You are invited to participate in Operation Thanks-Giving: Easter.  Here’s how:

1.  Gather the supplies (construction paper, markers, crayons) and the people (family, Sunday School, congregation, Bible-study group) to make Easter greetings.  Consider setting up a card-making station as part of your Easter breakfast.

2.  Make Easter greetings for ELCA Missionaries, troops, and other personnel who serve away from home.

3.  Mail cards directly to the personnel connected to you (e.g., family, friends, and sponsored missionaries).

4.  Send your  Easter greetings for ELCA missionaries to OT-G Easter, ELCA Global Mission Support, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631.   Cards will be mailed on April 14 and May 14.   The cards will fairly distributed among our 180 missionary households. 

How many OT-G greetings should I send?
From one to 180, it’s up to you.

Do they need to be in individual envelopes?
Sending all your OT-G greetings in one envelope is preferred.  If you do send cards in envelopes, please do not seal the envelopes.

Is it OK to include our church name and e-mail address?
Yes!  While a “thanks for the thankfulness” reply is not expected, many of the missionaries receiving Operation Thanks-Giving cards did reply when an e-mail address was provided. 

Should we send a donation along with our OT-G cards?
A donation to ELCA Missionary Sponsorship: Where needed most (MSG0340) is appreciated but not required.

We had such fun making cards!  Where do I send pictures?
Cool!  After securing permission to share the photos (especially those featuring children) e-mail the best one, two or three to Sue Edison-Swift.

Where do I learn more?
Find Operation Thanks-Giving stories and pictures on the Hand in Hand blog digest (a OT-G category button is on the left-hand column).  Learn more about ELCA Missionary Sponsorship at www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship.  Contact the Global Mission Support teat at globalmissionsupport@elca.org.

Thankful for you,  Sue Edison-Swift