Presbyterian youth groups from across the country are invited to submit original videos communicating the impact and importance of the Pentecost Offering.

The winning video will be featured online and has the potential of being used as the official 2013 Pentecost Offering video. Winners will also receive three paid registrations to this summer’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium or other church-wide event.

Because the Pentecost Offering is used to encourage and support young people and provide assistance to at-risk children, the Special Offerings office thought it would be great to hear from youth themselves.

“We wanted to invite them to submit footage of children and youth and young adults coming to know their faith,” said Sam Locke, director of Special Offerings.

Congregations keep 40 percent of the money raised for the Pentecost Offering and can use those funds for a wide variety of ministries, such as Vacation Bible School. The office hopes to see videos showing how the Pentecost Offering is used on both a national and local level, Locke said.

The Pentecost Offering is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s newest and smallest Special Offering, and Locke hopes the video contest will bring more exposure to a cause that Presbyterians of all backgrounds can support — youth programs and child advocacy.

To learn more about the contest guidelines, visit the Pentecost Offering webpage. Entries must be postmarked by March 15.