Every year during Advent CEC parishes around the world take up an offering to support the work of the International Development Agency of the ICCEC. This is one of the main ways our Communion supports the development of our churches worldwide. Bishops, rectors and vicars are encouraged to prepare their parishes for this offering and to schedule one or two Sundays to give every family an opportunity to support our missions program.

Please mention this offering in your services throughout December. Direct your people to the IDA web site where they can get information about what we are doing worldwide. Encourage them to sign up for the IDA e-newsletter by entering their email addresses on the home page.

Here is a link to a bulletin insert you can print and distribute to your parish:

   IDA Christmas Offering Insert

The insert is designed to be printed either two-sided so you can cut them two-per-sheet (choose “short-edge binding”) or one-sided, one-per-sheet. Choose your printer’s highest resolution for best results.

Rectors, please send a check in the amount of your offerings to the Patriarch’s office at this address:

    Office of the Patriarch, IDA

    122 Broadway

    Malverne, NY 11565

Normal individual and parish gifts should still be sent to the IDA office in Selma, Alabama. (See Contact page.)

I pray that during this Advent season you experience the fullness of God that is ours in Jesus Christ.

In Christ,

Archbishop Charles W Jones