Every time you sit down for a meal in your home, put a nickel in a pot. That simple gesture is a reminder of what we have that others don't. It also is a gesture of gratitude -- because that nickel will soon be going to work.
Every person who sits down for a meal at your home puts a nickel into the pot. Every person, every meal, for a month. It adds up very quickly!
Fourth Sunday Tradition
During the final hymn of the fourth Sunday each month, we collect the Cents-Ability offering. During the singing of the last hymn, all are invited to come forward and put their Cents-Ability offering in the basket. This African basket sits in front of the communion table.
Some folks literally bring in the coins they've collected. Some bring in bills instead. And others simply write a check. It's all a demonstration of our gratitude for God's blessings, and our desire to help others.
What happens to the money?
25% of this offering remains with OPC. It helps us buy food for our Blessing Box. The remaining 75% goes to the Presbytery of the James. There it's used to help stock regional food banks, school backpack programs, and emergency food shelters. And some of that money comes back home. Orange's Love Outreach Food Pantry has received a grant from Presbyterian using these funds.
What's in a name?
When the program first started, it was named the Five-Cents-A-Meal Offering. A nickel was the suggested coin for your family's meal pot. Times have changed. Some folks put in a quarter each meal, some a dollar. The amount is up to you -- as long as you commit to doing it.
Cents-Ability covers the wider range of donations that now come in.
A Matthew 25 ministry
As a Matthew 25 congregation, we're committed to feeding the hungry. And the Cents-Ability offering is a great place to start.
The Love Outreach Food Pantry reports a dramatic increase in food requests. In 2022, 698 people came to get food every month. This year, 2024, that number jumped to 1,042 people.
Cents-Ability is about more than collecting coins. It encourages us to learn more about hunger and what we can do about it. By being faithful to the call of the gospel to feed the hungry and free the oppressed, we can make a positive difference in this world.
Each time you eat a meal, remember your Cents-Ability (5 c a meal) donation. Take time each day to thank God for your food and care, and to remember those who don’t have enough to eat.
What can a nickel buy? It seems so small. But when we all put our nickels together they can make a BIG impact for Presbyterian Hunger Relief Programs!
Remembering those in need
The concept behind the Cents-Ability is simple. Every time you sit down for a meal in your home, put a nickel in a pot. That simple gesture is a reminder of what we have that others don't. It also is a gesture of gratitude -- because that nickel will soon be going to work.
Every person who sits down for a meal at your home puts a nickel into the pot. Every person, every meal, for a month. It adds up very quickly!
Fourth Sunday Tradition
During the final hymn of the fourth Sunday each month, we collect the Cents-Ability offering. During the singing of the last hymn, all are invited to come forward and put their Cents-Ability offering in the basket. This African basket sits in front of the communion table.
Some folks literally bring in the coins they've collected. Some bring in bills instead. And others simply write a check. It's all a demonstration of our gratitude for God's blessings, and our desire to help others.
What happens to the money?
25% of this offering remains with OPC. It helps us buy food for our Blessing Box. The remaining 75% goes to the Presbytery of the James. There it's used to help stock regional food banks, school backpack programs, and emergency food shelters. And some of that money comes back home. Orange's Love Outreach Food Pantry has received a grant from Presbyterian using these funds.
What's in a name?
When the program first started, it was named the Five-Cents-A-Meal Offering. A nickel was the suggested coin for your family's meal pot. Times have changed. Some folks put in a quarter each meal, some a dollar. The amount is up to you -- as long as you commit to doing it.
Cents-Ability covers the wider range of donations that now come in.
A Matthew 25 ministry
As a Matthew 25 congregation, we're committed to feeding the hungry. And the Cents-Ability offering is a great place to start.
The Love Outreach Food Pantry reports a dramatic increase in food requests. In 2022, 698 people came to get food every month. This year, 2024, that number jumped to 1,042 people.
Cents-Ability is about more than collecting coins. It encourages us to learn more about hunger and what we can do about it. By being faithful to the call of the gospel to feed the hungry and free the oppressed, we can make a positive difference in this world.
Each time you eat a meal, remember your Cents-Ability (5 c a meal) donation. Take time each day to thank God for your food and care, and to remember those who don’t have enough to eat.