The Republican

Locals To Assist In "Hour of Sharing"

Protestants in Garrett County will be asked on March 12 to exhibit special concern for the world's needy millions through participation in "One Great Hour of Sharing Sunday", a simultaneous fund appeal through thousands of American Protestant and Eastern Orthodox churches.

The goal of the 1961 united effort is $14,818,000, an increase of nearly $3/2-million dollars over the amount asked last year to support a wide variety of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction programs around the globe.

Also being launched this spring is a special "Lutheran World Action" appeal for members of that denomination. The $4,179,000 goal of LWA is included in the total sought through "One Great Hour of Sharing."

The Rev. William E. Carlson, pastor of the Accident Evangelical Lutheran Parish said, "Lutheran World Action Sunday" this year will be observed on May 14.

Funds obtained through the annual campaigns are used for a wide variety of projects-providing food, clothing and refugee assistance and also supporting programs to teach new skills and introduce new vocations to people in need.

In addition to maintaining programs that supply large quantities of food and clothing to those lacking even the basic necessities, churchmembers' contributions will further programs of agricultural improvement, educational betterment, community development and vocational training.

Of the current $4,179,000 L.W.A. goal, it was reported, approximately two-thirds is pledged to projects of the Lutheran World Federation. These include widespread mission programs, including a new Africa radio station, aid to refugee groups and minority churches from Western Europe to Latin America, support of self-help and vocational training institutions, maintenance of a theological program and support of the Lutheran Immigration Service.

The Lutheran Fund appeal also supports a special ministry to men and women in the Armed Forces of the United States, providing service centers, publications and a program of pastoral care at military bases in this country and overseas. A total of $369,000 is budgeted for this work.

In supporting direct material aid overseas, LWA has budgeted $360,000 for Lutheran World Relief and $240,000 for the Share Our Surplus food program through LWR. Considerable sums also are earmarked for cooperative programs with other agencies, the ministry in temporary communities, National Lutheran Council services and World Refugee year projects.