Dear Friends,
From the “face of the deep” in Genesis to the “river of the water of life” in Revelation, water plays a prominent role in our scriptural and liturgical tradition. The Bible, with its attention to and awareness of water — and the danger of not having it — reminds us all of the sacredness of this limited resource. The biblical witness especially helps those who can still turn a tap and find adequate supplies of this limited resource.

Bible passages echo in our heads when we learn that one of every six of Earth’s human inhabitants lacks access to safe drinking water; when we hear that two million people — most of them children — die each year from waterborne disease; when we watch reports of floods that overwhelm lives and contaminate water supplies. Scripture reminds us of our responsibility to our thirsting neighbor. Scripture puts a face — Jesus’ face — on those who thirst (Matthew 25:37).

Yet the enormity of the world’s devastation and disaster dwarfs our ability to respond. “Lord, we do indeed see you thirsty. Your image is everywhere. But how can we bring clean water to all the villages all over the planet that need it the most? Our efforts seem like a literal drop in the bucket.”

One important way we respond is to participate in partnerships that remind us we do not face the world’s need alone. Through the Week of Compassion offering, which we will receive during worship on February 19 and 26, we join with other Christians around the world who also see Jesus in the lives of those who thirst.

Together, through Church World Service and other partners, we develop water-related projects and policies that strengthen and sustain communities all over the world. Our combined gifts — some of which will take the form of wells, irrigation efforts, sanitation projects, flood relief and training programs — bring safe water and new hope to villages and cities everywhere.

The Bible reminds us we serve a God whose justice rolls down like mighty waters. Our gift may seem like a drop in the bucket, but it flows into the River of Life. Let us give with the assurance that every drop counts!


Yours in Christ,



Pastor/Offering Leader