This week you get to hear from the Presiding Bishop on why he thinks the United Thank Offering is so important. The story that he tells makes me think about a school on the banks of a river in Liberia – Bromley Mission and its main building, Julia Chester Emery Hall. Bromley is a girls’ school, once staffed by UTO missionaries and built with UTO grant funds; it is an impressive old building once reached only by boat. The first time I visited was shortly after the civil war had ended. I was impressed to see that girls were attending school, laughing, playing, learning, and living in Julia Chester Emery Hall. It was a sign of resurrection, hope, and new life. There were problems and needs, but the hope that was built by Liberians and UTO so many decades ago still infused the life there. Most days we go about living our lives and trying our best, never knowing what impact we have on others. Julia Chester Emery Hall and countless other buildings erected with UTO funds stand as a reminder that when give thanks for our blessings those blessing will go on to bless others for generations to come. UTO is not only the legacy of Julia Chester Emery, but it is our legacy as well. I hope you’ll join me in encouraging others to practice gratitude this week and always.

Remember, Birthday Resources are available here, and newly released historical documents from UTO’s early days (including some written by Julia Chester Emery) are available here.