By Linda Kennedy, Province IV Representative on the UTO Board
Updates from the UTO Formation and Development Committee

After a somewhat colder winter, we are entering that time in the South when temperatures bounce up and down and we hope that it will not freeze just as the daffodils and the tulip magnolia trees are set to bloom. Timing is everything. The same could be said for ordering your spring/summer United Thank Offering materials. The time is now. Spring and summer programs will soon be kicking off. Vacation Bible School will soon be starting. Our free materials can help you plan a wonderful time with your own or parish family.

Even if that freeze does come, there is still hope that flowers from our wonderful seed postcards will bloom. With these postcards, you can appreciate and share the coming of spring and summer with those you love and those who need to know they’re loved. They’re also wonderful ways to share beauty with neighbors and in Sunday School classes. 

To see all the wonderful resource materials we have, go to the Spring and Summer Resources Page on the United Thank Offering website. In addition to the seed postcards, there are gratitude journals and a Spring/Summer Gratitude Scavenger Hunt with all kinds of fun ideas for enjoying the outdoors, such as listening to our feathered friends and looking to see what might be living under that rock in your backyard. All items can be adapted in numerous ways for your family or parish. 

Orders received by April 17 will ship by May 1, giving you plenty of time to be ready for the advent of spring, summer vacations, and Vacation Bible School. While you are on the UTO site, be sure to read about “Our Daily Gifts,” a contemplative prayer practice framework for children created by Sally Thomas, a long-time Godly Play storyteller and trainer from the Diocese of California. Her prayer practice encourages both adults and children to prayerfully practice our gratitude for God’s gifts.