Homecoming is a process of returning to a particular place with a particular group of people who have shared a particular experience. Homecoming is often associated with alumni of a particular college, university or institution of higher education.
Homecoming is a process that starts for Disciples students with your gifts to the 2009 Thanksgiving Offering, benefiting our 17 colleges and universities and 10 seminaries and divinity houses.
The General Assembly is often described as a homecoming event where friends reconnect and relationships are built. At the 2009 General Assembly, several Disciples were interviewed for the Thanksgiving offering and here are some words from their stories.
Aly Gideon who will be a freshman at Chapman University said, "I am attending Chapman because Disciples Financial Aid is making it possible." Your generosity is providing the way for future leaders.
Sven DeJong stated, "I wasn't raised in the church, but at Bethany College I came to an awareness of faith. Today I am so in love with the nostalgic beauty of Bethany College and the tradition of the Campbellites that I've never left." Your generosity brought someone to faith in Jesus Christ.
Minkook Um, a seminary student remarked, "I am empowered to study for ministry. Your gifts to the Thanksgiving Offering make it possible for students like me to attend seminary." Your generosity is training leaders today for the changing face of America.
"Forty years ago when I applied to seminary, I could not afford to attend. W.A. Welsh wrote me and said ‘come to Lexington Theological Seminary because through Disciples dollars, my way would be provided," shared Mary Pat Spencer. Your gifts transform lives well beyond the year in which you give them.
For decades now, Disciples, like you, have been providing resources to further the education of Disciples students at Disciples institutions of Higher Education. The 2009 Thanksgiving Offering provides the way for more Disciples to have that shared experience, with a particular group of people.
Please give generously and let us support OUR Disciples student at OUR schools!