By Karin Elsen, UTO Board President
The United Thank Offering is accepting applications for a new Province I representative to the UTO Board. In 1889, the United Offering was instituted to support innovative mission projects. Eventually, it became known as the United Thank Offering, collecting prayers and grateful offerings of The Episcopal Church in thanksgiving for the many blessings of this life. Since UTO is a venerable institution of the church, significant dedication on the part of elected members is required to make it run smoothly—in time and knowledge. Therefore, we want to provide you with the best information to assist you in your discernment process when applying to be on the Board.
In 2025, the UTO Board awarded $1.079 million in grants to projects within The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Because of the responsibility involved in this important ministry, members are dedicated to the work and make significant time commitments to perform the tasks of the Board. The Board has taken great care to produce a job description for individuals who will represent their province on the Board; we hope it will help explain the work of the Board and the skills needed to perform the duties if you are elected. You will find the job description for a provincial representative in our Policies and Procedures Manual, linked here. If after reviewing it, you would like to be a member of the Board, please complete the online application form, secure an endorsement from a church leader who knows you, and submit them to UTO.
Thank you for taking the time to discern if you are called to help lead UTO. Let us know if you have any questions or need further information to support you in your process. You are welcome to contact me, our staff, or any current UTO Board member.
Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age and a member of The Episcopal Church and have a letter of endorsement from a deacon, priest, bishop, or warden of The Episcopal Church.
- Must reside within the geographical boundaries of the province for which you are applying from for the entirety of your term on the UTO Board.
- Must be interested in promoting gratitude as a practice for individuals, families, congregations, and groups.
- Individuals who are not serving on other churchwide boards or are from small congregations are encouraged to apply.
- Minorities, young adults, and people who are comfortable working in more than one language are especially encouraged to apply.
Click here to read the full job description and to apply by the Oct. 17 deadline.